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Michelle Liu
April 09, 2025
lifestyle

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Here are some articles you may have missed:

Health

a step-by-step guide to help you find a therapist
It’s not easy to ask for help with mental health. And once you make the decision to do so, finding a therapist can be challenging. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your mental health journey.

fighting fires and leukemia
It was a routine visit to the doctor for Jason Mohica of Aiea. But the day after his August 2021 doctor appointment was not routine at all. The firefighter’s life would suddenly change and upend the lives of his wife and two sons. Learn how he won his battle over leukemia.


Photo courtesy Jason Mohica

thyroid awareness month: a small but important gland
The butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck is your thyroid. Though small, it’s vital for producing and releasing hormones that regulate breathing, heart rate, energy, muscle strength, weight, mood, and more. We asked Cindy Pau, M.D., a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, questions about thyroid diseases, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.  

Fitness

how to combat a sedentary lifestyle
According to WebMD, many people in the U.S. spend nine to 12 hours being sedentary, with the majority of hours spent during the workday. We’ll explore ideas on how to be more active even when your job requires you to sit for long periods of time.

kendo: the way of the sword
Steeped in Japanese culture and samurai sword arts, modern kendo isn’t necessarily about winning duels. For members of Myohoji Kendo Club in the heart of Honolulu, kendo is about perseverance, camaraderie, and more. Find out from Sensei Seth Harris, and practitioners Shelly Kunishige and Michael and Mace Cueva, why kendo is so meaningful to them.


Photo by Rae Huo

lacing up our shoes: our 10,000-step walking challenge
How effective is walking as a form of exercise? Members of team HMSA took on a challenge to walk 10,000 steps a day for 30 days. Read about their journey, how they felt, and the results. We also chat with a local doctor who launched Waipahu’s Walk with a Doc. She’ll discuss the social benefits of walking together and why she hosts walks with the community every Saturday morning.

Food

chicken recipes you won’t believe came from a can
While chicken in a can may not be your first choice, it’s actually an affordable source of protein. August Espinal, registered dietitian and manager of Condition Care Programs at HMSA, answered a few questions about canned chicken. Plus, stick around for some easy and delicious recipes.

easy and affordable crab boil at home
If you enjoy going to those restaurants where you eat seafood from a bag served directly on the table, you’re going to love our easy crab boil recipe. All you need is a pressure cooker, your favorite ingredients, and some spices for a delicious and affordable crab boil at home. And, hey, no pressure cooker? No problem! A sheet pan and oven will do the trick, too.

heart-healthy snacks
If you love cookies, chocolate, and chips like we do, here are some snack ideas that can help keep your heart healthy and your sweet tooth satisfied.

Lifestyle

e komo mai: a video tour of pearl city
Take a trip down memory lane with HMSA Health Plan Navigator Debbie Kuhns as she shares fond memories of growing up in Pearl City, Oahu.

goldyn girls, golden oldies: connecting with kupuna through song
Two sisters on Maui are sharing the joy of music with kupuna. Bobby and Cassie Goldyn created their nonprofit organization, Keiki Kupuna, to play music for seniors in nursing facilities. The teenage musicians share their musical background and how they hope to enrich the lives of seniors through song, build relationships, and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.


Photo courtesy Goldyn family

hawaii conservatory for performing arts: where local talent shines
Established in 2021, the Hawaii Conservatory for Performing Arts at Windward Community College is the only higher education program in Hawaii focused on preparing performing artists for a career in the entertainment industry. Committed to showcasing original projects based on Hawaii’s unique local culture, the conservatory has launched dozens of careers with alumni appearing in productions throughout the world. We talked to Nicolas Logue, conservatory founder, associate professor, and education coordinator, about the first-of-its-kind conservatory in the state. Plus, find out what a few current and former students of the program have to say about their experience in our follow-up piece, hawaii’s rising stars.

Graphics by Brandon Young

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