UNAIR NEWS – To commemorate its 72nd anniversary, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) through Civil Services Wives Association (DWP) UNAIR held a health education session on the prevention and management of hypertension for 50 older adults at Karangrejo Urban Village Hall, Banyuwangi, on Saturday (October 10, 2026). The event featured dr Muhammad Nazmuddin MSc PhD, a lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine, and Life Sciences (FIKKIA) UNAIR Banyuwangi. Through the session, participants learned about the risk factors of hypertension, its impact on the body’s organs, and preventive measures through a healthy lifestyle.
Recognizing risks and dangers of hypertension
In his presentation, dr Nazmuddin explained that hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries stays consistently above normal levels. The condition needs attention because it often causes no symptoms even though it can slowly damage the body’s organs.
“Hypertension often causes no symptoms, which is why it is called the silent killer,” he explained.
Constantly high blood pressure can raise the risk of various health problems, such as stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and kidney damage. Hypertension can also cause vision problems due to damage to blood vessels in the retina.
He also reminded the community to watch their daily salt intake. Excess sodium can raise blood pressure. Therefore, people need to limit salt when cooking and pay attention to the salt content of their food.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
To prevent hypertension, dr Nazmuddin introduced the CERDIK principle, which stands for regular health checkups, avoiding cigarette smoke, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, enough rest, and stress management.
Besides limiting salt, people can watch their diet by paying attention to fat intake. He explained that fat comes not only from cooking oil, but also from coconut milk, meat, fried foods, milk, and cheese.
People can choose healthier sources of fat, such as fish, avocado, unsalted nuts, and olive oil. Steaming or boiling food can also be an alternative to reduce oil use.
“Control your blood pressure to protect your organs and live a healthier life,” he said.
Through the event, DWP UNAIR encouraged older adults to be more mindful of their blood pressure and get regular health checkups. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is expected to help people reduce the risk of hypertension complications and maintain their quality of life.
Author: Zahwa Yasmina Fajri
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
