Oh my! What do DEM BONES, BINGO, and the SALVATION ARMY have in common? Just ask anyone from the Kupuna Ministry. They will tell you about the May 12, 2009 event held at the Salvation Army Facilities in Kane’ohe.
A council member at New Hope Windward (NHW), Joey Aukai, Physical Therapist, gave valuable information and demonstration on how to prevent and cope with Osteoporosis. “While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person’s disease, it can strike at any age. It is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures a year in the USA. An average of 24% of hip fracture patients, age 50 and over, die in the year following their fracture.” This is reported by the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Joey emphasized the value of exercise, safe movement, and a calcium-rich diet to maintain bone health.
As with any Kupuna Event, there has to be food, fellowship and fun as well as praise and worship. Lokahi Valentine treated the Kupuna to a vocal solo as well as leading the praise and worship. Later, he kept the group laughing and excited as he called out the Bingo numbers with the assistance of Jody Yamaguchi and her daughter Karissa.
The Salvation Army is a wonderful facility for the Kupuna to meet for certain events. The feedback from their staff is that they enjoy hearing the Kupuna group singing, worshiping, laughing, praying, and having such a good time. The generous Kupuna also bring groceries to help stock the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry. It is “win-win” for everyone involved.
