Healthy Society, Strong Indonesia

Health is often only considered important when the body starts sending signals. Shortness of breath, chest pain, prolonged dizziness, or rising blood sugar levels usually prompt someone to seek help. In fact, many diseases can develop silently without clear symptoms. Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disorders are often only discovered after they have caused complications.

This is where free health screenings play an important role. This programme is not merely a free examination service, but an opportunity for the public to recognise their body’s condition earlier. By knowing health risks from an early stage, a person can take preventive steps before the disease becomes more severe.

A Healthy Society Begins with Awareness

Health is not solely the responsibility of medical personnel or the government. Every individual has a role in maintaining their body. Diet, physical activity, sleep quality, personal hygiene, mental health, and the habit of getting check-ups are all part of a healthy lifestyle.

However, not all members of society have the same access and knowledge. Some people postpone examinations because they are worried about the cost. Others feel healthy and therefore consider examinations unnecessary. In fact, being healthy does not only mean not feeling any complaints. Being healthy also means knowing the condition of one’s body and being able to maintain physical and mental function sustainably.

Free health screenings can serve as a bridge to overcome these issues. This service opens up opportunities for the public to obtain basic examinations without being burdened by costs. Moreover, the public receives education about risk factors and steps that can be taken to improve health.

What is Examined?

The types of examinations in free health screening services can vary depending on the organiser and age group. In general, examinations may include measuring blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index, as well as checking blood sugar and cholesterol levels if available.

For children, examinations may focus on growth, nutritional status, eye, ear, and dental health, as well as immunisation. For adults, checking blood pressure, blood sugar, and risk factors for non-communicable diseases is important. Meanwhile, the elderly group needs more attention regarding the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, balance disorders, and declining bodily functions.

Health examinations can also include consultations on diet, physical activity, reproductive health, mental health, and smoking habits. The results of an examination are not a verdict, but rather information that helps a person determine the next steps.

If abnormal results are found, the public needs to follow the advice of health workers. Further examinations may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Conversely, good results are not a reason to neglect health. These results should serve as motivation to maintain healthy living habits.

Why is Early Detection So Important?

Early detection can help find health problems before symptoms appear or before the condition becomes more severe. Hypertension, for example, is often called a “silent killer” because it can occur without complaints. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders.

The same applies to diabetes. High blood sugar levels over the long term can affect the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels. With earlier detection, a person can improve their diet, increase physical activity, and obtain appropriate treatment.

Prevention also has economic and social value. The cost of maintaining health is usually lighter than the cost of treating a disease that has already developed complications. When society is healthy, productivity increases, absenteeism from work or school can decrease, and families are less burdened by care costs.

Therefore, free health screenings should not be viewed as a ceremonial activity. This service must become part of a health culture that is carried out routinely and sustainably.

From Examination Results to Habit Changes

Health examinations lose their meaning if they are not followed by behavioural changes. After learning about their body’s condition, the public needs to take realistic and consistent action.

The first step is to improve diet. Consumption of vegetables, fruit, protein, and water needs to be increased, while foods high in sugar, salt, and fat should be limited. This does not mean one has to drastically change the entire menu. Small changes, such as reducing sugary drinks, choosing fresh food, and paying attention to portion sizes, can provide great benefits if done consistently.

Physical activity is also important. Adults are advised to engage in regular moderate-intensity physical activity, according to their body’s condition and ability. Walking, cycling, cleaning the house, or doing light exercise can be options. For those with certain illnesses, consultation with health workers is necessary before starting physical activity.

Getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress should also not be ignored. Mental health is an inseparable part of overall health. Talking to a trusted person, resting, and seeking professional help when facing severe pressure are wise actions, not signs of weakness.

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