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Village Walks in American Samoa promote healthy living

Village Walk in American Samoa

The Village Walks program in American Samoa was an intervention activity that promoted healthy living set up by the Children’s Healthy Living Fund (CHL), an extension program of the University of Hawaiʻ at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. The three walks included the communities of Aua, Fagaitua and Masefau as part of the CHL Reducing Childhood Obesity in American Samoa program.

“The local team in American Samoa identified that community walking, led by local leaders, was a good strategy for decreasing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity for children in the Samoan culture and community,” said Interim Dean Rachel Novotny, director of CHL.

Village walks brought together entire communities, and the participants walked for approximately one mile before engaging in about 20 minutes of aerobic activities. During the walk they had the opportunity to sample local produce and engage in nutritional demonstrations and activities, such as the Sugar Shocker display to educate the participants about how much sugar is contained in common foods and drinks.

The communities also received posters highlighting six ways to combat childhood obesity: being more active, drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting sugar sweetened drinks, limiting screen time and sleeping more.

This video was produced by the American Samoa Community College.