Approximately 100,000 people in Hawai‘i have diabetes, and more than 900 people a year die of related complications. Those statistics come from the 2004 Diabetes Report prepared by the state Department of Health. “Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of
Approximately 100,000 people in Hawai‘i have diabetes, and more than 900 people a year die of related complications.
Those statistics come from the 2004 Diabetes Report prepared by the state Department of Health.
“Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the state. It is a serious, common and costly disease, but by working together, we can create a healthier Hawai‘i,” said Dr. Chiyome Leinaala Fukino in the report.
The Summer Bash 2007 brings together numerous community agencies dealing with diabetes, its diagnosis, treatment and care in a free community day, Aug. 11, at Lydgate Park.
What is diabetes and what can a person do to manage it is the goal of Summer Bash 2007, states a press release from that event’s organizing committee.
“We have always had excellent presentors, but this year is the first time we have off-island presentors,” said Eric Nordmeier, in the press release.
Dr. Kalani Brady, best known as the doctor on KHON 2’s “Ask the Specialist,” has been a part of the station’s news team for more than 10 years.
He is also a University of Hawai‘i associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health.
Brady will be doing his presentation from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and, time permitting, may be available to answer questions following his presentation.
Nordmeier, along with Bev Nagano, Jean Iida and Angel Acorda are part of Kaua‘i Diabetes Today that is coordinating the event.
According to Nordmeier, the event has grown by a hundred-fold since it started. Last year, about 200 people took part in the free community event that starts out with Glucose Screening from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Those interested in participating in this need to fast the evening before. Glucose level will be measured by personnel from the state Department of Health and Ho‘ola Lahui.
Once the initial level is recorded, a beverage and snack needs to be consumed and another level reading taken two hours later. Results will be made available to participants.
Other speakers on the agenda include Dr. Tyler Chihara, Podiatry, Kaua‘i Medical Clinic, Don Traller, PA-C Clinic Coordinator Health Management Program at KMC, Christopher Ritzau, Education Program Coordinator for National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i, and Dr. Pat Tschida Expanded Food and Nutritional Education Program, Coordinator/Public Health Administration, UH.
Agencies participating in the free event include Kaua‘i Diabetes Today, Kaua‘i Diabetes Coalition, State Department of Health, Ho‘ola Lahui, Kaua‘i Lions Clubs, Hawai‘i Pacific Health and HMSA.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
