Behind a healthy mind is a strong body. A healthy mind and body must be nurtured early on as a foundation for future health.
Although adolescence is often seen as a generally healthy stage, daily habits significantly affect the onset of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
One good habit that should be developed early on is engaging in physical activity for 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week, consuming real food instead of junk food, getting enough rest, and maintaining close relationships with friends and family to help address health and social issues.
This was highlighted in a talk show titled “Move More, Stress Less: The Science Behind Sport Exercise and Mental Health in Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA)” held at UGM’s Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM) on Friday (Nov. 8). The talk featured Tirta Mandira Hudhi, MD, a graduate of the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) who is now an influencer and entrepreneur; and Fransica Handy, MD, pediatrician and founder of the Indonesian Adolescent Health Association.
Fitriana Murriya Ekawati, MD, from the Department of Family Medicine at FK-KMK UGM, moderated this show.
According to Tirta Mandira Hudhi, MD, technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic influence the complexity of leading a healthy lifestyle today. As a result, this situation makes adolescents more vulnerable to metabolic syndrome.
However, since the pandemic, outdoor brands selling running, cycling, hiking gear, and more were the best-selling products in 2022.
“During the pandemic, many young people were confined indoors, so they sought outdoor activities. This is a positive thing; even though technology drives our lives, people still enjoy being outdoors,” Hudhi said.
On the other hand, he mentioned a concerning trend where the age of kidney disease sufferers at stages 1 to 3 has decreased, caused by unhealthy lifestyles.
“People eat healthy food but still consume sugary drinks,” Hudhi remarked.
Fransica Handy, MD, added that a healthy and quality generation is needed during Indonesia’s current demographic bonus era.
She emphasized that “there is no health without mental health,” so young people must balance their health management.
“You all will become the next parents, and parents are the key to the health and well-being of the generation they raise. So, the sooner (a healthy lifestyle) is adopted, the better it will be for the future,” the physician explained.
Based on the mental health survey (INames) conducted by Handy and her research team, it was found that around 30% of teenagers aged 17 experienced mental health issues.
Furthermore, findings from the Indonesian Association of Clinical Psychologists in 2022 indicated that people aged 20-30 made up the largest population accessing psychological teleconsultation services.
This trend is a critical consideration for the health sector and relates closely to optimizing the demographic bonus to create Indonesia’s golden generation.
Young people are encouraged to start good habits by engaging in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, eating nutritious food while avoiding junk food, getting sufficient rest, and maintaining good social relationships, particularly with friends and family.
“Exercising little by little also helps relax our minds. About 7% of teenagers show symptoms of depression and anxiety, often due to ambition. Poor eating habits also disrupt the metabolic system,” Fitriana Murriya Ekawati, MD, advised.
Professor Mora Claramita, chair of the ProYou (Personalized Health Care for Youth) program, stated that the event was designed to empower UGM students to become pioneers in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Beyond just a talk show, the event, attended by about 800 participants, will be followed by training.
“We are equipping students to become peer counselors within the UGM environment,” she said.
Dean of FK-KMK UGM, Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, welcomed such activities as they motivate students to maintain healthy lifestyle habits from an early age.
“I support this initiative because today’s health challenges are increasingly complex, so physical and mental balance is essential,” he concluded.
Reporter: FK-KMK UGM/Isroq Adi Subakti
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya