HEALTHWISE MAUI

Q: How can I help someone who is bleeding?

Cameron Rogers, Trauma Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, Maui Health: Severe bleeding is a medical emergency. It’s also the number one cause of preventable death after injury. Acting quickly to stop the bleeding and get help can save a life.

First and foremost, if someone is bleeding severely, has a deep wound, or if you’re not sure how serious their injury is, call 911. Getting emergency medical care is vital if an injury may be life-threatening. Avoid moving the injured person if possible; if you have disposable gloves or other protective equipment, put them on.

As you begin first aid, check the wound and find the source of the bleeding. Move clothing or large pieces of debris away from the wound area, but don’t try to clean it or remove objects embedded in it.

Next, stop the bleeding by covering the wound with gauze or a clean cloth and applying

pressure. (Use caution and avoid pressing on head injuries if the skull may be fractured, and don’t press directly on an eye injury or on objects embedded in the wound).

Once bleeding has stopped, wrap and secure the wound with a bandage or cloth, and try to elevate it above the person’s heart if possible. Keep the person still and stay with them until emergency help arrives, or take them to an emergency room.

Finally, always wash your hands after providing first aid to someone who is bleeding.

Maui Health’s Trauma program offers injury prevention training, including “Stop the Bleed,” a life-saving class on recognizing and stopping life-threatening bleeding. Call 264-1082 or learn more here: mauihealth. org/injuryprevention

Q: How can I eat a healthy diet on a budget?

Rachael Kent Frias, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Maui Health: Food prices have risen, but there are still ways to eat healthy without breaking the bank. Follow these tips to stay on track with both your budget and your healthy eating goals:

1. Make a meal plan and try new recipes. Planning your meals for the week and trying out new recipes can make the process more exciting and less daunting. It also helps you stick to your budget and dietary goals.

2. Cook at home. Cooking meals at home is usually more affordable than eating out, and it allows you to control the ingredients, including salt and sugar.

3. Buy whole foods. Fresh, unprocessed foods that you can prepare yourself are usually healthier and more affordable than prepared and pre-packaged foods.

4. Eat what’s in season and consider gardening or countertop sprouting. Taking advantage of seasonal produce can save you money, and growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a fun and budget-friendly way to add variety to your diet.

5. Shop frozen. Frozen produce is often cheaper than fresh options and can be just as nutritious, if not more so, as they are picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen.

6. Swap red meat with other proteins, including plant-based options like beans and tofu. These alternatives are often cheaper and provide plenty of protein and nutrients. Consider sprouting beans/legumes for added

fiber and variety.

7. Avoid convenience foods. Frozen meals and other convenience foods are often loaded with salt and saturated fats. They can also drive up your grocery bill.

8. Bring a bagged lunch. Buying lunch every day can quickly break your budget and your healthy eating goals. Pack leftovers for a hot meal, or make a sandwich on whole-grain bread with some fruit or veggie sticks on the side.

Remember that you can make healthy food choices while shopping on a budget! By planning ahead, focusing on whole foods, and avoiding processed foods, you can keep healthy eating affordable. ◼️ Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana‘i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth. org/healthwise.