Health is crucial for humans. Health is significantly influenced by the food and drink we consume. Therefore, health education can begin as early as possible by selecting and choosing the right foods and drinks, including snacks. During adolescence, with busy school schedules, the frequency of snacking generally increases. Therefore, one problem encountered among adolescents is the consumption of unhealthy snacks, particularly drinks that claim to be refreshing or energizing.
The FFUI Community Service Team and SMPN 2 Purwoharjo in drafting an MoU for healthy living outreach activities (Source: FFUI Community Service Team Documentation)
Friday (7/10/2022), the Research Lecturer and Community Service Team of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia (FFUI) consisting of apt. Tri Wahyuni, M.Biomed., Ph.D., Prof. Dr. apt. Anton Bahtiar, M.Biomed., Dr. apt. Iskandarsyah, M.Si., apt. Delly Ramadon, M.Farm. Ph.D., and apt. Erny Sagita, M.Farm., Ph.D. in collaboration with SMPN 2 Purwoharjo held a socialization of healthy food and drinks. In this activity, the Community Service Team conducted socialization and introduction of carbonated and energy drinks to school students.
Counseling activities for students of SMPN 2 Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi (Source: Documentation of the FFUI Community Service Team)
Energy drinks contain several ingredients, one of which is taurine, which can stimulate the nervous system to become more alert and awake. By consuming these drinks, individuals who consume them will feel healthy, not tired, not sleepy, and have more energy to do things. Equally important is the high sugar content in energy drinks or soda. Supriyono, S.Pd., the Principal of SMPN 2 Purwoharjo, stated that the high consumption of energy drinks and soda among students is not accompanied by adequate education regarding soda energy drinks.
Counseling activities for students of SMPN 2 Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi (Source: Documentation of the FFUI Community Service Team)
Thus, students are encouraged to reduce their consumption of energy drinks and sodas, which are usually consumed once a day. This is in accordance with the regulations of the Indonesian Ministry of Health that the maximum daily sugar consumption is ± 45 grams. The sugar content in carbonated energy drinks is 30-40 grams per bottle, so it can be assumed that if we consume these drinks once a day, our daily sugar consumption will automatically exceed the amount needed by the body. Therefore, Supriyono also added that this Community Service activity can support the school's program to make students aware and responsive to the food and drinks they will consume.