http://192.168.169.76:80/Blogs/Blog/Item%3FblogId=8Health and Wellness brought to you by HMSAhttp://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 Latohttp://192.168.169.76:80/why-eating-disorders-aren-t-about-foodEating disorders may appear to revolve around food, but they’re really about safety, control, and survival. Sophie de Jong, a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in treating eating disorders, shares why the “ED voice” develops as a coping mechanism when the nervous system is overwhelmed, how it can become intertwined with identity, and how to find safety and let it go. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/why-eating-disorders-aren-t-about-food/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Eating%20Disorders/Eating%20Disorder%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Eating%20Disorders/ED%20Month%20THUMB.jpghealtheating healthy, eating disorder, health, Mental Health, foodMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/the-joy-of-bakingThere’s something therapeutic about baking! February is recognized as Bake for Family Fun Month, so whether you need a mood booster or just a little treat, get your whole family involved in the kitchen and create some of Island Scene’s most popular and delicious baked goods.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/the-joy-of-baking/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Baking%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Baking%20THUMB.jpgfoodBaking, easy recipe, dessert, Cookies, cupcakes, pie, roundup, hmsa, island sceneMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/healing-the-whole-body-naturallyStart healing the root cause of pain instead of just treating the symptoms. Take a deep dive into holistic and naturopathic medicine, which treats the whole person (mind, body, and spirit), and focuses on the body’s inherent wisdom to heal. Naturopathic doctor Catherine Ako, ND, shares how this deeper approach can help optimize your health and well-being.Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/healing-the-whole-body-naturally/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Naturopathy/Naturopathic%20Med%20HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Naturopathy/Na.jpghealthholistic, health, doctor appointment, doctor visit, acupuncture, chronic health problemsMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/heart-healthy-challenges-for-heart-monthDid you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. In observance of Heart Month in February, we have a few heart-healthy challenges for you to try. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:48:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/heart-healthy-challenges-for-heart-month/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Heart%20Health%20Challenges/hearthealthychallengeHERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Heart%20Health%20Challenges/hearthealthchallengeTHUMB.jpghealthheart, heart health, heart month, challenge, Motivational, fitness, health, punch card, motivationMichelle Liuhttp://192.168.169.76:80/powering-health-care-innovationLast September, it was announced that HMSA and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas joined Stellarus, a health care technology and strategic solutions company as co-founders. Learn how Stellarus’ technology innovation platform powered by artificial intelligence helps provide access to care that’s smarter, personalized, and more affordable for the members and communities we serve.Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:04:38 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/powering-health-care-innovation/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Stellarus/Stellarus_2455491379_hero_1600x500.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Stellarus/stellarus%20logo_540x304_thumbnail.jpghealthHMSA, blue cross blue shield, artificial intelligence, technologyDavid Latohttp://192.168.169.76:80/partnering-for-hawaii-s-health-care-futureAcross Hawaii, families are dealing with the pressure of our rising cost of living and growing concerns about access to quality health care. As the state’s most experienced health plan, HMSA recognizes our responsibility to lead with purpose and innovation. HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH) are joining forces to meet the challenge. Learn about One Health Hawaii, a new not-for-profit entity, designed to make health care more affordable, improve the consumer experience, and expand access to care for communities statewide, all while realizing long-term financial sustainability. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:02:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/partnering-for-hawaii-s-health-care-future/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/HMSA%20HPH/HMSA%20Partnership_HERO.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/HMSA%20HPH/HMSA%20Partnership_THUMB.jpghealthHMSA, hawaii pacific health, health care, Hawaii, partnershipDavid Latohttp://192.168.169.76:80/building-hawaii-s-physician-workforceHawaii Residency Programs (HRP) has shaped Hawaii's health care workforce for more than 40 years. Learn how the nonprofit has served as the employer and administrator for resident physicians by partnering with local hospitals and UH JABSOM to ensure doctors can complete their medical training and ultimately practice here at home. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:01:00 GMThttp://192.168.169.76:80/building-hawaii-s-physician-workforce/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Hawaii%20Residency%20Programs/MedStudentwithGirl1600x500.jpg/Media/Default/Michelle%20L/Hawaii%20Residency%20Programs/BloodPressure540x304.jpghealthdoctors, JABSOM, residents, physicians, medical school, hospitals, island sceneMarvin Buenconsejo