Disease, illness, and other physical and mental difficulties are serious issues which we can prevent only with awareness, sustained dedication, and conscious effort. Part of this effort should go toward making time to unwind and take a break too. In our busy world, it's sometimes easy to make fun and personal time a low priority. In addition to healthy eating and exercise, social connections have been proven to strengthen us against illness and disease. The title of this post is a quote by ee cummings and was found on the webpage for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The CTCA offers humor therapy sessions to help cancer patients and their families use and enjoy laughter as a tool for healing. Although there is some debate in medical research as to the details and amount of benefit laughing provides in preventing and treating illness, there can be no argument that laughing decreases stress and makes us feel good. So, e mālama i kou kino and yuk it up today, and remember, "half the fun in laughter, as well as in healing, is sharing it."*For more, just web surf using "Laughter Therapy" - there are plenty of sites, but here's a small sampling:News articles:NPRABCPatch AdamsResearch articles:2007. Hayashi et al. Laughter modulates prorenin receptor gene expression in patients with type 2 diabetes.2006. Bennett and Lengacher. Humor and laughter may influence health: II.Complementary therapies and humor in a clinical population.*2003. Balick & Lee. The role of laughter in traditional medicine and its relevance to the clinical setting: healing with Ha!If you know some clean ;) jokes, websites, stories, maybe share the laughs with us on our Group page. It's about finals time, we could use some extra cheer.
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I took a short walk tonight – it was a beautiful night despite the humid and voggy conditions we’ve been having lately. I could not help but notice the Hua moon, full and bright. Well, Saturday is the night of Hoku (full moon), an important time for many activities, including planting of lāʻau, and so here is some moon-related info.Maoliworld resourcesKaulana Mahina, Maoliworld Group, created by Aunty KaleiLunar phases, video of Kalei (Tshua) Nuʻuhiwa, courtesy of Noʻeau, 2009The Native Hawaiian Moon Calendar, blog post by Jon Ching, 2008ʻIke Mahina, forum topic created by ʻOhukaniʻōhiʻa, 2008Other sources of info regarding kaulana mahinaThe Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium, Bishop MuseumThe Hawaiian Moon Calendar, Hina AdventuresLunar Days, KCCHawaiian Antiquities, David Malo, PDF, courtesy of Bishop Museum; widely available on the internet (Google Books, etc.) if you don't want to download a PDFHawaiian nights of the moon, a chapter from Maori Division of TimeEmail requests for very informative newsletters courtesy of Kalei (Tsuha) Nuʻuhiwa to hawaiianmooncalendar@yahoo.comNews articlesConnecting with the past, INPEACE perpetuates Hawaiian culture through outdoor classrooms, Honolulu Advertiser, 2008Hawaiian moon calendar, article by Paul Wood in Maui Magazine, 2006Hawaiian way is to let moon guide planting, article by Duane Choy, Honolulu Advertiser, 2005NASAThe Lunar Science Forum, July 21 – 23, 2009Picture of the century, Lunar Orbiter Image Recovery Project Update“The Moon”, Lunar and Planetary Science ProgramWhat is your experience with gardening by moon cycles? Feel free to also join us on our group page to share your stories and insight.What the heck is a "bower" and who said that quote?A bower is a "shady leafy shelter in a wood or garden", and it was William Blake (1757 – 1827) in the poem "Night"------------------------------------For those in the UH Mānoa lāʻau lapʻau classes, don't forget to review your planting notes for the final on Thursday! The resources above will help you further your knowledge of best planting times.-----------------------------------
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Raw for Thirty, whose mission it is to bring together people in a Movemement to Reverse Diabetes Naturally through the spreading of educational resources on nutrition, has named April 25th to be Reversing Diabetes Action Day *.According to the 2007 Hawai‘i Health Survey, over 90,900 people have diabetes in Hawai‘i. Although there are other factors involved, there is a well-established link between good health and decreased susceptibility to diabetes. The 2007 American Diabetes Association Position Statement is just one source that asserts that beneficial nutrition therapy is an important part of diabetes prevention and intervention: Nutrition Recommendations and Interventions for Diabetes. So on this day, we especially advocate an evaluation of diet and exercise regimens. Additionally, lā‘au lapa‘au classes can help identify other medicinal plants used for diabetes. If you're interested in learning more, check out the classes at UH Mānoa for the Fall 2009 semester. There are also a number of lā‘au lapa‘au classes offered elsewhere.*Please note that we are not endorsing any products sold by Raw for 30 or any of their affiliates. We do support an action day to reverse diabetes naturally. In addition to their website, the organization's press release is available here. Another, more well-known diabetes awareness day, World Diabetes Day, is celebrated on November 14.Finally, as we reflect on overcoming diabetes in our society, please consider lending your support to the following event:‘Ohana Concert for Janell ArakiThis is a fundraising effort to help Janell and Darren Araki in their battle against the rare disease “Calciphylaxis“ that is jeopardizing their ‘ohana. The goal is to raise awareness of Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and Calciphylaxis while raising money to help with the cost of Janell's ongoing healthcare. They hope to bring agencies and people together in an effort to combine strengths, raise awareness, overcome disease, and assist in medical treatments.This is a family event at the Aloha Tower featuring Hawai‘i's best local musicians such as: Nā Leo, Weldon Kekauoha, Kapena, Vaihi, Kupaoa, Mauna Lua, and much more . . .Lots of prizes, raffles, food, and beverages will be available. Bring the entire family and come help a very worthy cause at the same time!Sunday, May 3, 20092:00pm - 10:00pmThe Waterfront (formerly Kapono's), Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Drive$20 donation, ages 12 and Under are Free!For ticket information contact KAHAKU REIMANN @ 808-864-1638 or DARREN ARAKI @ 808-479-0606Parking Details: $5 at Aloha Tower Marketplace or across the street--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information:Name: Darren Araki or Kahaku ReimannPhone: (808) 479-0606Alternate Phone: (808) 864-1638Email: theplacetobeproductions@yahoo.comWebsite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calciphylaxis--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Information accessed at http://hawaiieventsonline.com/quicksearch.php?eventID=16082To read more:Honolulu MagazineStar BulletinExaminerK5---------------------------------------------------------------------------------More food for thought in a April 15 article from the Guardian News: Experimental stem cell treatment an alternative to insulin for diabetes
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We just received notice of this great event on campus:---------------------------------------------From the UHM Global Health and Population Studies Program:We have set up a jam-packed week's worth of events for National Public Health Week April 6th-9th, with the cross-cutting theme of health and human rights. The six main tracks of the symposium are* "Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health"* "Food Security and Nutrition"* "Violence"* "Refugee, immigrant and in-migrant health"* "Achieving universal access to health care"* "The Future of Public Health Emergencies"This free, week-long series of interactive events focuses on core areas in global health with a human rights perspective, including Native Hawaiian and indigenous health, forced migrant health, structural and domestic violence, and food security and nutrition. Our illustrious speakers include the former Director of Global Health at USAID Frederick 'Skip' Burkle, Kekuni Blaisdell, George Kent, Jon Van Dyke, Cindy Spencer and many others. Events include lectures, workshops, socials with free food and drinks, an "NGO-Off" where dozens of organizations present their work in 5 minutes a piece and documentary showings. Please see the attached fliers.Monday, April 6th:A free public health mixer with food and drinks at Dave and Buster's from 5 to 7 pm. RSVP to hpha@hawaii.rr.com. Meet and mingle with the speakers and facilitators from the symposium in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. All are welcome!Tuesday, April 7th:The interactive Symposium on Health and Human Rights will be held from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Biomed B103 at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. The 4 main themes will be Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health, Food Security and Nutrition, Refugee/Immigrant/In-migrant health, and Violence. The symposium will be filmed by award winning documentary writer/director/producer Danny Miller.1. Four keynote speakers will speak from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. about the main themes, including noted human rights author and professor Dr. George Kent, the Domestic Violence Action Center’s Cindy Spencer, Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell and Professor Jon Van Dyke.2. The “NGO-Off!” (Non-Governmental Organization) - From 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., 12 representatives from local and international organizations will talk about their programs, all of which are active in human rights issues related to public health in Hawaii and internationally, and how audience members can get involved. Each organization will have 5 minutes to make their case and will be escorted off stage if they go over time. The atmosphere will be fast-paced, informal and fun. Organizations include the Peace Corps, the Immigrant Justice Center, the Spark Matsunaga Institute for Peace, the Hawaii Institute for Human Rights, Friends of Samoa, Amnesty International, the UN Association of Hawaii, Ma'o Farms and many others. Refreshments will be provided.3. Interactive breakout workshops – A large spread of food from Kristy’s Kitchen will be served, and participants will break down into 4 interactive workgroups based around the main themes in Biomed D207, T208, T211 and C104 to eat and brainstorm opportunities for continuing action. Each group will have 2 facilitators, and will focus on at least one collective local and international action to improve health through a rights-based approach. Our accomplished facilitators include Kawika Liu, Jody Leslie, Nancy Partika, Friends of Samoa, Jennifer Rose, Joshua Cooper, John Robert Egan and Nicole Littenberg.Wednesday, April 8th:Reverend Jory Watland, former Director and co-founder of Kokua Kalihi Valley, will talk about the need for universal access to comprehensive health care in Hawaii and the United States at 5:30 p.m. Following his talk, 2 documentaries (Sick Around the World, Together We Are Stong) will be shown. Large quantities of popcorn will be distributed to all.Thursday, April 9th:Harvard Humanitarian Scholar, former Director of Global Health at USAID and Woodrow Wilson Senior International Fellow Dr. Frederick ‘Skip’ Burkle will deliver the closing speech, wrapping up the underlying conference themes and looking toward the future. Following the closing talk, 2 documentaries will be shown: Seeds of Hope and Unnatural Causes.--------------------------------------In addition to the 20 cosponsors, 12 presenting groups, 8 facilitators and 6 keynote speakers, approximately 10 organizations with mandates related to health and human rights will have tables in B court. Parking refunds will be provided to the first 60 community members and invited organizations to arrive on Tuesday. RSVP to kcoontz@hawaii.edu.Kristopher M CoontzProgram AdministratorGlobal Health and Population Studies ProgramOffice of Public Health SciencesUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
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