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Rising mortality rate in CNMI blamed on obesity, diabetes
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Posted on Mar 19 2001
Uncontrolled weight gain of Northern Marianas residents has resulted in the increased mortality rate and off-island medical treatments.
CNMI National Food and Nutrition Council made the disclosure following pending approval by the Legislature of allocation that would finance the enforcement of preventive education program.
In a report to CNMI-NFNC, Pamela Mathis disclosed that one in three CNMI children are overweight and use of betel nut quid mixed with tobacco is causing illness not only among youth but adults as well.
“We are increasingly seeing problems among new CNMI residents, all ethnic groups are gaining weight and it is leading to severe and expensive medical problems, with cancer the leading cause among indigenous deaths and diabetes being a critical problem for all,” the council secretary said.
In addition, Ms. Mathis explained that the rate of diabetes is rising among ethnic groups that traditionally held low rates of medical problems.
She urged newly-installed members of the Council to ask legislators to identify funds necessary to immediately implement the Council’s prevention education program.
“Tell them (legislators) their voters are sick and dying, and the Council needs support and money. These health problems can be prevented with education and commitment,” said Ms. Mathis.
Although the Council is funded in Fiscal Year 1998-2001, it is having difficulty getting expenditures finalized. In addition, future funding levels are not even disclosed yet.
The $100,000 annual budget is such a small investment for education and prevention which saves millions in medical referral and other expenses, said Ms. Mathis.
With the new set of officers, Ms. Mathis raised high hopes that needed funding will be approved by the Legislature to implement preventive education programs, as she cited the need to educate the public on the hazards of obesity and betel nut chewing.
The Council has recently seated Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho as its chair; Linda Cabrera representing the Chamber of Commerce as vice chair and Women’s Affairs Special Assistant Ana Teregeyo as treasurer. Ms. Mathis is the two-term secretary. (EGA)
