UNS – This year, the Muslims in Indonesia fasting in the holy month of Ramadan with a different feel due to the threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Indonesia. Based on the health protocol issued by the Covid-19 Prevention Acceleration Task Force, the communities are asked to maintain physical distancing and reduce outdoor activities.
Considering the threat of Covid-19 spread in the holy month of Ramadan, the Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, reminded that unfit body increases the risk of Covid-19 infection. Prof. Jamal conveyed his message when acting as a speaker in a webinar entitled ‘Exercise during Fasting and Covid-19 Pandemic: Healthy, Sportive, and Leadership’ held by Universitas Negeri Semarang (Unnes), Monday (18/5/2020).
“Why we have to exercise because there is a metacognitive dimension. It includes the descriptive, what happened? Diagnostic, how it happened? Predictive, what will happen? And, perspective about what should be done? This is based on higher-order thinking skills,” stated Prof. Jamal opening his speech.
In front of 300 webinar participants, Prof. Jamal also reminded of the potential health problems that can be experienced by Muslims when fasting, such as dehydration, increased stomach acid, fatigue, coughing, and constipation.
“The change in eating pattern might affect the condition of the body during fasting. Thus, we need to be careful with dehydration marked by chapped lips, dry skin, and colored and smelly urine. There is also high stomach acid because of an empty stomach. Fatigue because the body does not get enough nutrition. Then, cough because if we break the fast, we can’t wait to eat sweets and ice. Last is constipation which disturbs the bowel movements not smooth,” explained Prof. Jamal.
After the discussion on the diagnostic on the opening, Prof. Jamal stated that the elderly are at the highest risk to get infected by Covid-19. The comorbidity adds to the factors that will aggravate the condition and potentially lead to death.
On the occasion, Prof. Jamal explained the tips on increasing immunity to prevent Covid-19 infection while fasting to stay healthy and fit.
“Perspective. What needs to be done? Maintenance and increase immunity on Covid-19 while fasting to stay healthy can be done with tips to prevent Covid-19. The trick is to choose immune-boosting foods, such as yogurt, spinach, turmeric, and broccoli. And the second is to implement a healthy lifestyle with exercise, rest, stress management, and most importantly not smoking,” he added.
The webinar was also attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menteri Pemuda dan Olahraga – Menpora) Zanudin Amali, the Rector of Unnes, Prof. Fathur Rokhman, and the Rector of Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa), Prof. Nurhasan. Humas UNS/Yefta
