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Community Briefs

TOMORROW IS ‘NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY’ — FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

 

American Samoa residents are being asked to join the rest of the U.S. tomorrow in recognition of the National Wear Red Day focusing specifically on women and heart disease. February is designated American Heart Month.

 

Dr. Fred Uhrle, with the VA Clinic in Tafuna, says heart disease is the number-one killer of women in the US, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. “Given the the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in our population the same is likely true in our islands,” he said.

 

Uhrle said the VA Clinic encourages everyone to show their support by wearing red tomorrow, adding that the “red dress and the color red symbolize support in the fight against heart disease.”

 

“Too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer,” he said. “We must draw attention to the fact that this is largely a preventable disease. Physicians must recognize that women's heart symptoms and treatment are different from men's and to follow evidence based guidelines in managing these patients.”

 

He also encouraged patients, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity and family history of heart disease to see the staff at the Primary Care Clinic at LBJ Medical Center, or if they are a veteran, please visit the VA clinic to discuss ways “to reduce your risk.”

 

He added, “See your physician if you do not know your risks and before you begin an exercise program.”

 

LT GOVERNOR REMINDS CABINET MEMBERS OF THEIR RESPONSIBiLITIES

 

Lt Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga informed cabinet members that the Governor will be scheduling individual meetings with each Director to address their organizational charts, deliverables, and major activities within each Department and Agency for 2014.

 

He reminded the Directors in a general memorandum issued last week about Departments and Offices who have not transmitted their major activities and performance deliverables pursuant to memos sent out last December. Lemanu commended those who have complied, but noted that there are others who have yet to transmit the requested documents.

 

 Lemanu noted the original due date for this information was January 24, 2014 and he extended the due date to Monday, February 3, 2014. The Lt. Governor informed the directors to prepare to address challenges confronting their operations and suggested mitigation plans. “We have had one year to get indoctrinated with the duties and responsibilities mandated by law and placed under your charge. The governor has clearly articulated the priorities of this administration with the central theme of improving the quality of government services to the people.”

 

He said that all programs and implementation strategies must directly improve the quality of life of the people of American Samoa. “The basic question that is being asked of you is—what is your department/agency doing to advance this basic service vision? Be prepared to discuss in detail how your department/agency impacts each priority of your administration” with regard to improving the lives of our people, said Lt Governor Lemanu.