FK-KMK UGM. A healthy mind requires a strong body. The foundation of both mental and physical health, built from a young age, becomes the investment that pays off in old age. This is the discourse raised by the Department of Family Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), in collaboration with Korpagama Clinic, Straya Indonesia-Australia Research, and UGM Health Service Bureau. They held a talk show titled “Move More, Stress Less: The Science Behind Sport Exercise and Mental Health in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA)” at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Arena on Friday (8/10).
Prof. dr. Mora Claramita, MHPE, PhD, Sp.KKLP, a committee member of the ProYou (Personalized Health Care for Youth) program, shared that the event was designed to empower youth—particularly UGM students—to become pioneers in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Not just a talk show, the event, attended by around 800 participants, was followed by the SAHABAT AYA training on November 9 to equip peer counselors in the UGM community.
“Physical activity is crucial, and I support this initiative because health issues are becoming more complex, so we need to balance both physical and mental health,” said Prof. dr. Yodi Mahendradhata, M.Sc., Ph.D., FRSPH, Dean of FK-KMK UGM.
The talk show featured dr. Tirta Mandira Hudhi, MBA, a graduate of FK-KMK UGM who is now an influencer and entrepreneur and dr. Fransica Handy, Sp.A IBCLC, Founder of the Indonesian Adolescent Health Association. The session was moderated by dr. Fitriana Murriya Ekawati, MPHC, Sp.KKLP, Subsp. FOMC, from FK-KMK UGM.
“Exercise, little by little, can also help relax our minds. About 7% of teenagers experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, often due to excessive ambition and poor eating habits, which disrupt the metabolic system,” Fitriana explained during the session.
Tirta mentioned that the complexity of maintaining a healthy lifestyle today is influenced by technological advancements and the pandemic. These changes have led to a rise in metabolic syndrome, especially among teenagers. However, the pandemic also saw a rise in the popularity of outdoor brands selling running, cycling, and hiking gear.
“During the pandemic, many young people felt trapped indoors and started seeking outdoor activities. This is a good thing—despite the technology-driven era, they still enjoy outdoor activities,” Tirta added.
On another note, Tirta highlighted a concerning trend: a decrease in the age of individuals diagnosed with stage 1-3 kidney disease due to poor lifestyle choices.
“You can eat healthy, but still drink sugary beverages. And there are three types of stubborn youth: smokers, gamblers, and Manchester United fans,” Tirta joked.
Meanwhile, Fransica emphasized that, in Indonesia’s current demographic bonus era, it is crucial to have a healthy and high-quality generation. She stated, “There is no health without mental health,” stressing the need for a balance in how young people manage their health.
“You will be the next parents, and parents are the key to the health and well-being of the generation they raise. The earlier you start a healthy lifestyle, the better it will be for the future,” Fransica explained.
According to a mental health survey (INames) conducted by Fransica and her research team, about 30% of teenagers aged 17 face mental health issues. Additionally, findings from the Indonesian Clinical Psychologists Association in 2022 showed that individuals between the ages of 20-30 make up the largest group accessing psychological teleconsultations.
This issue is becoming a critical consideration for the healthcare sector, closely linked to optimizing the demographic bonus to achieve Indonesia’s golden generation.
Thus, young people are encouraged to start healthy habits through physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, consuming nutritious food while avoiding junk food, getting enough rest, and maintaining good relationships and communication within their social circles, especially with friends and family.
Through the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, FK-KMK UGM is fully committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter)
