Posts in Psychiatry
Words Matter

Aloha ‘Ohana - we hope everyone is safe on this beautiful Sunday. While we were getting ready for the week and the new year, we were thinking of our community’s keiki and how we can continue to be a positive influence.

Going back to basics - Words Matter…

Certainly, words can become meaningless when they aren’t followed with action, but nonetheless, words have great power. You can choose to add more positive ones to your days.

What phrases do you say each day to your children?
Which ones do you want them to remember?
What do you say that will stay with your children for the rest of their lives?

Coming up with a few encouraging words for kids or positive phrases to say may tip the scales toward the kindness you want your keiki to imitate.

Here is an abbreviated list of things to say to your children that may inspire you*

- You are loved
- You make me smile
- I think about you when we’re apart
- My world is better with you in it
- I will do my best to keep you safe
- Sometimes I will say no
- I have faith in you
- I know you can handle it
- You are creative
- Trust your instincts
- Your ideas are worthwhile
- You are capable
- You are deserving
- You are strong

The complete list will appear in the News section of our new website which will be launching very soon!

Artwork: Alissa Marquess. Our staff is a big fan of Alissa Marquess’ work. You can see more at creativewithkids.com.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #mentalhealth #childcare #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #koolauloahealth #wordsmatter

Our Services

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Ko’olauloa Health Center is part of one of the nation’s largest healthcare provider networks. Every day, Ko’olauloa Health Center combines medical, dental, behavioral health care, and pharmacy services into a single Ko’olauloa Health Home.

- Medical Services
- Dental Services
- Pharmacy Services
- Behavioral Health Services
- Community Relations

At Ko’olauloa Health Center believe that health care should be a right, not a privilege. That is why we do everything in our power to ensure that all families in our community have access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve, and the peace of mind it brings.

www.koolauloaealthchc.org

We hope to serve you soon! Mahalo!

#bewell #staywell #livewell #kahukuhealth#kahukuhealthcare #hauulahealth#hauulahealthcare #laiehealth#laiehealthcare #northshoreoahu#northshorehealth #koolauloahealth

KHC Services

Aloha 'Ohana!

As you already know, Ko’olauloa Health Center offers excellent primary and specialty care for men, women, and children. What you may not know is that we also offer Dental Services, Behavioral Health Services, and Pharmacy Services for your entire family.

Learn more at our new website:

www.koolauloachc.org

Or call (808) 293-9231. We look forward to serving you and your family.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #kahukudental #kahukupharmacy #kahukuhealth #laiedental #laiepharmacy #laiehealth #hauuladental #hauulapharmacy #hauulahealth

KHC Services

Aloha 'Ohana!

Hello from all of us in our medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health departments! Wishing all of you a safe and healthy week ahead!

If you have any questions about our medical services, call (808) 293-9231 or visit www.koolauloachc.org.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #medicalservices #northshoremedical #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #kaaawahealthcare #koolauloahealthcare

KHC Services

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Ko’olauloa Health Center is part of one of the nation’s largest healthcare provider networks. Every day, Ko’olauloa Health Center combines medical, dental, behavioral health care, and pharmacy services into a single Ko’olauloa Health Home.

Medical Services
Dental Services
Pharmacy Services
Podiatry Services
Mental Health Services|
Behavioral Health Services
Community Outreach

At Ko’olauloa Health Center believe that health care should be a right, not a privilege. That is why we do everything in our power to ensure that all families in our community have access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve, and the peace of mind it brings.

Call (808) 293-9231 or visit www.koolauloachc.org to set up your appointment today.

#bewell #staywell #northshoreoahu #northshorehealth #kahukuhealth #hauulahealth #laiehealth #oahudental #oahuhealthcare #koolauloahealth #koolauloahealthcare

New Years Resolutions

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here are a few meaningful New Years resolutions from our staff for the new year:

- Embrace self-love and self-acceptance.
- Stop negative self-talk and silence your inner critic.
- Start a daily journal or blog to improve your mental health.
- Learn to be more optimistic and think more positively.
- Resolve to complain less and appreciate life more.
- Practice daily gratitude.
- Start spending more time alone.
- Disconnect from social media.
- Stop procrastinating.
- Learn to say no and not feel bad.


Hope all of you have a safe and healthy NYE!

Ko’olauloa Health Center staff.

#bewell #staywell #livewwell #resolutions #kahukuhealth #laiehealth #hauulahealth #kaaawahealth #koolauloahealthcenter

Our Services

Aloha 'Ohana!

As you already know, Ko’olauloa Health Center offers excellent primary and specialty care for men, women, and children. What you may not know is that we also offer Dental Services, Behavioral Health Services, and Pharmacy Services for your entire family.

Learn more at our new website:

www.koolauloachc.org

#bewell #staywell #livewell #kahukudental #kahukupharmacy #kahukuhealth #laiedental #laiepharmacy #laiehealth #hauuladental #hauulapharmacy #hauulahealth

Mindfulness

Aloha Ohana! It’s Mindful Monday here at KHC.

Let’s be honest - as beneficial as mindfulness is, tuning in to your surroundings, surrendering to the moment, and embracing whatever thoughts pop up aren’t always as easy as it sounds. It takes effort—but with continued practice, mindfulness can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

Here are a few quotes on mindfulness to inspire you to live in the present this coming week.

“Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just have to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“When you’re feeling frazzled, put all of your attention on the breath. It’s a portal into the present moment, the best remedy for stress.” — Ellen Barrett

“Mindfulness clears the windshield of the mind so that we can see things as they really are.” — Travis Eliot

Have a great week everyone!
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#bewell #staywell #livewell #mindfullness #mentalhealth #kahukuhealth #laiehealth #hauulahealth #kaaawahealth #koolauloahealth

Left-Brain

Aloha 'Ohana!

Here are a few fun mental health-related graphs for all of you "left-brainers" out there. Cheers!

#mentalhealth #kahukumentalhealth #kahukuhealthcare #laiementalhealth #laiehealthcare #hauulamentalhealth #hauulahealthcare #kaaawamentalhealth #kaaawahealthcare #koolauloahealthcare #bewell #staywell #livewell

New Patients Accepted

Happy Aloha Monday ‘Ohana!

We are pleased to announce that we are accepting new patients. Come visit our convenient offices in Kahuku and Hau’ula.

We have a low-cost pharmacy and offer dental services, women’s health, mental health, podiatry services, and more.

Insured and uninsured patients are welcome. Walk-ins are also accepted.

Call (808) 293-9231 to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one in need.

Kahuku Clinic: 56-119 Pualalea Street, Kahuku, HI. 96731
Hau’ula Clinic: 54-316 Kamehameha Hwy., Suite 6, Hau’ula, HI. 96731

www.koolauloachc.org

#bewell #staywell #livewell #northshoreoahu #northshoreoahuhealthcare #kahukuhealth #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealth #laiehealthcare #hauulahealth #hauulahealthcare #koolauloa #koolauloahealth #koolauloahealthcenter

988 Lifeline

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Did you know that 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline? While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Learn more about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

You can also call our staff at (808) 293-9231 for more information or if you need someone to talk to.

#bewell
#staywell

Mental Strength

Aloha ‘Ohana!

We love the posts by @growwithcolby. Here is one from his IG page that perfectly sums up the biggest lessons in life in 5 truths. If you haven’t done so already, go give Colby a follow right now. He’s consistently dropping high-value content on his feed.

What are a few habits you practice to stay mentally strong?

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#staystrong

World Mental Health Day
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Aloha ‘Ohana - today we’re celebrating World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

If you need someone to speak to you, our excellent staff in our Behavioral Health department are always there for you. Call (808) 293-9231 to speak to our staff and set up an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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#bewell

#staywell

#weseeyou

So - How Are You?
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Aloha ‘Ohana…

With everything happening in our community we wanted to ask: …so - how are you? Really? When was the last time you asked a friend that simple question?

Sometimes a friend, colleague, or family who may have the appearance of having it all together on the outside is actually suffering on the inside. This is called Smiling Depression.

What is Smiling Depression?

Smiling depression involves appearing happy to others and smiling through the pain, keeping the inner turmoil hidden. It’s a major depressive disorder with atypical symptoms, and as a result, many don’t know they’re depressed or don’t seek help. People with smiling depression are often partnered or married, employed, and are quite accomplished and educated. Their public, professional and social lives are not struggling. Their façade is put together and accomplished.

But behind the mask and behind closed doors, their minds are filled with thoughts of worthlessness, inadequacy, and despair. They’ve usually struggled with depression and/or debilitating anxiety for years and have had some experience with therapy or medication. Many don’t disclose their depression due to fear of discrimination from loved ones or employers.

How can we help?

Many people struggling with smiling depression are perfectionists, or they don’t want to appear weak or out of control. The more we can shift the conversation to show positive role models living with depression—those who advocate for the mix of therapy, exercise, medication, sleep, diet—the less shame and stigma will be associated with it.

Pay more attention to your loved ones (especially the warning signs)

If you have a friend who suddenly stops responding to phone calls or texts or cancels plans, don’t hesitate to ask them what’s going on and if they’re feeling okay. Let them know that they are heard and are not alone.

If you think you might be depressed

On the days when your brain seems to be fighting you for your life, remember that you are enough, you are worthy, you are loved and you are not alone.

Reach out to someone you trust and consider contacting a therapist. Let these influential roles in your life help you to create a more positive state of mind. Rather than becoming submerged in a vortex of negative, self-defeating thoughts. Above all, please don’t give up. Please don’t let depression win. You are not alone.

Please call our Behavioral Health Services team if you feel the need to talk to someone. We are there for you (808) 293-9231. We see you…

.

#bewell

#staywell

Brain Exercises
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Happy Aloha Sunday Ohana!

Often times when we think of a healthy lifestyle and healthy living habits, we primarily focus on the body. While it’s important to take part in healthy habits for our physical health, like working out and eating a balanced diet, it’s just as important to pay attention to our mental health. Just like physical exercising that benefits your body and muscles, mental exercises also play a critical role in strengthening and maintaining overall brain functions.

To help keep your brain as limber and fit as your muscles and body, we’ve put together a list of a few cognitive activities and memory games for our kupuna.

Simple Brain Exercises and Gognitive Activies for our Kupuna

THOUGHTFUL CONVERSATIONS

Conversations allow people to practice speaking, critical thinking, and many other cognitive aspects which stimulate and refresh their minds. This is especially important for older adults as people tend to withdraw from social interaction as they age.

MEDITATION

One of the best brain exercises for seniors is meditation. The reason for this is that meditation allows one to relax and focus on their thoughts and emotions. There are many free apps available that provide guided meditation for those unfamiliar with how to meditate.

ART CLASSES

Art is a great way to express one’s emotions and thoughts in a manner that practices hand-eye coordination and encourages a happier mood. Doing art activities, such as watercolor painting, allows the artist to self-reflect on their piece and the emotions which contributed to their creation. All of these benefits help keep your mind sharpened and your cognitive abilities strong.

LANGUAGE CLASSES

Practicing another language is a great way for seniors to practice their ability to speak, recall information and improve critical thinking. In fact, practicing languages is even said to help deter dementia in the elderly.

NATURE WALKS

If you’re able to comfortably walk for long stretches at a time, nature walks are another great brain exercise for seniors. Leisurely nature walks are said to promote socialization, independence, and feeling relaxed. This helps older adults feel connected to what is around them and to themselves. Keeping track of interesting landmarks and animals throughout your walk also helps keep your ability to recall details sharp.

Mindful Families
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Aloha Ohana! It’s “Mindful Monday” here at Ko’olauloa Health Center. Here are a few tips on seven things mindful families do differently.

Busy schedules, digital devices, long commutes—all of this leads to families who are disconnected from each other as never before. Here are 7 ways mindfulness can strengthen your relationships, increase your well-being, and bring the family back together.

As the world gets seemingly faster, it’s more important than ever to build the strength of presence within ourselves and in our families. Our culture is sensing this need and that is why we see an increasing amount of people in all sectors of life exploring ways to become more grounded through yoga, diet, and mindfulness. This yearning is making its way into our homes as many of us have searched for practices and experiences to slow down and bring more connection into our family life as well. 

7 Things Mindful Families Do Differently

  1. Embrace Imperfection

  2. Listen with Curiosity

  3. Communicate Courageously

  4. Practice Appreciation and Gratitude

  5. Forgive Ourselves and Each Other

  6. Practice Support and Generosity 

  7. Don’t forget to play and have fun!

#bewell

#staywell

Mindful Monday
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Aloha! It’s “Mindful Monday” here at KHC.

So why do we like to start the week being mindful?

Mindfulness practices can help us to:

- Increase our ability to regulate emotions

- Decrease stress, anxiety, and depression

- It can help us to focus our attention

- Observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment

Hope you all have a beautiful and mindful week.