LIHUE — The health of Kauai’s residents, particularly its keiki, is of the utmost importance to employees at Wilcox Medical Center. Wilcox will be hosting its annual Super Keiki Day on Saturday and Sunday to raise awareness and prevention of
LIHUE — The health of Kauai’s residents, particularly its keiki, is of the utmost importance to employees at Wilcox Medical Center.
Wilcox will be hosting its annual Super Keiki Day on Saturday and Sunday to raise awareness and prevention of Type 2 diabetes in Kauai’s youth.
“Less than 20 years ago, Type 2 diabetes was almost non-existent in the childhood population. Today, it is estimated that there are some 3,700 children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year in the United States,” said Faith Campbell from Wilcox Medical Center.
On Kauai, diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts residents of all ages, said Campbell. According to a 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by Wilcox, Kauai County had the highest prevalence rate of diabetes among adults in 2013 at 9.2 percent compared to other Hawaii counties.
Without proper management, Type 2 diabetes can become a lifelong condition that puts an individual at increased risk for diabetes-related complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss and nerve damage, Campbell said.
The most important activity during Super Keiki Day is the free diabetes risk assessments for keiki, which include BMI and blood pressure checks, Campbell said.
These screenings can help gauge a child’s risk for Type 2 diabetes, and there will be medical experts from the Wilcox Health ‘ohana available to answer questions parents may have, Campbell said.
Health and wellness workshops with information about leading a healthy, active lifestyle; exercise and nutrition exhibits with interactive games will also be at Super Keiki Day.
Parents can call 245-1198 to register, or go online to WilcoxHealth.org/SuperKeikiDay.
Also happening this weekend is the 13th annual Kauai Wellness Expo at the Kauai Memorial Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It will offer workshops, speakers and booths with information about physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellness.
Some booths that will be present at the expo will be Alexander Day Spa and Salon, Bliss Vibrational Healing/House of Ah-Mu, Danny Hashimoto and Dolphin Touch Wellness Center.
The fee at the door will be $5 for one day or $7 for Saturday and Sunday. Kupuna and keiki under 17 receive free admission.
