Category: Column

  • In Celebration of Organ Donor Legacies

    If you could save a life, would you? We are all asked this vital question at the DMV. Checking the box YES to be an organ or tissue donor means we are willing to selflessly pass on the gift of life to those desperately in need.

  • My Story: A Life-Changing Health Scare

    I was sitting outside an Ala Moana Hotel meeting room texting on my phone. Suddenly, I looked up. I had no idea where I was. I realized I was actually lying on the floor and looking at the walls and ceiling. Sweat seemed to be pouring down my face. I reached up to wiped the…

  • The Houseless Are Not Homeless

    Growing up modestly in a suburb of Chicago, I remember the first time we went camping. I was so excited, because this was a family vacation. My brothers and sisters helped pack the hot dogs and buns, collected our sleeping bags and pillows, and gathered wood for the fire. We were thrilled to eat canned…

  • Overcoming the Distance Between Us

    Whether the distance spans countries or oceans, living separated from your loved ones is always difficult — especially when the loved ones are our elders — namely, our grandparents.

  • Spring Cleaning for Your Computer

    Many of us include the ritual of spring cleaning around this time of year. Spring cleaning is all about tackling the areas you may have neglected during the rest of the year. And nothing is more satisfying than a sparkling clean home, right? But don’t forget about your computer and devices.

  • Eating Together

    Here in Hawai‘i, the idea of multiple generations sharing meals together under one roof isn’t reserved for just the holidays. Hawai‘i has the highest percentage of multigenerational households in the country, with nearly 8 percent of households statewide classified as multigenerational — at least three generations living under one roof. This household structure represents one…

  • Giving Your Voice to Charity: Inspiring Real Change With Advocacy

    Especially during this time of year, many of us shift our mindsets to consider how we can spread aloha and do good in the world. Giving back to our community  comes in many forms. There are ways that take no money — donating your voice and time. “Activist philanthropy” is a newer term, but it…

  • Beware of ‘InstaScams’

    There are always two sides of the same coin. Social media has made it possible for everyone to stay more connected over the years and across the miles. It’s reconnected old friends and kept families close. Unfortunately, it’s also given scammers the ability to become more sophisticated and creative.

  • Facing Age Discrimination

    While we are taught to treat those of a different race or religion equitably, seniors often face age discrimination. It first appears as an attempt to be helpful. Someone holds a door open for us. The bus waits a little longer for us to climb aboard. The bank teller smiles more as he hones his…

  • Follow the Medicare Road

    Not too long ago, my extended family enjoyed getting all the cousins together to watch “The Wizard of Oz” every year. We loved watching Dorothy follow the yellow brick road to Oz. It was a great bonding activity. Now those same family members are calling to ask for help with Medicare. Where did the time…