The Diocese of Chalan Kanoa was among the groups and organizations that participated in the CNMI Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Strategic Planning Workshop last week at Pacific Islands Club.
The 3-day workshop was organized by The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation’s (CHCC) Non-Communicable Disease Bureau (NCDB) under the branch of the Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) and in collaboration with the Office of the Governor.
Mrs. Glorybel Tan represented the diocese in the workshop. She is currently part of the Health Ministry of the diocese under the Commission on Marriage and Family Life. The diocese under the leadership of Bishop Ryan has taken initiative to incorporate the Health Ministry in its 5 year Pastoral Plan in order to create health awareness and to encourage healthy lifestyle to the parishioners. Furthermore, the local church recognized that its ministry goes beyond spiritual and pastoral care but the whole dimension of every person. Clergy and religious as well as parish lay ministers are always in close contact with the sick members of the community and therefore they are very much aware of the epidemic of non-communicable diseases that plaque our island community.
Participation therefore in these kind of workshops is essential for the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa so that the local church can be informed of the current status of NCD in the commonwealth and more importantly so that they can partner and work with other concerned agency to fight these preventable but rampant diseases. In her letter of invitation to Bishop Ryan, Mrs. Esther L. Muna, CEO of Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, recognized the role that the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa can play in the life of the community.
The 3-day workshop is the culmination of the Non-Communicable Diseases & Risk Factor survey conducted on 2016. The CNMI undertook its first population-based, NCD household survey from January-April 2016. A total of 1,091 individuals, aged 18 years or older, participated in the survey. The aim of the Hybrid NCD and Risk Factor Survey was to assess the current prevalence of NCDs and NCD risk factors in the CNMI.
NCD or Non- Communicable Diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are large contributors to illness, disability, and health. The commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has experienced drastic change in lifestyle due to the introduction of Western culture. This change has led to the occurrence of many of these NCD risk factors and as a result an increase in NCDs
Research has found that there are many risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, luck of physical activity and unhealthy diet, which greatly increase the likelihood of developing these diseases.
Key Findings
According to the survey over half (56.0%) of CNMI adult are estimated to have hypertension. One out of five (17.0%) are estimated to have high cholesterol, and an estimate of 12.5-18.7% have diabetes.
The survey also shows a report on the overweight and obese adult by ethnicity. Chamorro is at 82.5%, Carolinian 86.4%, other Pacific Islander 76.3%, Filipino 54.4%, other Asian 39.5% and 62.6% for other ethnicity.
The result of the random survey also identify various risk factors. One out of four (25.2%) adults in the CNMI currently smoking cigarettes. One out of five (19.1%) adults is currently chew betel nut, and majority (87.6%) adds tobacco to their chew. Almost a quarter (23.0%) is currently binge drink (5 or more standard drink in 1 sitting). Three out of four (75.4%) eat less than recommended 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. More than two thirds (70.5%) eat at least one serving of processed meat per day. Three out of four (74.2%) drink one or more sugar sweetened beverage(s) per day. One out of three (33.0%) report not having participated in any physical activity or exercise in the past month. Almost two-thirds (64.0%) are overweight or obese.
At the beginning of this year, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa has promulgated a Health Diocesan Policy which will soon be implemented in the parishes. In the coming weeks, North Star will publish part by part the policy.
