Category: Diseases and injuries

“Over the Rainbow”-and a volcano in Hawaii

This post reflects on Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” emphasizing his unique voice and connection to Hawaiian culture. It highlights his struggles with obesity and early death at 38, while contrasting Hawaii’s beauty with his legacy. I share my personal experiences in Hawaii, encouraging future adventures.

updated December 6, 2025

israel kamakawiwo’ole somewhere over the rainbow

The first time I listened to this song, I had never heard of the artist. I was captivated by his calm, smooth voice, as well as his unique version of an iconic song.

In case you’re not old enough to remember (I’m not either), the song Over the Rainbow was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz in 1939. As Dorothy from Kansas became stranded in Oz, the late actress Judy Garland sang the song which won an Academy Award and is “one of the greatest movie songs of all times.”

(This post includes affiliate links, which help fund this blog, but cost you nothing extra. Thank you. )

IZ- THE SINGER

Unlike Dorothy, Israel kamakawiwo’ole was not from Kansas, far from it. He was a native and lifelong resident of Hawaii. (I have been to both places; they could not be more different.)

He was a popular and beloved citizen and celebrity and his music represented and extolled the island’s geography and culture.

Unfortunately, he developed morbid obesity. At a reported height of 6’2” (1.88 m) and weighing 757 pounds (343 kilos), his body mass index (BMI) was 97. (BMI over 30 is defined as obese).

I have discussed BMI and obesity in a previous post What is obesity and why does it matter?

Due largely to his excess weight, his health suffered from lung and heart problems, eventually causing his untimely death at only 38 years old. All of Hawaii mourned his passing.

Fortunately, he left for Hawaii and the world a wealth of music to enjoy.

HAWAII- THE BIG ISLAND 

Several years ago my husband accompanied me to Hawaii to attend a medical conference. (If you have to sit and listen to medical lectures all day, that is definitely the place to do it)

Hawaii, the 50th state added to the United States of America,  is made up of 6 major islands.  The conference was on the Big Island, which is also called Hawaii.

One of the largest and most active volcanoes in the world is there at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,  so it is a must-see. And we did.

couple , flowers, waterfall
leis (flowers) around our neck upon arrival

Exploring the volcano

  • man standing on black rocks
  • a volcanic crater closer view
  • woman at a volcano crater in Hawaii
boats, dock, water
On an island, you’re never far from water and boats
luau drums-Hawaii
musicians at the luau (feast)
dancers in grass skirts-Hawaii
It wouldn’t be Hawaii without grass skirts and hula dancing.
a hammock stretched between palm trees on the beach makes for a relaxing vacation.
Hawaii is often called a paradise for good reason

Thanks for sharing my memories of Hawaii, I hope you can go there too.

Where are you planning to go on your next adventure? What will make it a memorable experience for you and your traveling companions?

Exploring the HEART of health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

a world globe with two crossed bandaids

Doctor Aletha

Celebrating change

 
 
At one time, I worked at a hospital whose motto was “we’re changing lives” in healthcare.In their promotions, they would share stories about patients whose lives have been improved through their medical care.
 
 
 
Sometimes the people who work in healthcare have had their lives  changed, also.
 
 
 
I have recently shared these examples on the blog Facebook page .
 
 
 
 
 

Kevin Morton entered a hospital the first time  with a bullet in his chest. Years later, he has returned- this time with a stethoscope around his neck.

 

 stethoscope with a heart

 

 

Detroit gunshot victim now a surgeon

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Karen Muraszko was born “handicapped” but her parents didn’t see or treat  her as disabled. Neither did she. So she learned to help other children with the same diagnosis she has- spina bifida.

 

Doctor with spina bifida defies expectations 

 

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect – a type of birth defect of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. It happens if the spinal column of the fetus doesn’t close completely during the first month of pregnancy. This can damage the nerves and spinal cord. Screening tests during pregnancy can check for spina bifida. Sometimes it is discovered only after the baby is born.

The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to person. Most people with spina bifida are of normal intelligence. Some people need assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. They may have learning difficulties, urinary and bowel problems, or hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain.

The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown. It seems to run in families. Taking folic acid can reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida. It’s in most multivitamins. Women who could become pregnant should take it daily.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

 

 

 

 

 

 Nanette Monroe didn’t listen when people told her she was “too old” to pursue her dream. She did anyway, and now she helps others do the same.

 

 

 

 

Svetlana Kleyman‘s life was changed, first by an unexpected illness which left her with a physical disability, and then by other people’s response to it. She’s still fighting to get her life back.

SUNY wouldn’t let me finish residency