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In this issue:
Staples at the Te Mata Gathering Physical Activity and Your Health Facts on Blood Pressure
WISEWOMAN The Importance of Sun Chocolate Math
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Back from New ZealandKupe lived in Hawaiki, the mythical land honored by the Maoris as their ancient homeland. Kupe set off in a canoe to sail into unknown waters far to the south. He took a large crew and his family with him and carried food and water sufficient for a long journey. His friend, Ngahue, in a second canoe, accompanied him. The motive which sent Kupe and Ngahue on so hazardous a voyage has been dimmed by passing centuries. Perhaps the two men had had difficulties at home from which they wished to escape. Possibly they were merely curious about the unknown. Or it may be that they set out, as one version of the legend relates, to catch and kill a giant octopus that had repeatedly caused them to lose their bait while they were fishing. Days became weeks and still the long canoes sailed south. Some versions of the tale say they followed but never overtook the giant octopus. Everyone watched for signs of land until Kupe’s wife sighted what at first appeared to be a long, low cloud bank on the horizon. She cried , “He ao! He ao! “ “A cloud! A cloud!” Upon coming nearer to the cloud, Kupe saw that land lay ahead and he named the land Aotearoa, which mean “long white cloud.” This is the Maori story of how New Zealand was discovered. Recently he National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center along with several consultants and board members attended the World Indigenous Wellness Conference in New Zealand. While there they participated in several traditional ceremonies and activities. The conference was an opportunity for indigenous women worldwide to learn about how the Maori culture is incorporated into New Zealand health programs. The presentations covered a wide range of subjects from traditional healing to childbirth. At the beginning and end of each of the presentations the Maori people sang a traditional song. NIWHRC board member Julia Davis-Wheeler, was particularly impressed with the presentation Healing of the Soul, the Mind, the Spirit given by the Kaupapa Maori Addiction Services. “It was so similar to the programs that the American Indian/Alaska Native people are doing it was amazing. The highlight was the weaving of Maori culture into their healing,” said Wheeler. The several members of the staff at NIWHRC and a board member presented on the various programs NIWHRC is involved in. Pamela Iron, the Executive Director gave an overall summary of the various programs. Carol Young discussed the Mentoring Program, while Lydia Hubbard-Pourier discussed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Kimberley Chaffin, Samantha Chaffin, and Janie Dibble, along with the rest of the attendees participated in a cultural exchange with the Maori people. All those who attended the conference had a wonderful time and deeply appreciated the Maori people for their great hospitality. Staples at the Te Mata Gathering Last Month, Joan Staples an NIWHRC board member returned to New Zealand for the Te Mata Gathering. The Gathering was held in Hastings, New Zealand. Staples was one of 39 indigenous artists from around the world who attended the week long gathering. The artists stayed at the school of Maori visual culture during their stay. Staples began artistically with clay and later felt that her hands were made weave. Two years ago she began to learn the Maori art form. “It gives me a great sense of solitude and contentment,” said Staples. According to the Maori Treasures website, weaving is full of symbolism and hidden meanings, embodied with the spiritual values and beliefs of the Maori people. They use a Native flax plant and other fibrous materials to weave fabric, cloaks, baskets, and floor mats. Modern weavers have added metal and other materials to the weaving. Georgia Crawford, another NIWHRC board member said, “Congratulations to Joan for her art work which we had a chance to see at the Museum. I’m proud to be affiliated with an individual like her, I believe she makes all the native sisters very proud. Kudos to Joan!!!”
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Photo by Andrew Labett, courtesy of Hawke’s Bay Today,
www.hbtoday.com Physical Activity and Your HealthThe evidence is growing and is more convincing than ever! People of all ages who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis. Regular physical activity substantially reduces
the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, the nation's leading
cause of death, and decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer,
diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight;
contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls
among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces
symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer
hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Moreover,
physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of
all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity
physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more
times a week. Facts on High Blood Pressure
Wisewoman Helps Women Maintain a Healthy LifestyleWISEWOMAN
(Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the
Nation) is a CDC-funded program that helps women in need gain access
to screening and lifestyle interventions that can reduce their risk
for heart disease and other chronic diseases. Eligible women are
40–64 years old and have little or no health insurance. Many are
from racial and ethnic minority populations.
· Find a pleasant place in the sun and just sit there. (If you wear glasses remove them so you absorb the full spectrum of sunlight). Take a timer with you so you don’t have to worry about time and can fully enjoy the experience. · Go for a walk around your neighborhood or explore something new. This way you can get some sun and exercise, too! · Take your lunch break outside in a sunny spot. · Make a pitcher of sun tea (black or herbal). Put one teabag per pint of water in a glass container, and leave it outside in the sunlight for an hour. Add sweetener, fresh mint, and a couple ice cubes and drink a glass slowly during your Sun Minutes. · Do some gardening. If you don’t have room for a big garden, plant something in a few terra cotta pots and tend it. · Read the daily newspaper in the sun. Look at your mail there, too! © www.care2.com Chocolate Math
2. Multiply this number by 2. 3. Add 5. 4. Multiply it by 50 (go ahead and get a calculator). 5. If you’ve already had your birthday this year, add 1755...if not add 1754. 6. Subtract the 4 digit year you were born. 7. You should have a 3 digit number. The first digit is your original number (how many times you want chocolate), the next 2 numbers revel your age! Chocolate knows everything!
228 S. Muskogee Avenue Tahlequah, OK 74464
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