Editor in chief for Samoans in Sacramento web page is Tonu Nuusila.
Ms. Tonu Nuusila, Editor in Chief for Sacramento
The Samoans in Sacramento web page has found its Editor in Chief, Tonu Nuusila. She has been a resident in Sacramento, CA for many years and has agreed to provide news articles and stories for the Sacramento Samoan community. Her writing is exemplary and her emphasis is discussing issues that are relevant to our Samoan community such as what she has written this week which is about how cuts in State Funding have affected Samoan College Students and their families. Its with great pleasure that we welcome Ms.Tonu Nuusila on board.
Sacramento reporter Elizabeth Felise is multi-talented.
Elizabeth Felise, Reporter for Samoans in Sacramento.
The Editor in Chief for Samoans in Sacramento webpage, Avetonu Nuusila, is very happy to announce the addition of a very qualified writer/reporter for Sacramento who is so talented she has her own line of Polynesian accessories and cooking recipes.
By her own account she says, "I am the second oldest out of 7. 6 girls and 1 boy. I love to work with the youth in our church and in our community. I am a mother of 4 and very active and supportive in all they do.
A variety of pastries Elizabeth can produce.
I learned that I had a passion for cooking, baking and entertaining which I did a lot growing up as a young girl at church and home. My Father taught me how to bake at the age of 9. My father's family owned a store and bakery in Fagatogo, American Samoa where he worked as a young boy helping his Aunt's that baked all the baked goods that were sold. It is those recipes that I use today. I've learned how to make pineapple pie, scones and masi saiga. I occasionally baked growing up. I bake pa pa, pineapple pies and tarts, scones any flavor, cakes from scratch and almost anything you can think of. Over the years my family started to grow and my children started playing sports.
Pineapple pies look good.
As they grew older they became more active in sports and progressed to competitive sports which required traveling to various cities, states and locations to compete which became expensive very fast. So that inspired me to bake items to sell to help raise funds for my children's membership dues to be able to play 3yrs. AAU BASKETBALL and 3 yrs Power Volleyball. Then I got creative and starting making a wide variety of crafts which were mostly my curiosity to see if I would be able to make it. Because I was not able to afford many things I've used it as a challenge for myself to create those very things.
Hand designed fans are very popular.
If I had the opportunity to have my own business it would be a bakery with an Island flare. I love making things that people want to have such as beautiful, sei's, summer dresses, earrings, Samoan ili, ofu siva taupou, tuiga, fulu kiki and fulu sei which is just a few that I can think of off the top of my head.
This is a Taupou Kuiga created by Elizabeth
Over the years I look back to see what I have created in my quest of fundraising and I have to say I have been quite busy. Everything I had presented for my children's Fundraiser all are hand made or home baked. I have self taught myself to market through social media, family and friends. Most of my products are promoted on Facebook and instagram. I usually post things to my Facebook page Elizabeth Felise and also on my instagram elfelise. We will also post her products on Le Malae's store.
The driving force for me was not being able to afford things and I used it as an inspiration to learn how to create or bake things to sell to help me reach our financial goals to help offset cost towards my children's sport dues, uniforms and travel expenses that is not included in their dues. Overall I am blessed to have this many blessing of talents from God that has helped me make it possible for my children to participate in competitive sports because I would not have been able to do it without it. God bless."
With talents such as these we here at Le Malae are confident there is alot of knowledge Elizabeth has to share with our readers and we look forward to the articles she and Avetonu will be publishing from Sacramento, California.
(ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
By Avetonu Nuusila
Good day my fellow Samoans! Have you ever wondered why many of our Island children are so faalogogaka? why they become hyper, inattentive, unable to sit still, unable to follow direction, or when asked to do one thing and they do another? I know, sounds all too familiar huh. Well, just maybe, just maybe your child is suffering from what the palagi calls ADHD. (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) yep, they have a name for it. Well if that's so than maybe we can put away the fusipau, the fuki slam antidote because by now you know that it doesn't really work. All jokes aside, on the serious side of things, I think there is a major epidemic going on with our children. Yet it is a subject that is seldom being addressed until it is too late. So, I thought this would be a perfect subject to call to our peoples attention. I've provided the following information for your edification. (courtesy of PubMed Health) I know it will provide you an educated insight of perhaps why many of our children behave the way they do.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADD; ADHD; Childhood hyper kinesis Last reviewed: March 23, 2013.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able control behavior, or a combination of these. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for a person's age and development. Causes, incidence, and risk factors
ADHD usually begins in childhood but may continue into the adult years. It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.
It is not clear what causes ADHD. A combination of genes and environmental factors likely plays a role in the development of the condition. Imaging studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of children without ADHD.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups:
Not being able to focus (inattentiveness) Being extremely active (hyperactivity) Not being able to control behavior (impulsivity) Some people with ADHD have mainly inattentive symptoms. Some have mainly hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Others have a combination of different symptom types. Those with mostly inattentive symptoms are sometimes said to have attention deficit disorder (ADD). They tend to be less disruptive and are more likely not to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Inattentive Symptoms
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores and tasks Has problems organizing tasks and activities Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork) Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities Is easily distracted Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity Symptoms
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations Has problems playing or working quietly Is often "on the go," acts as if "driven by a motor" Talks excessively
Impulsivity Symptoms
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed Has difficulty awaiting turn Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)
Signs and tests
If ADHD is suspected, the individual should be evaluated by a health care professional. There is no test that can make or exclude a diagnosis of ADHD. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of the symptoms listed above. When the person with suspected ADHD is a child, parents and teachers are usually involved during the evaluation process.
Most children with ADHD have at least one other developmental or mental health problem, such as a mood, anxiety or substance use disorder; a learning disability; or a tic disorder. A doctor can help determine whether these other conditions are present.
Treatment
Treating ADHD is a partnership between the health care provider and the patient. If the patient is a child, parents and often teachers are involved. For treatment to work, it is important to:
Set specific, appropriate goals. Start medicine and/or talk therapy. Follow-up regularly with the doctor to check on goals, results, and any side effects of medicines. During these visits, information should be gathered from the patient and if relevant, parents and teachers. If treatment does not seem to work, the health care provider will likely:
Confirm the person has ADHD Check for medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms Make sure the treatment plan is being followed Medicines
Medicine combined with behavioral treatment often works best. There are several different ADHD medicines that may be used alone or in combination. The health care provider will decide which medicine is right based on the person's symptoms and needs.
Psych stimulants (also known as stimulants) are the most commonly used ADHD medicines. Although these drugs are called stimulants, they actually have a calming effect in people with ADHD.
Follow the health care provider's instructions on how to take ADHD medicine.
Some ADHD medicines have side effects. If the person has side effects, contact the health care provider right away. The dosage or medicine itself may need to be changed.
Therapy
Therapy for both the patient and if relevant, the family, can help everyone understand and gain control of the stressful feelings related to ADHD.
A common type of ADHD therapy is called behavioral therapy. It teaches children and parents healthy behaviors and how to manage disruptive behaviors. For mild cases of ADHD, behavioral therapy alone (without medicine) can sometimes be effective.
Support groups can help the patient and family connect with others who have similar problems.
Other tips to help a child with ADHD include:
Talk regularly with the child's teacher. Keep a consistent daily schedule, including regular times for homework, meals, and outdoor activities. Make changes to the schedule in advance and not at the last moment. Limit distractions in the child's environment. Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients. Make sure the child gets enough sleep. Praise and reward good behavior. Provide clear and consistent rules for the child. There is little proof that alternative treatments for ADHD such as herbs, supplements, and chiropractic are helpful.
Expectations (prognosis)
ADHD is a long-term, chronic condition. If it is not treated correctly, ADHD may lead to:
Drug and alcohol abuse Not doing well in school Problems keeping a job Trouble with the law One third to one half of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity as adults. Adults with ADHD are often able to control behavior and mask difficulties.
Calling your health care provider
Call the doctor if you or your child's school staff suspect ADHD. You should also tell the doctor about:
Problems at home, school, and with peer relationships Side effects of ADHD medicine Signs of depression
I hope this valuable source of information will help all who has read this. Hopefully it may open your eyes and your mind to the severity of this condition. Does your child suffer from these symptoms? Do you see a pattern of behavioral problems that are mention here at home, church or in school? Please don't think little of the problem. We all have witnessed this kind of behavior in our own families at one time or another. If so please get your child the help he/she needs. The wonderful thing about it is that the condition has been identified, and help is available. Left untreated it can lead to substance abuse, inability to keep a job, abusive relationship uncontrollable temper, reaping devastating repercussion that may involve trouble with the law or worse, suicide. Please, keep in mind that this kind of behavior is not your child's fault. Be patient and more observant of your child's behavior and discuss it with their doctor. Follow what ever treatment is given and don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck and be blessed.
Disclaimer; The article written on ADHD is specifically to provide our readers with information that may assist in identifying symptoms in relation to ADHD. Like all medical and psychological breakthrough they all have a downside and an upside, pros and cons that comes along with the territory and in many cases still have ways to go in terms of research. The best authority to discuss your concerns or questions would be your physician. He will be able to refer you to a ADHD specialist who can provide you with answers to your concerns as well as review with you the pros and cons of the medications used to treat ADHD. Another important factor about ADHD symptoms is that it can mimic normal childhood behavior, undiagnosed learning disability, or other medical condition. Please make certain that all other probabilities are eliminated before deciding medication option for your child. Should your child be diagnosed with ADHD, DO not be afraid. Its just a name they found for exceedingly faalogogaka children that (we Polynesians are blessed with) and above all do not feel pressured to decide. Take time to process the already immense load of info they will give you and yes, involve your child in the decision making process. Last but not least, remember, nothing is ever guaranteed. You know your child best. Trust your instincts. Good luck! Read up n our next article: Dealing with ADHD medication free.
References Bostic JQ, Prince JB. Child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, et al., eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2008:chap 69. Knouse LE, Safren SA. Current status of cognitive behavioral therapy for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2010;33:497–509. [PMC free article] [PubMed] Pliszka S. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Work Group on Quality Issues. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46:894-921. [PubMed] Prince JB, Spencer TJ, Wilens TE, Biederman J. Pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, et al., eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2008:chap 49. Review Date: 3/23/2013.
State funding cuts reduces options for college students
By Tonu Nuusila Sacramento, CA
According to the USA TODAY (Sept 3, 2013) Massive state funding cuts are taking its toll on student ability to pay college tuition in almost all states. Areas affected by rising tuition are cuts in enrollment, sporadic class schedules and staff layoffs. USA reports that despite recent tuition freeze for the year of 2013-14 school year public universities continued to suffer by significant spending cuts by their own state. Earlier this year a report on higher education financing was put out by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association that between 2007 and 2012, school year 15 states experienced a shortage in higher education funding per full time student of nearly 30% or more. Out of the 50 states only 48 of them since the recession have cut state appropriation while the remaining two have increased funding. The report does not mention which two state have increased funding.
According to Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of the edvisor.com network of college financial planning sites, the determining factor in considering the following three options is how the schools responds to the funding cuts. The three options being considered are “increasing tuitions, shifting enrollment from in-state students to out –of-state and international students , who pay higher out of state tuitions and they cut enrollments so each students gets the same size slice of pie of funding”. This he says often leads to staff cuts and classes being offered less frequently which makes it harder for students to get into required courses and graduate on time. As the cost of education soars students and their families have little choice but to bare more of the responsibility for their students education. Kantrowitz says low to moderate –income families are “increasingly being priced out of a college education”. Some scenarios he mentioned that these families will have to consider are taking on more student loan debt, enrolling in a two –year colleges instead of four year schools or to forego college all together. Despite the sharp decline in state funding, education leaders express optimism as more states are starting to reinvest in higher education. Christine Keller, SHEEO associates vice president of academic affairs says several states are beginning to return money to colleges as their economies improve.
In light of the state funding crisis, and realistically speaking, it will be our Island students that will stand to loose more than just their fair financial support. Many will lose the opportunity to challenge themselves, to dream the impossible dream, to reach beyond the stars in becoming an entity of stature a symbol of honor to themselves, their families, and to their people. As Pacific Islanders majority of our students are categorized either as out of state or International students. But as luck would have it, by virtue of being a P.I we seem to be penalized in more ways then one. Not only will they be require to pay two arms and two legs to impede mobility to go anywhere they are also being "increasingly priced out of a college education". So where does that leave our college students? Well, all is not lost. They are left with what I would say are quite sensible choices. As the cost of knowledge soars off reality sets in and as parents we must weigh the pros and cons of what options there are. Option 1; There is nothing wrong in sacrificing for the bigger picture. You will only add more financial burdens on yourself and/or your parents by taking out more student loans and pay later. 2. Enroll in a two year college which has proven to be in many cases more feasible and higher paying (depending on your preference) than one you would get with a college degree. (there are many men and women with college degrees that are working at McDonalds). 3. Skip college and work with your mom or dad or find yourself a job and save to go to college. What ever your preference is, making an educated decision will always more than naught help set you on the right track. Good luck and may your choices lead you towards success.