Community Service "Early Detection of Metabolic Syndrome to Increase Cardiovascular Capacity and Athlete Performance"

On Saturday, January 20, 2024, the Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, proudly hosted a community service event titled "Early Detection of Metabolic Syndrome to Improve Cardiovascular Capacity and Athlete Performance." This event is a collaboration between the Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences and the Master of Biomedical Sciences Program, involving doctoral and master's students from USK and students from SMA N 9 Banda Aceh.

The primary goal of this event is to educate about the importance of early detection of metabolic syndrome and its prevention strategies. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Early detection is hoped to prevent the progression of these conditions and improve the quality of life, especially for athletes who require optimal cardiovascular performance.

The event began with an opening address from Dr. dr. Zulkarnain, M.Sc., AIFO-K., the coordinator of the Master of Biomedical Sciences Program. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and the community in enhancing public health, particularly among teenagers who are the nation's future generation.

Following this, DR. Dr. Herlina Dimiati, Sp.A(K), an expert in pediatrics, gave a presentation on how to recognize early signs of metabolic syndrome in teenagers. She explained that symptoms such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, and unhealthy lipid levels are key indicators to watch out for.

The doctoral and master's students then continued with an interactive educational session. They explained how the body's metabolism works and how metabolic disorders can impact cardiovascular performance and overall health. This session was designed to give high school students a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

After the educational session, participants were divided into several groups for basic health check-ups. These check-ups included measurements of body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lipid profiles. The students were very enthusiastic about participating in each step of the examination, guided directly by the students and lecturers.

In addition to health check-ups, the event also included personal consultation sessions. Students could consult directly with doctors and students about their examination results. This session provided an opportunity for them to receive specific advice and recommendations on how to maintain and improve their health.

The event also welcomed several young athletes from the school. They shared their experiences about the importance of maintaining metabolic health to enhance athletic performance. These athletes provided inspiration and motivation for other students to be more concerned about their health.

The highlight of this event was a panel discussion involving Dr. dr. Zulkarnain, M.Sc., AIFO-K., and DR. Dr. Herlina Dimiati, Sp.A(K). They answered various questions from the participants about metabolic syndrome and shared their insights on how the younger generation can actively maintain cardiovascular health.

Participants were very enthusiastic and actively engaged in the discussion session. Many of them asked questions about preventing metabolic syndrome and practical steps they can take in their daily lives.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants and a group photo. All participants seemed happy and satisfied with the new knowledge they gained and the enjoyable interactive experience.

By holding this event, the Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, hopes to continue building strong relationships with the community and making a tangible contribution to public health improvement. Education and early detection like this are crucial to preventing more serious diseases in the future.

We thank all parties who have participated and supported the success of this event. May community service activities like this continue to be held and provide sustainable benefits to the wider community.

Finally, we invite everyone to continue supporting the health programs we organize. Together, we can create a healthier and stronger generation.