Farmers market, Hui Malama team up for good health

The Keaukaha-Panaewa Farmers Association and Hui Malama Ola Na`Oiwi Native Hawaiian Health Care System on Hawaii Island have formed a partnership to promote “good health and wellness” in the community.

Beginning today through May 2016, Hui Malama Ola Na`Oiwi will provide health information and activities from 9-11:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month at the Keaukaha-Panaewa Farmers Market site across from Home Depot off Railroad Avenue and East Makaala Street.

“I attended all their classes earlier this year and learned so much about myself because of her (Hui Malama clinical staff member Wanda Louis) teaching style,” said Puanani Woo, who appreciates the services of both organizations.

At the marketplace today, Hui Malama will offer a special presentation about Native Hawaiian la‘au lapa‘au by Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues, a traditional Hawaiian healer.

Health-related activities will follow throughout the period, which will include displays about nutrition, diabetes, cancer prevention, tobacco cessation and much more. Important health screenings also will be offered (blood-pressure checks, blood-glucose screenings, body-mass index readings), as well as keiki-friendly activities.

While visiting the marketplace, visit some of the vendors selling their farm-grown products; learn how to live healthier by growing hydroponic lettuces and tomatoes; ask about classes coordinated by Dr. William Sakai of the University of Hawaii at Hilo; and explore the chicken-coop design to raise backyard chickens.

Hui Malama invites everyone to come, share, learn, talk story and experience eating healthier and taking good care of our bodies. Join Hui Malama’s quest to “live longer and feel better, making good choices for a healthy lifetime.”

For more information on specific monthly activities, call Hui Malama Ola Na `Oiwi at 969-9220 or Howard Pea, Keaukaha-Panaewa Farmers Association vice president, 769-3989.