In general, the Indonesian people is vulnerable to non-communicable diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and so on. Not a few have died due to these diseases. Therefore, we need to protect our bodies from non-communicable diseases through a healthy lifestyle and consuming food with balanced nutrition.
This problem is also experienced in Gamping Kidul hamlet RT 03 RW 17, Ambarketawang, Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta. To address this, three lecturers at the UMY Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences consisting of Dr. drh. Tri Wulandari Kesetyaningsih, M.Kes., Dr. Suryanto, Sp.PK., and Yoni Astuti, M.Kes., Ph.D carried out community service activities with the theme of non-communicable disease screening training and provision of balanced nutrition, on Sunday (16/8/20) in the mosque courtyard area of SD Muhammadiyah 3 Ambarketawang.
“The health problems in Gamping Kidul hamlet are related to non-communicable diseases. This is because the lifestyle and dietary patterns have changed because of the existence of universities around the hamlet, which makes them involved in the restaurant businesses, which makes the people have no time to think about their own health, thus increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases.” Said Tri Wulandari when interviewed after the event.
Non-communicable diseases are caused not only by unbalanced nutrition but also due to lack of activity (exercise) on a regular basis. “This program is a continuation of our previous program. Last year we gave an understanding regarding the importance of exercising regularly with the founding of a gymnastics group that is still running. This time, the program is about maintaining balanced nutrition, by taking steps to prepare a family food menu, “said Yoni in her presentation in front of the women of Gamping Kidul hamlet.
The principle of balanced nutrition itself consists of how to make a variety of food items that consists of staple foods, vegetable side dishes, animal side dishes, vegetables and fruits. “The variations are adjusted to age, gender and activity. Avoid repeating and processing the ingredients too often. We need to provide the texture and consistency of dishes in a variety of ways and are adjusted according to family members, “added Yoni, giving suggestions regarding the presentation of food with balanced nutrition.
Provision of balanced nutrition is also very much needed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. This is an effort to keep the body in top condition because coronavirus infects humans through the immune system. Therefore it is necessary to consume food with balanced nutrients and to keep doing enough activity or exercise. “Even though we are in the middle of a pandemic, we must continue to be active, but with the recommended health protocols. By maintaining balanced nutrition, increasing the body’s immunity coupled with sufficient activity, we can reduce the risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus,” concluded Tri. (Hbb)
