AN expert from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community based in New Caledonia is encouraging CNMI public health personnel and other concerned citizens to help promote a healthy lifestyle among members of the community.
Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, obesity, gout and mobility problems related to obesity, have seen an increase in this region, according to SPC.
Wendy Snowdon, SPC nutrition education and training officer, presented 11 key steps to achieving a healthy life for adults in the Pacific during the forum.
“Following a healthy lifestyle is not a guarantee that somebody will not develop these problems, but the chances are greatly reduced,” she said.
These simple yet effective guidelines include choosing a variety of foods from the three food groups; eating plenty of fruits; and the inclusion of a generous serving of vegetables in two meals a day.
The three-day event, held at Pacific Gardenia, encouraged participants to drink plenty of clean water and avoid food high in fat, sugar or salt.
In her presentation, Snowdon said Pacific residents need to be active every day, which means they should walk more. They should also wash their hands thoroughly and ensure that their food is safe to eat.
“Avoid smoking, tobacco, drugs and betel nut—avoid heavy drinking,” she said.
Snowdon also recommended breast feeding babies for about the first six months, and to continue “some” breast feeding for at least two years.
“Take time to relax. Enjoy time with family and friends,” she added.
Poor lifestyle habits also work in combinations. For example, someone who smokes and is overweight has a much higher risk than an overweight person who does not smoke.
“Here in the Pacific, levels of all these disease are rising and resulting in high health, economic and social costs to our countries,” SPC said.
The event was participated by some 15 individuals from the Department of Public Health, the Food and Nutrition Council and other public and private agencies.
