Members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pago Pago, American Samoa are taking part in a new health initiative, sponsored by the Church, that focuses on healthy eating and regular exercise.
The "Eat Healthy and Be Active" initiative is a 12-step program that encourages balancing diets, eating fruit and vegetables, water consumption, planting a garden, and exercise.
When the participant finishes the program, they graduate. Some do the program again.
Diabetes is on the rise in Amercian Samoa, as it is in many Pacific island nations.
There have already been many success stories. One man said his diabetes symptoms were helped by controlling his food intake. A woman said fruit and vegetables helped lower her glucose levels with the help of exercise.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Because of its success, the program is looking to expand to other parts of the territory.
A Chinese proverb quoted in the program material says, “If you do not change your direction, you may end up where you are heading."
Newsroom contributors: Moana Mamea Fidow and Deborah Clark