Remember when I discussed my recent experiences regarding surgery for my perennial lower back pain?
I feel the urgency to bring you up to snuff on my journey to wellness.
Simply put: You can’t achieve wellness without health insurance. As a senior citizen, I have Medicare coverage, with HMSA as my secondary insurance, and boy, am I lucky.
My procedure, if you recall, involved minor surgery to implant a battery in my left butt, and wires on my spine, to embrace the technology of neurostimulation to address the sore back.
It’s working, thank God, since my pain management doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Loh at Queen’s Medical Center, implanted the battery and wires as an alternate means to reduce my pain levels.
Yes, the bionic implants let my brain know that the aches are, well, decreasing.
But here’s the thing: Surgery costs. A lot. Plenty, in fact.
Insurance will be covering most of the fees.
I won’t admit what the final bill is, since I’ve yet to receive one, but a preliminary “statement” from Queen’s — outlining sums for all elements of the surgery — was astonishing.
I could have bought perhaps three or four brand new mid-range cars, in cash. Or, if I went the luxury auto route, I might have been able to possibly secure two new cars.
The statement was a wake-up call. I never discussed the anticipated cost with my surgeon, but I knew insurance would provide courage. I did not expect the costliness of the procedure — part of the Same Day Surgery service, where I was admitted to Queen’s mid-afternoon, prepped for the incisions, and nursed in both the pre- and post-surgery process.
The statement broke down the charges for the procedure, for pharmacy fees, for OR charges, for other supplies and for anesthesia.
I’m not complaining but I am so appreciative of the medical plan, which covers all costs, including medication, hopefully making my co-payment minimal.
I had supportive, wonderful nurses, before and after the surgery, and I thank Dr. Loh, for his guidance and his service.
I will always remember my few hours at Queen’s, notably for a photo of myself wearing the requisite blue shower-like cap, to keep the hair in place during the procedure. My cousin quipped, after seeing me becapped: “Everything’s better with blue bonnet on it.”
It was sorta the sonnet of this experience.
But one curiosity of the prelim statement. It had a charge listed as my co-pay. For $1. No zeroes. A buck. Can you imagine this?
“Hawai’i Aloha,” the soul-stirring tune that bonds like glue, commonly sung en masse with hands entwined, at the end of a Hawaiian event; almost always rendered in the Hawaiian language. (Lyrics are here: https://www.huapala.org/Hawaii/Hawaii_Aloha.html ); also, a stunning video is performed by isle youths and professional entertainers; a definitive new -generation favorite: https://www.manamele.org/hawai-i-aloha
Among other songs you should know to be a kamaaina: “E Kuu Morning Dew” and “Hawaiian Lullaby,” the latter commonly referred to as “Where I Live, There Are Rainbows. No-no-no, those are the opening lyrics.
Tihati Productions, idle since last year’s statewide pandemic closure, has reopened a total of 10 shows on three islands – an indication that tourism finally is jamming again.
Afatia Thompson
“We have become increasingly busy, and we can’t be more elated to be back in business,” said Afatia Thompson, Tihati president. “To feel the volume of work increase weekly is such a tremendous blessing for us and all of our Tihati people. Feels good to be jamming again.”
The visitor industry still is struggling to back to levels before the coronavirus forced hotels, showrooms, and restaurants to close, but the sparks of life continue to brighten and widen in the hospitality. The airlines are shuttling visitors here daily and more routes and carriers — notably Hawaiian, United and Southwest — are increasing flights, a huge boost in visitor arrivals and departures.
“We are eager to continue to enlighten visitors with the vibrant stories of our people and our islands, through the highest caliber of Polynesian performing arts,” said Thompson.
Indeed, all Tihati shows are written by Misty Thompson Tufono, with the concepts, mele and dances linked to Hawaii culture, in many instances embracing the history of the areas where the spectacles are ensconced.
Current shows in production:
Oahu
“Waikiki Starlight Lu’au,” at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Shows on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Information: 808-941-5828
“Ka Wa’a Lu’au,” Aulani Resort & Spa
Shows on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Information: 1-866-443-4763
“Aha Aina a Royal Hawaiian Experience,” at Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Shows on Mondays and Thurdays
Information: (808) 921-4600.
Maui
“Te Au Moana,” at Marriott Maui, Wailea Beach Resort
Shows on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Information: 877-827-2740
“Feast at Mokapu,” at Andaz Maui
Tihati fire knife dancer
Shows on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Information: 808-573-1234
“Drums of the Pacific,” at Hyatt Regency Maui
Shows on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Information: 808-667-4727
“Maui Nui Lu’au,” Sheraton Maui
Shows on Wednesdays
Information: 808-877-4852
Hawaii Island
“Voyagers of the Pacific,” Royal Kona Resort
Shows on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Information: 808-672-2520
“Waikoloa Sunset Luau,” Waikoloa Beach Marriott
Shows on Mondays and Wednesdays
Information: 808-886-6789
“Legends of Hawaii,” Hilton Waikoloa
Shows on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Information: 808-886-1234
The performances may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Trip to Mars
Yes, Bruno Mars‘s six shows in July at the Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas are officially sold out.
But with beaucoup bucks, you can get tickets and entrée to see and hear him. Call it a dream vacation – “Trip to Mars” is how the resort is billing this promotion – but it’s costly.
For performances on July 3 and July 24, you have three booking options, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Bruno Mars
Have your platinum charge card ready. Or simply drool and dream.
The options are keyed to Bruno’s hits:
The 24 Karat Gold package for four includes a three-night stay a luxurious suite, a Bruno bag of swag, a $500 food/beverage credit and other perks…with prices that started at $6,529. But whoa, it’s already sold out.
The Upscale Funk deal includes a three-night stay for two, a luxurious suite, two tickets, a $200 meal/drink credit…with a tab starting at $3,199.
The When I Was Young suite option includes a two-night visit, two tickets, a $200 credit, starting at $2,499.
So now, the CDC has decreed that face masks are not required, under most circumstances, and social distancing is out the window. If you’re vaxxed to the max (one Johnson & Johnson shot, two from Pfizer and Moderna), you’re able to heave the mask in public spaces. There will be issues, maybe confrontations, in the entertainment and dining communities.
But wait: Gov. David Ige has decreed that Hawaii law will continue to require face masks, despite the national change-of-rules. Only 40 per cent of Hawaii’s population has had vaccinations and youngsters 12 and older now are eligible ro be vaxxed.
There are caveats: no official word from the airlines, where mask-wearing might still be prudent; restaurants and private places likely still can maintain their own protocols. So far, so good. It’s still advisable for kids under 12 should wear masks. But can families resolve their own issues — parents unmasked, young kids still protected with masks?
But since you don’ know who got their pokes vs. those who didn’t, for your own safety, maybe masks are still safer to wear. Vaccinations now mean you’ve earned the right to lift the masks; perhaps those who’ve dodged the needles should reconsider and join the crowd doing the right thing. And if you’re still queasy, would you finally attend a mass event like a stadium concert or a filled arena show? Questions abound. What say you? ….
“Your number was picked,” said the random email in my inbox the other day.
It went on: “You were picked to enter the $1,000,000 cash giveaway.”
Right?
Wrong!
I can’t prove that this was a scam, but this one pitched a $50 daily prize and a $5,000 grand prize. I was immediately dubious.
Right?
Wrong again.
A series of similar emails have been received, some offering a gift card or some amenity.
If you enter, or participate, you will be faced with a number of enticements to buy something to the next level.
How I became a lucky chance-taker, I don’t know. But weeks ago, I participated (responded) to a merchant that I ordered something from, and I liked the product. Again, I can’t prove that this survey was linked to others with devious intentions, since it didn’t offer any residual gift or cash. I’m just saying, I think I
must be on the radar to receive these queries.
A warning: be careful of what you get involved in.
Some teasers ask you to play a game or respond to a survey. If you do, you’re leaving your door ajar for unwanted solicitors.
Some emails tell you, midway down the link of guessing, that a merchandise purchase is required to be qualified for the prize. That’s a cautionary warning: spike the message!
There is no such thing as a free lunch. Conclusion? A $1,000,000 cash giveaway is clearly a mirage with a message: A dream that could evolve into a nightmare.
