Date: July 24, 2006
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Maui Memorial Medical Center Offers a Community Cardiovascular Program, Malama Pu'uwai (Take Care of Your Heart)

On August 2 to September 6, Maui Memorial Medical Center will offer a comprehensive community cardiovascular wellness program called Malama Pu'uwai (Take Care of Your Heart) at Hope Chapel in Kihei. The public is invited to participate, cost is free. Pre-registration is required, space is limited.

The Malama Pu'uwai program, which is modeled after an established program called, "Doin; the Right Healthy Thing," will focus on education, healthy food choices, exercise, screening and referrals. However, MMMC's program would be tailored to meet the needs of the diverse population of Hawai'i. The program would be available to various groups and would focus on wellness and early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Participants commit to a 6-week program with meetings held once per week for 2.5 hours. After the 6-week program, 3 and 9 month follow-up newsletters will be mailed, and at 6 and 12 months follow-up meetings will be held. This schedule will allow continuous contact with participants over a 15-month period. The following would be offered to participants free of charge:

• Health Assessment and Lifestyle Profile
• Blood Pressure Evaluaton
• Body Mass Index
• Ankle Brachial Index
• Laboratory tests- Blood glucose, Total Cholestorol, HDL etc.
• Counseling with RN concerning assessment data and results of screening
• 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each week
• Health food choices
• Referrals to health care professionals as appropriate
• Education on Cardiovascular risk factors including- Hypertension, Diabetes, Tobacco, Stress Management, Fitness, Nutrition and Spirituality/Motivation to Change
• Assistance in lifestyle goal setting and strategies

A healthy meal prepared by Simply Healthy Cafe will also be offered each day, sponsored by Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

The Key professional staff who will conducting this program are:

• David Russell RN, Cardiovascular Services Project Coordinator
• Kimberly Finney RN, BSN, Clinical Educator
• Michael Rhodes RN, BSN, Community Outreach Coordinator/Fitness Instructor
• Dr. Dennis Rowe MD, Kaiser-Permanente Cardiologist
• Dr. Barry Shitamoto MD, MMMC Pathologist
• Numerous other staff and community agency leaders

Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) is currently developing a Cardiovascular Services Project and programs like Malama Pu'uwai are part of their commitment to the Maui community to provide quality health services to all.

According to David Russell RN, "This is the first time a cardiac wellness program has been offered on island and open to the general public with evaluation, screening, medical referral, education, initial cardiac rehab and exercise included. In addition, laboratory blood analysis and dietary education will also be offered."

"This program is a key component to bring Cardiovascular Services in the Maui community full circle," said program coordinator Kimberly Finney RN, BSN. "This is a tremendous community benefit that will provide a much needed service to many who are at risk for heart disease and/or who otherwise have no access the healthcare. It would also accomplish reaching the friends and families of current patients who suffer from cardiovascular disease, the Nation's leading killer for both men and women among all racial and ethnic groups.

For more information or to register, contact Kim Finney at (808) 243-3047.