Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Approves Hirono Provisions to Expand Health Care Access

Ka Huaka`i Mauli Ola!

Every month I have a movie date with my Aunty Shirley and Aunty Helen, both in their 80s.  I lost my own mother 11 years ago, so spending time with these precious kūpuna is a blessing.  We prolong our time together over lunch at some nearby eatery.

On our last date we ventured to a new restaurant that had just opened in Kapolei.  Hearing about my launch to a healthier self pleased my aunties because they had begun their own similar journey together this past spring.  They’ve transitioned to a plant-based diet. 

Aunty Helen ordered a grilled veggie sandwich with a side salad,  Aunty Shirley ordered marinara pasta dish also with a side salad.  They’ve become vegetarians!

Moreover, each ate half her meal and took the rest home for dinner. 

They’d confided that the change has been challenging, but with one another’s support, they’re already feeling good about their results.  Each aunty has lost more than 30 pounds.  They’ve pulled out their “Skinny Clothes” and given their old clothes away.  They no longer suffer the same aches and pains in their joints. Their overall health has vastly improved, according to their primary care physicians. 

They report that the greatest challenge has been cutting back on sweets. 

Which brings me to my Momona Moment: Since we were celebrating my birthday, they insisted that I order a dessert.  Normally, I’d love a piece of ice cream cake—more ice cream than cake—but that afternoon we ordered one slice of celebration cake to share among six of us.  And it was ‘ono!

So I got my cake and more:  a lesson on portion control, inspiration by example, kupuna wisdom, and Aunty Approval.  I am MOTIVATED! I can do this!

Tercia

fShare

Tweet

Each Monday executive director Sheri Daniels introduces a member of the POL staff. 

Tercia Ku was born in Hawai‘i, raised near Fairbanks, Alaska, graduated from Wai‘anae High School and University of Alaska, Fairbanks.  Most of her professional career has been spent in clinical research and public health settings.  She lives in a Hawaiian homestead community and is devoted to moving the needle in the Hawaiian health compass to effecting positive change.

Mirroring the health journeys of our communities, she will be sharing her personal story over the next few months.

Meet Tercia Ku.

“I love birthdays.  As long as they are someone else’s! 

I celebrated my birthday this past week.  A milestone.  Ugh.  Self-reflection. 

I feel healthy.  But according to “the experts,” I am obese (such an ugly word).

Starting the day after my birthday, I’ve committed myself to work on my daily habits:  eating better and moving more.  I am stating here and now that I commit to shed 20 pounds over the next 6 months.  Monthly, that’s 3.33 pounds and that feels manageable.  But weight isn’t everything, so I’m going to look at other metrics, too, to measure my success.

And I will be sharing my wellness journey—the triumphs and challenges—with you regularly.  I am now accountable to someone other than myself. 

I hope that you will stay connected as I document my journey to a healthier me!”

fShare

Tweet

Each Monday, executive director Sheri Daniels introduces a member of the Papa Ola Lōkahi hale.

Babette Lilinoe Galang, Traditional Healing & Complementary Health Director of Papa Ola Lōkahi, is one of six children born and raised in Kalihi where she still resides.  She enjoys working at POL, where she has been since 1997.

She also enjoys talking to people young and old, but especially with kūpuna, traditional and cultural practitioners, other native groups, and children. Babette keeps busy reading, working in the yard, shopping, eating desserts, and travelling, especially to Las Vegas where she can be found on the slots or at a Black Jack Table and eating her favorite Lappert’s Kona Coffee ice cream from the California Casino.  She enjoys eating local food as long as she doesn’t have to prepare and cook it.

Babette loves what she does and is more of an early bird than night owl; thus, you can find her in her office by 6:30am. 

Most of all, Babette hates talking about herself. Amene.

fShare

Tweet

Each Monday, executive director Sheri Daniels introduces the staff of Papa Ola Lōkahi.  Today, we feature two of our newest members, both students in public health:  Chevelle Davis (L) and Asia Olivieri (R).

Chevelle is born and raised on the Leeward side of O‘ahu in Ewa Beach and a graduate of ‘Aiea High School. She graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with her bachelor’s degree in Public Health and is currently in her second year of the Master of Public Health program focusing on Health Policy and Management. Chevelle intends to pursue her PhD in Public Health and earn a certificate in Public Administration next fall. Chevelle joined the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP) ‘ohana in September and is honored to be able to contribute to Hawaiians pursuing higher education in health care fields. When Chevelle is not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with her family or island hopping with friends. Chevelle also enjoys international travel and experiencing different cultures.  ​

Asia was raised in Kailua and graduated from Punahou.  Asia feels privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of the E Ola Mau a Mau process and to work with such a welcoming ‘ohana. Through this experience, Asia realized she loves to work in health and public policy. She is currently completing her Bachelor's in Public Health at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.  She already plans to attain a Master's in Business Administration followed by a PhD in Public Health. When Asia is not working or completing school work, she can be found playing with her dogs, volunteering for ‘āina-restoration projects, or discovering new restaurants. 

fShare

Tweet