“The focus of the HAFA Initiative is to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with participants who are 18 years or older,” explains Rosa Omar-Castro, Director of Operations at Marianas Health. She shares that the goal of their Health Education Awareness & Fitness Activities (HAFA) Initiative is to help us make lasting “lifestyle changes to help deal with factors” influencing our health. The HAFA Initiative program is Free and is a Nationally Certified Lifestyle Change Program through the US Centers for Disease Control and is part of the Pacific Islander Diabetes Prevention Program (PI-DPP) and offered through Marianas Health.
Getting results as a community
Since starting the program in September 2020 right here in our islands, over 150 friends, family and neighbors have participated so far. Together they’ve lost an impressive 678 pounds! Omar-Castro proudly shares that on average, participants lost 8 pounds each by the program’s end. Over half of those who completed the program also reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Peer support to push ourselves
Omar-Castro explains their approach: “It’s an opportunity to come together and share successes and obstacles.” Instead of strict rules on what to eat and drink, the program focuses on open dialogues led by “Nationally Certified Lifestyle Coaches” from within our community. These talks help participants identify areas needing improvement, realize where we may be lacking, and find peer support to make difficult changes last.
Staying active together
Participants significantly increased their weekly exercise from 159 minutes early on up to 436 minutes by the final sessions. Lifestyle Coaches organize group activities like weekend walks, beach clean ups, dance sessions, and more to help us stay motivated. “Incorporating physical activity sessions such as zumba, online workout sessions, and weekend walking sessions and so forth are just some of the ways the HAFA Initiative and Lifestyle Coaches engage participants to take control of their lives,” Omar-Castro says.
Reaching more neighbors
With partners like the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa and Northern Marianas College (NMC), they are able to expand the program throughout Saipan, Tinian and Rota. “With NMC CREES, Marianas Health has been able to host classes on campus for students, faculty and the community,” shares Omar-Castro. Partnerships also help recruit and train upcoming lifestyle coaches from our islands.
Impacting our Manhoben too
Omar-Castro adds that monthly and quarterly community health checks “help identify health indicators that may adversely affect a person’s well-being.” When potential issues are identified, they introduce resources like the HAFA Initiative. So even our Manhoben’s generation benefits from better understanding of healthy lifestyles.
Results we can be proud of
Seeing these kinds of outcomes from within our community should make us all proud. Beyond the impressive stats, Omar-Castro says “participants started to become more aware of their sedentary life and started to become more physically active throughout the week.” They gain knowledge to make changes at home and work too.
Omar-Castro sums up the impact: “Participants learn and implement changes to their sleep, stress management and other factors that correlate to developing a healthier lifestyle both at work and home.” Thanks to Marianas Health and the HAFA Initiative, we’re creating better habits together!
Keeping our community healthy
The HAFA Initiative is just one part of Marianas Health’s dedication to providing affordable healthcare options right within our islands. Omar-Castro reminds, “MHS is locally owned, and CMS certified and has been serving the community here for more than 20 years.” From home care services, rehabilitation programs, primary care at Sagan Hinemlo‘ Clinic, telehealth, chronic disease management, and so much more, they continue to fill vital gaps to take care of us locals.
Over the next five years, Omar-Castro shares their hope to increase use of telehealth technologies regionally too. “Using new and proven healthcare technology, while collaborating with Regional healthcare partners will address various obstacles such as increased costs to fly off-island for health assessments and follow-ups,” she explains. More clinics and expanded service areas will mean greater access to quality and timely health care within all the islands of our community as well.
So, let’s keep supporting and participating in innovative programs like HAFA that are empowering us and our neighbors to live happier, healthier lives! With dedicated partners like Marianas Health, a strong future of community health is possible right within our home islands.
To learn more and to register for the FREE HAFA Initiative Program please contact Marianas Health at info@marianashealth.com or 233-4646.
