Health

Give the Gift of Health

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

For the month of December the Molokai Humane Society (MoHS) will offer cat spays and neuters at an even lower discounted price.

The first 25 cat spays and neuters scheduled for the month of December will be free thanks to a contribution from a generous donor. All other cat spays and neuters for the month will be offered for $10 each, regularly $20. Limit of two free spays and neuters per person, no limit on $10 rate.

Surgeries are performed on Mondays and Thursdays and require appointments. Call 558-0000 today to schedule your appointment. 

Health Matters

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

The Project Vision bus made its annual roadtrip to Molokai last Saturday – by way of barge, of course – to give local residents eye exams free of charge.

This year, the bus came to Molokai as part of Ohana Heath Plan’s Wellness Clinic Health Fair, a free healthcare event held in partnership with the Molokai Lions Club Saturday and Sunday at the Mitchell Pauole Center.

The Project Vision bus stayed on Molokai through Wednesday, Nov. 9, holding additional exam sessions in Kilohana, Kualapu`u and Maunaloa. Young Brothers shipped the bus free of charge.

Kenpo – A Frame of Mind

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Kenpo – A Frame of Mind

Community Contributed by By Kalei “Pumpkin” Moss

The sound of kiais, a vocal release of one's own inner "chi" or "spirit" (one's source of energy), echo throughout the halls of Kilohana Elementary School.  Known regularly as the cafeteria to the students and faculty, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this cafeteria is transformed into a dojo.  The students begin Kenpo class by bowing in respect to their sifu (instructor), Randy Foley, and take a knee to clear their minds and mentally prepare for the upcoming class.  The class begins with a flurry of punches, kicks, and open hand moves as the class warms up to practice their kata or forms.

Kenpo in Hawaii was developed in the 1940s and incorporates different martial art styles such as Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo and Kung Fu.  Kenpo, which means “law of the fist,” does not focus on one-on-one confrontations, but was developed to defend oneself from multiple attackers.  Students are not taught with the intent to hurt others but to develop a frame of mind to resolve situations without using violence.  Kenpo helps its students develop self-confidence and trains them to keep their composure and overcome their fears.  Sifu Randy Foley not only teaches the students martial art skills but also teaches Kenpo’s four rules to live by: humility, self-control, integrity and courtesy.

The Kenpo class held at Kilohana is funded by the 21st Century Grant program and is open to students of any age as well as adults.  Students are taught structure, balance and focus and many of the students say it is just plain fun.  One adult Kenpo student, Jay Duquette, explained that he started taking the class when his eight- year-old son, Malu, took an interest in it.  Jay further explained that it gives him and his son a chance to bond and a common interest they can talk about at home.  The class is comprised of a range of students from first timers to a student that has been taking Kenpo for nine years.  Kenpo will challenge you both physically and mentally, and it is a great workout.  If you or your children are interested in participating in Kenpo at Kilohana School on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., please call Mapuana Dudoit at 558-2200 or Sandra Czajkowski at 658-0609.  Look for upcoming articles highlighting more of the exciting classes the 21st Century Grant program has to offer.

Prevent Foodborne Illness

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Community contributed by the Molokai Oompa Loompas

National Feral Cat Day 2011

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

National Feral Cat Day 2011

The Molokai Humane Society (MoHS) honored National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) Oct. 16, and will continue to do so throughout the year. NFCD is intended to create “compassion for cats coast to coast” through organizations in all 50 states that are committed to reminding people that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and other humane programs for feral cats are in the best interest of the cats and the community.

“Feral cats are members of the domestic cat species, but are not socialized to humans and therefore they cannot be adopted into homes. They typically live outdoors in family groups called colonies,” said Jenn Whitted, MoHS executive director. “Trap-Neuter-Return is an effective and humane way to stabilize the feral cat populations, because it ends the breeding cycle and stops behaviors associated with mating.”

NFCD was launched in 2001 by Alley Cat Allies, the national advocate for feral and stray cats and a recognized authority on TNR, a program in which cats who live outdoors are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be evaluated, spayed or neutered and vaccinated. While under anesthesia a small notch is made in the ear for identification; this procedure is known as ear clipping. Friendly cats and kittens are made available for adoption.

“We applaud the Molokai Humane Society for its work to educate their neighbors about the benefits of programs that rely on Trap-Neuter-Return and the use of humane deterrents to ensure that people and outdoor cats get along peacefully,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies.

Help Molokai get its feral cat population under control by participating in the MoHS low cost spay and neuter program, which provides spay or neuters to cats for only $20 each. We also offer a billing option for people who are unable to pay at the time of service. Call to make an appointment to bring in your neighborhood feral cats today!

Left is a picture of “Lucky.” He was found in a wall in Kaunakakai and has since been neutered and vaccinated. Lucky is looking for his forever home, if you are interested in adopting Lucky or any of the other cats currently in foster homes, please give us a call. We are also looking for people who are interested in fostering animals until they are adopted. 

For more information about National Feral Cat day, see alleycat.org/NFCD.

For more information about MoHS, visit molokaihumanesociety.org and keep an eye out as we begin to develop an organized TNR program for the island in the first part of 2012. We will be looking for volunteers to manage the various colonies around the island. For more information, call us at 558-0000 or email us at molokaihumanesociety@gmail.com.

Health by Choice, Not Chance

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Community Contributed
By Dr. Hans Diehl and Brenda Kaneshiro

October is National Vegetarian Month.  It is a good time to reflect on our diets and the high price we are paying for the privilege of living with such a high abundance of food in the nation, and on Molokai.

Such abundance has helped lay the foundation for coronary artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis, adult onset diabetes, obesity and several kinds of cancer.  These diseases are related to lifestyle, especially how we eat.

Here are seven common pathways in dieting habits that lead to disease:

Molokai General Goes Pink

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Molokai General Goes Pink

During the month of October, Molokai General Hospital (MGH) is going pink in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. MGH’s Pink Angels will be handing out brochures in front of Friendly Market every Friday this month in attempt to raise awareness and educate our community about the importance of women having a mammogram done annually after the age of 40. The Pink Angels will also be giving out free pink shopping bags during the month of October in celebration of the occasion. So come and visit us this Friday!

Stay E. Coli Safe

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Community contributed by Molokai Oompa Loompas

The Truth about Canine Parvovirus

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

What is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs.  It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide.

What are some signs of parvovirus infection?
Dogs infected with CPV-2 that are ill are often said to have “parvo.” CPV-2 infection causes lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and severe, often bloody diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact the Molokai Humane Society (MoHS) immediately.

Robotics Talks Health

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Community contributed by Molokai Oompa Loompas