Aloha ‘Ohana!

Now that we’re half way through the summer we thought it was a good time to highlight a few thoughts on staying health this summer.

All of us at KHC believe that summer is a great time to start new healthy habits. Especially for the over 40% of our keiki who struggle with weight and nutrition.

Here are 5 simple habits to try:

Fill 50% of you plate with fruits and veggies.

Eat at least one meal a day with your family

Set limits screen time for the whole family and no TV while eating!

One hour of FUN exercise a day

• Encourage kids to do activities they love most.

• Family fitness works! Be a role model and get moving with your keiki.

• Go swimming, surfing or just walk on the beach.
  Ditch sugary drinks

• Serve water or low fat milk at meals.

• Don't keep sweetened drinks around the house.

• Water is best during and after exercise.

• Avoid sports drinks except for high intensity endurance sports.

Have fun out there an #staywell #bewell

Mahalo!

#koolauloahealthcenter #koolauloahealthcare #summerhealth

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here is a great PSA: 73 public schools will serve meals free of charge over the summer to children ages 18 and younger – regardless of public school enrollment status – through its summer food service program.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced on June 3rd that 73 public schools will serve meals free of charge over the summer to children ages 18 and younger – regardless of public school enrollment status – through its summer food service program.

Beginning June 10, the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program will serve meals at select schools Monday through Friday, excluding state-observed holidays on June 11 (King Kamehameha Day) and July 4 (Independence Day). Breakfasts will be served from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. and lunches from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. SSO is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was established to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer.

“Consistent nutrition is vital to growing children during the summer break when they may not be in school to receive meals,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “We encourage all of our families to make these free meals part of their children’s summer schedules to maintain their healthy development. We are grateful to our participating schools and dedicated cafeteria staff for giving all keiki the opportunity to receive balanced, nutritious meals.”

Summer meals are offered for on-campus dining only; there is no grab-and-go option. Children do not have to be enrolled at a participating school to be served, and meals will consist of solid foods.

Please call Harry Wa’a if you have any questions or need more information. Harry’s direct number is (808) 792-3843. You can also call (808) 293-9231 if Harry is not available.

Mahalo and have a great summer break.

#summermeals #hawaiidoe #koolauloahealthcenter #koolauloahealthoutreach

Aloha ‘Ohana!

February is American Heart Month. Here are ten tips to improve your heart health this month:

- Balance calories with physical activity.
- Reach for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Choose whole grains.
- Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood.
- Use liquid non-tropical plant oils.
- Choose minimally processed foods.
- Subtract added sugars
- Cut down on salt.
- Limit alcohol.

Do all this wherever you eat!

Need more food for thought? Get in touch with us by calling (808) 293-9231 or visit: koolauloachc.org.

Mahalo!

#americanheartmonth #americanheartassociation #hearthealth #northshorehealth #kahukuhealth #laiehealth #kaaawahealth #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana!

This holiday season if your plate looks like this when you’re eating, you’re doing something right!

Did you know each color of food has specific benefits? We’ve compiled a list of the different benefits tied to different colors to help you narrow your grocery list!

Red: Red foods are often rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, support heart health, and help skin renewal.

Orange: Orange foods such as oranges and carrots are often high in vitamin C, work to boost immunity, support eye health, and can help reduce blood pressure.

Yellow: Foods like bananas, lemons, and yellow bell peppers, support digestion, boost immunity, and promote skin health.

Green: Green foods work to aid in tissue healing, detoxify the body, and support eye health.

Blue and purple: Foods like blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants boost memory, reduce inflammation, and protect against skin damage.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #eatwell #rainbow #vegetables #fruit #antioxidants #vitamins #northshoreoahu #northshorehealth #kahukuhealth #hauulahealth #laiehealth #koolauloahealth #koolauloahealthcare

Diabetes Prevention Program

Ko’olauloa Health Center is excited to offer the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. This is a lifestyle change program that can help to prevent type 2 diabetes. The program is being offered for FREE for both Ko’olauloa Health Center patients and non-patient community members.

In the Diabetes Prevention Program participants will be with a group from the community. Led by our clinic’s dedicated team of trained lifestyle coaches, participants will learn the skills to make lasting lifestyle changes. They will learn to eat healthier, increase physical activity, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of maintaining healthy changes.

The clinic is looking to start classes in late May 2023.

Learn more at: www.koolauloachc.org/diabetes-prevention-program

#diabetesprevention #diabetes #diabetespreventionprogram #kahukuhealthservices #hauulahealthservices#laiehealthservices #kaaawahealthservices #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Some of you had questions regarding our upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program. Here is a short FAQ to help give you a few answers.

Diabetes Prevention Program FAQ

Who?
Adults 18+ years old who have prediabetes are found to be at risk for diabetes using a Diabetes Risk Assessment.

What?
A lifestyle change program that is proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. As a part of a group within the community, you will work with a trained lifestyle coach to learn the skills you need to make lasting lifestyle changes.

When?
We are aiming to start a cohort by the end of May 2023. With enough interest, we will be able to start additional cohorts in the future.

Where?
Classes will be held in person within the Ko’olauloa community.

Why?
Over 40% of Hawaii adults have prediabetes, but most do NOT know that they have it. Most cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making small lifestyle changes.

Cost
FREE. You do NOT need to be a Ko’olauloa Health Center patient to participate.

#diabetespreventionprogram #diabetesprevention #diabetes #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare#kaaawahealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter #koolauloahealthcare

Diabetes Prevention Program

Ko’olauloa Health Center is excited to offer the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. This is a lifestyle change program that can help to prevent type 2 diabetes. The program is being offered for FREE for both Ko’olauloa Health Center patients and non-patient community members.

In the Diabetes Prevention Program participants will be with a group from the community. Led by our clinic’s dedicated team of trained lifestyle coaches, participants will learn the skills to make lasting lifestyle changes. They will learn to eat healthier, increase physical activity, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of maintaining healthy changes.

The clinic is looking to start classes in late May 2023.

Learn more at: www.koolauloachc.org/diabetes-prevention-program

#diabetesprevention #diabetes #diabetespreventionprogram #kahukuhealthservices #hauulahealthservices#laiehealthservices #kaaawahealthservices #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana!

If your plate looks like this when you’re eating, you’re doing something right!

Did you know each color of food has specific benefits? We’ve compiled a list of the different benefits tied to different colors to help you narrow your grocery list!

Red: Red foods are often rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, support heart health, and help skin renewal.

Orange: Orange foods such as oranges and carrots are often high in vitamin C, work to boost immunity, support eye health, and can help reduce blood pressure.

Yellow: Foods like bananas, lemons, and yellow bell peppers, support digestion, boost immunity, and promote skin health.

Green: Green foods work to aid in tissue healing, detoxify the body, and support eye health.

Blue and purple: Foods like blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants boost memory, reduce inflammation, and protect against skin damage.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #eatwell #rainbow #vegetables #fruit #antioxidants #vitamins #northshoreoahu #northshorehealth #kahukuhealth #hauulahealth #laiehealth #koolauloahealth #koolauloahealthcare

Aloha ‘Ohana!

If your plate looks like this when you’re eating, you’re doing something right!

Did you know each color of food has specific benefits? We’ve compiled a list of the different benefits tied to different colors to help you narrow your grocery list!

Red: Red foods are often rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, support heart health, and help skin renewal.

Orange: Orange foods such as oranges and carrots are often high in vitamin C, work to boost immunity, support eye health, and can help reduce blood pressure.

Yellow: Foods like bananas, lemons, and yellow bell peppers, support digestion, boost immunity, and promote skin health.

Green: Green foods work to aid in tissue healing, detoxify the body, and support eye health.

Blue and purple: Foods like blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants boost memory, reduce inflammation, and protect against skin damage.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #eatwell #rainbow #vegetables #fruit #antioxidants #vitamins #northshoreoahu #northshorehealth #kahukuhealth #hauulahealth #laiehealth #koolauloahealth #koolauloahealthcare

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Did you know that every person has a unique physiological make-up as well as nutritional requirements?

Nutritional Therapy uses nutrient intake and lifestyle changes to prevent and treat diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and obesity. This treatment method can come in the form of IV therapy, medical food, and oral supplements.

Ko’olauloa Health Center has a Nutritional Therapy provider that is available to answer all of your questions about the benefits of Nutritional Therapy.

Call (808) 293-9231 or visit www.koolauloachc.org/nutrition-therapy to learn more or make an appointment.

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell

Aloha ‘Ohana

Some words of wisdom from our friends at Everyday Health.

How much water do you drink per day? It's recommended that men drink at least 13 (8oz) cups of water per day and that women aim for 9 (8oz) cups of fluids or more.

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#everydayhealth

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods forever. Healthy eating is all about moderation. If you make the changes gradually, you’re more likely to stick to them. Here are some small changes to make the healthy choice, the easy choice:

• Eat a small snack of raw, non-starchy vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, or peppers before going out to a restaurant or party. You will feel less hungry and be less likely to overindulge.

• Use smaller plates and bowls at mealtimes. Although your portion size will be smaller, your plate will look full while you still enjoy your favorite foods.

Remember, eating nutritious foods can improve not only your overall health but also reduce your risk for many chronic diseases. 

Mahalo and have a great Aloha Thursday!

#bewell
#staywell
#eatwell
#livewell

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Here is an important message from our registered dietitian.

Did you know that food affects your mood?

The connection between diet and emotions stems from the close relationship between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract, often called the “second brain.” Here’s how it works: Your GI tract is home to billions of bacteria that influence the production of neurotransmitters, chemical substances that constantly carry messages from the gut to the brain. (Dopamine and serotonin are two common examples.)

Eating healthy food promotes the growth of “good” bacteria, which in turn positively affects neurotransmitter production. A steady diet of junk food, on the other hand, can cause inflammation that hampers production. When neurotransmitter production is in good shape, your brain receives these positive messages loud and clear, and your emotions reflect it. But when production goes awry, so might your mood.

If you want to learn more, call (808) 293-9231 to set up an appointment with our registered dietitian. As always, our entire staff looks forward to your call.

#bewell
#staywell
#eatwell

Aloha ‘Ohana - it's Mana’o Monday here at Ko’olauloa. Here are a few dietary thoughts and tips from our staff to help your your brain healthy and kick start your week. 

• Green Veggies: Leafy greens suck as kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients. Research suggests these plant-based food may help slow cognitive decline.

• Fatty Fish: Fatty fish are abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid (the protein that forms damaging clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease).

• Berries: Flavonoids, the natural plant pigments that give berries their brilliant hues, also help improve memory.

• Tea & Coffee: Tea and coffee might offer more than just a short-term concentration boost.

• Walnuts: Nuts are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. Walnuts in particular might also improve memory.

And above all else, new research has found that coronavirus attacks fat tissue, so maintaining a healthy diet is important to all of us. If you would like to make an appointment with our Clinical Dietitian or to schedule your booster shot, please call (808) 293-9231 today.

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#bewell

#staywell

Aloha ‘Ohana - Halloween is right around the corner. Here are 6 healthy candy options from our staff you may want to keep in mind.

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#bewell
#staywell

- - - - - -

The 6 Healthiest Candy Options

1. UnReal Milk Chocolate Gems
“I’m really impressed with these,” says our staff. “The candy contains no artificial flavor or color, and the coloring comes from natural sources, like hibiscus and turmeric.” Because these contain a fair amount of sugar, though, you’ll want to stick with the mini 0.42-ounce (oz) bags, which are available on Amazon and make the perfect single serving.

What’s Inside 140 calories per oz, 7g fat, 4.5g saturated fat, 18g carbohydrate, 15g sugar, 3g protein

2. Endangered Species Dark Chocolate Bites
These chocolates are low on the sugar scale, and two squares contain 3 grams (g) of fiber, too. That’s because the high level of cocoa (88 percent) means the the sugar content is lower. What’s more: “Research shows regularly eating a small amount of dark chocolate may help heart health by lowering risk of heart disease and stroke,” says our nutritional staff. But again, be sure to enjoy in moderation, as these treats also contain saturated fat, which can instead be harmful to your heart if eaten in excess, according to the American Heart Association. The organization recommends taking in no more than 13 g of saturated fat per day.

What’s Inside 120 calories for two pieces, 9g fat, 6g saturated fat, 8g carbohydrate, 2g sugar, 2g protein

3. Peanut M&M's
It’s got peanuts, which means you’ll get protein and fiber, which help prevent blood sugar spikes and overindulging, says our staff.

What’s Inside 90 calories per "fun-size" pack, 5g fat, 2g saturated fat, 10.5g carbohydrate, 9g sugar, 1.5g protein

4. Snickers
Surprised? Although Snickers is relatively higher in calories than other candy, Gorin recommends a "fun-size" bar because it’s more likely to leave you satisfied, thanks to its filling protein. “It also has less sugar than some other candies that are almost entirely pure sugar”.

What’s Inside 80 calories per "fun-size" bar, 3.5g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 11g carbohydrate, 9g sugar, 1g protein

5. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
The satisfying combo of protein and (a small amount of) fiber makes this another good pick, says our nutritional staff. Plus, around the holidays, it’s easy to find single cups (whereas they’re usually packaged as a double).

What’s Inside 110 calories per PB cup, 6.5g fat, 2g saturated fat, 12g carbohydrate, 11g sugar, 2.5g protein

6. Blow Pop
For the non–chocolate lovers, a Blow Pop can be a practical pick. “It has less sugar than many of the other candies out there, and because of the gum center, you can enjoy it for longer.”

What’s Inside 70 calories per pop, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 17g carbohydrate, 13g sugar, 0g protein

Aloha ‘Ohana - here are four smart ways to keep your brain in tip-top shape as we head into fall.

1. Monitor your health

2. Keep moving

3. Eat brain-friendly foods

4. Do what you love

Hope everyone is having a healthy and happy weekend!

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#bewell

#staywell

Aloha 'Ohana! Here is something fun and light for this Health Tip Tuesday!

Add lemon!

Adding lemon to your water can help optimize your memory and your mood!

Cheers!

.

#bewell

#staywell

Aloha Ohana!

It's Super Food Sunday here at KHC. Did you know that poi is a superfood?

Most foods don’t get much humbler than poi, the pasty staple made from the taro plant. It may be the only thing Hawaiians have that nobody else envies. The islands' scented breezes and hula hands waft and beckon. Poi just sits there, strangely elastic, sort of purple, inviting funny looks. But like those people you know whose outward placidity masks a rich inner life, poi is remarkable.

It is a superfood, for one thing: a fat-free, high-fiber, low-sodium, gluten-free source of vitamin B, calcium, and phosphorus. It sustained the Polynesians who took taro to the islands centuries ago, for reasons that are newly appreciated today. Dr. Terry Shintani, a doctor and the author of ''The Hawaii Diet'' (Pocket Books, 2002), has made poi a centerpiece of a program to help native Hawaiians and others overcome obesity, diabetes, and heart disease by returning to traditional Hawaiian foods. On top of all that, poi is ideal baby food.

Pick up a bag for your family at the Laie Foodland and have a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

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#bewell

#staywell

Aloha Ohana!

It’s ‘Ulu Tuesday and here are some fun facts about this superfood from our registered dietitian.

The Many Health Benefits of ‘Ulu

‘Ulu is considered a superfood not only because one fruit feeds an entire family and there’s enough fruit on the islands to feed the whole population, but due to its nutritional value. It’s sometimes called the tree potato for how versatile it is in cooked dishes and for how it tastes when it’s mature. But it's higher in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white potatoes.

There are many nutrients packed into one fruit. ‘Ulu is loaded with:

Antioxidants

Carotenoids

Fiber

Iron

Magnesium

Niacin

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 6 fatty acids

Calcium

Copper

Phosphorus

Potassium

Thiamine

Protein

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

And it Tastes Great!

You can eat and enjoy ‘ulu at any stage. When it’s green and hard, it tastes like an artichoke. When it’s mature, it tastes and cooks like a potato or other root vegetable. When very ripe, it’s sweet and is enjoyed like fruit or dessert.

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#bewell

#staywell

Aloha Ohana! Some good news from the Hawaii Department of Education.

The Hawaii DOE just announced that all students at Hawaiʻi’s 257 public schools will receive free breakfast and lunch meals for the entirety of the 2021-22 school year, thanks to a nationwide USDA waiver which aims to minimize the possible spread of COVID-19 by eliminating meal payment transactions in school cafeterias.

Click on the link for more information: https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/SY2021-Free-School-Meals.aspx