After a month of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, we have now entered the moment of Lebaran or Eid al-Fitr. Apart from being synonymous with returning to hometowns (mudik) and forgiving one another among relatives and neighbors, Eid al-Fitr is also synonymous with delicious foods such as ketupat (rice cake in woven palm leaf pouch), opor ayam (chicken cooked in coconut milk), rendang (spicy beef stew), and various Lebaran cookies. It's no wonder that the threat of weight gain looms after Lebaran.

Indeed, the delicious foods mentioned above generally contain a lot of calories, fat, sugar, and salt that can lead to diseases if consumed excessively. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be careful in choosing their food intake during Lebaran. Post-Lebaran illnesses can be triggered by several factors, including unhealthy eating habits such as consuming spicy and high-fat foods, excessive sugar and salt, lack of rest, and excessive physical activity.

Some post-Lebaran health issues that need to be aware of include diarrhea, dyspepsia syndrome, hypertension, gout, high cholesterol, diabetes, and muscle pain.

There are several things you can do to prevent these diseases after Lebaran, including:

• Drinking enough water, which is about 2 liters or about 8-10 glasses a day.
• Increasing consumption of vegetables and fruits. Vegetable menus vary greatly, from ordinary vegetables to gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) and salad. For a healthier option, salads should not be added with mayonnaise or cheese.
• Limiting fast food consumption because these foods have high salt and sugar content. Not only salty and sweet, fast food is also rich in trans fats which can potentially increase the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, triglycerides, and high purines which can increase uric acid levels.
• Getting enough rest, regular enough sleep at night can improve your body's spirit and fitness. Sleep for 7-8 hours per night to prevent serious illnesses.
• Regular exercise, if there is no time for exercise during fasting or if someone avoids excessive physical activity to stay strong during fasting, after Lebaran it is advisable to resume regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a week, 3-4 times.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially before handling food.
• Immediately undergo a medical check-up to determine your body condition, especially laboratory tests related to body metabolism, especially those related to cholesterol, blood sugar, and uric acid, as well as other laboratory tests adjusted to each person's health condition.

Your health is a precious asset that needs to be maintained. Schedule regular health checks to monitor your health condition according to each person's health condition.

Author: S.M.Susianna.,dr.,Sp.PK (Doctor in charge of the PRAMITA Clinic Laboratory, Jl. Martadinata No. 135 Bandung)