Isles' high obesity spurs call to activity
Hawaii is leading the nation in obesity rates, especially among youth, with estimated costs of nearly $300 million a year for related illnesses, says Robert Hiam, Hawaii Medical Service Association president and chief executive officer.
Addressing the HMSA's annual membership meeting last week, Hiam encouraged members and the community to engage in a healthier lifestyle with regular physical activity.
"The link between obesity and inactivity is indisputable," he said, according to an HMSA news release.
"It's even been said that today's young people are the most inactive generation in America's history."
Hiam cited serious health risks associated with obesity -- asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and orthopedic complications.
He encouraged citizens to take personal responsibility for their health.
HMSA launched a statewide "go" campaign in April last year to help people "get up, get out and get active." More than 3,000 people attended a festival opening the campaign at the Les Murakami Stadium.
The campaign features TV, radio and print messages emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity.
Several new activity programs were initiated last year targeting kids, teens, adults and seniors. They include:
» Spaz's go Challenge, created by HMSA and featuring local TV personality Kutmaster Spaz. He takes his challenge to high schools and shopping malls to share messages about the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle.
» HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program, recognizing high school students and schools for active involvement in athletics, good sportsmanship, community services and academics.
» HMSA's Weight Watchers pilot program to help encourage eligible members ready to increase their activity level and improve their nutrition. The pilot program last year offered a 12-week membership to Weight Watchers at no cost to the member.
» Keepgoing program, with free community workshops to help seniors increase their activity level and improve strength, flexibility and stamina.
Thego Campaign also started an interactive Web site at www.hmsa.com/go with information on physical activity. It includes a "calorie burn off" matrix showing how much activity is needed to burn off calories for various snack foods based on body weight.
The Web site also has safety tips, a stretching guide and statewide calendar of community health classes and activities.
HMSA also reported at the annual meeting that it processed 17.6 million claims last year for a total of $1.57 billion, the highest in the association's 67-year history.
The association also helped administer health plans for more than 16,000 employer groups in the state and reported more than 4,100 participating physicians, dentists, hospitals, pharmacies and other providers.
