Although most teens agree that each person is responsible for their own health, having programs to help teens stay active during the summer would assist in staving off larger health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
“The thing about health issues here in the CNMI is that obesity is very common here. It’s one of the things that teenagers should really be careful on. I mean, nowadays, teens are very careless on what they eat, and in the process of that, there are so much junk food that teens could get their hands on,” said Andrew Benavente, a recent graduate of Marianas High School.
“Right now, I have noticed that the Department of Public Health has posted posters throughout the island on health awareness. I think there should be more programs and presentations to inform teens on health issues, and to present them in a fun way,” he said.
A former Calvary Christian Academy student and a graduate of a California High School, Carwin Leung says, “Everyone can control how their own body looks like. Each individual just has to take the initiative to not solve their problems by eating due to their sadness and boredom, which some of my friends do.”
“Summer weight loss camps are a great idea. It’s about teens willing to enter a summer program where they will leave their homes to learn how to be healthy. The states have this, so why can’t we?” he said.
Both teens agree that coming from a smaller community, it is easier for groups to collaborate and find ways to solve this health crisis.
“This is a major issue. Especially here in the CNMI, DPH and other groups should do more programs to overcome obesity in schools,” said Benavente.
With relatives and friends battling obesity, Benavente and Leung say that the home and the community play an important role in encouraging healthier lifestyles.
“I do realize that they are subjecting themselves to numerous health issues that I don’t want them to have, such as heart attack and diabetes,” said Leung.
“We need to make this an important community issue. In California, I’ve heard that the lawmakers are thinking on issuing a law to refuse service in restaurants to obese individuals. I do think this is too harsh, instead, I think they should encourage people to eat healthier,” he said.
Teens are also subjected to social pressures that compound the problem.
“It’s enough that teens constantly think of how they fit socially and it is harder when they don’t feel good about themselves,” said Benevente.
“Parents should have a mind set on what they make their kids eat so they will be safe with their health. Don’t give kids sweets every time or anything they want. I mean, my friend started like that because her parents gave her a lot of burgers when she was young…it’s just sad,” Leung said.
