UNAIR NEWS – The Airlangga Forum held by the Postgraduate School of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) on Friday, January 21, 2022, raised the theme “Managing Community Immunity Against Omicron” via Zoom Meeting. Airlangga Forum was guided directly by Dr. H. Suparto Wijoyo, S.H., M.Hum. (Vice Director III of the Postgraduate School of UNAIR) by inviting Dr. Andriyanto, S.H., M.Kes. as the Coordinator of the Postgraduate School for Women Empowerment Specialization UNAIR.
In the beginning of the presentation, Andriyanto explained that when the Omicron variant of the Corona virus enters the body to penetrate cells that have protein but no oxygen. Nutrients are needed to make these cells oxygenated such as antioxidants. He emphasized that in nutrition science there are precisely only four antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.
“Coronavirus likes cells that are inflamed or not oxygenated. Therefore, it is recommended to eat foods that contain anti-inflammatory such as omega 3. Mostly, omega 3 can be found in marine fish. It is recommended to consume marine fish more than meat because it contains a lot of omega 3,” he explained.
Furthermore, Andriyanto said that three things can be done to increase immunity. First, enjoy your food happily because a good psychic atmosphere will increase a person’s immunity. Second, having enough rest or sleep, 6 to 8 hours a day, will increase immunity because the body’s metabolism during sleep will be optimal. Third, sunbathing and light exercise in the open area exposed to the morning sun around 06.30-08.30 for 15-20 minutes are also helpful.
“Because the Omicron variant is an inanimate object and it attaches to cells that are not oxygenated in our body, it is necessary to create conditions for the body to be oxygenated. Thus, we will not get infected easily or get worse. There is a science called psychoneurology which explains that when our mind and our psyche are good, our immunity will increase. With an increased immunity, the body’s cells become happy. That’s what makes the cells oxygenated,” he explained.
In the end of the presentation, Andriyanto emphasized that the most important thing is the behavioral and communication factors for behavior change. This is very important and becomes the basis for educating the public so that they can understand it. Andriyanto also emphasized that managing immunity in the body means that we must be able to understand ourselves.
“Communication for behavior change is very important and becomes the basis for how we can educate people to understand it. The principle of health protocols is not just a slogan. For example, if you wear a mask, you have to change it after 4-5 hours. If you can’t change it, don’t go out. That’s simple,” he explained. (*)
Author: Wiji Astutik
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
