NMI’s first health magazine launched

THE commonwealth’s first monthly health magazine was launched at the 360 Revolving Restaurant in Susupe on Friday evening to help spread awareness on relevant health issues and eventually lower the high cost of healthcare.

Copies of the first issue of CNMI Health Digest, a 40-page glossy magazine, was distributed during its launching and will soon be making its way to  public establishments for people to take home and read.

Publisher Dr. Johnny Fong said  the magazine is information-packed.

“This is something they will keep because they can use the health information and tips that we are putting out,” Fong said.

Grace D. Lim is Fong’s co-publisher, while Fong’s daughter, Jacqueline Fong, a journalist, serves as the editor in chief.

She hopes the magazine can contribute to the improvement of local healthcare.

Dr. Fong told the Variety that coming up with the concept of publishing a health magazine took him only one month.

“This is something that the community needs and we hope to help improve the healthcare system,” he said.

The CNMI Health Digest will soon be downloadable in PDF format, he said.

In their joint message, Gov. Benigno Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said  the magazine can help a lot in providing the people with a greater understanding of the different illnesses and proper care and treatments that should be availed of here.

Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez saidthe CNMI Health Digest will be their “partner in the journey to highlight they key health issues and educating…residents about health living and programs available here to achieve a healthy life.”

Published monthly by the University of Loyola at CNMI and with an editorial panel of medical practitioners, the magazine will cover regular issues on adult medicine, child health, maternal, mental health and preventive medicine.

The first issue of the CNMI Health Digest was printed in the Philippines with 1,500 copies, but the succeeding issues will be printed here, Dr. Fong said.

He said they are planning  2,500 copies for the second issue, and more in the future.

At each issue of the CNMI Health Digest, a test questionnaire is printed to evaluate what the reader has understood about the different issues published in the magazine. Just answer the questions to win prizes. Winners of $25 each will be picked out from four different categories — grade school, high school, college and adults for each issue.

On Jan. 1, 2012, more prizes are at stake including the grand prize of one year scholarship to the University of Loyola at CNMI and $1,000 cash, second prize of one year scholarship to SAEF School or Kids Cove and $500 cash, and third prize of one year scholarship to SAEF or Kids Cove and $250 cash.

For more information, call 234-8008, fax r 234-8028 or email cnmihealthdigest@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (first published here)