‘Let’s walk, jog, run this May 22’

The CNMI Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is calling on the entire community to participate in a “wellness march” on Saturday, May 22.

“This is going to be a huge march along Beach Road. We want the whole community to come down. Let’s walk, jog, run and be fit,” said Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who serves as chairman of the newly created council.

He said it is part of the council’s goals to keep CNMI residents healthy and free of illnesses such as diabetes and obesity.

The governor, in signing an executive order creating the council, noted that engaging in regular physical activities—running, walking, jogging, playing games, etc.—would actually save the CNMI millions of dollars a year in medical costs.

He cited estimates that, if just 10 percent of adults in the United States walk regularly, this would translate to over $5.5 billion savings in medical costs related to heart disease.

In the CNMI, he said this could result in $3-$4 million in annual savings in referral and medical costs.

Recent statistics showed that the CNMI spends some $10 million a year on referral and hospitalization involving diabetes and hypertension.

The council’s creation came amid concerns over the alarming increase of diabetes cases in the Commonwealth.

Worldwide, the CNMI ranks third after Pima Indians and Nauru with the biggest number of diabetes incidents or at high-risk of getting the disease.

Data released in 2002 said there were 3,128 known diabetes patients in the CNMI—mostly Chamorros and Carolinians, and Pacific islanders.

Findings showed that 11 percent of indigenous adults over 25 years have diabetes, 26 percent of those over 40 years, and 32 percent of those 65 years of age and older.

The council is tasked to promote physical fitness and nutrition programs in schools and other places; solicit donations to develop recreational facilities; develop programs to reduce obesity, especially among younger persons; link up with national fitness associations and medical organizations; and to serve as an independent board to develop protocols on sports-related disputes and conflicts.

Another recently created local group, Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition, which operates under the Ayuda Network, works to promote public outreaches and education, and provide services and care for patients in efforts to bring the number of diabetes cases down.

The group acknowledged that the CNMI’s incidence of diabetes has reached an alarming rate.

“It’s already in the epidemic stage. We need to organize and get everybody involved. We should be active and strong as we fight diabetes and other diseases,” said a coalition member.