UNAIR NEWS – Firrial Eksa Maulidania Putri becomes one of the students from the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FIKKIA) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) who are currently undergoing their fieldwork practice (PKL). She is in Group Three.
To UNAIR NEWS, she stated that her team would continue their PKL until Wednesday, Feb 7, 2024, in Banyuwangi Regency, exploring the theme of “Gandrung AYU: Real efforts to prevent Hypertension with Ayo, Yakin, dan Utamakan.”
One of the main programs of their PKL is the dissemination of information regarding hypertension prevention. This awareness campaign aims to improve the community’s knowledge about hypertension and its dangers as a silent killer.
“The awareness campaign aims to educate the community about hypertension, emphasizing that prevention is superior to continuous treatment,” she told UNAIR NEWS on Thursday, Jan 25, 2024.
Three hamlets program
The three-day awareness campaign took place comprehensively in the village of Kluncing, Licin Sub-district, Banyuwangi Regency. In this village, three hamlets were the targets of the awareness program: Pesucen, Krajan, and Bedengan.
“In this village, the awareness program targeted three hamlets: Pesucen, Krajan, and Bedengan. The events were held at Darussolah Mosque on Thursday, Jan 18, 2024; in Pesucen Hamlet, at Baitul Muttaqien Mosque on Friday, Jan 19, 2024, in Krajan Hamlet; and at the residence of health cadre Mrs. Hainiyah on Saturday, Jan 20, 2024, in Bedengan Hamlet,” she said.
Each hamlet received distinct awareness sessions, with one day designated for each. Firrial explained that this approach aims to offer a comprehensive understanding tailored to the residents of each hamlet.
Awareness campaign activities
Throughout their campaign, they not only explained what hypertension is but also covered its symptoms, risk factors, and prevention methods. Firrial noticed the villagers’ enthusiasm in all three hamlets, with over 50 participants actively participating in the activities.
The speakers at the awareness sessions were Avila Abilia Azahara and Oktario Dinansa Khoir, students of Public Health at FIKKIA UNAIR. Additionally, representatives from the Licin Village Health Center, Achmad Arifin AMd Kep, were present to provide insights based on their experience in the healthcare field.
“The hypertension awareness campaign provided a comfortable space for discussion, sharing, and learning about the importance of preventing and managing hypertension,” Firrial emphasized.
One memorable interaction Firrial had with the participants was when they inquired about tips for preventing hypertension and staying motivated. Avila, one of the speakers, stressed that families are the primary source of support as they are the ones waiting at home.
“Maintaining our health by managing our diet, limiting salt, sugar, and fat intake is crucial. Always keep in mind that our family is waiting for us at home. Therefore, maintaining enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle is essential,” Avila emphasized.
Representing her team, Firrial expressed the hope that their awareness campaign could inspire the local community to adopt clean and healthy living. The lifestyle guidelines they shared with the communities in the three hamlets are summarized in an acronym, “CERDIK”.
“Regular health check-ups, avoiding cigarette smoke, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough rest, and managing stress are essential efforts for preventing hypertension,” she concluded. (*)
Author: Muhammad Badrul Anwar
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
