28 minute read
CELEBRATE THE SEASON KAUAI STYLE
Celebrate the Season Kaua i Style
November 12 Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run
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7am to 11am at Anne Knudsen Park 5K, 10K, 10-mile runs and noncompetitive 5K walk oldkoloasugarmillrun.org
November 18 - November 27 Hawaii Children’s Theatre presents Seussical
War Memorial Convention Hall For tickets, visit HawaiianChildrensTheatre.org Or call 808-246-8985
November 20 Dover String Quartet performs on Kauai
Saint Michael’s, Lihue Adults $40/ Students $15. Tickets at Kauai-Concert.org
December 2 Lights on Rice Street Parade 6pm-8pm
Downtown Lihue 6:00pm Parade starts at 6pm and starts from the Vidinha Stadium and travels up Rice Street to the Historic County Building. Get there early for best seats and bring a chair and please pick up your trash after the parade.
December 3 Flip The Switch at Hofgaard Park
See Waimea Town Light Up! 6:30pm Mayor Kawakami will flip the switch to power on Waimea Town with festive lights. Tsunami Taiko, DC Fire Knife and a visit by Santa for free picture taking will help herald in the holiday season! FREE activities for the keiki.
November 24 5k Turkey Trot and 9 Hole Turkey Shoot
6:00am-10:00am; 7:00am tee time Ocean Course Hokuala Get a healthy start to your Thanksgiving Day. A fun family friendly run, walk or trot on the beautiful Hokuala grounds. Register online downtownlihue.com/turkeytrot
November 27 30th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort, Lihue FREE 1:00pm-5:00pm
December 10 9th Annual Kauai’s Breakfast with Santa
Gaylords at Kilohana 8:00am-10:00am *By Reservations Only; Call 808-639-5656 Full Breakfast Buffet, Visit with Santa, Storytelling with a gift from Santa, Train Ride discounts, Cookie Decorating, Crafts, Live Entertainment. Catered by Contemporary Flavors. All Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Kauai Advanced ticket purchases required. Cost: $20 per Child. $22 per Adult Seating is Limited. email: info@KauaiFamilyMagazine.com
November & December
Note: Dates & Times May Change Without Notice. Please Contact First To Confirm
PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY familyi KAU A'I
December 10 Kauai Made Holly Jolly Holiday Fair
10:00am- 2:00pm Sheraton Coconut Beach Get a jump start on our website at kauaimade.net
December 16 & 18 Weekend Winterland
Mini-Night Light Parades will travel through westside neighborhoods Hanapepe/Ele’ele December 16 Kekaha December 18
December 17 Annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade
Electrified FUN! 6:30 PM FREE From illuminated floats to glo-stick marching units you'll see the westside community full of holiday cheer! The annual Waimea Light Parade travels down Main Street at 6:30 pm and ends at Hofgaard Park with a holiday concert featuring Kaua'i Kollab in the center of town! The Waimea Bridge will close at 5:00pm and reopen at 8:00pm. Both the parade and concert are FREE.
December 18 Photos with Santa (and his horses)
2:30pm – 4:30pm Healing Horses Kauai, Kapaa bypass Rd. $15. Come take your holiday photos with a horse. We paint the horse. You bring the camera. Healinghorseskauai.org 808-634-3896
December 25 FREE Christmas Dinner
12:00pm until food runs out Chicken in a Barrel, Kapaa location (next to Kapaa Neighborhood Center) 808-823-0780
December 31 Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration
Poipu Beach Park 5:00pm-8:30pm Event includes food trucks, a familythemed movie in the park and spectacular display of fireworks at 8:15pm. The event is FREE of charge and open to the public. Food Trucks arrive at 5:00pm. Bring lawn chairs and beach blankets. visit www.poipubeach.org
The Historic Waimea Theater presentsThe Historic Waimea Theater presents WAIMEA WAIMEA
Light Parade 2022DECLight Parade 2022
HofgaardDECHofgaard ParkDECPark DEC
Flip the Switch
Parade
DEC
Flip the 6:30 pmSwitch
Visit with
Santa and see the lights come on in
Waimea heralding the
Christmas
Season.
Please support our local businesses!
DEC Parade
Flip the
Switch 6:30 pm
Visit with
Santa and see the lights come on in
Waimea heralding the
Christmas
Season.
Please support our local businesses!
Flip the Switch Parade 6:30 pm
Visit with
Santa and see the lights come on in
Waimea heralding the
Christmas
Season. Please support our local businesses!
Parade
6:30 pm Visit with Santa and see the lights come on in Waimea heralding the Christmas Season. Please support our local businesses!
6:30pm
Enter a float or sit along the parade route. Awards for Best Overall Float & Best Themed Float. 2022 Theme: Christmas by the Sea www.WaimeaLightParade.comwww.WaimeaLightParade.com For parade entry form or more info, visit:
DEC 6:30pm
Best Themed Float. 2022 Theme:
Christmas by FREE Music the Sea
Concert immediately following parade.
For parade entry form or more info,
visit: www.WaimeaLightParade.com
DEC 6:30pm Enter a float or sit along the parade route. Awards for Best Overall Float & Best Themed Float. 2022 Theme: Christmas by the Sea FREE Music Concert immediately following parade.
For parade entry form or more info,
visit: www.WaimeaLightParade.com
6:30pm
Enter a float or sit along the parade route.
Awards for
Best Overall Float &
Best Themed Float. 2022 Theme
Christmas by the Sea FREE Music
Concert immediately following parade.
For parade entry form or more info,
visit: www.WaimeaLightParade.com
HOLIDAYCRAFT FAIRS
Sure, it might not be made by you, but it’s the thought that counts!
St. Michael and All Angels Church Holiday Fair Saturday, November 12th 9:00am-2:00pm Stmichaels-kauai.org
Wailua Bay Creators Fair Sunday, November 13; 8:30am-1:00pm Nov. 27, Dec. 11, Dec. 23, Jan. 22 3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa’a www.Wailuabaycreatorsfair.com
Kauai Handworks Christmas Craft Fair Saturday, November 19 Kauai Veteran’s Center, Lihue 8:30am – 1:30pm www.kauaihandworks.com Kauai Island Crafters Fair Saturday, November 26, 8:00am - 2:00pm Saturday, December 3, 8:00am - 2:00pm Kauai Veteran’s Center, Lihu’e kauaiislandcf@hotmail.com
National Tropical Botanical Garden Holiday Fair Thursday, December 1; 10am-4pm Koloa www.ntbg.org/aloha Kauai Made Holly Jolly Holiday Fair Saturday, December 10; 10:00am –2:00pm Sheraton Coconut Beach www.KauaiMade.net
FREE COMMUNITY Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Meals
KING'S KAUAI'S THANKSGIVING DISTRIBUTION Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022 • 4:30pm King's Hanamaulu
(Includes a Thanksgiving Kit a whole cooked Chicken with all the fixings) WHILE SUPPLIES LAST (Maximum 2 families per vehicle
Contact info: King's Kauai
808-631-9317 • KCKAUAI.COM
SALVATION ARMY THANKSGIVING MEALS Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 • 11:30am-12:30pm Hanapepe; 4465 Puolo Road
Meals will be distributed via drive-thru, grab-and-go For more information, call 335-5441.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 • 10am Lihue, War Memorial Convention Center
Meals will be distributed via drive-thru and grab-and-go options starting at 10am
For more information, call 245-2571
KAPA’A INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION
Thanksgiving Luncheon Drive Up • Thursday, November 24; 11:00am-1:00pm All Saint’s Church Kapa’a is hosting meal drive-up services in lieu of a luncheon gathering. When you arrive, please remain in your vehicle. A volunteer will approach to take your order. No need to pre-order. Meals will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out
For more info contact Sarah Rodgers at thanksgiving@allsaintskauai.org
INSIDE:
Welcome to Ohana Pacific Health Helping Seniors You Care For Enjoy Their Holiday Season Thanksgiving Word Search
Welcome
TO OHANA PACIFIC HEALTH WE ARE ONE OHANA
By Kurt Akamine
We first started serving our island community here on Kauai in 2001. Since then, we have grown in our ability to better fulfill our mission, Caring for Kupuna.
Ohana Pacific Health (OPH) is the largest post-acute care organization in the state providing quality care to Hawaii’s kupuna. Founded in 1998, we are locally owned and operated. Today, OPH includes 15 healthcare entities throughout the state of Hawaii. Our teams are mission-driven, and we are united by our core values as One Ohana.
We offer home health services on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island.
At Stay at Home Healthcare Services on Kauai, we believe that health outcomes are best achieved when people are cared for in the comfort of their homes. From Kekaha to Haena, our team serves individuals and families who need support in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, home care aid services and medical social work.
As part of our home and community-based services we also provide adult day health programs on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. Our Kauai Adult Day Health program offers daily enrichment activities for kupuna who live at home and provide some rest for their caregivers during the day. We understand that caregivers need a break from their daily duties, and we are happy to provide the venue for them to do so. Our adult day health program include activities, social connection, healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. All of our programs include a nurse on the team to provide additional medical assistance and administer medication if needed. We also have a Registered Dietician and Licensed Social Worker to help guide the care.
We have three skilled nursing facilities on Oahu, two on Maui, one on Hawaii Island and two here on Kauai. We offer a range of services provided by a team of physicians, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, dietitians, social workers and activities coordinators. We work toward maintaining an individual’s maximum level or independence and activities of daily living. We coordinate transportation needs, work with your health plans, and provide nutritious and tasty meals. For individuals who return home and rehabilitation, we their train caregivers and aim to restore their health, range of motion and “activities of daily living“ so a return home will be possible. On Kauai we have two skilled nursing care locations. Hale Kupuna Heritage Home in Omao is tucked into a lush green neighborhood on the southside of the island. This facility offers short-term, long-term, respite and hospice care and the location provide a peaceful home away from home for those transitioning from the hospital. Garden Isle Rehabilitation and Nursing is centrally and conveniently located in Lihue within the Wilcox Medical Center.
Garden Isle Rehab provides an array of short-stay, long-term, respite and hospice care. Our team of physical, occupational and speech therapists provide excellent inpatient rehabilitation services.
Both Hale Kupuna Heritage Home and Garden Isle Rehabilitation and Nursing are CMS rate 5-star facilities.
We carefully select quality team members and together we make sure that you and your ohana will receive the highest level of care. Our goal is for all of you to have the best quality of life. We strive to achieve the Ohana Experience, i.e. an organizational culture based on operational excellence and genuine care, for all those who walk through our doors. Our deep roots and local values guide us and inspire us to care for generations to come.
When you choose Ohana Pacific Health, you welcome us to become part of your caring Ohana.
For more information www.OhanaPacific.com
Helping Seniors You Care for Enjoy Their Holiday Season
By Caryn Sakahashi
All of us will soon be wrapped up in the holiday spirit, gift giving, family gatherings, and too much food. We all experience during the holidays some level of stress, possibly from last minute shopping, arranging family gatherings, or even family conflicts. Sometimes the senior in the family is often neglected by other family members, and it is important that everyone understands the needs of their family member. It is sometimes difficult for the senior to participate with the family due to physical limitations. Often they live alone, which requires the family to make an out-of-the-way trip to see them. It is important to discuss with the family how they would like to involve their loved one. Put yourself in their place as they may feel useless and burdensome, but remind them they are loved. Remember not to act like what you do for them is a duty. There is also the emotional side of the season which can be very difficult. In their eyes, they see the holidays as a point in their lives they may not see again. With the family support it may be good to reflect and reminisce about the past gatherings and spend quality time together. Photo albums can bring such joyful moments of past celebrations and occasions. Although this may be a little sad, it does pull together how their life has been and what a wonderful legacy they have created with producing a wonderful family and creating such wonderful memories.
Ginger Turmeric Cinnamon Tea Good for What Ails You!
By Dr. Lee Evslin
Here is a wonderful recipe for a ginger and turmeric tea. We were given the recipe at a dinner with friends. We loved its taste and started to make it ourselves. After months of drinking it without much critical thinking about why it was making us feel better, I decided to do a little research on its ingredients. Below is the recipe and a brief review of the impressive health benefits of the simple and common ingredients. The main ingredient is fresh ginger root. Ginger has been known for hundreds of years to decrease nausea particularly nausea associated with motion sickness and the morning sickness of pregnancy. It has also been shown to improve asthma, joint pain and recently there has been evidence about its ability to lessen the mental decline associated with aging. Fresh turmeric root is the second ingredient. Turmeric is found in curry powders. The active ingredient is curcumin. A review of the studies on turmeric was conducted by the University College Medical School in London and they found that turmeric has been found to: ◆ Have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities ◆ Nourish the good bacteria in your intestines (prebiotic qualities) ◆ Improve digestion ◆ Improve liver, respiratory, and blood sugar regulation problems The next ingredient is cinnamon. A recent article in The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society gives evidence that cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, decreases body fat and increases lean muscle mass. The final ingredients are cloves, peppercorns, anise and cardamon.
Ginger Turmeric Cinnamon Tea
Bring two quarts of water to a boil. When boiling, add all the ingredients below and turn off the heat. Allow to steep in the hot water for 30 minutes and then drain. Can serve cold or hot. Sweeten to taste if needed and store unused portion in refrigerator for future use. Ingredients:
• Fresh ginger root about the size of 1/2 your hand, wash and cut longitudinally in 1/2 inch wide strips • Fresh turmeric root, about one third as much as the ginger root, also cut in longitudinal strips • 6 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons of cardamon • 10 cloves • 10 peppercorns • 10 anise (comes in little stars) That is it. Let it steep in the hot water 30 minutes, stir, drain, and enjoy. The traditional foods contain wisdom and nutritional value beyond all our imaginations. It is a welcome change to see our universities and medical centers embrace and begin to study these age old foods.
We live in a high tech world with kids constantly on their cell phones and playing video games, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get their attention to do something non-tech oriented. Kids love learning something new that was “cool” a long time ago, and finding out about their family’s history. And grandparents are the perfect person to do these activities with them. Get out the baby albums—not your grandchild’s, but their parents. They enjoy seeing their parent as a peer (rather than the person who tells them to clean up their room). Tell them about their mom or dad’s first steps, first word, or anything he or she did that was naughty or funny. Playing games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, or Chinese checkers provides hours of fun and quality time. Grandchildren enjoy competing against grandparents and seeing them make mistakes, or losing a game on purpose makes it all fun. Bonding can take place over a video or chess game. The grandkids can then become the teachers and can show you what they like and how they do things. And if you don’t catch on, that will only make it more fun for the grandkids. Encourage reading. If the library has a story hour, plan to take them and then go to the children’s section and browse with your grandchild and share with them your favorite books.
By Leah Ragsac, Kauai Realty, Inc.
World events and government spending has led to soaring inflation. The Federal Reserve has only one tool in its arsenal to curb and reduce this trend – raising interest rates. While contemporary home buyers are accustomed to interest rates in the 2-4%, older homeowners remember being excited to get one as low as 8%. As home mortgage interest rates are creeping up, potential home buyers are asking if they should still try to buy a home.
First thing to consider is
affordability. A higher interest rate will impact Buyer’s qualification, potentially reducing their spending power. Yet, home prices are also beginning to soften, so it’s possible that this correction will reduce any possible impact from rising rates.
Secondly, home ownership has been a strong hedge against
inflation historically. Buying a home locks in the cost of the largest budgetary portion of your expenses – your housing cost. As the cost of living continues to increase, rents will also rise, continuing to add pressure to an already strained household budget.
Finally, things change. Recessions do not last, home prices eventually rise, and home mortgages can be refinanced. Most homeowners move every 5-7 years and so potential home buyers should plan for this timeframe when making decisions.
Is this still the right time to buy a
home? Inflation does have an effect, but it does not necessarily mean that one needs to hold off on a good home purchase.
Building A Community of Hope
Our Mission Our Core Values
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, rooted in the gospel of Jesus, exists to carry out the social mission of the church by serving the people of Hawai‘i, regardless of their faith or culture. We are a community of hope that promotes the dignity of each person by helping others empower themselves. We provide a wide range of social services with compassion and a commitment to excellence. Through our programs and our advocacy for social justice, we lovingly serve all people, especially those with the greatest need. In the Hawaiian spirit of ‘ohana, we join with parishes, agencies, and community groups. We welcome all people of goodwill to share our mission. In all our services, decisions, and relationships, we commit to live these core values: Dignity of each Person calls us to reverence the God-given life and dignity of each person at every stage and condition of life. Compassion calls us, as sisters and brothers, to be present with others in their suffering and need, and to serve with a caring spirit. Social Justice calls us to be a community of hope that works to achieve the common good, promotes individual rights and responsibilities, and advocates on behalf of those with the greatest need. Commitment to Excellence calls us to serve competently and collaboratively.
To Get Help or Give Help Visit Our Website www.CatholicCharitiesHawaii.org
Kaua’i Community Office
4373 Rice St., Suite 1 Lihu’e, HI 96766 808-241-HOPE (4673)
Water education is an important part of understanding how this amazing natural resource provides growth for our communities, services homes, and allows the environment to thrive every day.
Kaua`i hosts the largest and only water education festival in Hawai’i, called the Make a Splash with Project WET (Water Education Today) Festival and it features a wide range of interactive water lessons for fifth grade learners. It is an annual event coordinated by the Department of Water (DOW) as a part of their outreach program to educate consumers about water.
Providing water education early on can help keiki make informed decisions about their water future. You can start by discussing simple ways to save water in your home. Practicing conservation as a family is a great introduction to water education at any age.
For more information, please call 808-245-5461 or email ProjectWETHawaii@kauaiwater.org.
The Department of Water thanks the following agencies for their contribution towards the success of the Make a Splash with Project WET Festival held on Sept. 15, 2022:
Aqua Engineers, Inc. American Water Works Association – Hawai'i Section Carollo Engineers, Inc. City & County of Honolulu – Storm Water Branch DLNR – Aquatic Resources, Kaua`i Branch East & West Kaua`i Soil and Water Conservation Districts Grove Farm Land Corporation Hawai'i Rural Water Association NOAA, Marine Animal Rescue Program Kapa’a High School JROTC Program Kaua`i Board of Water Supply Kaua`i Bus Kaua`i Farm Bureau Kaua`i Invasive Species Committee Kodani and Associates Engineers, LLC. The Nature Conservancy Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water, LLC. UH-CTAHR For more information about DOW's education and outreach programs, call 808-245-5455.
Open to Businesses and Residents for FREE!*
visit www.kauai.gov/eWaste or call 241-
6 Days a Week!
Puhi Metals Recycling Facility, 3951 Puhi Road, Mon-Fri 7:30AM-3:30PM
Operated by Resource Recovery Solutions Phone: 808-245-6919 All material is sent to Prudent IT-Tech Asset Recovery, Inc. located in Ontario, California or other R2 and/or e-Steward certified end destination.
*Large eWaste such as commercial printers and industrial electronics may be subject to packing and handling fee, call 245-6919 for more information
Accepted:
Computer systems and accessories, cellular phones and accessories, office equipment, and audio & video equipment.
Not Accepted:
Nontaminated equipment, cracked or broken CRT screens, smoke detectors, and hazardous or non-eWaste items.
Tips for Avoiding Emergency Veterinary Visits During the Holidays
Like most people, my pets are a huge part of my family. I want them to enjoy the holidays with me and my friends. But if you really love your pets you must act as their guardians. They cannot possibly be expected to understand that all that wonderful food doesn’t mean it’s time to pig out. Human food is not good for dogs and cats. When I was in veterinary school the animal nutritionists there told us that “the higher the percentage of human food that a dog or cat ate the greater the likelihood that said animal was malnourished.” I have two recent graduates that work with me on occasion and have asked them if the schools still say that and they confirmed that they do. DO NOT GIVE YOUR PETS YOUR FOOD. Stick to dog food for dogs and cat food for cats and you will almost always be OK. • There are of course occasional pets that have special needs, but those are actually fairly rare and even then there is a huge selection of commercially prepared diets that are prepared and balanced by professionals. • But it isn’t just foods that can cause trouble. I happen to have parrots, but the same things that are true for me and my parrots are true for people with other types of pets. While I love them dearly I realize that they simply can’t be trusted not to chew on things around the house. Electric cords for holiday lights look like great chew toys to them, but one bite through the insulation and it could be bye bye birdie. Some of the flowers and other holiday plants are toxic also. Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, lilies and daffodils are all toxic. Even the humble Christmas tree with its pine oils can be mildly poisonous. If you use recreational drugs by all means keep them away from your pets. If you have a question ask your vet or call the ASPCA poison control center at 800 548-2423. They will charge you a
By Scott Sims DVM
modest fee, but are a fantastic source of comprehensive, up to date information. • Please, if you are traveling during the holidays make sure that whoever is taking care of you pet can either get a hold of you in an emergency or has some idea of how far you would like to go to provide emergency care. • When people come to visit, doors that are normally closed can be left open by mistake. Doors and gates left opencan lead to pets getting out and either getting lost or injured.
• Cars and pets don’t mix well. And drivers that hit them can be injured as well. Be aware. Lock them up where they can’t get let out by mistake. Keep them and others safe. DO NOT GIVE YOUR My pets are a big part of PETS YOUR FOOD. my family and my life. My Stick to dog food for world would be a poorer dogs and cat food place without them. I’m for cats and you will almost always be OK. sure your world would be less without your pets. Be smart, be careful with your friends and families (both human and animal) and have a wonderful and joyous holiday season.
DIRTY CARPETS?
HOLIDAY PET HAZARDS
HAPPY TO HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY CHATTING, GAMING, Water from the tree base THRIVING AND ENJOYING.Pine Needles and Sap Christmas Lights & Cords Oceanic Time Warner Cable is Glass Ornaments O r g a n i c c l e a n i n g p r o d u c t s proud to support all the things Ribbons or Tinsel that make your life better. 2 - 3 h o u r d r y i n g t i m e Candles ● Tile and stone cleaningPoinsettias ● Upholstery cleaningMistletoe ● Oriental rug cleaningLilies Lihue Industrial Park, Phase II 3022 Peleke St., #8, Lihue, HI 96766 Holly Berries ● Mold remediation Ph: 643-2100 ●Liquid Potpourri Water damagewww.oceanic.com Alcoholic Beverages Time Warner Cable and the eye/ear logo are trademarks of Time Warner Inc. 8 0 8 - 3 4 6 - 7 3 4 4Coffee/CaffeineUsed under license. ©2012 Time Warner Cable Inc. All rights reserved. w w w. K a u a i R e s t o r a t i o n . c o m
Here is a short list of things that can be found around your house during the holidays that can be toxic or even fatal to your pets. Chocolate Macadamia Nuts Poultr y Bones & Fatty Foods Grapes & Raisins Onions & Garlic Sugar
Happy Holidays2022!
Four years ago, we began our “Journey to Excellence” to continuously improve our healthcare services on Kaua`i... this includes:
Lance K. Segawa, FACHE, MPH, NHA Regional Chief Executive Officer HHSC Kaua`i Region
Making the patient experience our top priority.
Our employees are committed to excellence, striving to provide premier healthcare with a customer service heart.
Creating a great place to work.
Employees are our most important resource and deserve the best work environment we can create. It is through this effort that we can assure a positive patient experience.
Modernizing our aging hospitals and clinics.
Creating our ideal patient experience requires facilities that are clean, modern, comfortable, and easily accessible.
KVMH ER Department Renovations in progress
High quality healthcare is passionate people making a difference.
We are proud to celebrate one of our physicians, Dr. Bernard Riola, being named a Hawaii Healthcare Hero for 2022! The Hawaii Healthcare Hero Award program is an annual program sponsored by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii which recognizes healthcare professionals across the state doing exceptional work. Dr. Riola is a Pediatrician at the Clinic at Waimea and was nominated by a parent of one of his patients. His passion, heart, and clinical competency really defines Dr. Riola. He truly represents the best of Kaua`i and our journey to excellence!
Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) is the State of Hawaii’s hospital system with facilities on every island. HHSC Kaua`i Region operates Kaua`i Veterans Memorial Hospital, Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, and the Kaua`i Region Clinics.
“I don’t feel like I do anything extraordinary. I come in, do my work, and care for my patients like they are family. I am blessed to be in a profession where I can help keep kids healthy and guide them to adulthood so they can reach their full potential. None of this would be possible without the support of the hospital administration, my colleagues, and my support staff. They make my job easier and enjoyable, so thank you.” Bernard Riola, MD
Bernard Riola, MD
Pediatrics The Clinic at Waimea (808) 338-8311
W A H
I I A
HEALTH
’ SYSTEMS CORPOR A T I ON ’ KAUA I REGION
With optimism we look forward to 2023 as our journey to excellence continues.
THOMAS EDISON FAILED 1,000 TIMES before he invented the lightbulb. What would the world be like if he did not have perseverance and just gave up? Perseverance refers to continuing to try even when a task becomes challenging. Perseverance is important in learning new skills, trying unfamiliar sports, or finding novel learning strategies. It allows us to make new friends, take on challenges, and learn from mistakes. Children without perseverance expect immediate results and gratification. As important as perseverance is for children, unfortunately it does not come naturally. However, as Theodore Roosevelt said, "Nothing worth having comes easy."
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO TEACH CHILDREN PERSEVERANCE.
Be their biggest cheerleader - when your child appears to be losing hope or having anxiety over a task, tell them that you believe in them and encourage them to keep trying. Be sure to emphasize their effort rather than the end result, and give specific feedback on how they might improve.
Avoid being a 'helicopter parent'
- these types of parents are overprotective and over-controlling. Try to give your kids space and a chance to succeed, and most importantly, resist coming to their rescue when they fail. When they fall off their bike for the third time and scrape their knee, your first instinct might be to say, "Are you okay? Let’s call it a day.", but the better thing to say is, "You'll be okay. I know you can do it, don't give up!"
Let Them Choose - obviously, if a child has an interest in something, they will be more motivated to put the effort into it and persevere. Of course, it’s okay to introduce activities you are familiar with, but avoid forcing activities that you prioritize onto your children. Let them try a wide variety of experiences and let them figure out what they like.
Model perseverance - point out challenges you face in your day-to-day life and how you continue to try even though it's challenging. Consider trying out a new hobby, instrument, or sport along with your child so you can both experience how perseverance and hard work leads to improvements over time.
Teach the difference between
perseverance and perfectionism - no matter how hard your child tries to be the smartest, fastest, or strongest, there will always be someone better than them. Children need to learn to deal with this and understand that the goal is to always try their best, not to be the best. If they always expect to be the best and are not satisfied with anything but perfection, this will lead to an unhealthy, unrealistic view of the world.
Start small - setting a long-term goal is always a good way to provide direction and motivation, but it can sometimes make kids feel anxious or discouraged that they will never get there. Break things down into smaller steps that they can achieve over time. For example, their goal might be 'become a great basketball player', but this requires working on dribbling, shooting, endurance, strength training, learning strategy, etc. Making small improvements over time is the best way to achieve their goals.
Take breaks - when kids appear overwhelmed, stressed, or angry, there is nothing wrong with taking a break before continuing. You cannot make progress when you are mentally or physically exhausted. These breaks are a good time to reflect on progress already made, and review or modify goals. Sometimes it also means it is time to work on other aspects of their activity, or strategize other ways to work towards their goals.
