4 honored for fall prevention work

The state Department of Health, the Fall Prevention Consortium and The Plaza at Moana­lua are recognizing four residents for their dedication to promoting fall prevention efforts in Hawaii.

On Monday Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Michael Dowell of Stay at Home Modifications, Glenn Sakai of the Tai Chi for Health Institute (THCI) and Linda Mau, public health nurse from Lanai, will be honored with a trophy and proclamation at the Plaza Club in Hono­lulu.

Every hour of every day in Hawaii, a senior is transported by ambulance to an emergency room because of a fall injury, with more than 8,700 falls among seniors per year, according to the Health Department. More than $120 million is spent in Hawaii each year on physician and hospital charges to care for senior fall injuries. The individuals and agency being honored are at the forefront of fall prevention in Hawaii, the Health Department said.

"The holiday season reminds us of the importance of family, and fall injuries are particularly hard on families during the holidays, especially those with grandchildren whose grandparent is incapacitated by a fall injury," said Dr. Linda Rosen, chief of the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention branch of DOH. "The end of fall seems the most appropriate time to bring attention to this serious public health issue."

Information on statewide resources for fall prevention is available at www.nogethurt.hawaii.gov.

Here’s a listing of other recent awards and recognitions.

» Two of Leeward Community College automotive technology students recently won Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarships.

Vincent Niotta and Ryan Abella each received a $2,000 scholarship to assist with tuition and books.

Grainger, a local distributor of products used to maintain, repair or operate facilities, offers the scholarship to 250 students around the country each year.

"We are especially grateful to Grainger for their strong commitment to our career and technical programs," said Leeward Chancellor Manny Cabral. "These scholarship awards meet a critical need for our students as the price of books and tools continue to increase. It’s an honor to have our automotive students represent the state of Hawai‘i."

» Aleisha Swartz, Hawaiian Humane Society’s chief veterinarian since 2011, is a "40 Under 40" University of Georgia Alumni Association award winner.

"Shelter medicine is my passion. Every day I know I am making a difference in the lives of animals and people in my community," Swartz said in a press release. "While I am honored by the award, I believe success is achieved by working hard, doing something you are passionate about and making a positive change in the place you live."

The Hawaiian Humane Society is Oahu’s only open-admission shelter that welcomes all animals.

» Shidler College of Business marketing professor Stephen L. Vargo was named one of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds of 2014 by Thomson Reuters, a leading source for intelligent information for businesses and professionals.

The University of Hawaii-Manoa faculty member earned the distinction by publishing the highest number of articles that were most frequently cited by researchers, the university said in a press release.

Vargo is among eight marketing experts on the international list, whose members are identified as individuals influencing the future direction of their fields around the world.

"In the past 10 years, the college has recruited outstanding faculty — great researchers and teachers — from top schools," said Shidler Dean Vance Roley. "Since 2005 the college has added 26 faculty endowments and made substantial investments in faculty resources to attract Ph.D.s from around the world. Steve is an exceptional researcher and is ranked in the top 1 percent of individuals who published the greatest number of cited papers. The college is fortunate to have him as part of its faculty."

Vargo has published over 90 research papers, including two books. His research has been accepted in publications such as the Journals of Marketing, Academy of Marketing Science, Service Research, International Marketing, and Retailing. He also made over 175 presentations around the world, including 35 as keynote speaker for major conferences.

» Hawaii Pacific University students Demie Grace Delos Santos and Hunter Hass were recently awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

The scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, for study abroad during the spring 2015 academic term. This marks a total of six Gilman scholarship recipients from HPU in the past two years.

Delos Santos will study in South Korea at Soon­chunh­yang University, and Haas will study in Thailand at Mahi­dol University.

"Studying in another country can be a transformative experience," said Melissa Matsu­bara, director of Study Abroad and International Exchange Programs at HPU. "Students have had the time of their lives while deepening their proficiency in their academic fields, developing invaluable life skills that will support their success in anything they pursue, and help them stand out to future employers."

Gilman scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs.