Fall 2018 | Volume 94, Issue I | Honolulu, Hawai‘i | A Voice for Students Since 1923
Health and Wellness at ‘Iolani School At many top college-preparatory schools, maintaining mental and physical health often comes second to upholding high academic standards. This issue of Imua brings attention to the importance of health and wellness, from warning signs of mental or physical instability to a deeper look into some of today’s most prevalent topics in youth and young adult health. Recently, ‘Iolani has taken steps to protect student health with a new rule on e-cigarettes and vaping devices, as well as to promote healthier choices.
What Juul Need to Know About Vaping // Pg. 2-3
What Juul Need to Know About Vaping BY Alisha Churma ’19 & Eve Huddleston ’19 ‘Iolani School’s New Policy Towards E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices
The use of e-cigarettes among high school students has increased eightfold between 2011 and 2017. On September 12, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared youth vaping an “epidemic” with more than two million middle school, high school and college students using batterypowered devices to heat liquid-based nicotine into an inhalable vapor. “This year there was kind of a convergence of focus on this issue,” said Head of School Dr. Timothy Cottrell. On September 18, the Interim Upper School Dean of Students, Mr. Erik Yamamoto, announced to the Upper School student body the addition of e-cigarettes and vaporizers in the online Family Handbook. Mr. Yamamoto emailed students explaining, “Having any e-cigarette or vaping device on the ‘Iolani School campus, whether in use or not, will result in a minimum of disciplinary probation and may result, under certain circumstances, in dismissal from the school.” Based on the rise in e-cigarette and vaporizer use, ‘Iolani School has revised its rule specifically to include these devices to reflect the severity of the health concerns associated with vaping. The school hopes the new editions will express that vaping warrants serious consequences. “If someone walked through campus . . . carrying a bottle of tequila…you’d be shocked,” said Mr. Yamamoto. “I don’t think [vaping] elicits the same type of reaction in people’s heads, socially and culturally. So by re-focusing the rule and making it very public … our hope in telling students and families is that yes, we actually see it in that same line. The consequences of breaking the new rules vary. “From the get-go, you’re looking at minimum disciplinary probation,” said Mr. Yamamoto. “But depending
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on the severity of the case, you could even be looking at expulsion, primarily if you’re distributing it, meaning that it’s not just you trying to harm your own health but you’re actually hurting someone else.” These rules extend to any school event, including Class Day, Senior Camp and proms and even to areas around the school, not on campus. “Ala Wai parking lot is not school property,” said Mr. Yamamoto. “But if caught, our rules are written so that, depending on the case, we can still stretch our jurisdiction.” If there is valid suspicion, the school even has the right to search an individual’s bag. While vaping is banned at ‘Iolani School, it is also illegal in the state of Hawaii to vape under the age of 21.
What is Vaping? According to the Center for Disease Control, “e-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals that help make the aerosol.” Vaping can be especially dangerous because it is possible for e-cigarettes and vaporizers to deliver marijuana and other drugs. The aerosol exhaled in vaping contains harmful substances such as cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, ultrafine particles, and nicotine, an addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. The myth that e-cigarettes are healthier than regular cigarettes must be discredited. For a heavy smokers trying to quit, using an e-cigarette may be a healthier alternative than a traditional cigarette; however, for a teenager who has never smoked before, using an e-cigarette opens the body to addictive nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals. Nicotine, especially in a teenager’s still-developing brain, can cause addictive traits not only toward nicotine, but toward other drugs, and can lead to mental and physical problems later in life.
Vaping in Teens The rise in teen vaping can be partly attributed to advertisements. According to the Center on Addiction, it is illegal for tobacco companies to advertise to adolescents, but the laws do not apply to e-cigarettes. In 2016, an estimated four out of five middle schoolers were exposed to e-cigarette advertisements. Another attraction for underaged clients is the flavors of e-cigarettes and other vaping products. To deter young people from smoking or vaping, the United States Food and Drug Administration banned flavored cigarettes. The CDC ranks the e-cigarette as the most commonly used nicotine-delivery product among U.S. youth, with minors more likely than adults to use these devices.
Steps to a Vape-Free Campus
To educate students on the harmful effects of vaping and to prevent the act altogether, ‘Iolani School has created lessons on vaping in various Health, Guidance, and advisory classes in sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth grades. Mr. Reid Sagawa, ‘Iolani Health Education Coordinator said, “We want students to know that [vaping] is not necessarily just an ‘Iolani issue, but a larger statewide and national problem as well. No matter what school you go to or where you live, it’s out in the community all around you.” The school will also install in the student bathrooms technology that detects gases emitted while vaping. This change is expected to happen within the course of the 2018-2019 school year. “My hope is that the policy will create an atmosphere where, peer to peer, students would help each other understand risk behaviors,” said Dr. Cottrell. “Ultimately, our goal for the policy is to benefit the health and wellbeing of the students.”
Teen E-Cigarette Use in the Past Month
Sources of Teen Exposure to E- Cigarettes and Vaping 52.8%
56.3% 42.9%
35.8%
Retail Ads
Internet Ads
34.1%
38.4%
TV/ Movie Ads
25.0%
35.6%
Newspaper & Magazine Ads
= High School Students
= Middle School Students
8th Graders
10th Graders
9.5%
14.0%
12th Graders
16.2%
Contents of E-Cigarettes, as Reported by Teens Don’t Know/ Other
Nicotine
15.0%
13.2%
Just Flavoring
66.0%
Marijuana
5.8%
Harmful Substances in E-Cigarette Aerosol
Cancer-Causing Chemicals
Volatile Organic Compounds
Nicotine Heavy Metals (Lead, Tin, Nickel)
Ultrafine Particles Flavorings Linked to Lung Disease
Statistics and Information from Center for Disease Control and National Institute on Drug Abuse. Background Photo Courtesy of Taylor Kiehm ’19
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Feeling Thirsty? The Effects of a Water Diet BY Channah Garcia ’20
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any people who want to lose weight or live healthier try different “trending” diets. The Mediterranean diet, the flexible vegetarian diet, and the water diet are the top three trending diets in 2018. For Tyler Udarbe ’19, the water diet sounded simple, so he decided to try it for one week. “I was eating many unhealthy foods and gaining weight,” said Udarbe. Water dieting, another form of fasting, requires people not to eat or drink anything besides water. While this may sound benign, a water diet does have its risks. This new diet deprives one’s body of much needed nutrients, vitamins, and minerals – all of which are crucial to one’s survival. Given that the recommended caloric intake for teenagers is between 1800 to 2200 calories each day and one’s brain needs at least 130 grams of carbohydrates per day to survive, the water diet has raised some eyebrows. “You’re not going to get that from water because water is just water. It’s not nutrients,” said Ms. Louise Inafuku, certified athletic trainer and registered dietitian. Director of Health Services Mrs.Shannon Yonamine, RN agrees. “The risks of a water diet is much
higher than any other diet because of how extreme it is,” she said. By not providing one’s body with the things it needs, “you’re almost sending your body into a false ‘panic mode.’” When practiced over long periods of time, vital organs begin to go into “hibernation mode” because of their lack of use. Depriving one’s body of food also affects the brain and metabolic rate. “You need a minimum amount of carbohydrates for your brain to operate – to study, to think, to take tests,” said Ms. Inafuku. “Without any carbs in your body, you’re not going to be able to do any of those things.” Udarbe experienced these symptoms, saying, “Being on a water diet affected how much energy I had during class. Sometimes, I struggled to pay attention or stay awake.” Other symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. Other fads, such as the Cinnamon Challenge, an Internet dare game that went viral, sent hundreds of people to the emergency room after they ingested a tablespoon of cinnamon powder in 60 seconds without liquids. While the water diet also has its risks, it has benefits too, including treating hypertension and short-term
weight loss. A National Institutes of Health study in 2002 noted a medically supervised water diet helped to normalize blood pressure in 90 percent of its subjects. Overall, the cons outweigh the pros. Mrs. Yonamine and Ms. Inafuku do not recommend that ‘Iolani students and athletes try a water diet. “[The water diet] may be a great fad, but so was the Cinnamon Challenge. And people wound up in the ER and ICU,” said Mrs. Yonamine.
Daily Amount of 24 oz Water Bottles Recommended Intake
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Tyler’s Intake
From the Grapefruit Diet in the 1930s to the revamped Atkins Diet in 2016, diets have always been viewed as the answer to weight loss and leading healthier lives. The liquid diet, which was introduced to the world by Oprah Winfrey, ranges from juice cleanses to clear liquid diets. From its original debut in 1988, liquid diets have garnered much attention as well as criticism. Read on about the positives and negatives of these two
The H2O 2.0 Diet: Juice Cleanse Benefits BY Cameron Maeda ’19
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Health benefits of some cold-pressed juice ingredients
lemon
c i tr u s
n
burns fat deposits
u ts
almond post-workout protein boost
celery
gr e e ns
magine drinking a blend of fruits, nuts, and vegetables with nothing else but the exception of water for an entire day, maybe even a whole week. No meat, no rice, no solids. This diet is otherwise known as a juice cleanse – the healthier alternative to the water diet. “Although water is considered to be the healthiest liquid, that doesn’t necessarily mean that consuming just water is the healthiest diet,” said Missy Uehara `19, a fan of cold-pressed juices. “There are certain nutrients that the body needs that cannot be found in water. Juice cleanses are good for people who want to fast, because at least they get the nutrients their bodies need.” Those partaking in a juice cleanse are typically attempting to detoxify their bodies and replace impurities in the bloodstream with healthy nutrients. While juice cleansing, dieters will consume cold-pressed juices. These specially-made juices are extracted from fruits and vegetables using a hydraulic press as opposed to a centrifugal machine. Centrifugal machines operate with a fast-spinning blade that processes the fruits and vegetables, leaving a juice behind. According to the Huffington Post, “The problem with centrifugal juicers is that the fast-spinning metal blade generates heat, which destroys some of the enzymes in the fruits and vegetables. The heat also oxidizes those nutrients, rendering less nutritious juice than a cold-press juicer.” In order to get the most nutrients out of a juice, hydraulic presses tend to work as one of the best ways to obtain the best quality juice. “I’d recommend juice cleansing for those willing to try it out,” said Uehara. “[The cold-pressed juices] didn’t taste
reduces inflammation all that bad, either. I had a strawberry almond drink. It didn’t taste like a strawberry smoothie or anything; I actually liked it better. [The juice] didn’t taste super artificial or processed, so it didn’t have that super sweet after taste. It just tasted like strawberries and almonds–exactly what you’d expect!”
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Heat Exhaustion: Pass Out! BY Jayson Guo ’21 & Jack Radio ’23
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icture this: You are going to spend a day at the beach with your friends. You brought snacks, towels, and anything you could possibly need, except for one thing: a water bottle. After some time in the sun, you will likely start to feel dizzy and sick. Hello, heat exhaustion! Heat exhaustion occurs when the human body fails to regulate its temperature due to extreme heat, often accompanied by dehydration and physical activity. Perhaps due to global warming, heat exhaustion is more prevalent now than it has ever been. Many fail to predict when heat exhaustion will strike because it often evolves from normal symptoms. According to ‘Iolani Certified Athletic Trainer Mr. Garvin Tsuji, disorientation, dizziness, and extreme lethargy are some of the symptoms that distinguish heat exhaustion from
Heat exhaustion, if left untreated, could become heat stroke, and the step after that is death.” - Mr. Garvin Tsuji Certified Athletic Trainer
ordinary exhaustion. Additionally, Mr. Tsuji noted that dry, hot skin, resulting from the inability to sweat, is a telltale sign of a medical emergency. It’s essential that victims of heat exhaustion waste no time in getting help. The tendency of many sufferers to trivialize and ignore their symptoms only puts them at greater risk. “Heat exhaustion, if left untreated, could become heat stroke, and the step after that is death,” said Mr. Tsuji. In fact, a string of fatal heat-induced accidents on the mainland persuaded ʻIolani School to follow heatexhaustion-prevention guidelines put forth by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Education plays a big part
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in making sure that these standards are met. This means that coaches, trainers, and teachers must make sure that students know how important it is to hydrate and not skip meals. Still, not every student keeps these warnings in mind. Shortly after running the ILH cross country meet at Kapolei, ‘Iolani Girls JV Cross Country runner Meimei Bayman ’21 fell into a state of unconsciousness. She woke up in her coach’s arms, unable to remember what had happened. What she would remember, however, was never to prepare so poorly for a race again. “I was way too lazy to get my water bottle from my locker the day before, so I didn’t drink any water the entire day,” said Bayman. “I didn’t get a good warmup or rest before the race either because I heard it was mostly downhill and would be super easy.” Bayman was not the only runner to fall victim to heat exhaustion that day. She recalled passing by several runners who “stopped and were throwing up.” This should not have come as a surprise, considering temperatures that day reached a high of 90 degrees. “The weather dictates a lot of things that are out of our control,” said Mr. Tsuji. The weather is such a powerful force that it victimizes even those who are not participating in strenuous physical activity. In fact avid beachgoers frequently suffer symptoms of heat exhaustion just lying in the sand. Whether racing to the finish line or to the lunch line, one would be wise to remain wary of heat exhaustion and its symptoms. At the first sign of danger, make your way to the Wellness Center. Or, if it’s past lunch, visit the Athletic Training Room, where Mr. Tsuji promises you’ll be appropriately cared for. However, he insists that students have the capacity to deal with the problem on their own. “[Heat exhaustion] is the most preventable condition,” said Mr. Tsuji. “If you hydrate properly, don’t skip meals, take care of your body, and recognize the weather conditions, it should [never] happen.”
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
1. Faint or dizzy 2. Excessize sweating 3. Pale or clammy skin 4. Nausea or vomiting 5. Rapid or weak pulse 6. Muscle cramps
The Healing Power of Music BY Austin Lam ’20
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rom BTS, to Lana Del Ray and Frank Ocean, music makes people dance, cry, and relax. Music has the ability to impact how people feel, which directly correlates to a person’s mental health and wellness. Although healing people with music may seem like it is in the same realm as crystals, burning sage and releasing chakras, scientific evidence has proven that it is indeed legitimate. “Music can make people happier and healthier and create a more peaceful world,” says Orchestra Director Mrs. Joan Wehrman. Mrs. Werhman has a deep passion for the science behind the healing power of music. She stresses that music has the power to help people relax. People’s brain have four distinct brain wave patterns: alpha, beta, theta, and delta. (Don’t worry about theta and delta because they’re mostly meditative states and sleeping.) Most people live their lives in a state of primarily beta brain waves — aroused, alert, focused, but somewhat stressed. Certain frequencies can slow your
brain waves into alpha, a state between consciousness and unconsciousness. People are able to think differently and become more relaxed in this state of mind, which is why music is so beneficial to one’s mental health.
Whenever I’m alone, at least I’d have music.”
- Annie Heinze ’20
Because music has the power to literally make people happier and healthier, it is no surprise that students use it as a means of escape. Many in the Class of 2020 know of their fellow classmate, Annie Heinze, and her musical and vocal prowess. When Heinze was three or four, she began learning to play the violin. It never really resonated with her, but her mother always told her to keep at it. “My mom wanted me to learn [the violin] because whenever I’m alone, at
least I’d have music,” said Heinze. Although she couldn’t see it at the time, Heinze’s mediocre experience with the violin opened doors and ultimately led her to discover her love for singing and playing the guitar. Heinze believes students should set aside a little part of each day for themselves to unwind from the stresses and unwanted drama of school. Naturally, music helps her accomplish this. By learning new songs, Heinze sets mini goals for herself, separate from academics. “Rather than competing with other people for good grades, I compete with myself,” said Heinze. Many other students, like Heinze, use music as a means of escape from life’s stresses. It’s paradoxical for students to maintain their mental health and wellness while attending a school known to be stress inducing. Fortunately, music is a perfect antidote to combat the stresses, anxieties and dramas of life – in and outside of ‘Iolani School.
Besides singing and playing the guitar, Annie Heinze ’19 likes playing the ukulele.
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L EL
W ILLNESS The words “health” and “wellness” are so commonly attached to each other that one might mistake the two for being interchangeable. However, that is not the case: Health is a state, whereas wellness is an active pursuit. In other words, wellness is the means by which one pursues the ultimate goal of health. A lifestyle characterized by wellness seeks balance in multiple facets of life, whether they be social, intellectual, or physical. From providing students with numerous opportunities that stretch their imaginations and allow them to discover their passions, to building new relationships and making healthy choices, ‘Iolani School works tirelessly to foster the many elements of wellness in its community.
INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS BY Catie Kaneshiro ’20
Gathered around the intricate metal robot in the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, students peer into the mass of wires and parts. In the background, a saw mill whirrs loudly, shooting sparks as it cuts through a metal pipe. Mentored by upperclassmen, the teams, ranging in age from seventh graders to seniors, build robots that fulfill specific tasks. Classes such as Robotics foster intellectual wellness, engaging students in creative and mentally-stimulating activities. In Lower School, fourth graders travel to the Big Island to learn about its flora, fauna, geography and history. Sixth graders make history come alive at Medieval Faire and undertake a space mission at the Challenger Center. In Upper School, students are free to choose academic and elective options.
Different levels, including honors and regular tracks of study, allow students to learn and progress at their own pace. Advanced Placement classes are also available to those who want to challenge themselves. Students can attend a diverse range of classes, from Shakespeare to Design 3D, to expand their knowledge and skills. Over 75 clubs beckon students to follow their interests and make new friends. “‘Iolani does a really good job of trying to personalize education. We make sure to do our best and customize what our students are learning,” said Dean of Upper School Dr. Aster Chin. “That’s the benefit of being in a private school. We can offer a more indepth study in areas where students are really interested.”
Pursuing Wellness: Some time management strategies to improve your quality of life! BY Sage Kanemaru ’20
- Turn your phone off - Work in a noise-free location - Listen to soft, calming genres of music
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- Write down due dates in a - Don’t overload on AP and calendar or planner Honors courses - Set mini-goals and daily - Be sure that you can put in the checkpoints effort a course requires before - Don’t procrastinate signing up
SOCIAL WELLNESS BY Catie Kaneshiro ’20
Strong, reliable friendships and relations with faculty and staff can provide an unshakable support during difficult times. Social wellness refers to these relationships and how people interact with others. Schools that support social wellness provide better health and educational outcomes for its students; they tend to excel in school and possess strong communication skills. The Lower School’s nurturing environment promotes a safe place to develop social and emotional wellness. “Our motto here is we know our students and they know we care,” said Dean of Lower School Mrs. Linda Look. “We feel that if the students feel cared for, then they will be happy to come to school.” Transitioning from Lower to Upper School is a big change, and many new students enter ‘Iolani School during this
time. English teacher Ms. Leslie Evans helps smooth the transition by holding ‘Lunch Bunch’ gatherings. During lunch, Ms. Evans opens her classroom and provides students with an open space to interact and form connections with other classmates. “I always have tons of games. When students start playing Twister, Uno, or Connect Four, it’s just the best thing in the world,” Ms. Evans said. At ‘Iolani School, counselors and professionals provide advice and implement practices that help students process and learn from challenging encounters. “Being a teen in this day and age can be challenging,” said Director of Counseling Ms. Vicki Higashihara. “It takes a team to help out a child in need. The [counseling] team is a vital part in helping to guide students toward success.”
PHYSICAL WELLNESS BY Sam Rivers ’19
With schoolwork and responsibilities constantly piling up, devoting attention to making healthy choices like exercising and eating right can often take a back seat to the daily demands in one’s life. Even if one is savvy about nutrition and fitness, making healthy choices a top priority is not easy. That is why ‘Iolani School has collaborated with organizations such as Sodexo, HMSA, the Blue Zones Project, and the Farmer’s Market that are making healthy choices easier at ‘Iolani School and across the state. Serving delicious and affordable meals, Sodexo, along with Fresh Connections Cart and the newly installed healthy vending machines, have set standards to help students, staff and faculty identify foods that nourish the body. Sodexo’s approach to wellness is reflected in the Mindful Program, which balances three components of wellness – eating, living, and community.
The Blue Zone Project upholds the key concepts of Dan Buettner’s “Power 9,” or nine basic principles for living a longer, healthier and ultimately happier life, defined by having a life purpose, mindful eating, destressing and more. As a designated Blue Zone Project worksite, ‘Iolani School is committed to offering solutions to inspire employee health and happiness. One solution is for ‘Iolani staff and faculty to join a “moai,” or social support and fitness group, to encourage an active lifestyle and forge supportive relationships between colleagues. Another is to encourage healthy eating by making healthy foods easily accessible to the school community. The Farmer’s Market, held every Wednesday afternoon at the Weinberg Snack Bar lanai, offers an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, full of nutritious benefits and ready to grab-and-go!
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Video Games: Stress Controllers? BY Daniel Cho ’22 & Joseph Pang ’21
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laying video games has been a subject of great controversy due to its seemingly negative effect on teenagers’ lives and mental health. Concerned parents see gaming as a waste of time, teachers consider it a distraction, and following the school shootings and other violent occurrences, lawmakers have targeted video games as negatively influencing young people’s behaviors. While video games may sometimes be violent, time-consuming, and encourage aggressive behavior, they have been shown to improve mental health and serve as an outlet to relieve stress. When defending video games, one may question whether it is healthy or not. More specifically, do video games relieve stress? Studies show that video games indeed provide relief from stress. In a 2010 Texas A&M study, young adults were given a video game where they played either the protagonist or antagonist. The study’s outcome was shocking, for it revealed the helpfulness of video games. “The results of this study suggested that violent games reduce depression and hostile feelings in players through mood management,” said Texas A&M Associate Professor Dr. Christopher J. Ferguson. Dr. Ferguson added that, if used properly, video games could be used to work through stress caused by real life situations. A study published at Oxford University in 2014 by behavioral scientist Dr. Andrew K. Przybylski
We can forget about stressful things and enjoy the time during one or two hours of playing games.” - James Kim ’20
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Residential Life students Ken Gao ’22 and Kevin Wang ’22 play a video game in the Common Room.
showed that students who played one hour of video games were more optimistic and social in life than those who did not play at all. On the other side of the spectrum, children who played more than one hour a day were less optimistic and more hyperactive compared to their non-gamer peers. Study outcomes have revealed that playing video games is indeed healthy when played in conservative amounts. In addition to relieving stress, video games have proven to boost social skills, especially when one plays with others. ‘Iolani’s Residential Life dormitory members provided insight into how video games can help develop social skills among the students. Several students explained that they have become more sociable and outgoing by playing games with each other. “Playing games together in the Common Room definitely brings us together because we all play the same games, like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Minecraft, and we sometimes compete with each other, so it makes us more communicative,” said dorm student Andrew Park ’22. The Common Room is well supplied with gaming equipment so the dorm students can hang out
during their free time. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center study of teens, ages 13-17, 36 percent of teenagers who spent their free time playing video games made a new friend through networked video games. Mr. Kevin Tomisato, ‘Iolani events coordinator and Residential Life house parent, attests that “playing video games gives you time to relax and enjoy the company of your fellow students. You don’t have to think about your homework and school.” Besides the social benefits, playing video games can relieve stress among ‘Iolani students. While playing games, students tend to receive support from their friends for coping with the tremendous amounts of assigned work and stress. The Residential Life students added the short break of playing games helped them better concentrate on their studies. The benefits of playing video games should be considered before hastily concluding that video games are harmful to the health of students. Video games are an enjoyable outlet for stress-intolerant students. Abandon the stereotypes about video games and jump into the social-network games!
Stress > Ability to Cope = Depression
BY Eve Huddleston ’19
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nnual checkups with a primary care physician and biannual checkups with the dentist are common practice, yet the same standards do not exist for mental health.Adolescence is a time of change, growth, and psychological adjustment. In addition to being a formative time, it is a stressful one as teens strive to meet academic and social expectations. While occasional stress can be motivating, long-term stress can lead to serious consequences. Depression is a negative view of oneself, the world, and one’s future for more days than not, and more hours a day than not.
Hidden Symptoms
Parents can easily miss the symptoms of depression and attribute them to fitting the stereotype of a moody teenager; however, what may cause this oversight is a misunderstanding of depression in adolescents. Adolescent depression is not the same as adult depression. Parents may not recognize their child is suffering from depression because they do not see the stereotypical image of a sad and withdrawn child. What parents should be looking for is irritable and angry behavior, the most common moods in a depressed teen. A teen who suffers from depression may complain of unexplained aches and pains, such as stomach aches or headaches. Depressed teens frequently have feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely sensitive to criticism. Similar to adults, depressed teens may withdraw; however, they withdraw from some, but not all people. While distancing themselves from adult figures, such as parents, they may seek comfort in a close group of friends.
Depression Bedfellow: Anxiety
In many cases, depression begins with anxiety. Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the United States, affecting almost one-third of adults and adolescents. However, anxiety is often overlooked
because everyone, to some extent, suffers from anxiety. There is an evolutionary purpose behind anxiety: to survive, one must be able to detect and avoid danger. For highly anxious people, however, this fightor-flight response perceives threats as disproportionately dangerous. Today’s adolescents are especially susceptible to anxiety and depression. Growing up in an age of technology has opened the world to this rising generation, but technology has also
Depression increases a teen’s risk for attempting suicide
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increased the pressure of competition. Social media pages portray the best parts of a person’s life. An Instagram feed or Snapchat story shows what the user wants the world to see. Adolescents scrolling through these highlights find it nearly impossible not to compare their lives to this facade. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” “The pace of life has increased the demands and the pressure to do well,” said ‘Iolani Director of Social and Emotional Health Dr. Jeffrey Stern. The competition for excellence has students believing what they are doing will never be enough. They could be taking another AP class, running for class president, or training harder to earn a state title in a sport. The competitive desire to be accepted into a good college, especially at ‘Iolani School, is a constant pressure.
‘Iolani School’s Approach to a Healthy Community
‘Iolani School, however, is taking precautionary actions: mental health education in ninth-grade Health classes, the schedule change from eight to six periods a day, and the flexibility for
students to move a test if they have more than two in a day. “Generally, we try to promote a school environment that is active and vibrant as a preventive strategy,” said Dr. Stern. “By engaging students to express themselves in their academic work as well as in their athletic endeavors, they can process emotion in a healthy way.” Besides the support from gradelevel counselors and Dr. Stern, ‘Iolani School supports students academically. “If a student is struggling and doesn’t get academics, they are the ones who end up dropping out of school. But at ‘Iolani, if a student is struggling academically, a little alarm goes off,” said Dr. Stern. “Information goes out to people who can help . . . who say, let’s put this person in mandatory help . . . Let’s talk to the parents. Do they have a quiet place at home that they can get their work done? All of that happens here so they don’t have academic failure, which often results in depression.” The hard part is asking yourself if you are depressed. Be wary of online quizzes asking, “Are you depressed?” Dr. Stern added. “If you are in the place where you are investigating that, you need to talk to someone.” A first step is to reach out to family or friends or someone in the ‘Iolani community, including Dr. Stern or grade-level counselors. Community resources include the Mental Health Crisis Line, 808-832-3100, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. “Depression is not unusual, given the stress students are under,” said Dr. Stern. “What is important is they need to know there are things they can do about depression.”
3 out of 5 teens with depression
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Study Break
Cartoon by Kyra Tan ’19
CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ALISHA CHURMA EVE HUDDLESTON PRINT COPY EDITOR CHANNAH GARCIA ONLINE COPY EDITOR JAYSON GUO
ONLINE SPORTS EDITOR LIAM MONAHAN ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR CATIE KANESHIRO SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS CAMERON MAEDA STEPHANIE WANG
STAFF SHERIE AGCAOILI SKYE BULMAN DANIEL CHO AUSTIN LAM MAYURI NATSU TREYJAN OSHIRO JOSEPH PANG JACK RADIO IAN STONE MERYNN YAMANE
CLUB LIASON ALEC TAM
CARTOONIST KYRA TAN
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER TAYLOR KIEHM
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR MS. YUKI BASSO
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SAGE KANEMARU SAM RIVERS
ADVISORS MRS. LAURIE CHANG MS. JENNA TAMASHIRO