Malama Pu‘uwai Health Program Heads to Kalama Heights

By Wendy Osher

Courtesy Photo: Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation. Kim Finney,RN shares important health tips during a Malama Puuwai program.

The summer edition of the Malama Pu’uwai program travels to South Maui for the summer.  The six-week program is aimed at promoting cardiovascular wellness through early detection and modification of disease risk factors.

Malama Pu’uwai, translated as “Take Care of Your Heart,” is offered free of charge to community members through the Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC).  The wellness program focuses on education, healthy food choices, exercise, screening and referrals.

The summer session begins on Thursday, August 4 through September 8, 2011.  This sessions are held on Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Kalama Heights, located at 101 Kanani Road in Kihei.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited.  To register, contact Kim Finney at (808) 243-3047.

Participants must commit to a six-week program, with meetings held once per week for two-and-a-half hours. After the six-week program, three and nine month follow-up newsletters will be mailed, and at six and 12 months, follow-up meetings will be held. This schedule will allow continuous contact with participants over a 15-month period.

The following is offered as part of the program to participants free of charge:

• Health assessment and lifestyle profile
• Blood pressure evaluation
• Body Mass Index
• Ankle Brachial Index (if indicated)
• Laboratory tests – blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL
• Counseling with RN concerning assessment data and results of screenings
• 30 minutes of exercise each week
• Healthy food choices
• Referrals to health care professionals as appropriate
• Education on cardiovascular risk factors including – hypertension, diabetes, tobacco & chemical effects on health, stress management, fitness, nutrition and motivation to change
• Assistance in lifestyle goal setting and strategies
• A healthy meal is offered at each session and is sponsored by the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation.