It’s hard to break an old habit — especially where it was viewed, in the past, as a good-health habit. The medical advisories have been relaxing for cervical and breast exams for several years now, so it comes as no surprise that the Hawaii Medical Service Association is now limiting coverage to match. Breast mammograms are covered for women ages 40 and up, and cervical screens are covered every three years, not annually, under an HMSA change this year.

Better understanding of cancer is a good thing. But women can still do self-exams and be more self-aware. That’s also good.

5 whales perish but efforts save 2, hopefully

Five pilot whales died as a result of Friday’s mysterious stranding incident at Kauai’s Kalapaki Beach. But it appears that a brave on-the-spot rescue effort helped to spare at least two whales in the group.

Under the direction of a NOAA marine mammal response coordinator, Coast Guard, firefighting personnel and other volunteers ushered the the whales — 18-foot-long adults, weighing an estimated 4,000 pounds to 5,000 pounds — back into waters. Helpers took to paddleboards, canoes and even swam alongside the creatures to nudge them offshore. Here’s hoping the apparently confused whales have rejoined their pod in deep waters — and that a reason for the stranding emerges soon.