UNS — Students of the Master’s Program in Public Health Sciences (IKM) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta carried out a community service program at SD Negeri 3 Wonorejo, Gondangrejo, Karanganyar. The program, themed “Early Detection of Non-Communicable Disease Risks and Nutrition Awareness for Promoting Healthy Body Image in Adolescents,” aimed to raise awareness and promote health among local youth.
The program was led by UNS Master’s students Julhan Irfandi, Anindhita Saviorel Rivaldy, Anggie Rahmatul Azizah, and Shafira Meidy Savitri. They collaborated with the Community Service Team from Stikes Mambaul ‘Ulum Surakarta and local leaders, including LPDP scholarship recipients from UNS, with support from the Wonorejo Village Head and local PKK (Family Welfare Empowerment) members. The event was attended by 35 adolescents aged 15 to 18.
To uns.ac.id on Tuesday (14/1/2025), Julhan Irfandi explained that the program began with measurements of participants’ height and weight to calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI). The team then conducted early screenings for non-communicable diseases by checking blood pressure, random blood sugar levels, and uric acid levels. “This screening aims to prevent and identify potential health issues in adolescents, such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, which are no longer limited by age,” Julhan explained.
Sharing Education on Nutrition Awareness
The team also provided nutrition education as a promotive and preventive effort using visually engaging booklets. The booklets were designed to deliver structured and systematic information, making it easier for participants to grasp the concepts of balanced nutrition and healthy body image. Combining text, images, and graphics, the booklets also served as reference material participants could revisit at home.
“The core goal of this initiative, held on November 10, 2024, was to raise adolescents’ awareness of the importance of balanced nutrition,” Julhan added.
Through this education, the team hopes to encourage healthier eating habits among adolescents. With support from various stakeholders, the program aspires to have a long-term impact on creating a healthier younger generation.
The program will expand with a workshop involving both parents and adolescents to discuss healthy eating habits and support optimal nutritional status. In addition, collaboration with local youth health posts (Posyandu Remaja) will be initiated to reach more adolescents and provide ongoing nutrition education.
HUMAS UNS
