News Release

Community Gathers to Promote Healthy Living Habits

 "During Christmas week Community and Natural Resources (ASCC CNR) staff held the first two of four community meetings to discuss ways to promote healthy living habits," according to a press release from American Samoa Community College.

"The meetings took place on Tuesday at the Fagaitua Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) hall and at the CCCAS hall in Tula on Thursday," the release continues. "The purpose was to give parents, teachers, and community leaders a chance to express their input on encouraging families to eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water and less sugar-sweetened beverages, exercise more, and get enough sleep."

"Participants came from villages stretching from Laulii to Onenoa with clergy representatives from the Catholic, CCCAS, Latter-day Saints, and Methodist faiths."

LDS Newsroom, the media website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, states that: "Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are known for their healthy lifestyles. A health plan for the Church was first written down in 1833 by President Joseph Smith, and he presented it to early members specifically as a revelation from God. Today, Latter-day Saints refer to these health guidelines as "the Word of Wisdom" (Doctrine and Covenants 89)."

"Among the provisions of the health code: no alcoholic drinks, no smoking or chewing of tobacco, and no 'hot drinks' — believed to refer specifically to tea and coffee. 'Wholesome herbs,' along with fruits and grains, are specifically recommended. Meat is to be used 'sparingly.' The Church also interprets the misuse of drugs — illegal, legal, prescription or controlled — as a violation of the health code."

Learn more about the health practices of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here.

 

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