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HEALTHY OHANA A New Year’s resolution for prevention As the medical director of addiction treat- being nicotine free is both healthy and ment centers in Kaua'i, Honolulu, and cool. Unfortunately some adolescents Hilo, I address many addiction issues. As still smoke cigarettes and if adults are we look toward a new year, I wish to ad- smoking at home, children often con- dress prevention and a drug addiction clude that it’s OK to smoke. that has been the most prevalent in the United States for the past 100 years. From In Hawai'i, nicotine depen- the 1930s to 1960s most of the adults in dence decreased from 70% our country were addicted to nicotine, of the adult population to less the drug found in tobacco products like than 30% now. cigarettes. Following the Surgeon Gen- eral’s Report regarding the negative It is not an easy pro- medical consequences of cess to overcome any cigarette smoking in 1964, addiction, but take a many Americans tried to moment to reflect on quit smoking. There was a your life and the lives slow but steady decline in of children around nicotine dependence from you. Why not choose a 1965 until now. In Hawai'i, healthy life and make nicotine dependence de- it your New Year’s creased from 70% of the resolution to stop adult population to less smoking and prevent than 30% now. addiction in the lives It is my belief that ciga- of our keiki. There rette smoking and result- is help available for ing nicotine addiction are anyone who wishes to the true gateway paths to stop smoking. Group other forms of drug ad- therapy is a valuable diction. We have an ad- tool in the process of diction center in our brain overcoming any ad- that responds to nicotine like it responds diction; look up free smoking cessation to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine or heroin. programs in your community. Stopping Once this center becomes hard-wired smoking is a tremendous step down the for addiction, we are set up to become path to a healthier lifestyle for ourselves addicted to other drugs. and our community. Fortunately, cigarette smoking among Gerald J. McKenna M.D., FASAM, adults and youth has steadily declined. DLFAPA, Medical Director Many young people now realize that McKenna Recovery Center 52 kauaifamilymagazine.com
HEALTHY OHANA SPRING 2012 53
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SENIOR MOMENTS Tips for spending quality time with your grandkids The best grandparenting activities flow naturally from the interests of both the grandparents and the grandchildren. You can create a deep, loving relation- ship with your grandchildren by sharing the things you love with them, and by being available to hear about the ideas and activities that excite them. Take it easy together If you are still working, a visit to your place of work can add a dimension to your grand- Make an effort to enjoy leisure time with child's perception of you. If you are retired, your grandchildren. As a grandparent, you pictures and stories about what your work- get to interact with your grandchildren ing days were like can do the same. without the same daily pressures of a par- ent—you don't have to worry about driv- Making the most of your ing carpool or juggling making dinner for grandparenting time the family with soccer practice and grocery shopping. • Carve out one-on-one time. On occa- sion, spend time with individual grand- Go outside children. It will give you an opportunity to bond, without competition, with one Children love the outdoors, and trips to the grandchild at a time. park or the beach can be a great jumping • See the sights. Concerts and plays, mov- off point for some wonderful adventures ies, science centers and museums, parks and happy memories. Nature walks and or walks in the neighborhood provide op- day hikes can provide lots of interesting portunities to be together and to exchange things to talk about, and water activities ideas and opinions. can be especially fun. • Play games. Board and card games are a unique opportunity to watch kids in ac- Share your interests or your work tion and to see how they operate in the world. Games also allow you to help your Engaging in hobbies and activities that grandchild learn to be a good sport and you love or your grandchild loves can be play fairly. a great way to spend time together and • Communicate family history. Tell stories learn about each other. Sometimes, activi- about games or trips you shared when the ties that you might not expect your grand- grandchild's parents were young. This is a children to be interested in, like knitting or great way to weave a 'tapestry' of shared gardening, might turn out to provide an experiences for the whole family. important point of connection for you. Sim- ilarly, if you take an interest in something SPRING 2012 55 they are passionate about, like trading cards or the Harry Potter books, they get to share their special area of knowledge and may open up in new ways.
SENIOR MOMENTS Nutrition help for the elderly By Caryn Sakahashi Healthy eating and nutrition for the elder- recommended that they drink at least 1 ly is greatly impacted by several factors, ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of one of them being a change in body com- weight. position. During the later years in life, the Protein: Later in life, protein becomes body will lose bone and muscle and gain extremely important. Protein is needed to fat because the hormones aren’t very ac- support a healthy immune system and tive anymore. Water: Water in the body decreases with age, so many older folks will become dehydrated very easily. Sometimes they won’t feel thirsty, while other times it’s too much work to pour a glass a water. It is Belles Graham Proudfoot Wilson & Chun, LLP Attorneys At Law • Wills • Trusts • Estate Planning • Probate and all of your legal needs Watmull Plaza 4334 Rice Street, Suite 202 •Lihue, HI 96766 Phone: 245-4705 Fax: 245-3277 Email: JJC@kauai-law.com 56 kauaifamilymagazine.com
SENIOR MOMENTS prevent the wasting of muscle. Since en- Zinc: Meat, poultry, and fish should be a ergy needs are less, the elderly should eat part of the diet to help meet the require- high-quality protein such as eggs, lean ments for zinc. meats, poultry, and fish. Carbs and Fiber: Carbohydrates are Calcium: Calcium is an ingredient that the main source of energy for the entire most elderly folks aren’t getting enough body. You can find carbs in bread, cere- of. Most believe that milk upsets their als, pasta, and other grain products. A diet stomach, and therefore they will avoid it. that’s high in fiber and water will help to They should be getting around 1,500 mg prevent constipation as well. of calcium a day, and nonfat powdered Fat: Fat intake for the elderly should milk can be used in recipes as a substi- be limited, not eliminated. You can limit tute for milk. Other foods such as yogurt, fat by choosing lean meats, low-fat dairy low fat cheese, and broccoli can also help products, and avoiding fried food. meet the requirements for calcium. Iron: For the elderly, iron deficiency can Each of the above nutrients are needed be seen with those who aren’t eating to keep an aged body in good health. El- much. Good sources for iron include lean derly individuals should try to stay active red meats and breakfast cereals. and strive for a well-balanced diet. Even though the aged body isn’t the same as it used to be, proper care and the right nu- trients can help the elderly enjoy a healthy and long life. Let us help you and your loved one by ... ... providing a supervised and supportive daytime program for your disabled or frail loved one. Services Offered: Ph: 246-6919 Call for a FREE one day trial visit SPRING 2012 57
Pictured L-R: MaryLou Jardin, RN; Ms. Linda Kawakami; Ms. Yone Honjo; Dawny Barriga, RN; Ms. Kikue Kato; Ms. Emi Schaefer; Julie Sommers. 'Hug Me' pillows bring comfort When you have any kind of surgery in pillows for the surgery unit at West Kaua'i the abdominal area, coughing is difficult Medical Center/KVMH. The pillows were and painful way to minimize the pain is presented to the hospital on Friday, Janu- to hug a pillow when you have to cough ary 6, 2012. Their gift is the Aloha spirit and clear your throat. Four wonderful in action in our Kaua'i community. It’s the wKH aootnmoj,oenMc,rsMe.asEt.emLdiinaSdncadhKadeaewfecaro,kraaamtnedid, Ms. Kikue kindnesses like these pillows that bring Ms. Yone comfort and soothing to people dealing HUG ME with the stress of surgery. formerly Services Available: Home Care Private Duty Nursing Medical Waiver Services Kapuna Care Service Behavioral Health Services Habilitation Services Compassion, excellence RNs & LPNs and reliability Companions www.bayada.com Para Professionals Behavioral Consultants 58 kauaifamilymagazine.com Personal Care Attendants Homeakers/Chore Workers On Kauai Call: 245-5841 24-hr. service - 7 days a week
A pain in the kneeSENIOR MOMENTS Are you, or someone you love, ment. The signal is designed spe- suffering the pain of osteoar- cifically for the treatment of knee thritis in your knees? Today, osteoarthritis. there is an alternative to hav- There’s also a system that can be ing knee surgery or taking worn at night for those that do not pain medication. This al- want to wear the brace during the ternative has been clinically day or just want to accelerate their proven to help. Many pa- improvement by continuing the treat- tients find that drugs and ment while they sleep. injections do not bring the relief they need and they Why does the special aren’t ready or medically electrical signal help? able to have surgery. The new technology is Your body naturally produces electrical im- a non-invasive and non-med- pulses that communicate throughout your ication way to relieve pain and get back body. There are pulses that work directly into a fully active life. It’s a knee brace that with the knees. With osteoarthritis the sends a low-level pulsed electric signal to natural body pulse isn’t getting through the knee joint (not felt by the patient) that like it should. The brace helps stabilize is proven to provide overall knee improve- the knees through range of movement and the electrodes that provide the pulse How do you know simulate the natural signals of the body. when to call This system relieves the pain and symp- Kaua‘i Hospice? toms of knee osteoarthritis. Patients gen- erally see reduction in pain level, increase When someone you know in range of motion, and ability to increase has a serious, progressive their activities. illness and On average most patients see significant improvement after about 3 months if the • Is losing weight unintentionally device is used an average of 6 hours/ • Has difficulty or cannot care for day. Some patients see improvement af- ter only one month of use. One study on themselves the effect of the device showed that after • Seems to be declining physically about one year, the benefits equaled that of a total knee replacement without the and/or mentally risk of surgery. • Their caregiver is exhausted There are no serious side effects of using If you can say yes to even one of these this system. choices, call us today. We want to help. If you’d like to know more about this treat- ment and its potential benefit to you, For referrals and schedule a consultation with Dr. Goding at 338-8311. Dr. Goding sees patients in 245-7277information call Waimea, Lihu'e, Kapa'a, and Kilauea. SPRING 2012 59
FURRY FRIENDS Dog Fanciers Club Puppy & Dog Obedience Training Classes Novice: March 3rd – May 5th Saturday 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at Grove Farm Park-Puhi Puppy: March 3rd – May 5th Saturday 10:00 a.m.-11:00a.m. at Grove Farm Park-Puhi Cost: $50.00* per Ten Week Session: Each additional dog: $25.00 Advanced Novice: February 29th – May 2nd Performance Wednesday 6:00 pm K-Mart rear parking lot Novice: March 1st – May 3rd Thursday 6:00 pm K-Mart rear parking lot Cost: $25.00* per Ten-Week Session: Each additional dog: $25.00 * Plus Membership - Add membership fee of $5.00 for individual or $10.00 for family. 246-6889For more information call the DFK Hotline: Incandescent Bulb Exchange Visit us from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kukui Grove Center, Center Stage on the �irst Friday of the month. Bring your old incandescent bulbs and we’ll replace them with energy-ef�icient CFLs! KIUC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 60 kauaifamilymagazine.com
Easter pet safety FURRY FRIENDS By Scott Sims, DVM Pegasus Veterinary Clinic Easter is approach- have one or two pieces, ing and there are my friends might want some pet issues that some too.” On the con- should be mentioned trary a dog is a lot more with regards to this likely to think something particular holiday. to the effect of, “WOW. Spring is a time to What a score. I better celebrate new life eat this as fast as I can and for some reason because if my owner sees the giving of living me at this they might stop animals as gifts on me and take my treasure Easter is a popular away.” idea. It shouldn’t be. A living animal is gen- So the typical 35 lb. erally not a good gift dog will eat the entire 2 unless it’s been well lb. box of chocolate as discussed and mutu- fast as it can. That’s the ally decided upon by equivalent of the average both the giver and human eating about 8 lbs. the receiver. Living animals are a big of chocolate at one sitting. I don’t know responsibility. A bunny is really cute on about you, but if I ate 8 lbs. of choco- Easter, but who’s going to clean its cage late all at once I might not be feeling for the next eight to ten years. so great myself. A couple of pieces is quite fine for me, thank you. So while So in general when you consider giv- dogs are more sensitive to the effects ing a puppy or kitten or rabbit or baby of methyl xanthines than we are its not chicks please make sure that the recipi- quite as simple as that. Over indulgence ent knows they’re coming and is willing and gluttony will get even the best of to make the commitment to care for the us, human or canine, in trouble. You can animal for the rest of its life. combat some of the trouble if you make sure to provide special chew treats to Chocolate eggs and other candies occupy pets during egg hunts and other are common around Easter. Be care- related activities during Easter and May ful where you put them. If they can be Day celebrations. reached by your pet they might prove fatal. There are chemicals in chocolates The take home messages on this called methyl xanthines. These chemi- issue are two: cals are not good for dogs in particular. First – Make sure that if you’re going to For whatever reason dogs are very sen- give living gifts they are going to some- sitive to methyl xanthines and can be one that wants them and is willing to poisoned by them. This inherent sensi- make the long term commitment to care tivity is magnified by the greedy nature for them. of many dogs. A dog that finds a two Second – Make sure to put your treats pound box of chocolates sitting on the (especially the chocolate ones) out of living room table is not usually inclined reach of your animal friends. to say to him or herself, “I think I’ll only SPRING 2012 61
ApMrialil b1y5thfor FainTRchEohweEuainwrtphcSiaenuPinnmtaetotimrrnbiwgceekriWlflICesgoshaeruitkntuesgr.ahe!odp 1 2 This time we’re learning to 3 draw Hawai'i’s State Fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (the fish with a nose like a pig). STEP 1: With a pencil, sketch softly the shapes of two diamonds. A large one for the body, and a small one for the tail. STEP 2: Use a pen or press harder with the pencil to do the outline of the fish using the diamonds as a guide. Draw in the fins and the shape of the fish more accurately. STEP 3: Draw the pattern of the fish’s design and color it in. Color your drawings and send them in to Kaua'i Family Magazine at: P.O. Box 665, Lihu'e, HI 96766 Sophia Gregory Winter Issue's Winner Third Grader at King Kaumuali'i Elementary School 62 kauaifamilymagazine.com
There are some who sound a lot better than they look. While others are just a lost cause any way you look at it. Listen to FM97 Radio at 96.9 and ... judge for yourself. Kauai’s 1st Radio Choice. SPRING 2012 63
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Road Rabbit Photo Credit: David Perugini Visits Hawaii imagine that will surprise us the most. I By Martha Hodges never would have met my new fish friends Once upon a time there was a rabbit who if I hadn’t tried the magic glasses. I wonder lived in a cold land far away. He shivered what new thing I will learn tomorrow?” even though he wore a thick glossy fur Can you answer these questions? coat. He wished he could go to a warm and sunny place. Suddenly, he remem- 1. Where do you think the rabbit bered his Auntie who lived in Hawaii and came from? so he decided to go and visit her. 2. Why does the ocean move? When he appeared at his Auntie’s house, 3. What are the “magic glasses” she exclaimed, “Why you are quite the that Road Rabbit wore? Road Rabbit. You have traveled 5,000 4. What fish do you think miles to get here!” And that is how the Road Rabbit saw? rabbit came to be named Road Rabbit! 5. What do you think the fish were Road Rabbit was amazed at all the beau- saying to Road Rabbit? ty around him. His nose twitched as he 6. What new thing did YOU caught the smell of flowers and fresh fruit. learn today? But it was the ocean that puzzled him. He wondered why the water rolled and About The Road Rabbit Project crashed like that. His Auntie said, “Don’t you want to find The ‘Road Rabbit Project’ was developed by out what is underneath the water?” Elizabeth Patrick, an elementary school teacher Well, Road Rabbit was not too sure about in Canton, New York. In order to teach her stu- getting his fur wet. But his Auntie said, dents about the 50 states, she came up with the “Don’t worry. Just put on these magic idea of asking friends and relatives across the glasses. They allow you to see a whole United States to “host” a visit from Road Rabbit new world of animals, called fish, that live in their particular state. The stuffed rabbit was in the water.” mailed in a box from state to state and at each Tucking his ears carefully (for rabbits are new destination, the host imagined the rab- very particular about their long floppy bit going on a tour which would highlight the ears), Road Rabbit placed the magic glass- features of that state. Photos, postcards, maps es over his head. Twitching his whiskers, and pamphlets were mailed back to the class- he lowered his head into the clear, blue room and Road Rabbit’s progress was noted water. When he saw the brightly colored on a huge map posted on the classroom wall. fish swimming all around him, he realized Each “host” kept the rabbit for a week and then that he was about to make a whole new mailed it on to the next address on the itiner- set of friends. ary list. In a school year, 20 to 30 states were The fish were curious, too. They swam all explored. The children anxiously waited for around Road Rabbit, tickling his tummy news of Road Rabbit’s whereabouts and it lead and sending bubble messages to him. He to interesting lessons on what made each state told his new friends that his Auntie was interesting or special. waiting for him and that he would be back another day. As Road Rabbit hopped up the beach, he thought, “There is so much in the world to discover, and it’s the things we can’t even SPRING 2012 65
OCEAN SAFETY TIPS Spring Is Here By Monty Downs, MD When spring comes, summer is fast on its The County’s “Learn to Swim” program heels – and the fun ocean activities that is a terrific way to have your child learn go with it. drown-proofing and elementary swim- The Hawaiian islands’ position in the mid- ming. By the end of a week he or she will dle of the blue ocean lets us benefit from be able to swim the length of a 25-yard the multitude of storms and waves gener- pool. Check kaua'i.gov for information. ated thousands of miles away. It is why we Competitive swim clubs, like Mokihana have legendary surfing, and also presents Aquatics Club (821-0587) and Swim us with ocean-safety challenges. Kaua'i Aquatics (639-8792) can teach you to swim well. The County’s “Learn to Surf schools, found in the Yellow Pages, Swim” program is a terrific are an integral part of our Force Multipli- way to have your child learn ers: They turn out watermen and women drown-proofing... who can help guard our beaches. If you have special needs, you of course It’s ironic that our surfers look for rip cur- must check out KORE (korekauai@hotmail. rents so that they can use them to shoot com). They will treat you to a safe and joy- out to their take-off zones. These same rip ful ocean experience once a month. currents are what gets less advanced wa- Beyond canoe clubs, snorkeling and div- termen and women in desperate trouble ing concessions, there are many other in a hurry. ocean-related activities and businesses on One of my own emergency room partners, Kaua'i. Please always stress your interest Thomas Hemingway, recently witnessed in safety when you are asking. Regarding a scenario exactly like this at Hideaways. ocean equipment rentals: Our Kaua'i Life- He hustled out with his board and saved guard Association (KLA) has 2 key safety a near-drowning victim. I call these helpful recommendations: 1) Don’t rent a boogie surfers our front-line lifeguards and “Force board without renting and using fins (this Multipliers.” is in case you get pulled out by a rip. Hav- What about safe summer ocean activities? ing fins is huge, both for treading water The Junior Lifeguards programs stand and for swimming); and 2) Don’t rent a out. The free Kaua'i County program ex- stand-up paddle board without in-the- pands this year to include a Keiki Junior ocean instruction and supervision. Lifeguard program, for youth 8-12 years Have a fun and safe spring and summer in old. The “real” Junior Lifeguard program and around our beautiful beaches. And includes ages 13-17 years old. Call 241- while you’re on our beaches, keep an 4984 for more information. eye out for our 130 KLA rescue tube sta- Pat Durkin’s legendary Junior Lifeguard tions. Also, if you see a rescue tube that program charges a fee. Call 828-6812 for has disappeared, or is battered, call me information. at 822-3695. Ocean Safety Tips is a quarterly column brought to you by Ching Young Village in Hanalei 66 kauaifamilymagazine.com
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PEACE OF MIND IS A WONDERFUL THING Maternity Care at Wilcox. When you choose to have your baby at Wilcox Memorial Hospital, you’re choosing advanced care backed by a certified staff, comprehensive epidural services, lactation specialists and breastfeeding support. Plus, for those moments when your family needs it most, Wilcox offers a seamless connection to neonatal experts at our sister hospital, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. 245-1100 • Info@wilcoxhealth.org • www.wilcoxhealth.org
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