By, Wan Amni Nabihah Wan Azman
GOMBAK, 29 May 2025: In a world where social media trends shape lifestyles, health awareness needs a creative twist, and yesterday’s event titled “Swipe Right on Health — Making the Right Choices” proved just that. Held at the Multimedia Lab of the HS Building from 8.30 AM until 10 AM, the session brought together youth, educators, and online content creators to discuss how digital platforms can be harnessed to promote healthier living.
Moderated by IIUM student, Putri Batrisyia, the panel featured Dr. Nafiza Binti Mat Nasir, Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Family Medicine (Faculty of Medicine, UITM), and Hadijah Mubarak Bentaleb, a former fashion enthusiast turned full-time strategic marketer and cooking instructor.
The first session opened with a personal reflection from Dr. Nafiza, who revealed that medicine was not her initial passion. After completing her clinical master’s, she realized her deeper calling was to educate and guide the younger generation, particularly after noticing a gap in her understanding of her teenage children.
“I created social media just to follow my kids,” she shared. “But that’s when I realized I could do more, which is to educate not just them, but others too.”
In contrast, Hadijah shared how her journey into content creation started unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Fashion was my passion, but it didn’t align with my family life. So, I turned to cooking and from there, I started sharing recipes using Thermomix to help overwhelmed mothers like me,” she said.
In the second session, the panel explored how health is often overlooked by youth due to academic and social pressures.
“Health isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a lifestyle,” Dr. Nafiza emphasized. “Many students spend on gym visits or fitness classes, but still do not prioritize their health. Prevention should start from primary school.”
She also highlighted how young people often rely on sugar for quick stress relief, thanks to their still-efficient metabolism, but reminded them that the long-term consequences could be severe.
Hadijah echoed this from a parental perspective.
“You only start when you feel the pain, but we shouldn’t wait for that. I want my children to understand nutrition early,” she said. “Even if you eat fast food, do you know what’s inside it? Balance is key.”
She encouraged youth to get creative on social media, transforming educational content into engaging posts that resonate with the online generation.
In the final session, the speakers discussed the importance of verifying health-related content online.
“There’s no one-pill-for-everything solution,” Dr. Nafiza warned. “Always look into the background of the person sharing the information. Don’t fall for influencers promoting miracle tablets.”
She urged students to consult professionals and emphasized that every individual’s health needs are unique. When asked about the challenges of countering food review trends, Ms. Hadijah admitted that unhealthy food content is everywhere, but suggested a balanced approach.
“You don’t have to avoid it entirely, just show both sides. If you eat fast food, show your 5km walk too. Share your health efforts to inspire balance,” she explained.
Both speakers emphasized the need for content that speaks the language of the youth.
“Young people don’t want lectures,” Hadijah said. “Give them a strong hook, speak their language, and keep it within 15–30 seconds. Show how to do something and not just why.”
The event closed with a hopeful message: health content doesn’t have to be boring. With the right approach, anyone can make a difference online. Whether through Dr. Nafiza’s medical insight or Ms. Hadijah’s relatable food content, the speakers proved that making the right choices can begin with a single swipe.***
