Four hundred twenty children. ages six months-10 years old were studied for indicators of nutrition and health in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in June and July of 2005 using a two-stage cluster survey. Over two thirds of children 5-10 years old had no physical activity outside of school (68%), although 61% of children engaged in 1-3 days of physical activity while at school. Children of all ages watched television an average of four hours per day. Analysis of the diets of 420 children found that children of all ages had high intakes of protein compared to recommended levels . Sodium (salt) intake was also high and calcium intake was low. Approximately 35% of the children met Healthy People 2010 objectives of< 10% of calories from saturated fat and <30% of calories from total fat. Analysis of food group intakes confirms the high protein and low calcium intakes in all age groups, with high intakes of processed meats and low intakes of dairy, fruits and vegetables. It also indicates that fruit and vegetable consumption is below recommended levels for children from one year through 10 years of age.Funding fer the survey was provided by USDA grants 2004-35215-14252 & 2004-38826-2201 and through in kind contributions ef the Northern Marianas College and the Dept of Public Health, CNM
