Will Spitzenberg, also known as "Coach Will", is the founder of Slimmer Stronger You (SSY), a Fitness program that provides the best science based exercise and nutrition program proven to help members improve health and win the war against obesity. SSY has teamed up with TAOA to encourage senior citizens to maximize mobility during isolation of COVID-19.  "Since we started the programs with TAOA group, I've noticed a difference with the TAOA members as they are getting healthier and stronger," shared Will. Mr. J who is 80 years old, and part of the program, "When Mr. J first came to SSY he couldn't go on the elliptical and after coming in for a few weeks he can do many things on his own with very little assistance. He looks a lot stronger and healthier and enjoys his workout time."

For elderly who are bound at home during COVID-19 Code Blue restrictions can begin to feel depression.   Will recommends these activities to minimize isolation at home by doing yard work, cleaning house or work on small projects around the house to stay active. Being mobil is crucial today, as well as it was in previous times with our ancestors who were active everyday all year around. This helped them to stay  slim, strong and live to old age.

Eating healthy is another key factor, such as local produce like taro, banana's, yams and local fish. Will has encourages members to follow  the Polynarian Diet that SSY created that is a return to our roots of eating like our ancestors.  He has witnessed by following this diet it will reverse obesity and many other ailments.   
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"The elderly that have joined SSY have improved in their health in many ways such as lower blood pressure, becoming stronger and gaining energy," per Will.  If you are a senior citizen and would like to join SSY, please contact the TAOA Office for more information, or follow SSY on Facebook at:  Slimmer Stronger You.
Thanks SSY !!!
written by:  Marilyn Ho Ching

​The American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence expresses our outrage over continued violence against the Black community.  We have observed heinous crimes against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade, murdered and added to generations of Blacks, and other people of colored communities who have been senselessly killed.  These acts of violence impact our Samoan communities.
February 1989, the Dole Family (Samoan) bridal shower, Cerritos, California.  100 Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies wearing riot gear stormed their residence.  Samoan’s were beaten with batons, as police officers stood over our Samoan men to harass them.   
 February 1991 in Compton, Ca, Pouvi Tualaulelei, thirty-four (34) years old and his brother Itali, twenty-two (22) were shot nineteen (19) times by responding Police Officer Skiles who was tried for his actions.  The jury ruled a mistrial, and local elder Papaliitele Alailima used the matai system to encourage our youth to protest peacefully.  Three peaceful protests were held by the Samoan Community.
On January 22, 2019 36-year-old Iosia Faletogo in Washington State made an improper lane change, and the license plate showed the registered owner had a suspended license.   During the videotape of the event, you can hear the police yell, “You’re going to get shot!”.    You can see Faletogo’s gun on the ground beside him, with several cops surrounding him.  A cop shouts, “He’s reaching”, and Faletogo says in a muffled voice, “I’m not reaching.” Seconds later gunshot is heard, as SPD officer Jared Keller shoots Faletogo in the head.
 We bear witness to these murders and are pained by these events.  It is time for all communities to gather to dismantle racism and forms of oppression that heinous acts.  When individuals or groups believe they have power over you, they believe they have the right to do anything to you. 
To combat these actions, the Alliance will continue to push our vision to see “Individuals live free of violence with equality, dignity and respect.”  We invite you to join us by creating and strengthening partnerships with leaders of government, community, public safety to commit.  We need to stop being complicit.    
Reach out and support friends and colleagues of color.  Talk to friends and family about racism, including implicit bias.  Let us begin to share what we know.  Engage our officials.  Call out racism and oppression when you see it.  It starts with us.  

            June 15, 2020 is World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).   American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence (aka Alliance) and partners across the world will join together to promote education and awareness regarding elderly abuse.  The increased number of senior populations in American Samoa makes it necessary to tackle elder abuse and neglect.   Elderly abuse is another form of domestic violence.  In October 17, 2018 Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga signed into law the American Samoa Administration Bill “Elderly and Disabled Adult Neglect, Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act”.  As caregivers it is seen to be a source of blessing to take care of our seniors, and this may be the reason why it is not discussed in our families, or homes.  This poses a problem when elderly abuse making it difficult to identify warning signs.  Notably, elders are a vulnerable population that deserves protection, and elderly abuse continues to grow in our homes. 
            According to Territorial Administration Office of Aging (TAOA) Director, Evelyn Satele Lilio, “the most common cases seen (of elder abuse) are self-neglect.”  There is an increased number of senior citizens who are suffering from dementia, and caregivers may not be equipped to care for these elders.  Increased frustration for caregivers happens, and is a real situation.  Frustration can increase as elders become increasingly frail, and are less able to take care of themselves.  Seniors may find themselves not remembering, making them more at risk or defenseless against caregivers. 
            Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm against an older adult it is important to understand tactics used by abusers.  A local advocate shared an incident during a house visit and was surprised to find an elderly woman was tied to a bed as family members went to work.  Samoa News has posted stories of financial stories, where abusers have stolen monies from their parents, or aunts, uncles, constituting elder abuse.  The bill that has been enacted defines actions such as neglect and exploitation of the elderly and disabled as abuse.  Other examples provided during a news interview with Dir Lilio “embezzling, or intentionally mismanaging the assets of the elderly and disabled, committing fraud in obtaining their appointments and failing to provide them care, supervision and services necessary to maintain their mental health.”
            If you are concerned about elder abuse the following are tips to help.  If you’re a caregiver its important you make time for wellness. Caregiving can be stressful and cause burnout.  To decrease stress, use physical exercise, meditation or breathing exercises, or ask a friend to provide support.  If you are a family member or friend of a caregiver, if at all possible, offer to provide needed breaks.  A simple check in to connect with caregiver as well as elder can help to decrease stress.  If you suspect someone is suffering from neglect, physical abuse, please share your concerns with caregivers.  For immediate attention, please contact 911. To learn more, you can connect with Territorial Administration on Aging Office, at 633-1251 or contact American Samoa Alliance at 699-0272 and we will refer you to an advocate for help and support.  
written by: Jennifer Tofaeono