Maho:---Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told a panel of medical practitioners and health advocates on Friday that St. Maarten is not unlike many other countries where unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical exercise have led to more overweight and obese people and an overall unhealthy lifestyle.
The Commissioner was addressing the town hall forum on a "Healthy Living" as part of the 13th Carib News Conference. Her fellow forum members included First Lady of New York Mrs. Michelle Paige Paterson, Congress member Dr. Donna Christian Christensen, Dr. John Palmer of the Harlem Hospital Center, Dr. Jay Cowan of the National Medical Association and Dr. Leon Merrick of Merrick's Dental Studio.
Buncamper-Molanus in her presentation explained that a health study done on St. Maarten in revealed that 70% of the population above 18 years is overweight of which 30% is obese. "Also our youth is overweight. The statistics from our screening program in school from 2 years ago showed that approximately 15% of our 5 year old are overweight and 30% of our 10 year old. These are worrying figures," she said.
She said the Public Health department has recognized that a supportive environment is vital for behavior change among people young and old. She added that projects that emphasize personal responsibility for one's health and programs that emphasize health education and disease prevention in a supportive environment are crucial.
"The emphasis is to press home to our people that we are what we eat. Food choices have an impact on our nutritional status. As I am sure everyone here is aware of, there is enough evidence that points towards unhealthy diet as a risk factor for chronic diseases e.g. heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes mellitus," the Commissioner said.
She went on to outline some of government's initiatives including, but not limited to, the development of a school nutrition and physical education policy, diabetes and obesity projects supported by comprehensive workshops and technical support, encouraging the establishing of kitchen gardens in particular in this age of rising food prices.
"Through the school nutrition and physical education policy we aim to instill in students the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious and enjoyable food choices. Students will also be encouraged to make a conscious effort of ensure that physical activity remains a part of their lifestyle. And we aim to have policies in the school to ensure that supportive environments are in place," she said.
She continued: "Dental care is also high on our agenda, in particular among our young people. We have expanded our Youth Dental Plan supported by a fully equipped dental vehicle. Four persons, two dentists, a dental hygienist and dental health educator will participate in this project to execute the dental care plan for all school-going children. Another program is our Public Health Policy Plan "Building A Healthy Island". One of the main priorities of this plan is to develop prevention activities aimed at health promotion and education pertaining to lifestyle, eating habits, overweight and exercise."
Buncamper-Molanus concluded by saying she was looking forward to possibly taking away some innovative solutions and ideas from the town hall session and establishing links with the distinguished guests who have dedicated their lives to health care in one way or the other.
