Talks focus on
health problemsA three-session series looks at chronic
conditions including heart and eye disease
A three-part series on annoying and chronic health conditions called "The Silent Marauders" is planned by the Kapiolani Community College Nursing Department starting Saturday.
Joan Matsukawa, professor of nursing, said the series originally was intended for seniors but is really for everyone.
"I always think back to a patient my student was caring for who had so many problems," Matsukawa said. "She lamented, 'If I only knew it was going to be like this.'
"Sometimes folks just don't know what's down the pike. But human nature being what it is, sometimes we know, but we don't pay attention."
The Saturday sessions are to help people take action to prevent, recognize and deal with health problems that could become a crisis if ignored, she said.
The information not only is for people who may have the condition but for those around them who want to help and don't know how, she said.
The informational programs will be held at Kapiolani Community College, Ohia 118, starting with "Eye Sigh" from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.
Dr. John Olkowski of Eye Sight-Hawaii, 3660 Waialae Ave., will discuss glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts, how they progress and options for stopping them. He will describe use of a blue tinted lens for cataract repair that can decrease development of macular degeneration.
Ken Mito, Respiratory Care Program clinical coordinator, will discuss respiratory medications and ways to reduce breathing distress. A respiratory care equipment company will have oxygen delivery units for people to see and ask questions about.
"Let's Eat!" with cooking demonstrations whipping up tasty, healthy food will be featured in the second program from 9 to 11:30 a.m. April 3.
Elva Yoshihara and Davelyn Chun, certified diabetic educators, will prepare "sumptuous salads" and chef Paul Onishi, who once ran the Waioli Tea Room, will make some main dishes. A dessert-maker also is expected.
"Heart and Sole" is the theme of the May 15 session from 9 to 11 a.m.
Ruth Ann Allsopp, registered nurse at the community college, will provide information on how to detect and prevent congestive heart failure and heart attack.
Dr. Michael Chun, a podiatrist in the Pali Momi Medical Building, will help seniors prevent, recognize and treat calluses, bunions and fungus. He recognizes that older people often have special problems because they can't see well enough to spot a developing nail fungus or bend over easily to treat it.
Matsukawa said the series is aimed particularly at helping Hawaii's many residents with heart and respiratory problems and diabetes, which lead to other diseases.
Cardiovascular disease "certainly is not a silent killer," Allsopp said. "It has many symptoms. The main point is trying to get out to the public that it doesn't get better. It only gets worse without intervention."
She said the goal of the series is to educate the public about common diseases and "learned behaviors" that affect health, such as smoking, stress, excess fat and obesity.
"Even with the worst family history in the world, you can change some of those things and make a big difference," she said.
The cost for the three sessions is $30, or $10 each for the first and last ones and $25 for the cooking demonstrations.
Participants can register by calling 734-9211 with a Visa or Mastercard. Monday is the deadline.
The open market is from 8 a.m. to noon so parking may be tight close to the auditorium, but there is a drop-off area at the back door, Matsukawa said.