FSM Government marks Men's Health Week with activities around Capital compound

The front pack of walkers on the main road through Palikir, heading toward the FSM Capital compound

FSMIS (June 20, 2014): Organized by the Non-communicable Disease Program crew at the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA), several employees of the FSM National Government offices in Palikir spent the afternoon of June 20th participating at the Men's Health Week highlight events.

Wehnsner David doing PB; Donna recording data; Selma waist-line and weight measurements..

Some staff members from the Office of the President, the Department of Health and Social Affairs, the Department of Justice, and the National Public Auditor and his staff gathered at the  Transnational Crime Unit backside ball-court where health personnel were conducting Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements and blood pressure reading. The data were recorded to allow tracking of improvement overtime. Individuals were encouraged to maintain their fitness programs. The health officials will be able to redo measurements upon requests for those who might wish to work on improving their BMI and other health indicators.

Mr. Pelep and Selma at height reading spot

DHSA Secretary, Dr. Vita A. Skilling, spoke to the crowd on the need for the FSM to take advantage of events like the Men's Health Week to boost personal health and strengthen all-around community health activities. Noticing the many women who came out in support of the day, Secretary Skilling praised the effort put together by the NCD Program staff and encouraged the facilitation of gender-inclusive wellness and health fitness activities throughout the year to sustain strong impacts for participants.

The Men's Health Week program also included a 3-mile loop fun-walk, nearly half of which was on the main road leading to the College of Micronesia-FSM Palikir Campus. The walkers were given environmentally-friendly shopping bags and custom-made water bottles at the end of the program.

According to Mr. Xner Luther, main coordinator of the activity, the event turnout was a huge step up compare to previous similar activities in terms of the response by other offices, especially the Public Auditor's Office.

One ONPA employee said that Mr. Haser Hainrick, the FSM Public Auditor, encouraged his staff through email to attend the funwalk and make use of the provided services. Mr. Hainrick joined the walk with his sizable coed team who provided competition at the funwalk.

For further information, email fsmpio@mail.fm.