A literature search and traditional narration determined that at least 58 herbs with scientific names were commonly used by Hawaiians for asthma. Of particular note were Piper methysticum, solanum americanum, and Aleurites molucana with... more
A literature search and traditional narration determined that at least 58 herbs with scientific names were commonly used by Hawaiians for asthma. Of particular note were Piper methysticum, solanum americanum, and Aleurites molucana with oral tradition singling out Sophora chrysophylla. These four therapeutic agents, especially Sophora, have scientific merit and warrant further investigation because of the recent increase in asthma mortality, their potential for improved patient compliance, minimal of side effects, and the low cost.
Ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure via ingestion and inhalation has been described in the literature to cause kidney disease in both animals and humans. This paper reviews Ochratoxin A and its relationship to human health and kidney disease with... more
Ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure via ingestion and inhalation has been described in the literature to cause kidney disease in both animals and humans. This paper reviews Ochratoxin A and its relationship to human health and kidney disease with a focus on a possible association with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in humans. Prevention and treatment strategies for OTA-induced illness are also discussed, including cholestyramine, a bile-acid-binding resin used as a sequestrant to reduce the enterohepatic recirculation of OTA.
Background: In Hawai'i, mortality and morbidity from asthma are signifi cant. In the 80's, there had been no local studies of topography folklore. There had been only one report of seasonal variation in house dust mite (HDM) density in... more
Background: In Hawai'i, mortality and morbidity from asthma are signifi cant. In the 80's, there had been no local studies of topography folklore. There had been only one report of seasonal variation in house dust mite (HDM) density in Hawai'i, and this showed no signifi cant variation in O'ahu's Manoa Valley, but a defi nite variation in Waikiki. There were no studies of complete replacement of furnishings. Objective: In this pilot study, homes in a valley, coastal, and plain Objective: In this pilot study, homes in a valley, coastal, and plain Objective: sites were investigated for 12 months in 2 homes on O'ahu. A 3rd home was studied prior to and after arrival of furnishings from Denver, Colorado. Methods: Of the 3 homes, #1 was in Palolo Valley, Honolulu, #2 coastal at Pearl Harbor and #3 on the plain at Mililani. House dust samples were taken from 4-5 sites in 2 rooms every 5 weeks. Sampling and determination of density and species were those of Furumizo. Results: They were unsupportive of the topography and seasonal variation folklore. Density surged in the 3rd home to >12000 mites/ gram of dust within 10-15 weeks with the complete change of low density HDM furnishings. D. pteronyssinus (Dp) was dominant in each home year-round. Minor species of mites made up to 1/3 of total mites in 2 homes. Conclusion: The folklore relating improvement in asthma to geography was not supported. 2 of the 3 homes showed minimal seasonal variation in HDM density. Local mites heavily colonized furniture from high altitude Colorado in a surge within 10-15 weeks.
The Hawaiians still have evidence of remarkable spiritual, mental, and physical illness since western contact over two centuries ago. Their pure blooded population has decreased by more than 98% but the mixed Hawaiians are approximately... more
The Hawaiians still have evidence of remarkable spiritual, mental, and physical illness since western contact over two centuries ago. Their pure blooded population has decreased by more than 98% but the mixed Hawaiians are approximately near pre-contact pure blooded levels, at 400,000. 60,000 (15%) people with Hawaiian ancestry now live in California. This paper attempts to provide a detailed but concise historical summary of health in Hawaii and of Native Hawaiians. Also, an attempt is made to educate health providers, and to help them take better care of their Native Hawaiian and traditional patients.
... (1998). 1998 Native Hawaiian health and wellness summit and island 'aha. Honolulu, HI: Papa Ola Lokahi. Ka'anoi, P. (1992). The need for Hawaii. ... Lee, RKC (1956). History of public health in Hawaii. Hawaii Medical... more
... (1998). 1998 Native Hawaiian health and wellness summit and island 'aha. Honolulu, HI: Papa Ola Lokahi. Ka'anoi, P. (1992). The need for Hawaii. ... Lee, RKC (1956). History of public health in Hawaii. Hawaii Medical Journal, 15, 331-337. Malo, D. (1951). Hawaiian antiquities. ...
Hawaii has the highest asthma mortality in the nation and clinically has always had high rates. In contrast, international consensus has it that deaths have been rare over the past two centuries to 1950. The objective of this study was to... more
Hawaii has the highest asthma mortality in the nation and clinically has always had high rates. In contrast, international consensus has it that deaths have been rare over the past two centuries to 1950. The objective of this study was to document Hawaii's asthma mortality over the centuries to 1950. Asthma mortality was examined from pre- and early European times through kahunas, aphorisms, historical libraries, and materia medica. In 1879, vital statistics became available locally and from 1901 from the federal government. Asthma deaths were not rare in ancient Hawaii. Vital statistics in 1879 revealed an asthma mortality of 83/100,000 which declined to 4.0 by 1950. U.S. and international mortality, at least to 1930, was almost unknown. Compared to U.S. and international rates, Hawaii's asthma mortality has been excessive since ancient days.