Category: Articles

  • Dana is a Joy!

    DANA (pronounced Donna) is a Sanskrit word that is defined as selfless giving of time and energy; providing compassion and care without the desire for recognition or expression of appreciation. Dana is not someone’s name, or an acronym. Dana is an expression of love, compassion, faith, and caring.

  • How to Make Your Smile Merry & Bright

    Staying active and healthy during the holidays can be difficult with family gatherings and holiday sweets. While you try your best to avoid sugary treats, don’t forget to incorporate exercise into this cheerful season, because it could help you maintain a healthier smile!

  • How to Age Gracefully, Inside and Out

    My grandma once told me, “getting old is not for sissies!” As we get older, we may wonder how to age as well as possible. Here are some simple tips for aging gracefully as our bodies change.

  • Champions at Heart

    Champions at Heart

    Chances are that you’ve heard of Dave Shoji and Vince Goo, two of Hawai‘i’s most beloved coaches. Known far and wide for their stellar coaching careers at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), these individuals boast hundreds of wins and have earned the titles of the winningest coaches for their respective programs — for…

  • Becoming the Reason Someone Smiles

    Volunteering brings fun, joy and a sense of purpose into your life. It has certainly made my retirement more meaningful and enjoyable! The skills I learned in my working life are put to good use and are the foundation of the WIN-WIN relationships forged between me and those in need of assistance.

  • Be Prepared and at Ease for the Holidays

    Grief is a natural response to a loss, change, transition, or death. Grief affects everyone uniquely. It could be emotionally, mentally, physically, intellectually, and/or spiritually. As the 2023 holidays approach, take time to self-care with positive activities. Examples are reading uplifting stories and poems, journaling, stretching, meditating, connecting with people, appreciating nature walks, etc. Find…

  • My Reflections on Caregiving

    Aloha! When we hear the words “kūpuna care,” it can bring forth many thoughts, perhaps of taking care of a parent, grandparent, neighbor or friend. For me, “kūpuna care” has also meant a career of three decades working in senior care communities in California and Hawai‘i. As a licensed administrator, I’ve been there in the…

  • Grandma’s Butter Crunch Jello Cream Cake

    My fondest memories of my late grandma, Shirley Ihara, are of watching her cook and bake in the kitchen. During the holidays, she would make her Butter Crunch Jello Cream Cake and it was one of my favorites. She actually taught me this recipe when I was a child, but I really didn’t make it…

  • Ban the Grinch This Christmas

    Holidays are for giving, but for some it’s a season of taking. Don’t let a Grinch ruin your holiday! Below are some common scams and what to look out for to avoid them.

  • Ask a Kupuna

    It’s that time of year when we fondly reminisce about family gatherings and vacations, so my question for this issue was: “What is your favorite Christmas memory?”