• No smoking • Long term care No smoking As medical doctors who spend a lot of time working with sick children, we want to encourage people who smoke to take the pledge to not smoke in the house or
• No smoking
• Long term care
No smoking
As medical doctors who spend a lot of time working with sick children, we want to encourage people who smoke to take the pledge to not smoke in the house or car, and to protect others from second-hand smoke.
And above all, please don’t smoke around your children.
There is extensive scientific evidence that children exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke suffer more health problems than children who are not exposed. Exposed children have more asthma attacks,, respiratory illness and ear infections, and are hospitalized more often.
There is presently a campaign on Kaua‘i which asks parents and others on Mothers Day to take a pledge to keep their home and car smoke-free to protect the health of their children. Please take the pledge.
Suz Nelson MD
Paul Ross MD
Robert Wotring MD
Geri Young MD
Long term care
In a recent article in The Garden Island Newspaper, it was reported how the Long Term Care division of Wilcox Hospital was sold to a private corporation. It mentioned all the efforts that were being made for a “smooth transition.”
It stated that non-union workers were given the first opportunities to apply to remain at their jobs over new applicants. The story painted a picture of serenity and contentment. What was not mentioned is that the non-union workers who bare responsibility for the majority of the physical labor and hygiene of the patients are being invited to re-apply for their jobs in which some workers have held for many years, at a significant reduction in both pay and benefits. As someone who has worked part-time and volunteered for Long Term Care in the past, I have been witness to and participated in the care for our dear elderly when it included the cleanup of bodily fluids.
The “smooth transition” the new corporation and the hospital refer to is one of economics. For the hard working, dedicated non-union labor force it can hardly be a smooth transition when they cash that first check that prior barely covered living expenses. Now they are faced with trying to exist on so much less. Yet, they will be expected to produce the same high quality performance and effort. Who will be the ultimate loser?..our elderly of course, a testament of our times.
Eduardo Valenciana
Lihu‘e
