The Ku Project

Aloha 'Ohana - given today's events, here are a few very helpful words of wisdom from our friends at The Kū Project. All of us at Ko'olauloa Ko‘olauloa Health Center stand with you.

#thekuproject
#bewell
#staywell
#imua

Keiki Vaccinations

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Some good news. The Hawai‘i Department of Health has announced long-awaited COVID-19 vaccines for keiki under the age of five will soon be available.

DOH is authorizing enrolled COVID-19 vaccination providers to administer the vaccines as soon as they become available.
DOH is expecting delivery of 27,500 doses of the new keiki vaccines in the coming week. The vaccines will be distributed to hospitals, pediatricians’ offices, and clinics. Pharmacies and community health centers will receive additional vaccine shipments directly from the manufacturers. Vaccines for keiki under five will be available on all islands.

“Vaccines continue to offer our best protection against COVID-19 and now keiki as young as six-months old can benefit from that same protection. Parents with questions about COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers for guidance,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP.

Please call our friendly staff at (808) 293-9231 to schedule your child’s appointment or visit www.koolauloachc.org/covid-19-vaccinations for more information.

#bewell
#staywell

Nutrition Therapy

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

Pharmacy Services

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Our friendly pharmacy team is ready to serve customers looking for a convenient alternative to Foodland Laie’s closed pharmacy. Even if you are not a patient with us, you are still able to fill prescriptions at Ko’olauloa Health Center.

Unlike most retail pharmacies, Ko’olauloa Health Center makes medications affordable with a sliding scale for uninsured patients.

Ko’olauloa Health Center’s free consultation services by our friendly pharmacist include: medication reconciliation -- discussing each individual medication, what it is used for (indication), instructions for administration, how it works within the body, anticipated side effects and most importantly, possible interactions with other medications you might already be taking.  

Ko’olauloa Pharmacy also offers their patients: shorter wait times for medications; one-stop convenience with the pharmacy co-located at Ko’olauloa Health Center’s Kahuku Clinic right next to the hospital; complimentary pill organizers and pill cutters; and of course personalized friendly service because at KHC you’re ‘ohana.

Ko’olauloa Health Center’s providers and pharmacists work as a team to keep you and your family well!  If you live in Laie or Kahuku, come fill your next prescription with one of Ko’olauloa Health Center’s providers.

#bewell
#staywell

Father's Day '22

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at KHC!

This Father’s Day we were touched by a beautiful letter from a father to his two young daughters. Here are a few excerpts:

~~~~

Every year, I make time to reflect on the promises, lessons, and ideas that I want my two young daughters to learn when they’re older.

This Father’s Day I wrote a short letter encompassing many of those things that I look forward to sharing with my kids one day:

Always look for opportunities to grow as an individual, in both your personal and professional lives.

Beyond family, there are broader cultural forces that will continue to shape your lives and world views, and I’m increasingly seeing the positive, amplifying role they can play.

I hope you’ll join these conversations - not merely to participate, but to grow. Seek out diverse perspectives. Find ways to educate yourselves.

The conversation will always be just the start.

Starting a conversation makes a huge difference. But taking action is the standard, in part because there are fewer barriers today. It’s so much easier to discover and support causes you believe in.

Amplify your voices, share your stories and listen to other people’s stories, too.

Understand the power of using your voice and sharing your stories. Welcome the opportunities to speak on panels and sit in on listening sessions to better educate yourself and those around you.

Be an ally to the communities around you, but also to yourself.

Have deep ownership of your identity. Your passion, energy, and commitment will make you an ally to all communities around you. 

Don’t let your support for others overshadow the progress you want to make for your own community. Teach others, and yourselves, about the richness of your culture and history.

Find ways to proudly stand with- and stand up for - all in the broader Pacific Islander community. As with every dimension of your voice, the world will become a better place for hearing it.

Love always,

Dad

~~~~

#bewell
#staywell

Happy Feet!

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Did you know that Ko’olauloa Health Center has a board-qualified podiatrist/foot & ankle surgeon on staff?

Yes, we do! Dr. Day runs our podiatry department which offers diagnosis and treatment of all disorders in the lower extremity. Dr. Day’s professional interests include trauma, advanced foot and ankle reconstruction, podiatric orthopedics, sports medicine, diabetic care, and bunion correction.

Dr. Day believes in treating his patients like family, taking the time necessary to understand their needs. His patient-focused care allows him to work with his patients to achieve their specific goals while employing an evidence-based, yet individualized approach.

Born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Dr. Day graduated from Kahuku High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Biology at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. He then pursued a Medical degree at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Following graduation, he completed a 3-year podiatric medical and surgical residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Mercy Regional Health Medical Center in Cleveland Ohio, where he trained under several leaders in the field of podiatric surgery and served as chief resident during his last year.

If you or someone you love is experiencing challenges with their lower extremities, give us a call at (808) 293-9231 or reach out via our website:

https://www.koolauloachc.org/contact

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#walkwell

1st Year 1st Tooth

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Did you know that the American Dental Association says that every child should visit a dentist by age 1?

The sooner children begin getting regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives. Early checkups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain, trouble concentrating, and other medical issues. Youngsters with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence.

The American Dental Association says that every child should visit a dentist by age 1 – or as soon as the first tooth appears. This “well-baby visit” teaches parents and caregivers how to care for their children’s teeth and help them remain cavity-free.

Learn more about proper keiki dental at Ko’olauloa Health Center.

koolauloachc.org/1st-year-1st-tooth

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell

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

King Kamehameha Day 2022

Aloha 'Ohana!

June 11th is King Kamehameha Day in the state of Hawaii.

2022, marks 150 years since King Kamehameha V established the celebratory day as a way to honor his great grandfather who successfully united the Hawaiian Islands under one national banner and spearheaded their development as a country. In ancient Hawaii, legends told of a day when a great king would unite all the Hawaiian islands. The sign of his birth, kahuna (priests) claimed, would be a comet.

Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing more than 300 pounds Kamehameha was a great warrior, diplomat, leader, and the first king of Hawaii.

Take a moment today to celebrate this great historical Hawaiian figure.

Video: King Kamehameha Day celebrations - Kapa'au, North Kohala.

#bewell

#staywell

Pride

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Here is a friendly reminder that pride isn’t just rainbows and parades - it's fighting for equal rights, reflecting on LGBTQ history, and more.

Ko’olauloa Health Center welcomes ALL Races, ALL Genders, ALL Abilities, ALL Countries of Origin, ALL Sexual Orientations, and ALL Belief Systems. Ko’olauloa Health Center stands with you and you will always be safe with us.

#livewell
#bewell
#staywell
#pridemonth2022

APPI Heritage Month

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Did you know that May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month?

APPI Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Easter Island).

Click here to learn more: https://asianpacificheritage.gov


#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#aapiheritagemonth

Scholarships!

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Did you know that Ko’olauloa Health Center supports aspiring healthcare professionals? Yes, we do! To encourage home-grown interest in healthcare services, Ko’olauloa Health Center awards scholarships to support college-bound Kahuku High School students who intend to pursue healthcare studies. This year, three awards were made. Congratulations to all!

#bewell

#staywell

#livewell

#northshorenews

Memorial Day 2022

Wherein the structure sags in the center but stands strong and vigorous at the end, expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory. The over effect is one of serenity.  Overtones of sadness have been omitted, to permit the individual to contemplate his own personal responses…his innermost feelings. ~ Alfred Preis, Architect : Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Photo: @daviddoubilet for @natgeo

#memorialday2022

Myths

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Knowing the facts about high blood pressure can help you make smart choices. One of the best things about educating yourself about high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is shattering these myths.

Myth: High blood pressure runs in my family. There is nothing I can do to prevent it.

High blood pressure can run in families. If your parents or close blood relatives have had high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it, too. However, lifestyle choices have allowed many people with a family history of high blood pressure to avoid it themselves.

Myth: I don’t use table salt, so I’m in control of my sodium intake and my blood pressure.

In some people, sodium can increase blood pressure. But controlling sodium means more than just putting down the salt shaker. It also means checking labels, because up to 75 percent of the sodium we consume is hidden in processed foods like tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned foods, and prepared mixes. When buying prepared and prepackaged foods, read the labels. Watch for the words “soda” and “sodium” and the symbol “Na” on labels. These words show that sodium compounds are present.

Myth: I feel fine. I don’t have to worry about high blood pressure.

About 103 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure — and many of them don’t know it or don’t experience typical symptoms. High blood pressure is also a major risk factor for stroke. If uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to serious and severe health problems.

Myth: People with high blood pressure have nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping and their face becomes flushed. I don’t have those symptoms so I’m good.

Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. It’s often called “the silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. You may not be aware that it’s damaging your arteries, heart, and other organs. Know your numbers and don’t make the mistake of assuming any specific symptoms will let you know there’s a problem.

Myth: I read that wine is good for the heart, which means I can drink as much as I want.

If you drink alcohol, including red wine, do so in moderation. Heavy and regular use of alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically. It can also cause heart failure, lead to stroke and produce irregular heartbeats. Too much alcohol can contribute to high triglycerides, cancer, obesity, alcoholism, suicide, and accidents. If you drink, limit consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Generally, one drink equals a 12-ounce beer, a four-ounce glass of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, or one ounce of hard liquor (100 proof).

Myth: I have high blood pressure and my doctor checks it for me. This means I don’t need to check it at home.

Because blood pressure can fluctuate, home monitoring and recording of blood pressure readings can provide your healthcare provider with valuable information to determine whether you really have high blood pressure and, if you do, whether your treatment plan is working. It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening, or as your healthcare professional recommends.

Myth: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, but I have been maintaining lower readings, so I can stop taking my medication.

High blood pressure can be a lifelong disease. Follow your healthcare professional’s recommendations carefully, even if it means taking medication every day for the rest of your life. By partnering with your healthcare team, you can successfully reach your treatment goals and enjoy the benefits of better health.

If you would like to check your blood pressure or feel the need for more information, please call (808) 293-9231 to make your appointment today. Mahalo!

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell

Who's Coming?

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here are a few wonderfully informative slides from our friends at CovidPau (@covidpau) and Honolulu Community Action Program (@hcaphi).

The most important part of any event is the opportunity for people to come together. In our local culture we take our responsibility seriously: to take good care of the folks we welcome. One size does not fit all when it comes to events these days, so there are a few things to think through based on who your event is for.

Whether getting the ‘ohana together for a Sunday dinner or celebrating the newest graduate with family, friends, and more... let’s gather in a way that is safe for everyone!

Visit covidpau.org/get-together or nhpihawaiicovid.net to download and view the full digital guide.

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#covidpau
#hcaphi

Infant Formula Shortage

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here is an important PSA from our friends at the Hawaii State Department of Health. Concerned parents who cannot find a formula to feel their baby can visit the new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Website: hhs.gov/formula. The site helps families find formulas during this shortage and includes manufacturer hotlines, community resources, contact information for local WIC clinics, and general guidance.

IMPORTANT:

  • Purchase only the infant formula needed in the immediate and avoid stockpiling to ensure other families have access to critical; formal for their infants.

  • Pay close attention to online retailers of infant formula to ensure they are legitimate and safe sources, especially with a possible increase of online scammers.

  • Do not make homemade infant formula, nor provide cow’s milk before the age of 1 year, as these are unsafe practices that do not provide adequate nutrition for infants.


#bewell
#staywell
#infantformula