International Women's Day Moment Serves as a Reminder to Prioritise Health
Author: KOMPAS.com
Behind the many roles that women undertake, International Women’s Day can also serve as an important reminder to pause and pay attention to oneself, particularly to health.
In many families across the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia, women often perform multiple roles: professionals at work, homemakers, and emotional anchors for those close to them.
The packed responsibilities frequently lead to rushed meals, shorter breaks, and rising stress. As a result, women’s own needs are often relegated to the bottom of the priority list.
‘As a member of the Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board working across cultures in the Asia-Pacific region, I repeatedly see one truth: when women invest in their own health, their families, workplaces, and future generations also reap the benefits,’ said Vipida Sae-Lao, Nutrition Education and Training Lead – Asia Pacific, Herbalife, in a press release.
Conversely, maintaining physical and mental health is a long-term investment so that women can continue to perform their diverse roles with greater balance and sustainability.
Women in the Asia-Pacific region face stark nutritional contrasts. Various reports show rising obesity among adults, while stunting in children and anaemia among women of reproductive age remain widespread.
‘This double burden affects maternal and child health, daily energy levels, and immune resilience, underscoring the urgency for women to prioritise health and fitness through informed and appropriate daily choices,’ said Sae-Lao.
Recommended intake includes lean meat, lentils, legumes, green vegetables, and fortified cereals. When combined with fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, it can improve iron absorption.
Supplementation can help close nutrient gaps, but it should be tailored to individual needs and guided by qualified professionals or trained coaches.
If practised consistently, these habits support hormonal balance, metabolic stability, and the body’s natural recovery processes.
Around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, combined with resistance training, can improve heart health, preserve bone density and muscle mass, and promote deeper, more restorative sleep, particularly important after menopause.
When women are healthier, families thrive, communities grow stronger, workplaces perform better, and the economy becomes more resilient.
‘Taking care of oneself, through consistent nutrition and preventive care, is not about doing more, but about doing something more consciously and consistently,’ concluded Vipida Sae-Lao.