Depok-After successfully implementing the Lifelong Program Moving with Physiotherapy (Sehat Bestari) in the Seribu Islands some time ago, the Universitas Indonesia (UI) through the community service team of the Physiotherapy study program, Vocational Education Program, was present in Bogor City and Bogor Regency to support the government’s program in realizing Bogor as a Zero Stunting city. The community service was carried out at MTs and MA Yastashi Bogor, on September 17, 2024.
In its implementation, lecturers and students of the Physiotherapy study program conducted socialization to increase awareness and knowledge of MTs Yastashi students regarding preventive measures for anemia. In addition, there was a hemoglobin check with a hemoglobin test strip and monitoring of the Body Mass Index (BMI) through measuring height and weight.
Head of the UI Vocational Community Service Team, Bintang Mukhammad Burhanudin Akbar, M.M., said that the community service activity was one of UI Vocational’s steps to reduce the prevalence of stunting in Bogor City and Regency. “Hopefully the socialization that we provide can provide new understanding for MTs Yastashi students about the importance of preventing stunting. In addition, this community service is also our commitment to realizing one of the points of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Good Health and Well Being,” said Bintang.
(Photo: Physiotherapy students and lecturers during community service activities to prevent stunting in Bogor)
He further said that anemia can happen to anyone, from newborns, children, to adults. Symptoms experienced by people with anemia include decreased performance and endurance, cognitive and concentration disorders, shortness of breath, dizziness, and others. Some steps to prevent anemia are consuming foods containing iron, regular health checks, and consuming vitamin C which can help increase iron absorption.
“Anemia can be treated in several ways, namely through blood transfusions, consumption of corticosteroids, erythropoietin, and iron supplements,” said Bintang.
Meanwhile, Ridwan, one of the students of MTs Yastashi, admitted that the activity gave him new knowledge about stunting. “This event is very interesting and I learned a lot about stunting. Hopefully, with this community service activity, friends will be more aware to maintain their diet and eat nutritious food,” said Ridwan.
Director of UI Vocational Education Program Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, appreciated the community service activities. “The various expertise in UI Vocational Education should indeed be the basic foundation for solving problems in society. The activities carried out by the team from the Physiotherapy study program are a momentum that UI Vocational Education also contributes to the sustainability of public health through mitigating stunting incidents,” said Padang.
