Health

Sharing the Gift of Sight

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Sharing the Gift of Sight

Hawaiian Eye Foundation spreads its mission

In Hue, Vietnam last month, groups could be seen each gathered around microscopes in a lab. The groups were comprised of one Vietnamese eye doctor, one training specialist, and a translator. As the local doctors learned hands-on about cataract surgery from some of the world’s leading ophthalmologists, they huddled around rather nonpoetic specimens: pigs’ eyes.

The eyes were delivered on trays carried by two Molokai volunteers – pre-med student Kamahele Chow and Molokai resident Scott Shelton. They were part of a week-long Vietnam training conference conducted by the Hawaiian Eye Foundation. The foundation, led by Molokai resident Dr.…

Laugh with Us at MCHC Dental

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Laugh with Us at MCHC Dental

Community Contributed

By Boki Chung

Thanks to the generous donation made by Maui Lodging and Hotel Association (MLHA), Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) dental department was able purchase a new nitrous oxide system (laughing gas). This will allow us to see even more patients, and refer fewer cases off-island.

Nitrous oxide can help make you comfortable during certain dental procedures. Inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen to help you relax. You will breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you start to feel calm. You may feel light headed or a tingling in your arms and legs.…

Kanemitsu Bakery to Appeal $90,000 Fine

Sunday, May 13th, 2012

Dept. of Health cites sanitation violations

Kanemitsu Bakery plans to appeal $90,000 of fines in violations issued after failing to suspend operations for two days in March following a Department of Health (DOH) order. Kanemitsu Bakery, makers of the famous Molokai hot bread, distributes its products statewide. Customers have been giving their specialty breads rave reviews for over 75 years, but the DOH’s reaction wasn’t so enthusiastic.

“On March 7, an inspection by the DOH uncovered serious deficiencies in the maintenance and manufacturing practices conducted at the facility,” stated a DOH press release. Violations included improper cleaning of cooking implements, inadequate control of rodents, lack of hot water, and general unsanitary conditions.…

Living Well with Arthritis Workshop

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

County of Maui News Release

If you or a loved one lives with arthritis, a workshop coming to Molokai may help you learn a better lifestyle. The County of Maui Department of Housing and Human Concerns’ Office on Aging is sponsoring a “Better Choices, Better Health” Living Well with Arthritis self-management workshop beginning on Thursday, May 10 on Molokai.

The Living Well with Arthritis Workshop focuses specifically on the unique challenges faced by individuals that live with arthritis and related conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis which cause stiffening of the bones and joints.

The workshops consist of a series of six classes that focus on learning and implementing practical skills used to stay healthy and control symptoms through relaxation, nutrition, improved communication skills, medication management, exercise and more.…

Living Well

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Living WellMolokai programs that promote a healthy lifestyle

Adults on Molokai currently have the highest rate of smoking, binge drinking and obesity when compared to others in Maui County, according to the latest Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) –the largest continuously conducted telephone health survey in the world. For many residents, those habits can mean shorter lifespans, restricted activity and less fulfilling lives. But there are many programs on the island that can assist those looking to make a change and help improve those statistics.

Last week, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) hosted a town hall meeting at Kulana `Oiwi Halau to discuss ways to reduce tobacco use, eat healthier, stay physically active and manage or prevent chronic diseases.…

Talking Mandarin

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH CTAHR CES

A cold, sweet, juicy mandarin is just the fruit for a hot day, and is high in Vitamin C. But what exactly is a mandarin? Mandarins are a group of closely related citrus, including tangerines, tangors, tangelos, and tantangelos. Tangelos are created by crossing a grapefruit or pomelo with a tangerine, while a tangor is a cross between a tangerine and an orange. A tantangelo is a tangerine crossed with a tangelo or between two tangelos. A mandarin crossed with a lemon is a lemandarin. After that, the rest are called citrus hybrids.…

Kudos for Kumu Farms

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Kudos for Kumu Farms

Molokai farm commended for business and service.

As one of Molokai’s longest-standing and most successful farms, Kumu Farms knew they were headed in the right direction. Over the past 30 years, they have become the largest exporter of organic papaya to the U.S. mainland, according to owner Grant Schule. About four years ago, they expanded their market to serve the local community, offering residents and visitors of Molokai a variety of organic produce fresh from the fields of the 120 acre-farm in Ho`olehua.

Their efforts were confirmed last month, when Kumu Farm’s commitment to agriculture and the community won them two awards — Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine’s Local Heroes farm category, and the County of Maui’s Exceptional Small Business Award.…

Drug Disposal Day

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

Molokai Drugs News Release

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Molokai at Molokai Drugs on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events or who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

“This is a nation-wide effort to dispose of medications correctly so it protects our oceans and water systems and keeps drugs from getting into the hands of people it doesn’t belong to,” said Molokai Drugs Pharmacist Kelly Go. “It gives Molokai residents the opportunity to hand over their unused or expired medications correctly.”…

Redeeming Lives

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

Redeeming Lives

Drug court judge retires after helping hundreds.

Imagine being a young parent in an unhappy, abusive relationship. Feeling hopeless, you turn to drugs and before you know it, you’re facing jail time for crimes you committed under the influence. But thanks to Second Circuit Court Judge Shackley Raffetto, who believes that for many, staying out of prison and getting some help can mean all the difference – you could trade the cell for a classroom.

Raffetto is responsible for bringing a drug court and treatment program to Molokai, and held his last graduation ceremony on the island last week before he retires.…

Looking for Nutrition

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Looking for Nutrition

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH CTAHR

One of man’s greatest achievements was the domestication of plants for food, but in the words of Jacob Bronowski, “Humans domesticated crops, then crops domesticated humans.” Many of us think we eat a balanced diet, but interestingly enough, we all lack some basic nutrients. Our domesticated crops supply some of our most important nutrients and other health enhancing compounds. A good example is Vitamin C, only found in fruits and vegetables.

At least half of the U.S. population is deficient in Vitamins A, C, K, and probably E, in addition to Calcium, Magnesium, and fiber.…