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Herb Schultz, Regional Director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Region IX, briefed members of the medical community and others on the upcoming healthcare reform initiatives and answered questions at Hilo Medical Center Friday (Sept 3).

Schultz was recently appointed by President Barack Obama to the position for Region IX which oversees Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, the territories of American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and Guam, as well as the freely associated states of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau. In this role, he serves as HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ key representative in the Region.

A number of the changes for healthcare go into effect on September 23, 2010 are part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

MEDIA RELEASE

Sept. 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Awareness Day. A worldwide movement to raise awareness about the largest known (and entirely preventable) cause of mental retardation, FAS Awareness Day begins in many nations with bell-ringing at 9:09 a.m. local time.

From large public buildings to small hand-held bells in classrooms, everyone is asked to stop and talk about FAS for a moment, especially if they know someone who is pregnant.

“The number nine is significant because it represents the nine months of pregnancy,” said Sharon Williams-Bechler, RN, Hawaii State Director for Children’s Research Triangle Hawaii in Waimea. “That’s why the 9th day of the 9th month at 9:09 a.m. was selected. It reminds everyone that no amount of alcohol is safe for unborn babies during that whole time.”

Williams-Bechler and her team have been working with local healthcare providers to produce posters for medical offices around the island. Each poster displays photos of the office staff and physicians, and sends the message that they care about moms and babies, and preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Banners, posters and flyers will be displayed in visible areas around the community, and groups are urged to join in with bell-ringing, a coffee break, planned activity, or a simply a moment of reflection and talking story about this important issue for our Island families.

FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation, and children born with FAS are subject to birth defects and numerous health issues. They can have difficulty with “executive functioning” or the ability to plan and complete a task, follow directions and learn. This leads to trouble in school or dropping out of school and eventual drug or alcohol use by the child.

For families, coping with children’s lifelong disabilities, birth defects or brain damage can be devastating, particularly knowing those issues were preventable. For the community, the cost is high.

According to Theresa Kellerman’s research, a baby born in Hawaii with FAS, on average, can cost society as much as $5 million during his or her lifetime.

“Most pregnant women will not drink, or will stop drinking as soon as they learn they are pregnant,” said Williams-Bechler, “But since the majority of pregnancies are unplanned, they may not be aware right away. The safest thing a mom-to-be can do for her baby is to abstain from beer, wine and hard liquor, and of course any other harmful substances, even while they’re planning to become pregnant.”

For more information on FAS or Children’s Research Triangle Hawaii, contact Sharon Williams-Bechler at (808) 885-0501 or sharonaloha@hawaii.rr.com.

— Find out more:
www.fasday.com

MEDIA RELEASE

A 30-minute video overview of the Mayor’s “Hawaii County Health Conference: Building a Healthier Future Together,” held August 13, 2010, at the Waikoloa Marriott, will be aired on Na Leo O Hawaii Public Access channel 53 on Sunday, September 5, at 7 p.m.

The day-long conference focused on creation of innovative, collaborative solutions to Hawaii Island’s most pressing healthcare challenges – access to care and an acute shortage of healthcare providers.

Health care industry leaders spoke on the local impacts of national healthcare reform, and on how native Alaskans integrated culture into their healthcare delivery system to achieve better health outcomes.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi opened the conference with a welcoming message. Nearly 400 people from the healthcare community and public at-large participated in the conference.

MEDIA RELEASE

COBRA Premium Subsidy Expiring? Follow These Tips to Make Sure You Do Not Lose Coverage

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided a COBRA premium reduction for eligible individuals who were involuntarily terminated from employment through May 31, 2010. Individuals who qualified on or before May 31, 2010 may continue to pay reduced premiums for up to 15 months, as long as they are not eligible for another group health plan or Medicare. Those individuals who qualified for the premium reduction were only required to pay 35 percent of the COBRA premium otherwise due to the plan. If your COBRA continuation coverage lasts for more than 15 months, you will need to pay the full amount to continue your COBRA continuation coverage.

Make sure you know when your 15 months of premium assistance ends and how much you need to pay to continue your coverage
If you are unsure about the correct ending date or the amount of the full premium, contact your plan right away so that you can make sure you pay the correct amount for the correct time period. Plans are not required to remind you or bill you for the increased amount and not making the full payment within the correct time period can result in the cancelation of your COBRA coverage.

Make sure you pay the full premium for coverage after the first 15 months
It is very important to pay the remaining 3 months of COBRA at 100% of the premium amount if at all possible, as you lose some health coverage rights or options if your COBRA is terminated for non-payment. Individuals who exhaust their COBRA are generally eligible to obtain coverage through state high risk pools and also qualify for special enrollment in a new employer’s plan or spouse’s plan. These rights are lost if an individual’s COBRA is terminated for non-payment. (Note: If a person becomes eligible for coverage in a new employer’s plan or spouse’s plan, they lose eligibility for the subsidy and are required to notify their COBRA provider of their eligibility for the other coverage).

Check for other coverage options
If you did not make the premium payment on time and your coverage was canceled, you may want to contact your plan and ask if they will reinstate your coverage. However, if your coverage was terminated for not making the payment within the grace period, the plan is not required to reinstate your coverage. If you believe your coverage was canceled inappropriately, please contact an EBSA Benefits Advisor at 1.866.444-3272 for assistance.

If you have lost coverage, and are not eligible to enroll in a new employer’s plan or a spouse’s plan, you may want to contact your state department of insurance to get information about obtaining an individual policy. You may be able to cover your children under your state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program- call 1-877 KIDS NOW (1.877.543.7669) or go to www.insurekidsnow.gov to find out about eligibility and enrollment.

Additionally, the Affordable Care Act provides that plans or issuers that make available coverage to dependent children must make such coverage available for children up to age 26. Because this provision has a varying applicability date, contact the plan to see if such coverage is available. The Affordable Care Act also established Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans (PCIP) for those with pre-existing conditions. For information about how these plans work, go to www.healthcare.gov

If you have limited income and resources (assets), you may want to contact your state to determine if you are eligible for Medicaid or other programs that may assist you in obtaining other health coverage.

This fact sheet has been developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Washington, DC 20210. It will be made available in alternate formats upon request: Voice phone: 202.693.8664; TTY: 202.501.3911. In addition, the information in this fact sheet constitutes a small entity compliance guide for purposes of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

MEDIA RELEASE

Team Captain Meetings – Wednesday, September 1, 15 and 29 starting at 6:00pm at the W.M. Keck Observatory Headquarters.
Teams are encouraged to sign up early for Relay, a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities, celebrate survivors, remember loved ones, and empower others to fight back against a disease that takes too much. For more information call 808-895-3168 or visit the event Web site at http://www.relayforlife.org/waimeahi

Cancer Survivor Tea Party – Sunday, September 12, 12noon to 2:00pm at North Hawaii Community Hospital Café.
Cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to celebrate their victory over cancer and pre register for the Relay. Survivors are also invited to attend the Survivors Birthday Celebration at the Relay For Life of Waimea. Event starts at 5:00pm on Saturday, October 2. Please preregister for both events with Ramona Rodrigues by September 1 at 808-333-4269

Luminaria Ceremony – Saturday, October 2 at 9:00pm.
The American Cancer Society hosts its Relay For Life of Waimea luminaria lighting ceremony to recognize those touched by cancer. Individuals or companies can make a $5.00 contribution in memory of those who have lost their fight with cancer and in honor of those who have survived. Each will be recognized by a lighted luminaria candle. Contributions can be made by calling 808-895-3168 or visit the event Web site at www.relayforlife.org/waimeahi

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Waimea is October 2 and 3, 2010 at the Anderson Arena, Mamalahoa Highway near mile maker 51. For more information on the Relay For Life of Waimea call 808-895-3168 or visit the event Web site at www.relayforlife.org/waimeahi

Contacts: Naomi Grace – Publicity Chair
Maile Carvalho – Community Manager

American Cancer Society
Relay For Life of Waimea

West Hawaii Office
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy, Ste. 443-Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 895-3168

MEDIA RELEASE

Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Diane Payne will join NHCH in September 2010 from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. Her addition to the NHCH team expands the care the hospital provides in Hawaii and continues to reverse the trend of specialists leaving the islands.

Payne is the only Orthopedic Surgeon with a subspecialty in Hand and Microvascular Surgery outside Oahu. For residents in Hawaii, this means they will be able to receive specialized treatment for complicated hand and arm injuries, as well as general orthopedic care, which was not available prior to her arrival without a trip to Oahu.

Payne has been recruited from Duke University Medical Center, where she previously completed her orthopedic surgical residency as well as fellowship training in hand and microvascular surgery.

This training enables her to evaluate and treat not only common fracture and musculoskeletal injuries involving soft tissue or bone, but also more complicated aspects of upper-limb surgery including tendon injury, microsurgical nerve and vessel repair, and complicated fractures of the wrist and elbow. Her skills in orthopedic surgery and passion for helping people recover from injury make her a strong addition to the medical community.

In addition to her orthopedic training, Payne is also a certified physical therapist. She received her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Emory University in Atlanta and practiced for a number of years before returning to medical school. This additional training provides her with a unique perspective in the end-to-end treatment of patients from diagnosis to surgery thru recovery.

Payne lives a very active lifestyle and her passion for the outdoors make her more understanding of the needs of the athlete, the weekend warrior, and others who want to maintain maximum functional use of their bodies.

Payne is another new physician recruited by the North Hawaii Community Hospital physician group to provide expanded care to residents of the outer-island communities.

She is opening her doors next month at Lucy Henriques Medical Center, 67-1123 Mamalahoa Highway. Call (808) 885-5855 for appointments.

North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) is a rural, 39-bed acute care medical facility located in Waimea. This non-profit, community-owned hospital opened in 1996 and serves residents and visitors of the Island of Hawaii. NHCH offers a full spectrum of acute-care hospital services. It has a commitment to patient-centered care, treating the patient as a whole person – mind, body and spirit – in the context of family, culture and community.

MEDIA RELEASE

High school athletes are sidelined more than 9,000 days a year because of heat-related illnesses, according to a new CDC analysis.

The analysis, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, looked at 2005-2009 data from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study. The data covered nine sports and estimated national numbers based on a sample of 100 high schools.

Football was the sport associated with the most heat related illnesses and August was the most common month for them to occur, according to CDC’s analysis. The report also found illnesses were most likely to occur during practice, not game time, and more likely to occur among overweight athletes.

The study looked at the incidence of “time-loss heat illness,” defined as illness where a player needed at least one day to recover and missed time on the game field.

Heat-related illnesses included heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke – a medical emergency that in the absence of prompt intervention can lead to loss of consciousness, or more permanent serious medical conditions such as neurologic, cardiac, renal, gastrointestinal, hematologic, or muscle dysfunction and subsequently death.

Since 1995, 31 high school football players have died from heat stroke, according to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research.

“One death due to heat-related illness is too many,” said Michael McGeehin, director of CDC’s Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects. “Heat related illness is preventable; the more we know about how and when it happens, the better we can prepare people who maybe most at risk.”

Student athletes, parents, coaches and trainers should be educated about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and about the importance of proper hydration before, during, and after strenuous activity.

Coaches can help by making sure student athletes have time to get used to hot weather, increasing practice duration and intensity gradually over a 14-day period.

Athletes should drink plenty of water and sports beverages to replace water and salt, and take breaks when needed.

— Find out more:
www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat
www.cdc.gov/mmwr

MEDIA RELEASE

Updating a plan to control tobacco use in Hawaii will be the subject of a series of public meetings the state Department of Health, the Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund Advisory Board and the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii are conducting this month.

The meetings are intended to gather community input to revise and update the current 5-Year Strategic Plan for Tobacco Prevention and Control in Hawaii.

“Hawaii has made substantial progress in reducing health problems caused by smoking and tobacco use,” said Dr. Chiyome Fukino, state health director. “Despite major gains, over 1,000 residents die from tobacco-related diseases, and the costs top $600 million annually. There is still much to do.”

The public is invited to provide comment 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Mala Ikena Room, and 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25 at The Lead Center, 75-170 Hualalai Rd., Kailua-Kona.

The meetings will include review of the 2005-2010 plan and a discussion of new challenges that will shape the 2011-2016 plan.

To RSVP to attend a meeting, e-mail lila.johnson@doh.hawaii.gov. For program details, contact Julian Lipsher, public health educator, (808) 586-4662.

MEDIA RELEASE

For the second consecutive year, the County of Hawaii has earned nationwide recognition as a Playful City USA community.

Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring communities determined to prioritize play and ensure that children are healthy by providing the time and space for play.

KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to saving play, recognized 118 cities across the country as Playful City USA communities, including Hawaii County.

These Playful City USA communities are making a commitment to play and physical activity by developing unique local action plans to increase the quantity and quality of play in their community. In doing so, some of the most innovative ideas and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities – proving that parks and play are more important than ever.

Hawaii County was among 33 Playful City USA communities that are repeat honorees from 2009.

Each of the 2010 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to the cause of play.

Contributing to the county’s selection was the Department of Parks and Recreation’s close work with community groups to build seven playgrounds and renovate two playgrounds, including:

• Higashihara Park (Kamakana Playground):– A community-build project with the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 5/2009).
• Waikoloa Ho’oko Park (Playground): New playground equipment with perimeter fence, three pavilions, barbecue pits — A community-build project with the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 12/2009).
• Kamehameha Park (Playground): Complete renovation of existing playground — A community-build project with the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 4/2010).
• Hawaiian Beaches Park (Playground): New playground – Contracted by the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 3/2009).
• William Charles Lunalilo Playground: New playground – Contracted by the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 11/2009).
• Pahoa Neighborhood Facility Playground: New Playground — Contracted by the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 3/2009).
• Kamehameha Park Skatepark: New reinforced concrete skate park — A community-build project with the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 6/2010).
• Kailua Park Skatepark: New wood features on concrete slab skate park — A community-build project with the Department of Parks and Recreation (c. 3/2010).
• Pahoa Neighborhood Facility Skatepark: New reinforced concrete skate park — A community-build project with the Department of Parks and Recreation(c. 3/2009).

Also, Mayor Billy Kenoi is a strong advocate for keiki and one of his goals is to open school libraries and playgrounds after school hours to provide a place for them to learn, play and be kids. Families are struggling as parents work two jobs leaving some kids left alone inside of their homes and not being able to go outside to play.

The County of Hawai`i recognizes that as its population continues to grow, there is an increase in demand for playspaces, gyms, parks, ball fields, and beaches. The local Ka Hui Pa`ani committee saw this shortfall first-hand and the county has been in talks with the state Legislature and state Department of Education to expand recreational opportunities by using local schools’ facilities.

Ka Hui Pa`ani understands the need for play where life skills are learned and where physical activity takes place in adult-supervised programs, thus helping to curb the problems of obesity and related health problems, crime and drug abuse. Over the past two years the committee is proud of the new community playgrounds and renovations happening around the island, and will continue to strive for private/ public partnerships to make Hawai`i Island a better place to live, work and play.

KaBOOM! makes children happier and healthier by inspiring communities to build great places to play in walking distance of every child. Playful City USA communities create best practices, like the ones above, to reach a similar goal. They serve as role models for other communities and prove that enhancing children’s well-being by increasing the opportunity for play is an attainable goal for every community.

“An extreme misconception exists in our country that play among children is a luxury when, in fact, it’s an absolute necessity,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and Co-founder. “For decades, this notion dominated our actions and we continue to see the damaging results: a monumental lack of playspaces for children and sky-rocketing childhood obesity rates.

“(The County of Hawaii) refused to adhere to the status quo and realized all children deserve a municipal commitment to the cause of play,” Hammond said. “These 118 Playful City USA communities serve as beacons for the rest of our nation that an investment in children is an investment in our future.”

For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, including applications for 2011, visit www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa

MEDIA RELEASE

Glow Industries, Inc., Perrysburg, OH, announced today that it is initiating a voluntary nationwide recall of the company’s product sold under the name of Mr. Magic Male Enhancer from Don Wands. Glow Industries, Inc. is conducting this voluntary recall after being informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that lab analysis has found the Mr. Magic Male Enhancer from Don Wands capsules to contain Hydroxythiohomosildenafil and Sulfoaildenafil, an analogue of Sildenafil, an FDA-approved drug used in the treatment of male Erectile Dysfunction (ED), making Mr. Magic Male Enhancer an unapproved new drug. These active ingredients are not listed on the product label. Product manufactured containing lot numbers 9041401, 251209 and 8121904 are included in this recall.

The Mr. Magic Male Enhancer recall includes:

The recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure. No illnesses or adverse effects have been reported to the company to date in connection with the product.

The undeclared ingredients may pose a threat to consumers because the analogue may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. ED is a common problem in men with conditions, and consumers may seek types of products to enhance sexual performance.

Glow Industries, Inc. advises any customer in possession of Mr. Magic Male Enhancer from Don Wands capsules to call (419) 350-2726, between the hours of 8 a.m and 5 p.m, Monday through Friday, Eastern Standard Time for instructions on the product return and credit process. Glow Industries, Inc. is notifying its distributors and retailers by a recall letter and phone calls to arrange for return of recalled product in their possession.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of this product should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm], by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm] by mail [to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787] or fax [1-800-FDA-0178].

Customers with questions should contact Glow Industries, Inc. at (419) 350-2726.

MEDIA RELEASE

Twelve months ago, Kona Community Hospital launched a new program to develop health care leaders in West Hawaii.

The West Hawaii Healthcare Leadership Series is a year-long program that focuses on leadership and organizational development, financial and quantitative analysis and topics specific to the health care industry. The participants include managers from Kona Community Hospital, Alii Health, West Hawaii Community Health Center and North Hawaii Community Hospital.

The program enriches the participant’s experience by linking theory to practical application and enhances their knowledge and skills that will assist them in their daily work.

The program manifested when Earl Greenia, CEO of Kona Community Hospital (KCH) and Kohala Hospital, and Richard Taaffe, executive director of West Hawaii Community Health Center, wanted to create an educational series that would assist health care leaders in becoming better health care leaders in our community.

Greg Chun, volunteer faculty and Kamehameha Schools executive, said “For me, this program is like sharpening a saw. We can always refine what we know and make ourselves better. You never stop learning and as an instructor I get the benefit of learning from the participants as well.”

“We all learned from each other. The individuals participating in this program have significant experience and bring a lot to the table,” said Faith Rossman, volunteer faculty and Registered Nurse.

Course topics included Leadership and Management, Creativity, Innovation and Organization Development, Communication, Influence and Conflict Management, Creating Change and Implementing Initiatives, Introduction to Finance and Accounting, Measuring Performance Standards, Managerial Decision Making, Identifying and Solving Problems, Health Care Organizations and Delivery Systems, Health Law and Ethics, Health Economics, Financial Management, and Strategic Management.

The last session was Tuesday, Aug. 17 and discussed The Future of Healthcare led by a panel comprised of Earl Greenia (CEO of KCH and Kohala Hospital), John White (CEO of North Hawaii Community Hospital), and Richard Taaffe (Executive Director of West Hawaii Community Health Center).

It also included a special ceremony for this year’s cohort with a certificate of completion awarded to each participant.

Dawn Brewer, Leadership Series participant and KCH Surgical Services Nurse Manager, stated, “I believe that each session had a valuable topic to offer. As a group representing a variety of different healthcare organizations, it was beneficial for us to openly discuss, problem-solve and collaborate to make our workplace and our delivery of services better for our community. I am honored to be part of this program.”

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section organized a car seat check-up during the Click It or Ticket Basketball Tournament at the Kawananakoa Sports Complex in Keaukaha on Saturday (August 14). This was to supplement the Hawaii Isle Police Activities League’s efforts to promote passenger safety with a special Child Passenger Safety event.

The Traffic Services Section was supported by Hilo Medical Center’s childbirth educator, Kiko Camp, as well as Sandy Miyasato, Geoli Ng, Jasmyn Paulo and Rindi Ramos from the Keiki Steps Preschool.

The public was invited to have their car seats checked for proper installation by certified car seat technicians.

Hawai’i's child passenger restraint law requires children under 4 to ride in a child safety seat. Children 4 through 7 must ride in either a child passenger restraint or booster seat.

Violators are required to appear in court. If convicted, violators must attend a four-hour class and may be assessed a penalty of $100-$500, depending on the number of offenses.

A Hawai’i State tax credit of $25 per year applies to the purchase of a child passenger restraint.

Research shows that child passenger restraints can reduce death by as much as 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

The most compelling reason for using a child passenger restraint is the safety of your child.