Accompanying Hosey was FSM Department of Health Services non-communicable disease coordinator Kipier Lippwe. The presentation was part of the U.S. Embassy/COM-FSM Forum Lecture Series, which provides U.S. government professionals as guest speakers for COM-FSM students, faculty, staff, and interested community members. Approximately 30 COM-FSM students attended the lecture.
During the presentation, attendees learned about the types of diabetes, risk factors, complications, and its link to Tuberculosis. With regards .to prevention, the presentation highlighted yearly blood tests, weight loss, increased physical exercise (walking 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week), and local dietary selections.
Hosey was encouraged that the Kosrae community dedicates Thursday afternoons to physical activity like sports and farming.
Hosey also had lecture participants compare past and present food collection, preparation, physical activity, and transportation habits, which enabled participants to recognize the shift to a more sedentary lifestyle and the consumption of highly-processed foods.
As the NCD coordinator, Kipier Lippwe also serves as the Vice Chair of the Pacific Chronic Disease Coalition. With 16 members from the Micronesian region, PCDC’s mission is to ensure “Prosperous Pacific People, living a healthy lifestyle, in a healthy Pacific Environment.”
