Senators weigh in on high death rate

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Senators had many suggestions on what the Department of Health should do to prevent deaths from disease that can be prevented such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease.

These include more outreach, reviving home visits by nurses, and legislation to ban unhealthy foods like turkey tails.

Deputy Director of health for Clinical service, Dr. Elizabeth Lauvao told a hearing of the Senate Health Committee, on Friday, that health studies were conducted in 2004 and 2008 which resulted in a national health plan to combat noncommunicable diseases. She said, for many who participated in the study, it was the first time they learned that they had high blood pressure.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean reported that while he was off island during the Fono recess, he ate healthy with lots of vegetables and staying off fatty foods. He lost weight and he felt strong, no more shortness of breath and he slept well. But since returning, he’s back to old eating habits.

The Senate leader said, he’s come to the conclusion that it’s the food we eat that are making us sick. In the morning, he sees children eating bongo and drinking soda and it’s no wonder they’re obese.

Tuaolo asked, why the Department of Health (DOH) doesn’t recommend banning unhealthy food like turkey tails.

Another observation from his recent trip is the emphasis on organic food. He said, there’s no shortage of naturally grown food in the territory but people are consuming so much imported processed food. He felt this was an area that DOH was lacking in promoting. He said, 36 deaths in January is way too high. He also pointed to the number of women who are diagnosed with cancer at a late stage.

Dr. Lauvao said, legislation is needed in order to combat the rising number of deaths related to noncommunicable diseases.

Other points raised during the hearing were the sizes of produce sold by Asian farmers, some of which are being sold to the School lunch Program and whether they are safe.

Other DOH officials at the hearing were Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua, Dr. Saipele Fuimaono and Scott Anesi.