In 2015, at age 29, Salesi came down with cold-like symptoms. What he thought would be a quick visit to the hospital, resulted in a very severe diagnosis.
Doctors estimated that Salesi had been living with high blood pressure since age 10.
Now we know
It is important to not only know and understand medical issues and diseases that run in your family, but also taking preventative action such as regular doctor check-ups as well as good diet and exercise to help avoid such health issues for yourself and your family.
Treatment for kidney failure involves weekly dialysis treatments for Salesi. His wife Cidney went through certifications to be able to administer his treatments. In order to do this, she had to quit her full-time job. She runs a small home business to help the couple stay financially afloat.
On average, kidney patients pay about $20k a month collectively for dialysis, medications, etc. The goal is to get Salesi on a transplant list by Summer 2017 so they can start the process of finding a kidney donor. The Toutai's continue to try to pay off growing medical debts.
Once on a transplant list, kidney transplants range anywhere from $80,000 to $200,000 and there is always the chance that the body will reject the transplanted kidney after surgery.
Despite the struggles Salesi and Cidney have faced to keep Salesi alive, they want others to learn from their story.
Their advice: don't be afraid to ask questions when you see a doctor, they are there to help answer your uncertainties and concerns. And don't wait to see a doctor until you feel sick, you should make every effort to get you and your children regular check-ups even when healthy.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in Utah have the highest rates of diabetes as well as obesity, making this population at greater risk for developing kidney disease.
But things were not always this way.
Ancient Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander diet was 85% vegetarian. They were a very fit and active people. Eating healthy and exercising was a way of life. Though times have changed, we can honor our heritage by bringing these habits back to present day.
Making small and simple changes is a start that can lead to bigger changes later. The MANA 5K is a great opportunity to help assist you and your family with starting or continuing your fitness goals.
Whether it be training before the event or using this as a kick start to furthering your goals later, we encourage everyone to start moving more!
The Toutai's were grateful that they had insurance when they did. Had they not sought private coverage until insurance was available through work, Salesi would not have been covered when he was diagnosed with kidney failure.
Lessons Learned
According to the Utah Health Department, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in Utah have the second highest uninsured rate (NHPI uninsured rate is almost three times higher than whites). Seeking medical advice and treatment can help you to get the assistance you need, when you need it.
Uninsured rates in Utah
There are multiple community health clinics around the state that charge on a sliding scale based on income or have reduced rates for the uninsured. With one clinic providing free services for uninsured individuals: Maliheh Free Clinic in Salt Lake City (malihehfreeclinic.org).
In addition, tobacco use among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders is on the rise in Utah. Smoking can further exacerbate these current health issues NHPI are already facing. Lengthen your breath of life by committing to be tobacco free! For free quit services visit waytoquit.org
On Saturday June 24, 2017, The Queen Center will host their 5th Annual MANA 5K event. The MANA 5K is a reminder for you and your family to get more movement in your life. Exercise is a key factor in preventing disease or countering its effects.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to two individuals in the community that are dealing with serious health issues: Salesi Toutai and Sabrina Inoke.
Please join us as we move towards better health for our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people.
Or visit mana5k.eventbrite.com.
Questions about this event? Please email us at info@queencenterutah.org
