09/01/2008

This year brings much to celebrate for residents like me in the State of Hawaii.

First of all, congratulations to our very own World's Greatest Athlete Bryan Clay for winning the decathlon gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

In addition, congratulations to the gold medal winners in Men's and Women's Volleyball, Men's Water Polo, Women's Soccer, and the many other athletes with Hawaii connections that won medals in the Beijing Olympics. Overall, there were 18 athletes either born and raised in Hawaii or played sports in Hawaii representing the United States in the Olympics this year.

A big congratulations to our Waipio Little League World Champions too. You made us proud with your talent and maturity and brought much attention to the sleepy town of Waipio and surrounding communities. Sitting at Big City Diner in Waipio for lunch and watching the World Championship game with many fans and supporters was electrifying. The pride permeating in the diner was priceless.

And last but not least, regardless of your party lines, who can deny the pride we are feeling for Barack Obama, our home-grown Presidential candidate for the United States. His upbringing in Hawaii, the aloha spirit, cultural diversity, and values instilled by his local family are attributions to who is today and how he will bring people together for the good of the country in the same way the residents of Hawaii approach life.

Yes, this year is racking up to be a great 2008 for Hawaii.

Now, let's see if we can add a cherry on top that Sugar Bowl too.

Posted By: on 09/01/2008 at 12:20 pm with 0 Comments
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07/12/2008

Today's Kupuna

If you have not heard of the TV/Radio show in Hawaii called Today's Kupuna, you should check it out. The host of the show, Percy Ihara, invited me to appear on both shows to share the importance of preparing for a medical concern or crisis.

Today's Kupuna is a community program that is purely informational without any sales advertising and commercials. Every week, Percy interviews an organization or individual that has something valuable to share with senior adults.

I attended a taping prior to my appearance and experienced a hands on view of how the TV show is produced. Very interesting and fun behind the scenes. I was allowed to participate and count down the timer for something called a VTR machine. I found the radio show a lot more fun and less technical--meaning I did not have to remember as much as the TV show.

Getting back to my subject, I have become a big fan of the show after learning about all the good stuff that senior adults, and their children, can learn to assist them with aging issues.

Today's Kupuna radio show is a live call-in talk show on KHVH AM 83.0 from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. every Saturday. The TV show appears on Olelo channel 52 every Wednesday at 7 p.m. I encourage you to check it out.

Posted By: on 07/12/2008 at 1:11 am with 0 Comments
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06/26/2008

What's your story

Everybody has a story to tell. If you viewed the website, or read the book, then you know what my story is about. Quite simply, I wanted to help others like you to prepare for a health crisis. But, as I was preparing to tell my story, I did a little research and found some interesting facts that may help you decide to buy the book (if you have not), or buy another one for someone you love (thank you for buying the book!).

Where I live in Hawaii, the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Department provided me with 2007 statistics and they were quite astonishing. On the island of Oahu alone (not counting the neighbor islands), the EMS team responded to 77,000 calls. Thats right, 77,000 calls on this little island! From this total, approximately 44,500 patients were transported to the hospital. If everyone had a Lifetime Medical Organizer prepared, it would make our jobs so much easier, quoted Dennis Yurong, Federal Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the State of Hawaii. Imagine the comfort in knowing that you can provide information about a loved one very quickly during an emergency if you are better prepared.

In addition, the Roper Media Group/Wellpoint, Inc. survey on life, health and aging polled 1,000 senior citizens and adult children nationwide. The study found that sixty percent of adult children talk regularly to their parents but only thirty two percent of seniors report discussing health topics with their children (PR Newswire-First Call). We talk to mom and pop about the kids, grandkids, jobs, and vacation plans but we seldom talk about health issues. Perhaps we do not want to think about aging, or our parents aging, and the responsibilities that come with it so we tend to avoid the issue for as long as we can until a change in health forces us to confront it.

As I continue to share my story with people, I receive feedback from many that have experienced similar situations like me and my family or one of the statistics I just shared. Some people tell me how they wish the book was available before their experience. Others have said it never dawned on them to organize matters of life and health and understand the importance now. Most of all, everyone finds comfort in sharing their story and knowing that they experienced the same type of emotions and concerns like others.

There are many more of you who have similar stories to tell that could really help others to understand the importance of preparing now. People learn from their own experience, or someone elses experience, so why not share your story on this website and allow others to gain valuable wisdom from you. What an awesome feeling to know that you are helping someone else in this world by sharing your story.

So.....whats your story?

Posted By: on 06/26/2008 at 1:42 pm with 1 Comment
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