Promoting health and well-being, especially among women, lies at the heart of ISCI Foundation's mission. As part of our Menstrual Awareness & Sanitary Solutions Initiative (MAASI), we recently organized a comprehensive health check-up program at the New Payga Aanganwadi Center in Gudagudi ka Naka, Gwalior. This event embodied our commitment to breaking barriers around menstrual health, combating anemia, and educating women about serious yet preventable health issues like breast and cervical cancers.
A Collective Effort to Empower Women
Led by our visionary founder Sweta Ji and graced by our esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay, the event was a resounding success. Together, we created a safe and engaging space for the women of Gwalior to learn, ask questions, and receive personalized health insights.
Our efforts were bolstered by the dedicated ISCI volunteers, including Shivam, Samriddhi, Shreya, Sourabh, Naman, and Anushka, who worked tirelessly to ensure the program's smooth execution. Their unwavering dedication to making a difference exemplifies the community-driven ethos of ISCI Foundation.
Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Hygiene Awareness
One of the program's core objectives was to address menstrual hygiene management, a topic often clouded by stigma and misinformation.
Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay conducted an interactive session where she emphasized the importance of:
Using hygienic menstrual products: She highlighted the risks of infections caused by unhygienic practices and how quality sanitary napkins can make a significant difference.
Regular menstrual health monitoring: Women were encouraged to recognize symptoms of irregularities and consult healthcare providers when needed.
Dispelling myths: The session tackled cultural taboos and superstitions surrounding menstruation, fostering an open and respectful dialogue.
To support these efforts, high-quality sanitary napkins were distributed among all participants, symbolizing our commitment to ending period poverty.
Anemia Awareness: A Silent Epidemic
Anemia remains one of the most pressing health concerns among Indian women. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), nearly 53% of Indian women aged 15–49 suffer from some degree of anemia.
Our program shed light on the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for anemia. Key takeaways from this session included:
Nutritional guidance: Participants learned about iron-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, and jaggery, along with the importance of vitamin C for better iron absorption.
Supplement awareness: The use of iron and folic acid supplements was encouraged for women with significant deficiencies.
Early detection: Women were educated on recognizing signs of anemia, such as fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
The health check-up results, including BMI, height, weight, and blood pressure measurements, will be analyzed to identify women at risk of anemia, enabling targeted interventions.
Awareness on Breast Carcinoma and Cervical Cancer
Early detection saves lives, especially for conditions like breast carcinoma and cervical cancer, which remain significant health threats to women in India. Dr. Upadhyay highlighted the importance of:
Breast self-examinations (BSE): Women were taught simple techniques to perform BSE, enabling them to detect any unusual lumps or changes early.
Routine screenings: The importance of mammograms and Pap smear tests was emphasized for early diagnosis and treatment.
Vaccinations: Awareness was raised about the HPV vaccine, which significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer.
These discussions encouraged women to prioritize their health and seek medical help without hesitation.
The Role of Data in Preventing Disability
The program's proactive approach to health included the meticulous collection of participants' health data. By recording height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure, ISCI Foundation aims to create a database to identify potential health risks.
This data-driven approach aligns with our broader goal of preventing disabilities among women through early medical interventions, as outlined in our Mobile Health Check-Ups for Disability Prevention initiative.
Volunteers: The Backbone of Our Mission
The program's success would not have been possible without our team of dedicated volunteers. From managing logistics to guiding participants through the check-up process, their contributions were invaluable.
Special mentions go to:
Shivam and Naman for organizing health check-up stations with precision.
Samriddhi and Shreya for assisting in health data collection.
Sourabh and Anushka for their efforts in coordinating participant engagement.
Their unwavering enthusiasm and professionalism created a welcoming and efficient environment for everyone involved.
Impact and Way Forward
The program at New Payga Anganwadi marks another milestone in ISCI Foundation's journey toward women's empowerment and health equity. By addressing menstrual hygiene, anaemia, and critical health issues, we are fostering a culture of awareness and action.
Key Outcomes
Empowered over 45 women with knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene.
Distributed high-quality sanitary napkins to ensure safe practices.
Conducted health screenings for identifying at-risk individuals.
Initiated conversations around taboo topics like breast and cervical health.
Looking Ahead
The insights gained from this program will guide our future efforts in Gwalior and beyond. We plan to:
Expand our reach to more women across rural and urban areas.
Partner with local healthcare providers for routine check-ups.
Enhance our data analysis capabilities to design targeted health interventions.
A Unified Vision: Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
At ISCI Foundation, we believe that empowering women is the key to building resilient communities. The health check-up program at New Payga Aanganwadi stands as a testament to the power of collective action in creating lasting change.
As we continue our journey, we invite you to join hands with us in this mission. Together, we can make menstrual hygiene accessible, prevent health issues, and ensure every woman leads a life of dignity and health.
To stay updated on our initiatives or to support our cause, visit our website. Let’s create a world where no woman is left behind.
#ISCIFoundation #MAASIProgram #WomenHealth #PeriodPoverty #MenstrualHygiene #AnemiaAwareness #BreastCancer #CervicalCancer #CommunityCare #PreventDisability
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