The increasing economic troubles impact our society and communities in general, and many Native Hawaiians in particular. Limited resources make it difficult for vulnerable populations to thrive.
The United States has the most expensive health care system in the world, but it rates 47th in life expectancy of its citizens. David Shern, president and chief executive officer of Mental Health America, believes that the toxic stress experienced by underserved Americans causes not only chronic disease, but also mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Shern addressed a turn-away Maui crowd last month and presented a Mental Health America list of tools to help people "Live Your Life Well" and buffer the effects of stress during the current difficult times (see www.LiveYourLifeWell.org).
Hui No Ke Ola Pono Inc., Maui's Native Hawaiian health care system, has added information to the 10 research-based, straightforward tools below to help Native Hawaiians improve their health and live their lives well.
The tools - followed by suggested community groups and agencies, their phone numbers and Web sites - follow:
1. Connect with others. Research suggests that people who feel connected are happier and healthier - and may even live longer. Native Hawaiians already connect with others naturally. Access to people and places is what needs to be improved.
Maui Public Bus Transit System, 871-4838, see www.co.maui.hi.us/ (click on Maui Bus).
Maui Paniolo Dance Association, mauipaniolodance.com/
2. Stay positive. People who regularly focus on the positive in their lives are less upset by painful memories. Native Hawaiians have painful memories as a result of the cultural, social and political trauma they experienced when their nation was taken from them. Affordable resources, including both health and mental health services, can assist Native Hawaiians to heal from the trauma.
Hui No Ke Ola Pono Inc., 244-4647, www.huinomaui.org/.
Mental Health America of Maui County, 242-6461, www.mentalhealth-hi.org
3. Get physically active. Exercise relieves tense muscles, improves one's mood and sleep, and increases one's energy and strength. Access to exercise programs that fit into their lifestyle can help Native Hawaiians stay physically active.
Maui Family YMCA, 242-9077, www.mauiymca.org/
4. Help others. Research suggests that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm and fewer pains. Native Hawaiians can improve their health and well-being by taking advantage of opportunities to create partnerships and collaborations, and to help one another within their families and communities.
County of Maui Volunteer Center, 270-7150, www.co.maui.hi.us/ (click on Community Services, then Volunteer Center).
5. Get enough rest. People who don't get enough sleep face a number of possible risks, including weight gain, decreased memory, impaired driving and heart problems. Native Hawaiians account for many in the local homeless community, which takes a toll on health. Strengthened programs can help Native Hawaiians and families stay in their homes so they, too, can get a good night's rest.
Na Hale O Maui, 244-6110, www.nahaleomaui.org.
6. Create joy and satisfaction. Positive emotions can boost one's ability to bounce back from stress. Continue to develop culturally competent, sensitive and appropriate programs so that Native Hawaiians create their own joy and satisfaction.
Ka 'Aha Hula 'O Halauaola, July 26-31 at Kamehameha Schools Oahu; 243-4269, www.hulaconference.org.
7. Eat well. Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase one's energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases and influence one's mood. Educate Native Hawaiians on the importance of healthy eating habits. Teach healthy cooking classes. Promote "Mea 'Ai Pono" foods, like the menus produced and delivered by Hui No Ke Ola Pono's Simply Healthy Cafe. Eating healthy food is a choice.
Hui No Ke Ola Pono's Simply Healthy Cafe, 244-4647, www.huinomaui.org (click on Services, then Simply Healthy Cafe).
8. Take care of your spirit. People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer. Spirituality seems to cut the stress that can contribute to disease. Native Hawaiian spirituality can be traced back thousands of years when the ancient Hawaiians looked to the wind, rain, ocean, the land and the sun to nurture their well-being. Many others continue to come to Hawaii to heal their mind, body and spirit. Traditional healing practices should be implemented in community health care settings as legitimate forms of healing.
See www.MauiHealthGuide.com (click on Education and Spirituality).
9. Deal better with hard times. People who get support, problem-solve or focus on the positives in their lives are likely to handle tough times better. Again, access to health and mental health services is a human right; health and mental health are basic needs. Native Hawaiians deserve support to live happy, healthy lives.
Hui No Ke Ola Pono Inc., 244-4647, www.huinomaui.org.
10. Get professional help if you need it. If the problems in one's life are stopping one from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a difference. Living in a rural and remote community should not be a barrier to health for a Native Hawaiian. If someone reaches out for help, it should be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mental Health America of Maui, 242-6461, www.mentalhealth-hi.org.
24-hour crisis line for children and adults (800) 753-6879.
* Danielle De Longe of Wailuku is a social work intern at Hui No Ke Ola Pono Inc. and will graduate in August with a master of social work degree from the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her broadcast journalism experience includes working as a freelance reporter for NBC Newschannel in Los Angeles, as a field producer for Fox News and as a reporter and assignment editor for KHNL News 8 in Honolulu. She has contributed articles to Pacific Business News and holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from UH-Manoa. Na Moku Ola means "The Islands of Life," with special focus on Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe and the ideals of health and vigor we pursue.
