Department of Health Battles Leeward Obesity

Written by Terry Hunter - thunter@kgmb9.com

March 15, 2008 04:35 PM

According to the Department of Health, forty percent of adults on Oahu's leeward coast are obese. That's why the department is sponsoring four "Active Living" workshops in the Nanakuli-Waianae-Kapolei areas. The process begins with walking. If you want to live a long, healthy life, the Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes of walking each day, but that can be difficult along Farrington Highway. "The research proves that the built environment (how neighborhoods are laid) out has a lot to do with how physically active you are," says workshop leader, Mark Fenton. "If you don't have sidewalks in your neighborhood, if there's not a neighborhood park down the street, if the traffic is really fast, you're just not going to get out and do it. you know you should do your 30 minutes a day, but it's really hard to do." Today's workshop was at Makaha Elementary School, but there will be 3 more "active living" workshops this week: 3/17/08 Nanaikapono Elementary School 7pm - 9pm 3/18/08 Keone'ula Elementary School (Ewa) 7pm - 9pm 3/19/08 Kapolei High School 7pm - 9pm

Last Updated ( March 15, 2008 04:35 PM )