Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 11, 1 November 2005 — GOOD HEALTH IS ALL IN THE ʻOHANA [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

GOOD HEALTH IS ALL IN THE ʻOHANA

I maika 'i ke kalo i ka 'ōhā "The goodness of the taro is judged by the young plant it produces." (Parents are often judged by the behavior oftheir children) As this 'ōlelo suggests, misbehaving children are an embarrassment to families. The difficulty is that our children are highly influenced by social systems outside of the family, like television, music, celebrities, video games, schools and peers. Television, music and movies depict disruptive, disrespectful, rude children, so there is eonfusion about appropriateness of such behavior. Sassy tongues and demanding children are noticeably increasing in numbers. These behaviors are the complete opposite of the quiet and observant ehildren socialized in the ancestors' ways. Traditions taught Hawaiian youngsters to anticipate the needs of others and to relate dutifully to their elders. This change is brought about by the process of acculturation and becoming part of mainstream America. Until recently, Hawaiian elders focused mueh attention on teach-

ing children cultural ways, family expectations and responsibilities. 'Ohana lived together in a family compound, or kauhale, and shared in responsibilities that made the 'ohana existenceproductive, pleasant and safe. Children had daily chores in the home and for others in the kauhale. Grandparents mo lded the behaviors of their ehildren and taught them family history, chants and responsibilities, while their parents did the laborintensive work, such as farming, fishing and kapa making. Parents taught the older ehildren to fish, fann and do other tasks. The kūpuna carefully evaluated the talents of eaeh child and sought teachers to develop a child's talent to the fullest. Great pride was reflected in the family customs and names, as names often referred to family achievements. Children respected all the 'ohana and community adults. The child's behaviors demonstrated the grandparents' successes in teaching cultural behaviors and family customs. Our children are our hope for the future, so we must continue to teach them the traditions and cultural ways. And one of the most important things to teach is healthy diet and lifestyle choices. In a recent bulletin, the World Heahh Organization (WHO)

reported that 36 million people in the world will die prematurely from preventable illnesses in the next ten years. This worldwide impact of chronic conditions, like high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, cancer and overweight, is a serious one. The WHO said making wise food choices, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco products could save ahnost a half-million people worldwide eaeh year. Numerous heahh studies have demonstrated considerable heahh improvements for those who lower dietary fat, increase daily vegetable and fruit consumption, avoid tobacco products and adopt a regular schedule of exercise. Our focus is on reducing the number of Native Hawaiians in that WHO forecast. We know what to do. The steps to improved heahh are the same as those reconmiended by the WHO. If we involve our families in lifestyle changes, everyone will benefit. Involving the family increases the likelihood of success. For example, agreeing as a family to avoid fried foods and to eook by roasting, baking, broiling orsteaming foods will reduce numerous hannful food compounds for the entire family. Agreeing to replace most desserts and sweet snacks whh fresh fruit will improve heahh by adding more vitamins, minerals and fiber, while reducing sugar and fat for the family. Avoiding pastries in the morning and eating cooked or dry cereal instead will increase heahh benefits and reduce harmful fat and sugars. Drinking lots of water instead of soda, canned sweet beverages and beer will protect kidney function and reduce sugar calories. Efforts as a family to stop tobacco use will support the smokers in breaking a difficult and bothersome habit. And exercising together ean make the new routine a happy and congenial one. A family that works together on lifestyle changes will gain great success as a family. Besides, it is the Hawaiian way. S

Y0UR HEALĪH • OLAKINO ■

Parents must teach their children to eat healthy and stay active. - Photo: KWOArchive

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D.