http://192.168.169.76:80/Blogs/Blog/Item%3FblogId=8Health and Wellness brought to you by HMSAhttp://192.168.169.76:80/from-combat-to-compassionFrom Operation Iraqi Freedom to therapy room and classroom. Gulf War veteran and social worker Christopher Slavens' journey is one of resilience and self-discovery to finally regaining joy and purpose in life. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:00:23 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/from-combat-to-compassion/Media/Default/Craig/Health/Christopher%20Slavens/SlavensDSC01502art1600x500.jpg/Media/Default/Craig/Health/Christopher%20Slavens/SlavensDesert540x304.jpghealthPost traumatic stress syndrome, PTSD, war, veteran, Christopher Slavens, social worker, mental health, behavioral health, trauma-informed careCraig DeSilvahttp://192.168.169.76:80/a-new-line-of-support-for-youth-mental-healthWhat if the best person to talk to when you’re struggling is someone your own age? On Maui, 12 teenagers are proving that peer support can be a powerful tool for youth mental health. Meet the volunteers behind YouthLine Hawaii’s first-ever island cohort. Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/a-new-line-of-support-for-youth-mental-health/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/YouthLine/YouthLine%20Logo%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/YouthLine/YouthLine%201.jpghealthMental Health, mental well being, kids health, keiki, keiki health, students, MauiMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/sneaky-spinach-dessertsSpinach may be known for its leafy green goodness, but its neutral taste also means it’s the perfect vegetable to hide in desserts! From smoothies to baked goods, you’ll never know these sweets have a hidden green gem inside.Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/sneaky-spinach-desserts/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Sneaky%20Spinach%20Desserts/Spinach%20Desserts%201600x500.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Sneaky%20Spinach%20Desserts/Vanilla%20Cake%20540x304.jpgfoodFood, easy recipe, dessert, Desserts, spinachMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/lessons-beyond-the-skate-parkSkateboarders look fearless flipping through the air, but behind every trick is real courage and fierce determination, especially when a fall could happen at any moment. Just ask 9-year-old Phoenix Nakaishi. Discover how he and his sister, Indie, use skateboarding to conquer fear, build resilience, and find confidence on and off the board.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/lessons-beyond-the-skate-park/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Skateboarding/Skateboarding%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Skateboarding/Phoenix.jpgfitnessexercise, physical activity, Honolulu, fitness, outdoor fitness, outdoor activities in HawaiiMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/anyone-can-cook-how-to-find-confidence-in-the-kitchenDo you get stressed in the kitchen? Same. But after spending most of my 20s relying on the microwave, I’ve spent the last three years learning ways to make cooking less intimidating. Here are a few basics that helped a reluctant home cook build confidence in the kitchen (no passion required).Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/anyone-can-cook-how-to-find-confidence-in-the-kitchen/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Anyone%20Can%20Cook/Kitchen%201600x500.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Anyone%20Can%20Cook/Cooking%20Cartoon%20540x304.jpgfoodcooking, island scene, kitchen, kitchenware, TipsMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/honoring-a-beloved-kumu-at-merrie-monarchThe legacy of a kumu hula who revolutionized kane hula as we know it today lives on. Former students of Darrell Lupenui's Men of Waimapuna honor their beloved kumu through song and dance. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/honoring-a-beloved-kumu-at-merrie-monarch/Media/Default/Craig/Lifestyle/Merrie%20Monarch%20Hoike/Group%20chant.jpg/Media/Default/Craig/Lifestyle/Merrie%20Monarch%20Hoike/Darrell%202.jpglifestyleMerrie Monarch, hula, Hawaiian traditions, Hawaiian culture, dance, mele, chant, Darrell Lupenui, kumu, Men of Waimapuna, hoikeCraig DeSilvahttp://192.168.169.76:80/what-s-for-work-lunch-snack-box-editionAs a kid, lunch in the school cafeteria was a big deal. Sure, there were the musubi, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or the rare treat of leftover soup or stew in a thermos. But if you were lucky enough to have a compartmentalized meal kit with crackers, cheese, and meat, suddenly everyone wanted to be your friend. These lunches follow the same concept: an assortment of snacks, easy to assemble, and fun to eat. (Popularity may or may not be included.) Thu, 28 May 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/what-s-for-work-lunch-snack-box-edition/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Work%20Lunches/Snack%20Boxes/Snack%20Box%20HERO.png/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Work%20Lunches/Snack%20Boxes/Charcuterie540x304.jpgfoodWork, lunch, easy breakfast, easy recipe, easy mealMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/from-preemie-to-superhero-dax-s-march-for-babies-storyMay is Women’s Health Awareness Month. In April, HMSA was proud to support the March of Dimes’ March for Babies fundraiser and advocacy event. Meet the Kitashiros, this year’s March of Dimes ambassador family and HMSA members, who share the story of their superhero son, Dax, who was born prematurely, received expert care in the neonatal intensive care unit, and is a healthy and strong kindergartener today. Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/from-preemie-to-superhero-dax-s-march-for-babies-story/Media/Default/Lynn/Team%20HMSA%20at%20March%20for%20Babies%20hero%20image.jpg/Media/Default/Lynn/Dax%20and%20family%20thumbnail%20and%20body%20image.jpgnewsroommarch of dimes, march for babies, maternal health, infant health, hmsa, kitashiro family, hawaii, healthLynn Shibuyahttp://192.168.169.76:80/decadent-but-healthier-desserts-sheet-pan-styleWe’ve covered sheet pan dinners, so what comes after? Dessert, of course! From chocolate cake to peanut butter chunk oatmeal bars, try these treats. They’re a little healthier than their traditional counterparts and will serve a crowd.Thu, 14 May 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/decadent-but-healthier-desserts-sheet-pan-style/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Sheet%20Pan%20Desserts/PB%20bars%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Sheet%20Pan%20Desserts/Choc%20cake%20540x304.jpgfoodFood, easy recipe, dessert, Desserts, easy recipes, sheet panMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/lightened-up-burgers-for-national-burger-dayCelebrate National Burger Day (May 28) with a lightened-up version of a typical smash burger or enjoy a meatless version that’s packed with fiber and flavor!Tue, 12 May 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/lightened-up-burgers-for-national-burger-day/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Natl%20Burger%20Day/Burger%20HERO.PNG/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Natl%20Burger%20Day/Smash%20Burger%20540x304.jpgfoodburger, Food, barbeque, BBQ, grill, pickles, tomatoes, recipesMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/cortisol-chaos-understanding-the-bodys-stress-hormoneDoes cortisol deserve the villainous role it’s been cast in on social media? Sandi Tsumoto, M.D., a family medicine doctor in Kahului and assistant clinical professor at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, explains the stress hormone’s role in our bodies, why it’s not all bad, and what you can do to regulate levels. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/cortisol-chaos-understanding-the-bodys-stress-hormone/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Cortisol/Cortisol%202%201600x500.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Cortisol/Cortisol%20540x304.jpghealthhealth, JABSOM, stress, Stress Management, stress relief, Yoga, meditationMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/what-s-for-work-lunch-cold-lunches-editionSome offices may not have a microwave in the break room. So, as in part 3 of our monthly series, what’s for (work) lunch?, we’re sharing a variety of cold lunch ideas, no heat required. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/what-s-for-work-lunch-cold-lunches-edition/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Work%20Lunches/Cold%20Lunches/what’s%20for%20(work)%20lunch.png/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Work%20Lunches/Cold%20Lunches/Egg%20Salad%20BODY.jpgfoodWork, lunch, easy meals, easy recipes, easy packable, cold, SandwichMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/coming-home“Each night Honolulu city lights. Bring me back again.” – Keola Beamer For many local people, opportunities are found beyond the Pacific Ocean. But it's always good to come back home. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/coming-home/Media/Default/Craig/Lifestyle/Coming%20Home/_5_12440_resize%20cmyk%201600x500%20(2).tif/Media/Default/Craig/Lifestyle/Coming%20Home/_5_12785%20B%20-Y%20540x304.jpglifestyleHawaii, home, cost of living, Mainland, homecoming, outmigration, brain drain, hmsaCraig DeSilvahttp://192.168.169.76:80/the-heartbeat-of-uh-school-spiritFrom the stands to the football field, the University of Hawaii at Manoa Rainbow Warrior Marching Band brings the spirit to the crowd! The skilled instrument playing, intriciate field formations, and synchronized marching are what the people see. Learn what goes on behind-the-scenes as these nearly 300 students grow in their art while having fun in the stands and becoming a family.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/the-heartbeat-of-uh-school-spirit/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/UH%20Marching%20Band/DSF14961600x500.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/UH%20Marching%20Band/UH%20Marching%20Band%20BODY.jpglifestyleUniversity of Hawaii, Music, football, hmsa, island scene, sportsMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/chronic-inflammation-silent-and-destructiveChronic inflammation can have a serious impact on your overall health. It’s essential to understand how to reduce it. To help us understand what triggers the immune system to cause inflammation and what can reduce it, we talked with rheumatologist Scott Kawamoto, M.D.Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/chronic-inflammation-silent-and-destructive/Media/Default/Keely/hero%202-1.jpg/Media/Default/Keely/inflammatory%20foods.jpghealthhmsa, island scene, islandscene.com, inflammation, chronic inflammation, Scott Kawamoto MD, healthKeely Kalama-Lakeyhttp://192.168.169.76:80/hmsa-board-member-q-a-meet-ruth-fukunaga-uejioMeet HMSA's newest member of the Board of Directors. Servco's Ruth Fukunaga Uejio is dedicated to community and improving health and wellness in Hawaii. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/hmsa-board-member-q-a-meet-ruth-fukunaga-uejio/Media/Default/Craig/Lifestyle/Ruth%20Fukunaga%20Uejio/Ruth%20in%20a%20meeting.png/Media/Default/Craig/Lifestyle/Ruth%20Fukunaga%20Uejio/Ruth%20in%20her%20office.pnglifestyleRuth Fukunaga Uejio, Servco, HMSA, board member, service, community, island sceneCraig DeSilvahttp://192.168.169.76:80/the-c5b-strategy-patients-and-parents-should-knowDon’t know when to go to the emergency room or seek other health care options? C5B (chest, brain, breathing, belly, bleeding, and bone) is a simple, easy-to-remember guide that helps you decide. Andrew Perry, M.D., pediatrician, emergency physician, and HMSA medical director, explains how to follow C5B and the warning signs that should never be ignored.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:00:57 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/the-c5b-strategy-patients-and-parents-should-know/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/C5B/C5B%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/C5B/C5B%20THUMB.jpghealthhealth, emergency room, emergency department, PCP, telehealth, emergency medical servicesEarl Yoshiihttp://192.168.169.76:80/three-easy-sheet-pan-dinnersWe love to make things easier in the kitchen, and sheet pans help make that happen. Prep is usually minimal, and the oven does the rest of the work! Try making a vegetarian dish that went viral for its simplicity and bold flavor, a rich and creamy mac and cheese that’s celebrity chef approved, or a crispy chicken cutlet that’s garlicky and perfectly crunchy. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/three-easy-sheet-pan-dinners/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Sheet%20Pan%20Dinners/Sheet%20pan%20dinners%20HERO2.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Sheet%20Pan%20Dinners/Feta%20THUMB.jpgfoodislandscene.com, Food, easy recipe, easy dinner, Quick, dinner ideas, dinnerMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/protein-coffee-four-waysWe know protein coffee can increase your protein intake, but how do you make it taste good? Protein powder has the unfortunate reputation of being grainy or clumpy. But, after some experimentation, we discovered four ways to enjoy this extra morning boost! Try a banana bread cold brew or a classic iced vanilla latte. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/protein-coffee-four-ways/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Proffee%20Recipes/Protein%20Coffee%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Proffee%20Recipes/Banana%20(2).jpgfoodcoffee, protein, healthy recipes, island scene, nutrition, series, easyMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/my-first-colonoscopy-what-i-learned-so-you-know-what-to-expectMarch is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Getting a colonoscopy may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! After HMSA Strategic Communications Manager David Lato turned 45, his doctor recommended the routine screening. Here’s his experience of what it was like to get a colonoscopy, so you know what to expect if you’re scheduled for a screening. And learn more about how colorectal cancer screening saves lives from the Hawaii Department of Health at GetScreened.hawaii.gov. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/my-first-colonoscopy-what-i-learned-so-you-know-what-to-expect/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/David%20L%20Colonoscopy/Colonoscopy%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/David%20L%20Colonoscopy/Colonoscopy%20BODY.jpghealthcancer screening, cancer screening, colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer awareness month, colonoscopyDavid Lato