Village representatives gathered at the Tooa Salamasina Hall to receive their grants

By Tupuola Terry Tavita

In line with government’s Stay Healthy programme, representatives of some 260 villages – in both Upolu and Savaii – were this morning presented with their annual aerobics and gardening grants.

Delivering the keynote address at the Tooa Salamasina Hall, Health Minister Tuitama Dr Talalelei Tuitama emphasized the need to keep an active lifestyle.

“All the diseases in the world can be avoided by staying fit and healthy.�?

“Aerobics keeps you fit and gardening, of course, is a productive activity everyone should engage in.�?

Far too many people – both young and old – are coming down with lifestyle diseases like obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Gout has become rampant.

“The programme also encourages you to watch your weight and eat right – to eat nutritious food. Much of that nutritious food is around us – talo, fish, etc – and you don’t need to buy from stores.�?

Started in 2006, the programme sees each village receive a $2500 grant.

The Health minister added,

“It has been noted in the past that once the money is spent, there are no more aerobics and gardening the money was intended for. The grants have also become of source of friction between different groups in the villages.

“That is not why the programme set out. It is intended to keep our communities healthy, for people to enjoy life and to spend their time productively.�?

Several government ministries and corporations conduct their own daily staff aerobics classes.

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