Eat more fresh foods and less processed foods and engage in more physical activity, or put simply, move more: Usamate.

The Non-Communicable Diseases Month was launched yesterday in Vunidawa, Naitasiri, with display booths and advice services to the public on successful ways to combat non-communicable diseases by promoting wellness.

The theme for the NCD month is ‘Youth for Wellness; Say no to alcohol and tobacco use’.

The escalating prevalence of NCDs in Fiji raises concerns as these diseases, which include heart problems, stroke and diabetes, contribute to almost 80 percent of all deaths.

These preventable diseases have had a devastating impact on the health of the people of the region. NCDs are a barrier keeping Fiji from achieving not only the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, but also some much broader visions of health in sub-regions like Healthy Islands for the Pacific.

Subsequently health issues also hinder economic progress. The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Jone Usamate, continues to remind people to engage in healthier lifestyles.

“Eat more fresh foods and less processed foods and engage in more physical activity, or put simply, move more. Our health and wellbeing is our responsibility and we must take full ownership of this to live a productive life,” Mr Usamate said.

“Even if you are well, engage in routine health checks so that you are aware of how your body is progressing. A lot of times we see people present to health facilities quite late.”

Throughout this month the Ministry of Health will continue to remind the public on the importance of getting screened to know their health status.

The National Advisor for NCD and Wellness, Dr Isimeli Tukana, believes people must get into the habit of keeping track of their health.

“We must focus on replacing illness with wellness and this can be done if we all play our part. Do not wait to fall unwell to practise wellness,” Dr Tukana said.

Source: Ministry of Health

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