Lawmakers told health initiatives must address all levels of society

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

Exercise more, eat healthier and don't smoke.

Simple, familiar steps to improve the health of Hawai'i residents — but they're not likely to happen without broader societal support.

That was a key message yesterday from community health specialists to state lawmakers looking for ways to improve healthcare throughout the state.

Dr. Linda Rosen, deputy state health director, said lack of physical activity is fueling an increase in obesity in children, teens and adults. She said the problem requires creative solutions to work activity into daily life.

"We don't have PE in adult life," Rosen told the Working Group on Universal Health Care. She noted that people in good health often are wealthier and better-educated and have "more time to exercise and more money to buy healthy food."

Dr. Sharon Vitousek of Five Mountains Hawaii has practiced in Waimea on the Big Island for 12 years. "There's no silver bullet," she said. "We need a social approach."

Vitousek said schools should make physical-education classes mandatory and foster healthy food choices by getting rid of vending machines that sell soda and junk food.

At work, employers can screen for high blood pressure, invest in wellness programs that encourage good health habits, and support a balance between family and work, Vitousek said.

The Working Group on Universal Health Care yesterday began a series of meetings that will continue this month and next to study the feasibility of providing healthcare to everyone in Hawai'i.

This year, state House leaders proposed an overhaul of the healthcare insurance system that would have created a state authority to provide universal coverage for residents.

That proved too radical a proposal, but state lawmakers continue to discuss the issue as they look for ways to make healthcare more available and affordable.

State Senate Health Chairwoman Roz Baker, D-5th (W. Maui, S. Maui), said obesity statistics are alarming, but there is increasing awareness that making healthy choices early saves money on treatment later.

Baker said the good news is that more people are discussing ways to improve health habits here and across the nation.

Even fast-food icons are offering some alternatives to their customary low-cost, high-fat meals. "McDonald's is starting to talk about healthier choices," she said.

State House Health Chairman Dennis Arakaki, D-30th (Moana-lua, Kalihi Valley, Alewa), said change may seem difficult but can happen. For example, schools can add physical activity during the school day and in after-school programs.

Parents can be educated about helping children develop good habits by cooking and eating healthy foods and "not letting them go to fast-food restaurants and eat junk foods and drink soda," he said.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.