Let Get A Healthy Lifestyle Together

It is an honor for me to kick off National Men’s Health Week for Kauai and Niihau!

Building a strong, resilient and healthy community has been the cornerstone of my administration. Our Holo Holo 2020 program embraces health and wellness in so many ways:

The Holo Holo 2020 vision calls for all organizations, businesses, residents and visitors on Kaua’i to be part of creating an island that is sustainable, values our native culture, has a thriving and healthy economy, cares for all — keiki to kupuna — and has a responsible and user-friendly local government.

Let’s face it: if our health suffers, all areas of our life are affected. It’s a responsibility of each and every one of us to take ownership for creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When I was growing up, it was much easier to stay physically fit. We walked or biked almost everywhere. Much of our food came from local farms and ranches. Our recreation consisted of running, hiking and swimming. Electronic entertainment was not a distraction from good, old fashioned exercise.

I feel fortunate to have grown up as I did, in the ranching town of Kealia, and I’m committed to making these healthy lifestyle choices much easier for people of all generations to access.
Although Hawaii is a relatively healthy state, we have many challenges. Men in Hawaii are less healthy than women in many ways. According to the Hawaii Health Survey of 2010, there is a much greater prevalence of obesity, asthma, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and hypertension among men versus women.
So, let’s get up and moving guys! Let’s take control of what we’re eating and what we’re doing and commit to making healthier choices today every day moving forward!

And here’s a great start: Join us on Saturday, June 22 for the fifth annual Kauai “Mayor a Thon.” You’ll join hundreds of residents and visitors in a brisk walk, jog or bike ride on Ke Ala Hele Makalae, starting at Kapaa Beach Park.

When you’re pau, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy breakfast, great fellowship, and the satisfaction of knowing you did something positive for yourself and your ‘ohana!

In the words of my good friend, Bev Brody, let’s “Get Fit” Kauai!

Sleep Well For Healthy Lifestyle [Guide]

            Here is what i thought to make the most of your wakeful hours you have to sleep well. Insomnia has been a common lifestyle problem and the numerous distractions of the modern world aid in breaking the natural sleeping cycle. While minimum 8 hours of sleep is commonly recommended for a healthy lifestyle, many of us manage just about 6 hours daily. The recurring insomnia can be attributed to distracting electronic devices, bad eating habits and a lack of routine.




Here are some keys to a healthy sleep:

1. Sleep routine: Make sure you go to bed at the same time everyday and wake up at the same time everyday. Do this for a week without a break and you will find yourself automatically adjusting to those timings.
 
2. Eat right: The most important aspect of eating right to sleep tight is to eat dinner atleast 2 hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol and caffeine before going to bed because they will interfere with your sleep. Keep your dinner light to avoid feeling uncomfortable at night.

3. Warm shower: Make a bed time routine that will help you physically relax. A hot shower just before bed will relax your muscles and help you slip into sleep very easily.

4. Stay away from electronics: Electronic devices are one of the most common causes of unhealthy sleep. Avoid plugging in earphones when trying to sleep or fidgeting with your phone. Try to keep your television outside the bedroom as it takes away from the sanctity of your sleeping room.

5. Limit nap times: Avoid taking naps during the day as they break your sleep cycle make it difficult to fall asleep at night. At best, take power naps, of 10 – 15 minutes if you feel tired during the day.

Read more at: http://goodtimes.ndtv.com/News_Details.aspx?SubcatDetails=Features,860&cp

National Men's Healthy Weeks [10-16 June]

                    National Men's Health Week is a special awareness period first recognized by Congress in 1994 and celebrated around the globe since 2002. The goal is to educate men, boys, and those who love them about preventable health problems and to encourage them to get more actively involved in their own health care. Early detection and treatment save lives. Men's Health Week is always the week that ends on Father's Day. This year, it's June 10-16.


                 "We invite all men to take advantage of the many health screenings and other health directed activities, that are taking place in their communities during the National Men's Health Week, if not for their own sake, then out of love and caring for their families," said Ana Fadich, MHN Vice President. "Healthier men lead to stronger and happier families."

                  Men's Health Week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.

                 Additional support for this awareness period comes from the governors and mayors who declare Men's Health Week in their states and cities. Copies of proclamations from Governors and Mayors can be found at www.menshealthmonth.org

               "A visit to a physician is for many men almost a religious experience, " said David M. Parrack, D.O., FACOS, Men's Health Network Advisor / Chair of Surgery & Anesthesia Midwestern University Glendale Arizona. "Pride and fear keep them silent about their health issues until they are suddenly faced with a life-threatening problem. Men's health education based upon a combination of a healthier life-style related to diet and exercise as well as regular physician visits and preventative treatments will be the secret to effecting major changes in men's quality of life and long term survival."

                Men's Health Week is organized by Men's Health Network (MHN), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.