Aloha ‘Ohana!

As well all know, unexpected events such as power outages and natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes can happen without a moment’s notice. That is why being ready for emergencies is crucial. Emergency preparedness is exactly what it sounds like; it involves planning, having supplies on hand and knowing how to stay safe during an emergency. Being ready for crises before they happen can not only protect you and your loved ones but also underserved communities where disasters can worsen inequities.

Here are a few tips that can help you and your family be prepared:

Build an emergency supply kit. Being prepared means stocking up on supplies. An emergency supply kit is a collection of tools that can help in the event of an emergency. Kit supplies can include flashlights, nonperishable food, extra clothes, a first aid kit and personal hygiene items. You also should have a gallon of water per person/pet per day, for three days, if possible.

Have a plan. Create an emergency plan with your family, friends or household. Designate a meeting spot where you all can gather in case you’re separated during an emergency. Learn your local emergency alerts and warnings. Practice emergency drills and memorize evacuation routes.

#nationalpublichealthweek #nphw #koolauloahealthcenter

Happy Aloha Friday 'Ohana! Have a safe and healthy weekend.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #northshorehealthcare #kahukuhealthcare #hauulahealthcare #laiehealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Did you know that when people have access to quality reproductive and sexual health care and education, they can live happier and healthier lives?

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you and your partner both stay healthy.

Get screened for cancers and tested for STIs. Breast, colorectal and prostate cancers are three of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Reported cases of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have continued to rise in the U.S. Protect yourself by getting tested for STIs yearly. Learn the risks for developing breast and colorectal cancer, such as smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and being inactive. Take steps to prevent those risks. Get screened based on current guidelines to detect prostate cancer early. People with vaginas should also get regularly screened for human papillomavirus, a very common STI that can lead to certain cancers or genital warts.

Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of spreading STIs like HPV and HIV by getting tested yearly; using barriers, such as condoms, for all forms of sexual intercourse; and practicing open communication with your sexual partners. Get consent for sexual activity, and stop immediately if either of you is uncomfortable, feels unsafe or is in pain.

If you have any questions regarding your health in general, give us a call at (808) 293-9231 or visit www.koolauloachc.org. We would love to help you.

#nphw #nationalpublichealthweek #koolauloachc.org

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Here is our Thursday installment in support of National Public Health Week.

Public health is all about preventing disease, diagnosing health conditions and encouraging health and well-being. However, achieving these goals wouldn’t be possible without the help of new tools and innovations in public health. From wearable fitness bands to virtual doctors’ appointments, new technology has changed the way individuals and communities receive and respond to health information. Other tools, like warning systems for natural disasters or COVID-19 testing kits, can help individuals stay connected and protected during emergencies. Advancements in public health can help us in the fight towards equity, so all people and populations can thrive.

Mahalo!

#nationalpublichealthweek #nphw #koolauloahealthcenter

Why Climate Change Can Matter to People with Asthma: It’s the Air We Breathe

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Did you know that climate change is one of the most pressing threat to human health that our world faces today? Some groups of people, including communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, are disproportionately impacted by climate change.

For keiki (and adults) with asthma, climate change and the add-on negative effects because of increased pollution in the form of poor air quality, can have dire consequences. Research from 2020 suggests that air pollution can affect lung development in young children and contributes to inflammation associated with asthma.

Understanding how environmental factors - including pollution and climate change - affect health, especially for people with asthma, is the first step to regaining control of the air we breathe.

If you or a family member is suffering from the challenges of asthma, call (808) 293-9231 to or visit www.koolauloachc.org schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #nationalpublichealthweek #koolauloahealthcenter #kahukuhealth #laiehealth #hauulahealth #kaaawahealth #asthma

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Today is the second day of National Public Health Week and our focus is on Health Neighborhoods.

We know that where we live – where we eat, sleep, work, play, learn and pray – can have a huge effect on our health. But what makes a neighborhood healthy? Having safe places to live, without hazards or pollution. Having safe ways for everyone to be active, like sidewalks, and safe places to bike. Having easy access to fresh, affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food. When our neighborhoods are healthy, we have the building blocks for healthy lives.

Together lets do everything we can to help make our neighborhoods healthy!

#koolauloahealthcenter #nationalpublichealthweek #publichealth

Join all of us at KHC for #NationalPublicHealthWeek as we give a big mahalo daily to Hawaii's public health workers! #NPHW

#koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana!

May the spirit of Easter fill your heart with love, peace, and joy! Have a beautiful Easter Sunday.

#koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Did you know that today is National Doctors Day (better known as Doctors Appreciation Day)? Doctors’ Day, is an annual observance aimed at appreciating physicians who help save our lives everywhere. The holiday first started in 1933 in Winder, Georgia, and since then it’s been honored every year on March 30 which was the first anniversary of a doctor using ether anesthesia by Dr. Crawford W. Long.

Today we thank all doctors everywhere who’ve spent so much time and energy mastering their field of expertise.

#nationaldoctorsday #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana - here is some sage advice from our wonderful staff. Hope you’re all having a healthy and happy day.

#koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana,

If you are currently enrolled in Med-Quest, you will be receiving or may have received a pink letter (Medical Eligibility Renewal Form) from the Hawaii Med-Quest Division. Med-Quest will be mailing these pink letters until April 2024.

Please drop by to talk with Harry Wa`a from our health center who can assist you with this process. If your information is not submitted by the deadline stated in your letter, you may lose coverage. We want to ensure that you maintain your health through us.

Call (808) 293-9231 or visit www.koolauloachc.org for more information or to reach Harry.

Mahalo!

#medquest #questhawaii #hawaiidoh #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #kaaawahealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter #koolauloahealth

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Are you over 65?

Ko'olauloa Health Center offers FREE Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness Visits (AW) for preventive care such as depression, cognitive impairment, and assessing fall risk. Your first AW can be scheduled within the first 12 months of signing up for Medicare. After that, you're entitled to an AWV in addition to your regular annual physical exams every year.

Let KHC provide your Kūpuna with a personalized plan to stay healthy and well by calling (808) 293-9231 or visiting www.koolauloachc.org to schedule a free Medicare preventive care visit.

Mahalo!

#medicare #annualwellnessvisit #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #kaaawahealthcare #koolauloahealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Did you know that over 1,000 women in Hawaii are diagnosed with breast cancer annually? It is the second most deadly cancer for women after lung cancer. Death rates are highest for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. Early detection and treatment are key.

Know the warning signs:

- New lump in your breast or armpit
- Any swelling or thickening of your breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin on your breast
- Pain or pulling in of your nipple
- Nipple discharge (other than milk!)
- Change in size or shape of your breast
- Pain in any part of your breast

Self-checks and getting to a doctor right away can save your life.

Call us at 293-9231 for an appointment.

#northshorehealth #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #kaaawahealthcare #breastcancer #koolauloahealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here are a few healthy habit replacement tips to focus on this coming week:

Replace Habits

Netflix Marathons -> Sleep
Fast Food -> Home-Made Food
Toxic Friends -> Mentors
TV -> Exercise
Complaining -> Gratitude
Overthinking -> Action
Blame -> Responsibility

Have a great week!

#koolauloahealthenter #koolauloahealth #bewell #staywell #livewell

Aloha ‘Ohana!

When you hear the word “physical,” you may think of 'hanabata' days when you had to visit the doctor to get shots for school. But a physical is more than just shots or a physical exam. And both children AND adults can benefit from attending regular physicals.

You may feel fine, but catching problems BEFORE they become serious means: Finding a problem when it is easier to treat (such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer). Saving you money, and potentially saving your life.

Call (808) 293-9231 or visit www.koolauloachc.org/yearly-physicals to learn more or schedule an appointment.

#bewell #staywell #livewell#kahukuhealthcare #hauulahealthcare #laiehealthcare #northshorehealthcare #yearlyphysical #annualcheckup

Aloha 'Ohana!

Hope all of you have a fun, safe, and healthy weekend.

Mahalo for all of your continued support!

#koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Did you know that every year, Americans report more than 2 million cases of poisoning? This week during National Poison Prevention Week, all of us at KHC would like to thank all those who staff our Nation’s poison control centers for working around the clock to offer people in need life-saving guidance and care. 

We urge everyone in our community to learn how to prevent and respond to poison emergencies.

The national toll-free Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222. Calling will connect you to our local poison center. The local poison center is your resource for help in a poisoning emergency. When you call, you will speak with a specially trained nurse, pharmacist, or doctor at your local poison center.

#bewell #staywell #nationalpoisonpreventionweek #koolauloahealthcenter #koolauloahealthcare

Aloha ‘Ohana,

If you are currently enrolled in Med-Quest, you will be receiving or may have received a pink letter (Medical Eligibility Renewal Form) from the Hawaii Med-Quest Division. Med-Quest will be mailing these pink letters until April 2024.

Please drop by to talk with Harry Wa`a from our health center who can assist you with this process. If your information is not submitted by the deadline stated in your letter, you may lose coverage. We want to ensure that you maintain your health through us.

Call (808) 293-9231 or visit www.koolauloachc.org for more information or to reach Harry.

Mahalo!

#medquest #questhawaii #hawaiidoh #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #kaaawahealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter #koolauloahealth

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

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 #oahuhealthcare #koolauloahealth #koolauloahealthcare

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here are ten tips to improve your heart health:

- 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