On the Lighter Side of Waimanalo--Medically Speaking, That is
by Charman Akina, M.D.
What do almost all Waimanalo residents do too often and too vigorously? Clean their ears! Ear cleaning is done compulsively. When ears are cleaned of wax too frequently, the lining of the ear canal becomes dry and therefore atrophic and pruritic. This means that the lining becomes as shiny as a bald scalp and is itchy. An itchy ear on the inside is an ear that has been too clean of wax for too long. The next complication that occurs is weeping from inside the ear. The water that comes out is the same fluid that comes from a scrape or abrasion. It is an excellent culture medium for bacterial growth. Consequently, what happens eventually from excessive ear cleaning is infected and painful ears, a very common problem in Waimanalo.
When ears are itching on the inside, they are too clean. Use a drop of baby oil to moisten the skin surface to relieve itching and stop ear cleaning until normal wax is able to return, usually by the end of six months.
A second observation that pertains to Waimanalo and perhaps to other parts of Windward O'ahu is that weight gain (and weight loss) is related directly to the consumption of cheese, chocolate, and/or sodas, particularly colas. Those people who gain weight and who are not consuming these foods and beverages most likely have an increased consumption of mayonnaise.
Weight gain is related directly to dietary fat consumed. Ninety-seven percent of all fat consumed are deposited as fat stores. Dairy products have the highest concentration of fat, and cheese is at the top of the list. Cheese is concentrated fat in the form of cholesterol, and since it is cured in brine, it is also high in salt. Cheese will cause weight gain, elevation of serum cholesterol, and because of its salt content, will also potentiate high blood pressure. Cheese in all forms is not good for health and longevity. This means also that pizzas and cheeseburgers are on the "no-no" list. Two hamburgers are better than one cheeseburger, and a ham sandwich is far better than a ham and cheese sandwich. Grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese salad dressings, and grated cheese on spaghetti, pasta, and Mexican food should be avoided as well.
Chocolate is a hard saturated fat similar to cheese. Likewise, chocolate will cause steady weight gain and an elevated serum cholesterol level. Therefore chocolate in all forms (as with cheese) is not conducive to good health and longevity. Included are chocolate candy, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake, and chocolate ice cream. Cocoa is safe.
Soft drinks, particularly colas (Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Royal Crown Cola) as well as milk, including skim milk, are exceptions to the rule of fats when considering weight gain and weight loss. This is because these beverages are highly concentrated forms of sugar.
The cola nut is very bitter; therefore greater concentrations of sugar are required to offset this taste and to create the characteristic bittersweet taste that is enjoyed. Two regular-size colas per day will cause steady weight gain. Milk--being a form of concentrated sugar--is a common reason why babies and children are chubby.
Mayonnaise is made of vegetable oils and eggs. Used generously, it becomes a significant source of fat calories--which also become deposit of fat stores--even though vegetable oil is not a harmful fat.
As a reminder, fat is the primary basis for weight gain, not the total number of calories per day. Therefore, starches (rice, bread, potatoes, poi), protein (lean meat, pork, poultry), vegetables and fruit are good as well as all foods from the ocean.
A third observation is that irritation on sun-exposed areas of skin is very common for all age groups. Teenagers often blame this itchy irritation on contamination in the ocean. The real problem is that sun or photosensitivity due to the sensitizing of skin to sunlight by deodorant soaps used for bathing purposes. Dial, Irish Spring, Safeguard, Lifebuoy, Palmolive Gold, and Zest are some deodorant bathing soaps that cause this. Changing to a pure form of soap, commonly referred to as castille soap, will be equally cleansing and will prevent skin sensitivity and rash from occurring. Similar non-deodorant bathing soaps are Lux, Camay, Cashmere, Bouquet, Palmolive (Green), Jurgens, and Caress. Of note is that hotels most often have special deodorant bathing soaps for their guests; therefore this rash sometimes will occur when people are vacationing. This form of skin sensitizing will resolve spontaneously once a change is made to a non-deodorant soap.
Dr. Akina is the Medical Director and Internist for the Waimanalo Health Center