BOGOR - The National Center for Mental Health (PKJN) at RS Marzoeki Mahdi held a nutrition education event for hypertension patients. Held in the registration waiting area on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating habits for individuals with high blood pressure.
According to Indonesia's Ministry of Health, hypertension is a condition where systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure exceeds 90 mmHg. Various factors contribute to hypertension, one of which is daily dietary habits.
During the event, two nutritionists from the Nutrition Unit provided educational insights. Ulfah Sulistiowati Sudarto emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate food ingredients. “Avoid dishes cooked with coconut milk and ensure fruits and vegetables are consumed daily. If avoiding fried foods entirely is difficult, at least reduce the quantity consumed,” she advised.
The session was facilitated by a public health educator from the Health Promotion Installation (PKRS) at PKJN RS Marzoeki Mahdi. Hundreds of attendees participated enthusiastically, asking numerous questions about managing hypertension. One particularly engaging question raised by a participant concerned the timing of adding salt during cooking and its effect on hypertension.
The discussion focused heavily on the habit of eating fried foods. Nutritionists highlighted the significance of reducing fried food consumption for better health, even though it may be challenging to eliminate entirely.
The event successfully provided practical information, helping participants better understand how dietary adjustments can play a key role in managing hypertension. (PKRS)