ERSOY: The Real History of Thanksgiving

When you hear “Thanksgiving”, what comes first to mind is quite likely roasted turkey and a lot of food. That has become tradition, however Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting, it brings family and friends together and gives opportunity to reflect on gratitude and love.

JONES: Your sugar fix: How sweet it is!

My keiki and I are surrounded by candy chaos, with bags, baskets, and buckets of sweet treats strewn all over the house. I know that sugar isn’t good, but I’m eating it with mixed emotions, joy and happiness. Seriously, is a little dandy candy really that bad? What’s your take on giving in?

ERSOY: Stem cell therapy is changing medicine (part 2)

After reading my first column about stem cell therapy you may be thinking about asking your physician to learn more about how it might help your specific health issues. It can offer one of the most therapeutic approaches for some diseases and health problems, including joint pain, osteoarthritis and sports injuries.

ERSOY: Stem cell therapy is changing medicine, part 1

Everyone wants to live for a healthy life span and ideally never get old. You can stay healthier while aging, however we can not yet stop the aging process. So it’s up to us to understand what steps we need to take during this time. Of course, I am talking about specific actions that we can take, and not unexpected health issues or bad luck with our genetics.

JONES: Five fitness facts: Testing your training

Every six months or so, I like to flip the script, asking some questions to you about exercise and eating. Are you a regular reader of “In Health & With Hope?” Have you been paying attention? It’s time to get your brain in the game. Have fun!!

ERSOY: How does our environment affect our health?

We all know that our environment can have a big effect on the way that we think and behave — the people we live together with, and which town or city or culture we live in. For example, if we are surrounded by people who are highly stressed then most likely we can feel their stress and it will affect us. Most of the time we may not actually realize how our environment is affecting us, and yet it can still change our reactions and behaviors.

Still time to register for Ohana FitFest

LIHUE — Leaders of the North Shore Give and Ohana FitFest were honored, congratulated and commended by the Kauai County Council during a certificate presentation at a County Council meeting on Wednesday.

JONES: Majestic muscularity: Beaming with balance

Aloooooooha! I appreciate your question, but please note that I am not “Dr. Doug.” So, without diagnosing, I’m happy to provide my take, to give you my hope for your health. Please allow me to approach your specific issue in my typical tangential manner.

ERSOY: Is it important to have a goal?

Is having a goal is important? The answer is absolutely yes. So can I finish this article now? Actually, it’s not that simple! You need to really think why it is important and what benefits you may gain with it.

VA counselor will be on Kaua‘i

LIHU‘E — The Department of Veterans Affairs’ VA benefits counselors, who are assigned to the Honolulu VA Regional Office, will be on Kaua‘i on Aug. 13 and Sept. 10.

Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday

LIHU‘E — Walmart Kaua‘i will join nearly 4,600 pharmacies across the nation in hosting Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

JONES: Muscle gain without pain: Discern the burn

Mahalo for answering my question last month about muscle soreness. I loved your point about how lowering weight is both the cause and the cure. I had always thought that lactic acid was the primary culprit. I guess not, huh? Does lactic acid have anything at all to do with soreness the day after I work out?

ERSOY: Are home cooked meals better than eating out? (Part 1)

Around 37 percent of people in the US eat fast food at least once a day. In today’s fast-paced world the convenience of fast food and restaurants often competes with the benefits of home-cooked meals. While quickly grabbing a bite to eat from a fast-food place or ordering a takeout might save time, the advantages of preparing meals at home are substantial and supported by many studies.