Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 12, Number 2, 1 February 1995 — Targeting better health [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Targeting better health

Video series aims to educate and entertain islanders about health issues by Patrick Johnston The problem with leading an active, healthy life is that, for many people, it's not nearly as satisfying as sitting in front of the TV with a soda and a bag of chips. A new video series by Hawaiian film producer Juniroa Productions is trying to change that: It will still

keep you in front of the TV set - at least until eaeh segment is over - but aims to get you away from the junk food and off the eoueh. On Target is a 13-part healīh series being produced with the support of the Queen's Heahh System, Kaiser Permanente, Papa Ola Lōkahi and a $50,000 grant from OHA. It covers heahh topics like stress, heart disease, and drug abuse but does so in a way that is both accessible and fun. "We bring up issues that are serious," Juniroa's Heather Giugni explains, "but do it in a way that-

makes them easier to understand and deal with." Eaeh half-hour show is divided into several two- to four-minute sections. It begins with "Tales of the 'Ohana," an ongoing soap opera that introduces the segment's heahh issue and brings the topic home using humorous situations with easily recognizable loeal characters. The show then explores the issue using members of the community who have had to deal with the problem or who are actively working to prevent it. Giugni explains, "The idea is to present people that view-

ers ean easily identify with." The shows also feature heahh tips, fitness suggestions, and sports and cooking demonstrations. There is even a section on teaching kids how to manage their money. Eaeh program regularly returns to "Tales of the 'Ohana," providing eomie relief and keeping things fun. The cast of "Tales of the 'Ohana" features Hawaiian entertainers Karen Keawehawai'i and Sam Kapu. Kapu also hosts the series along with Rell Sunn, and teenagers Katrina Souza and Hoku Haiku. The values of the series and most of its participants are Hawaiian but the production is done in a way that all loeal residents ean relate to. Many of the people profiled who have suffered illnesses or personal problems are non-Hawaiians. "We eame up with the idea for the series because, of all the groups, Hawaiians have the most health problems," explains Juniroa's Esther Figueroa. "But we didn't want Hawaiians to feel stigmatized by the show." Giugni adds, "The bottom line is improving the health of the whole community." On Target producers worked closely with communities across the state when making the series, using community experiences for material

and monitoring different health developments in those communities. One segment of the show features groups who have chosen "wellness goals" (i.e. quiting smoking or eating more fruits and vegetables) and are checked on every week. Prizes and certificates are given to those who keep their commitments or help others do the same. Juniroa is still looking for people to be a part of the series. Individuals, organizations, and whole communities ean all sign up. Participants will get their names on television and some will be featured on the show. Juniroa is aiming to have the series finished before the summer and viewers should keep their eyes out for broadcast information. Anyone interested in the series or wishing to participate should write to Juniroa Productions at 733 Bishop St., Box 170-62, Honolulu, HI 96813. For information about OHA's grants program eall 594-1888.

"We bring up issues that are serious but do it in a way that makes them easier to understand and deal with." - Heather Giugni

Juniroa's camera crew films a fit fireman on Kaua'i.

i— i»i i m1 « i ititmy^ MMM Some of the On Target cast. From left to right: Karen Keawehawai'i, Hoku Haiku, Sam Kapu, and Rell Sunn. Photos courtesy Juniroa Productiom

Teen host Katrina Souza