09/24/2011 Saturday Briefing Archive (3.4 MB PDF)

September 24, 2011
A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA
Wyndham Vacation Resorts
Royal Garden at Waikiki
Joins the Outrigger ‘Ohana
Influenza is Still
Very Dangerous:
Get Your Flu Shots Now
By Trina Tory
By Dr. Richard Kelley
On Friday, September 16, Outrigger welcomed 28 members from Wyndham
Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki (WRG) to the Outrigger ‘ohana!
The partnership of Wyndham and Outrigger was reflected in a special blessing
conducted by Kaipo Ho, Manager of Cultural Experiences for Outrigger, and a
festive celebration at the property immediately following the blessing.
The blessing was appropriately themed E huaka‘i pū, Let us journey together.
Outrigger and Wyndham representatives together entwined two maile lei
symbolizing the latest alliance of our two ‘ohana in a partnership that we are
delighted to continue.
Resort Manager Steve Winter welcomed Wyndham, Outrigger and
Hawaiiana Management (the Association of Apartment Owners) in his opening
As fall
begins, so does
flu season. I
urge everyone
in our ‘ohana
to be aware of
the dangers
and take steps
to protect
themselves and their families from the
flu. I particularly recommend the flu
shot – I got mine last week.
Influenza viruses are always mutating
(evolving into new strains), so scientists
have to work hard to develop a vaccine
that will match the viruses considered
most likely to cause the flu each year. Two years ago, the A/H1N1 strain
of influenza, also known as swine flu,
caused the first flu pandemic (global
outbreak) in more than 40 years. As a
result, people needed two flu shots in
2009, one for the regular “seasonal”
flu and a second one against the
particularly dangerous A/H1N1.
While it is not certain, it is likely
that 2009 A/H1N1 viruses will
continue to spread along with this
year’s seasonal viruses. The Federal
Drug Administration, in cooperation
with the World Health Organization,
has recommended that the 2011-2012
vaccine protect against an influenza
A/H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and
the H1N1 virus.
Continued on page 9
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki and Outrigger ‘ohana join together
Continued on page 11
Saturday Briefing
Page Happy Birthday!
Oct 5: Doreen M. Regohos, Diane M.
Cox, Nestor Vila, Kyle W. SpringfieldRichards, Tita Rechy and Lavinesh N.
Oct 6: Richard A. Carta, Chao Hong Xu,
Chi-Man Mar, Cinderella M. Cacayorin,
Emilio A. Puyot Jr and Sheila C.Y. Shinn.
Oct 7: Chun Chan Liang, Patricia
A. McGregor, Robert D. Garcia,
Sauiluma Fonoti, John Henry Q.
Acosta, Deelight A. Quezon, Adonis
II Ronquillo, Kim Kohncke, Francis
Magbutay and Erica Selinger.
Oct 8: Yee Wan Wong, Ornina Karen,
Venaisi N. and William S.
Oct 9: Tamara A. Biho, Bobbie Jean
Asato, Ganapati Maheshwaran, Rosario
U. Abad, Dionisia C. Dumlao, Jenny K.
Gambsky, Gina M. Furuike, Roy Yahya
and Alex Hang Sheen.
Oct 10: Shun Chi Lee, Myra M.
Kuboyama, Lalaine B. Villanueva, Jian
Guo Xu, Quyen Ngoc Phan, Crystal C.
Salavea, Marilyn Matsunanga, Alan Perez,
Janice Huia, Warris A. and Marica T.
Oct 11: Grant J. Gutierrez, Xiaoli Zhu,
Ruby M. Balagso, Ernest Saldua, Ululani
M. Cho, Mary Colleen Heyer, Baldwin
Ugaban, Shane Castro, Nicky Chapman,
Priya D. and Iliesa H.
Saturday Briefing is published
by and for employees of
Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley
Senior Editor: Kathy Foley
Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson
Proofing Assistant: Char Luning
Contributing Writers: Employees of OEG
Visit us online at:
www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com
Submissions to Kathy Foley
at kathysb@outrigger.com,
via interoffice mail to OEH/HR,
or by phone at (808) 921-6957.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
© 2011 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii
Saturday Briefing
Page Employment Opportunities
If you are interested in the positions listed below and meet the qualifications,
you may apply online. Please go to WWW.OUTRIGGER.COM, click on
ABOUT OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT. We only accept online
applications for the open-listed positions from internal candidates. If you
have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 921-6989. Application
deadline for the following positions is September 30, 2011.
Housekeeper I (Full Time)
Must be able to work well with others, follow instructions, and communicate
in English. Must be able to work flexible days and shifts. Experience in
cleaning and servicing guest rooms and/or public areas preferred.
Activities Assistant (On Call)
Responsible for creating a unique guest experience by organizing,
developing, implementing and facilitating a variety of resort activities.
A genuine Aloha Spirit required. A minimum of two years guest service
experience and knowledge of the Hawaiian culture preferred.
Uniform Services Supervisor (Full Time)
Responsible for assisting the Front Office Manager/Guest Services Manager
with overall operation of the Bell/Valet department. Will also assist with
loading, unloading and delivery of guest baggage; arranging ground
transportation; providing information to guests; delivering amenities;
picking up and delivering laundry; and performing other duties as required.
Bell/Valet (On Call)
Loads, unloads and delivers guest baggage, assists in arranging ground
transportation, provides information to guests, delivers amenities, keeps
driveway presentable and clear of traffic and coordinates laundry pickup
and delivery. Must have one year customer service and ability to lift/move
75 lbs and to move a baggage cart weighing 500 lbs or more. Valid driver’s
license required.
Keauhou Beach Resort
Housekeeper II PA (Full Time)
Previous experience in the use of heavy cleaning machinery and cleaning
of public areas highly preferred. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs, speak
and write English and have basic mathematical skills. Must also be flexible
to work any day and shift.
Blood Drive
By Ashley Cabradilla
As a part of Outrigger’s LivingWell program, anyone who signs up and
participates in any LivingWell activity, including donating blood, will be
entered into a drawing. At the end of each quarter, Human Resources will
draw a lucky winner’s name for a $50 gift certificate! And that’s not all! At the
end of the year, all event coupons* will be combined and entered into a grand
prize drawing ~ a $100 gift certificate. So what are you waiting for?
*Employees who win a quarterly prize are not eligible for the grand prize
Tuesday, September 27,
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
OHANA Waikiki East
Lobby Conference Room
Please call me at 921- 6972 or email
ashley.cabradilla@outrigger.com to
schedule your appointment.
It’s safe • It’s simple • It saves lives
Hallmarks of Our Housekeepers
By Barry Wallace
Hard work, dedication, commitment to detail
and team spirit are hallmarks of our Housekeepers
at Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. They keep our hotels
fresh and clean, well maintained and cared for. Not
only do our Housekeepers care for our properties,
they care for our guests with a warm smile, a genuine
“Aloha,” an extra pillow, and perhaps fresh flowers or
a tasty local treat.
It is for these reasons, and so much more, that we
paused last week, during International Housekeepers
Week, to celebrate our Housekeepers and all they do,
each and every day of the year.
As promised in last week’s issue of Saturday Briefing, photos on
pages 3-8 highlight special luncheons celebrated in our Housekeepers’
honor at many of our properties. Delicacies representative of their
homelands were featured, along with gift drawings and games, adding
to the festivities celebrated both here in Honolulu as well as abroad.
We love our Housekeepers and appreciate the Aloha they share
with our guests, as they keep our rooms and public areas in tiptop shape. We thank you, we are proud of you, and we salute you,
not only during International Housekeepers Week, but every week
throughout the year. Outrigger and OHANA Housekeepers ~ nō ka
‘oi! (the very best!)
Back: Tereza Gapuzan, Shao Fei Weng, Jie Li Huang, Anna Lau and Susan Park
Front: Randy Oberes, Amador Manzano, Kristoffer Pardillo and Ill Son Kim
Back: Lilian Acosta, Marivin Nastor, Conrada Corpus and
Narysa Valmoja. Front: Shao Ling Huang, Eufemia Saoit,
Di Ling Zhang and Consolacion Caraang
Front: Anna Lee, Kiyo Kaneshiro, Narita Fangon, and Noemi
Gungab. Back: Josephine Villar, Marites Tagala, Marylou Dela Cruz
and Valeriana Domingo
Front: Tereza Gapuzan, Shao Ling Huang, Di Ling Zhang and Consolacion Caraang.
Middle: Kiyo Kaneshiro, Eufemia Saoit, Conrada Corpuz, Marivin Nastor,
Shao Fei Weng, Jie Li Huang, Marites Tagala, Narita Fangon, Noemi Gungab
and Anna Lau. Back: Amador Manzano, Lilian Acosta, Anna Lee, Susan Park,
Josephine Villar, Valernia Domingo, Mary Lou Dela Cruz, Narysa Valmoja,
Ill Son Kim, Kristoffer Pardillo and Randy Oberes
Saturday Briefing
Page Hallmarks of Our Housekeepers
Continued from page 3
Back: Shao Bing Liang, Jenny Hong, Donna Leong, Angela Wan, Barry Wallace
and Ruthann Yamanaka. Front: Jane Chen, Jinfeng Han, Gah Yeu Soo Lee,
Xiao Tzu Yeao and Karen Fong
Back: Nida Lumantas, Elman Pagaduan, Carlita Herring and Medicia Jose
Front: Nelia Navarro, Ofelia Valdez, Jane Chen and Elina Sumaoang
Back: Karen Fong, Shao Bing Liang, Danette Na-o and Angela Wu
Front: Gah Yeu Soo Lee, Jinfeng Han, Jenny Hong and Winnie Ho
Saturday Briefing
Page Estela Cabagbag shows great form!
Back: Issac Namdrik, Feng Shi Yee, Nora Valdez and Kan Miao Chee
Front: Xiao Tzu Yeao, Carol Lopes, Filomena Mercado and Shanly Wu
Donna Leong, Bruce Schneider, Danette Na-o, Chuck Kelley, Xiao Tzu Yeao,
Gah Yeu Soo Lee, Barry Wallace, Kan Miao Chee and Ruthann Yamanaka
Hallmarks of Our Housekeepers
Continued from page 4
Back: Melva Beter, Estrelita Sagadraca, Mila Robiniol and Paz Rozal
Front: Yan Ling Huang, Daisy Tong, Dr. Chuck Kelley and Yuk Hoo Au
Back: Jin Min Gan, Janelle Chong and Yi Zhen Lee
Front: Su Fang Huan, Gloria Estabaya, Dr. Chuck and Wendy Ko
Back: Hyo Im Chung, Elna Budiao, Julie Ha and Janeite Pak
Front: Lauren Li, Young Lee, Dr. Chuck and Doris Chu
Back: Zhuo Hui Zhao, Eugene Chu, Dustin Chen and Man Chi Lau
Front: Ray Cheng, Ji Qiao Liang, Marvin Shin, Jin Soo Moon and Sung Ki Kim
Back: Ivy Kwok, Bruce Schneider, Gloria Daoang and Kathy Oyadomari
Front: Icelynn Lopez, Desiree Valdez, Romeo Cabilis and Junie Palacpac
Josefina Ader, Evelyn Garcia, Virginia Asakawa,
Teodolfo Valencia and Inocencio Agliam
Saturday Briefing
Page Hallmarks of Our Housekeepers
Continued from page 5
Nina Agonoy, Ruthann Yamanaka, Zeny Menganaan, Loida Gamataro,
Letty Dacanay, Taciana Gagala, Anita Cabulera, Vicky Manalo,
Barry Wallace and Lyndon Montefalcon
Vangie Lintao, Nina Agonoy, Suzanne Mendoza, Barry Wallace, Elsa Tacus,
Florence Corrales, Estrelita Untalan and Arsenia Bactat
Saturday Briefing
Page Teodolfo Valencia, Mary Cabato, Myna Elcano, Estrella Sablen, Barry Wallace,
Joycelyn Manzano, Xorda Laurin and Fina Salvador
Donna Leong, Kathy Oyadomari, Ah Shu Lee, Allen Lei (glasses),
Inocencio Agliam, Julie Rivera, Qiao Lian Li, Li Xian Gao, Marilyn Gacula,
Bibiana Taylan and David Carey
Back: Marivin Nastor, Filomena Mercado, Shao Fei Weng, Jie Li Huang, Josephine Villar, Lilian Acosta, Myrna Pascual,
Marites Tagala, Narysa Valmoja, Anna Lee, Narita Fangon, Ill Son Kim, Conrada Corpuz, Emerson Sales, Valeriana Bonilla,
Shao Ling Huang, Eufemia Saoit, Amador Manzano. Front: Susan Young, Nenita Nerveza, Elena Ballan, Kiyo Kaneshiro,
Di Ling Zhang, Anna Lau, Consolacion Caraang, Tereza Gapuzan, Bobbie Asato and Noemi Gungab
Hallmarks of Our Housekeepers
Continued from page 6
Photo above: Feng Ping Lau, Joy De Guzman, Hyang Suk Yu, Mandy Fang, Sharon Lee and
Jie Ya Cheung, Linda Wang and Yong Yi Liu
Photo left: Hon Chiu Ma, Ramona Cirilo, Ann Wai Law, Dominador Melchor,
Feng Ping Lau and Virginia Trinidad
Yong Yi Liu and Xing Jiao Liang
Il Sun Choe and Elvie Amor
Miao Xia Chen, Jessica Su, Filipinas Isidro, Alan White, Normalita Lorenzo,
Steve Winter and Eufemia Ereno
Back: Daniel Patrocinio Tee, Alan White, Normalita Lorenzo, Nena Corpuz,
Steve Winter, Marina Manzano, Emiliana Cadiz and Renato Garingo.
Front: Inocencia Baclig and Susie Coloma
Saturday Briefing
Page Hallmarks of Our Housekeepers
Continued from page 7
Back: Eloy Gapuzan, Anny Salvacion, Alan White, Steve Winter and
Josef Javonilla. Front: Celestina Lazo, Marie Tacca and Gui Hao Wu
Aloha United Way
Vocalist Visits the
Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
By Char Luning and Kathy Foley
Michael is in
elementary school.
He has struggled
to perform well,
struggled to fit
in, struggled to
be a part of his
elementary school
classroom activities. Why? His
teacher discovered that his mom worked
nights leaving him without dinner or breakfast,
and since Michael usually came late to school
he didn’t have time to eat his free breakfast
provided at the school. He complained all
morning about his hunger. Michael’s teacher
said it was all that he could focus on, and it
affected his ability to perform, interact, learn
and play at school.
The simple gift of food provided by the Hawaii
Food Bank has enabled Michael to do all the
things we expect our children to do at school, and
for the first time, he is on the way to having good
grades. Food was all that he needed to succeed.
In 2010, over 387,000 meals were provided
by the Hawaii Food Bank and its network of
food pantries. The Hawaii Food Bank is just
one of the many organizations that the Aloha
United Way funds through your generous,
voluntary donations.
See your Aloha United Way coordinator.
Show that you care for your community by
feeding children just like Michael.
Saturday Briefing
Page Back: Rey Orpilla, Anny Salvacion, Alan White, Gui Hao Wu, Steve Winter,
Josef Javonilla and Eloy Gapuzan. Front: Celestina Lazo, Eva Bumagat,
Ester Angeles, Marie Tacca and Myrna Pascual
By Una Murray
The Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji was pleased to welcome Rebecca
Hutchison from Sydney, Australia. Rebecca is a solo vocalist on the
Sydney Cabaret Circuit performing in RSL [Returned & Services
League] and league clubs throughout New South Wales. She is also the
lead and back-up vocalist for two-to-four piece bands singing a wide
range of music from 50s, to rock ‘n roll, to current hits.
Rebecca was on holiday and said she has been coming to Fiji
with her family since she was three. She said they always stayed at
The Reef. In 1993, she said she returned to The Reef with her partner
and in 1997, they came back as newlyweds. From 1998 to 2000, she
stayed at the Hideaway, whose location is similar to The Reef ’s. Upon
discovering that The Reef was closing, and since our opening, she has
made the Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji her home away from home.
Vocalist Rebecca Hutchison
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki
Continued from page 1
Kaipo Ho performs a blessing while Kim Tomas, Barry Wallace,
Donna Leong and Marie Cabanas hold a maile lei symbolizing Outrigger
The lei are entwined symbolizing our journey together
from left: Kaipo Ho, Donna Leong, Marie Cabanas and Alan White
Holding a maile lei representing Wyndham are from left: Linda West,
Gregg Abrigo, Sonia Higgins, Jan Ezaki and Eric Penningroth
Resort Manager Steve Winter (center) stands at the head of the entwined lei
remarks. Present to extend their warmest aloha to
our newest employees were members of Outrigger’s
management team—David Carey, Barry Wallace,
Alan White, Donna Leong, Ruthann Yamanaka,
Bruce Schneider, Bob Berges, Neil Murakami,
Robert Ishihara, Kathy Ka‘ai, Marie Cabanas, Kim
Tomas and from the Human Resources department,
Janice Yee and myself. Representing Wyndham
to celebrate this partnership were Regional Vice
President Pacific & Western Region Operations
Eric Penningroth and his team—Janice Ezaki, Dani
Ramos, Jim Braman, Wilbert Tai Hook, Leslie
Lyons, Kathy Stevens, Terry Godfrey, Scott Amasio
and Gregg Abrigo. Executive comments were offered
by Eric Penningroth and David Carey.
We are pleased and excited that our affiliation
with Wyndham is growing and now includes
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at
Waikiki, Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk®,
Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort, Wyndham Mauna
Loa Village and Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff.
A heartfelt aloha to Wyndham Vacation Resorts
Royal Garden at Waikiki ‘ohana!
Saturday Briefing
Page APEC Economies Highlight ed
PHILIPPINES
This is the sixteenth of the series of articles focusing on the 21 Asia-Pacific economies
that will be represented at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in
Honolulu during November 2011.
History
The history of the Philippines can be divided into four distinct phases: the preSpanish period (before 1521); the Spanish period (1521-1898); the American period
(1898-1946); and the post-independence period (1946-present)
Customs, Culture & Etiquette
• National symbols have been emphasized since independence to create a sense
of nationhood. The Philippine eagle, the second largest eagle in the world, is the
national bird. Doctor Jose Rizal, patriot and most prominent advocate for reform
in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era, is the national hero. Rizal streets
and statues of Rizal are found in most towns and cities. Several municipalities are
named for Rizal
• The architecture of the islands shows Spanish influence. Spanish brick churches
built during the colonial era dominate towns
• Filipinos do not consider it a meal if rice is not served. Plain steamed rice is the
basis of the diet. Three crops a year are harvested to provide enough rice for the
population, and the government keeps surpluses stored for times of drought
• Filipinos believe in the need for social acceptance and feel that education can
provide upward mobility. Color of skin, beauty and money are the criteria that
determine a person’s social position. Light coloring is correlated with intelligence
and a light-skinned attractive person will receive advancement before his or her
colleagues. Family position and patron-client associations are useful in achieving
success. Government officials, wealthy friends and community leaders are
sponsors at hundreds of weddings and baptisms each year. Those connections
are of great importance
• There is a gap between the 2 percent of the population that is wealthy and the
masses who live in poverty
• Money to buy consumer goods is an indicator of power. Wealthy people lead
western lifestyles. Since few people outside Manila have a family car, owning a
vehicle is a clear statement of a high social level. Houses and furnishings show a
person’s social position. Upholstered furniture instead of the traditional wooden
couches and beds, rows of electrical appliances that are never used and area rugs
are all important
• Since personal relationships and wealth are considered the road to success,
women have an equal opportunity to achieve. Winners of beauty pageants are
likely to succeed in the business and professional world, especially if the pageant
was at an international level
• Men are expected to marry and if a man has not married by his late twenties,
female relatives begin introducing him to potential brides. The median age for
marriage is twenty-two
• The extended family is the most important societal unit, especially for women.
Women’s closest friendships come from within the family. Mothers and daughters
who share a home make decisions concerning the home without conferring
with male family members. One child remains in the family home to care for the
parents and grandparents.
Saturday Briefing
Page 10
Filipino Facts & Fun
• Official Name: Republic of the Philippines
• Capital: Manila
• The Philippines is an archipelago of more
than 7,107 islands
• Head of Government: Benigno Aquino III
• Population: 101,833,938 (July 2011 est.)
• 12th most populous country
• Official Languages: Filipino (based on
Tagalog), English
• Currency: Peso (Filipino: piso) (PHP)
• Median Age: total: 22.9 years, male: 22.4
years, female: 23.4 years (2011 est.)
• Ethnic Groups: Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%,
Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon
Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other
25.3% (2000 census)
• Religion: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim
5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%,
Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other
1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000
census)
• The Philippines is regarded the “text capital
of the world”. About 350 to 400 million SMS
(Short Message Service) or text messages
are sent daily by 35 million cell phone
subscribers in the country, which is more
than the total daily text messages sent in
the U.S. and Europe, together
• Karaoke was invented in the Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html
http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/The-Philippines.html
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2794.htm#history
Influenza is Still Very Dangerous: Get Your Flu Shots Now
Continued from page 1
The 2011-2012 vaccine is ready now, and during our annual Wellness Fair this last week it was offered to members of our
‘ohana who work in Waikīkī. If you missed the Health Fair, be sure to see Dr. Chuck Kelley’s article below for information on
where you can get your shot.
Flu shots are especially important to people who work in Travel & Tourism. Travelers can carry the flu virus thousands of
miles in only a few hours, rapidly turning a local outbreak into a global event. Travel industry workers who greet guests from
all over the world are thus at greater risk of catching and spreading the flu.
I urge everyone to get their flu shots as soon as possible. Don’t delay. This is serious business. “Just do it.”
a
Flu Facts
Let’s look at some key facts about the flu:
•
•
•
•
A slang name for influenza, flu is one of the oldest
and most common diseases known.
It is a viral illness that can produce many symptoms,
including fever, cough, chills and muscle aches.
Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea.
Bronchitis and pneumonia, both potentially very
serious, can easily develop as secondary infections.
Although flu symptoms are similar to those of the
common cold, the two diseases are caused by different
“bugs.” Flu is much more serious. According to the federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
“seasonal” flu – the kind that goes around every year,
especially during the cooler months – is responsible, on
average, for the death of about 36,000 Americans each year.
Believe it or not, in the United States, the death toll from
the flu is typically higher than from traffic accidents. (There
were fewer than 33,000 U.S. traffic fatalities in 2010.)
Of course, the number of flu deaths varies from year to
year, depending on the strains of the flu virus circulating. For
example, in 2003 – 2004, when the virulent H3N2 strain was
circulating, the CDC attributed 49,614 U.S. deaths to the flu.
Each winter, the seasonal flu virus re-emerges and
spreads, usually as a newly-mutated or evolved strain. Some
years, the new strain is comparatively mild, and relatively few
people get sick. In other years, it is highly virulent, spreading
rapidly and killing many, particularly young children and
senior citizens. There is a wealth of information on seasonal
flu available at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Seasonal flu shots offer excellent, although not complete,
resistance to the disease. They not only protect us from the
current year’s flu, there is evidence that they also strengthen
our immunity over the years.
FLU SHOTS
Why should I get the flu shot?
The flu shot will help protect you against catching the flu, which at the very least, would be a
huge inconvenience and unpleasant experience. In the worst case, the flu can be deadly.
By Dr. Chuck Kelley
And don’t forget, you want to protect your family and loved ones. If you catch even a mild case
of the flu, you will be highly contagious before you even realize you’re sick. This means you
could spread the flu to your children, spouse, parents, friends, co-workers and others.
If I got my flu vaccine late last year, do I need another shot this year?
Yes. Why? Because the flu virus is continually mutating and evolving into new strains. So each
Continued on page 12
Saturday Briefing
Page 11
FLU SHOTS
Continued from page 11
year, flu vaccine is formulated differently in order to be effective
against the new strains of the disease. In short, last year’s
vaccination may not be effective against this year’s viruses.
That’s why we all need a new shot each year.
necessary to show your HMSA or Medicare card and a driver’s
license or photo ID.
Seniors’ Fair • Sept. 23-25, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Honolulu
Can the vaccine give me the flu?
No, absolutely, positively not. There is no live virus in the
vaccine.
Kauai PrimeTime Wellness Fair • Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue
When should I get the flu shot?
Now. Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available
each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get
from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.
On the neighbor islands, the Human Resources department is
currently making additional arrangements with some of the local
clinics and pharmacies. There will be no charge for employees.
Details will be sent to your property managers shortly.
Who should get vaccinated?
CDC recommends a yearly flu
vaccine for everyone 6 months of
age and older as the first and most
important step in protecting against
this serious disease. We encourage
all employees to get vaccinated.
People who are at higher risk
of developing flu-associated
complications are especially
encouraged to get their flu shot. If you
belong to one of the groups below,
it is particularly important to talk to
a health professional about getting
the vaccine.
You always have the option of
receiving the vaccine from your
regular health care provider. For
both Kaiser and HMSA members,
you may sometimes (not always)
be charged an office visit co-pay. In
addition, HMSA members may get
a flu shot at many pharmacies, but
again, there may be an insurance
co-pay or administrative fee for
which you will be responsible.
The Hawaii Department of Health
maintains a long list of providers on
all islands who can administer the
Wendy Suzuki gets her free flu shot at our Wellness Fair
vaccine. Some locations are free;
others require payment of an administrative fee. The list can
• People with asthma
• People with diabetes
be viewed at www.flu.hawaii.gov/general-info.html.
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant women
If you are working at one of our properties outside the United
• People who have HIV or AIDS • People who have cancer
States, please contact your Human Resources department
• Children younger than 5, and
for information.
especially children younger than 2
How else can I protect myself from the flu?
Who should NOT get vaccinated?
Besides getting the flu shot, you can minimize your chances
The flu shot can be harmful to a small minority of people,
of catching the disease by practicing good hygiene. For
including those who are severely allergic to chicken eggs,
example:
those who have developed serious allergic responses to the
•Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash with soap
flu shot in the past, people who developed Guillain-Barré
for at least 15-20 seconds before rinsing, and rub your hands
Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot and children
vigorously. (If you’ve grabbed a doorknob or stairway hand
under 6 months of age.
railing, you’ve almost certainly picked up millions of germs
and viruses. Be sure to wash before you handle any food,
Where can I get the shot if I was unable to make it to the
dishes or utensils!)
Wellness Fair?
•Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or the inside of your elbow.
For those of you in Waikīkī who could not make it to the
Germs are spread easily when we touch things with our
Wellness Fair, our Human Resources department has made
arrangements for you to receive your vaccine at Doctors On
hands. So try not to sneeze directly into your hands.
Call. There is no appointment needed, and it’s free. Bring your
•Stay home from school or work if at all possible when you
photo ID and Outrigger ID.
are sick. Let’s not spread the germs around!
•Avoid coming in close contact with sick people. Stay at least
Alternatively, HMSA members can go to the HMSA-sponsored
three feet (1 meter) away if at all possible.
flu shot clinics listed below where the shot is free in most cases
for those covered by HMSA and Medicare Part B. It will be
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Saturday Briefing
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