Malama Pu‘uwai heart health program offered Upcountry.Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) will offer Malama Pu‘uwai (Take Care of Your Heart), its comprehensive community cardiovascular wellness program. The program will be presented at the Makawao Hongwanji Mission on Tuesdays, from April 22 through May 27, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required and space is limited.
The Malama Pu‘uwai program focuses on education, healthy food choices, exercise, screening and referrals. The program is aimed at promoting wellness through early detection and modification of cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Participants must commit to a six-week program with meetings held once per week for two-and-a-half hours. After the six-week program, three- and nine-month follow-up newsletters will be mailed, and at six and 12 months, follow-up meetings will be held. This schedule will allow continuous contact with participants over a 15-month period.
The following is offered as part of the program to participants free of charge:
- Health assessment and lifestyle profile;
- Blood pressure evaluation;
- Body mass index;
- Ankle brachial index (if indicated);
- Laboratory tests: Blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, etc.;
- Counseling with RN concerning assessment data and results of screenings;
- Thirty minutes of exercise each week;
- Healthy food choices;
- Referrals to healthcare professionals as appropriate;
- Education on cardiovascular risk factors including: hypertension, diabetes, tobacco and chemical effects on health, stress management, fitness, nutrition and motivation to change;
- Assistance in lifestyle goal setting and strategies;
- A healthy meal is offered at each session, sponsored by the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation.
For more information or to register, contact Kim Finney at 243-3047.