The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) organized a Self-Development Seminar for Educational Staff. It was entitled “Health Is an Investment: Stay Productive and Happy in Life” on Wednesday, September 2nd 2026.
The seminar featured Dr. dr. Zaenal Muttaqien Sofro, AIFM, Sport & Circ.Med., Associate Professor at the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the speaker. The event began with a presentation session, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Dr. dr. Zaenal’s presentation emphasized that health is a long-term investment needing to be managed from an early stage. Various work-related demands, such as prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, insufficient rest, and work-related stress, pose challenges that need to be balanced with healthy lifestyle habits.
“The calf muscles are the second heart,” said Dr. dr. Zaenal, highlighting one of the key messages that caught the participants’ attention. The calf muscles play an important role, as every step and muscle movement helps support blood circulation back to the heart.
Furthermore, participants were invited to understand the relationship of physical activity, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, and the body’s response to stress. The importance of regular physical activity was also emphasized, including the application of the FIT formula in daily life by engaging in physical activity equivalent to brisk walking for approximately 30 minutes.
SPs UGM encouraged educational staff to view health as a long-term investment with this seminar. Simple habits such as staying active, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress are expected to support physical fitness, productivity, and the overall quality of life of educational staff in carrying out their daily activities.
Writer: Marcha