NUKOLII — Sue Kubota of Koloa likes the First Hawaiian Bank PrimeTime Wellness Fair because a lot of the presenters and vendors offer free stuff. “I come all the time because I get to meet people who I never see
NUKOLII — Sue Kubota of Koloa likes the First Hawaiian Bank PrimeTime Wellness Fair because a lot of the presenters and vendors offer free stuff.
“I come all the time because I get to meet people who I never see for a long time, and I meet them here,” said Kubota, who was accompanied by her caregiver and daughter Sue “Many of the vendors offer free things. And First Hawaiian Bank is my primary bank so I have to come.”
Kubota was one of a steady stream of people, many elderly, who flowed through the ballroom at the Kauai Aqua Beach Resort Tuesday for the wellness fair sponsored by FHB, the county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs, and Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii.
“I retired as the minister of the Waimea Shingon Mission in August,” said Rev. Leonard Abeshima. “They brought over a new minister, Rev. Kotoku Hirao, direct from Japan. Now, I have to start walking again.”
Sue Kubota said the G.N. Wilcox Hospital, one of 36 participating vendors, was offering free visibility vests for walkers in addition to hosting a balance test.
“This is my first time at this event as a caregiver,” Sue said. “I got one of the vests which I can use while riding my bike. There is a lot of information on helping the elderly with some of their problems, and how they can stay healthy.”
Kupuna were also offered free cholestrol screenings by Clinical Labs, flu shots offered by Walgreens and medication screenings by Catholic Charities.
Keri Russell, director of the American Red Cross, Kauai Chapter, said they were hosting a table because of the training they offer in cardio pulmonary resusitation and first aid.
“We’re also open to recruiting seniors as volunteers,” Russell said, noting they will be hosting a training session for volunteers on Friday evening and Saturday on the South Shore. “Seniors make some of the greatest volunteers we have.”
Elsie Ishida of Kapaa said she came to the fair after hearing about it through her girlfriend.
“I like the recipes,” she said. “For me, that was the most helpful thing.”
