Focus areas:

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# Menstrual health & hygiene (awareness & safe practice)

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> Persisting taboos pertaining to menstruation have a profound impact on emotional state, lifestyle, and importantly, female health (Garg S., Anand T. 2015). A research study found that in rural India, only 37.52% girls were aware of menstrual physiology; satisfactory cleaning of external genitalia was practiced by only 37.96% (Paria B. et al, 2014). 

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> We conduct interactive group sessions where information is disseminated by trained volunteers using educational aids, demonstrations of recommended exercises, and counselling sessions dispelling myths & promoting healthy practice. Our partner NGOs Upasana Society and Rotary Club of Bombay Central distribute sanitary kits to the beneficiaries.

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# WHO recommended exclusive breastfeeding practice 

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> Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for first 6 months of life is a prime strategy for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings (Mogre V et al, 2016). Yet, only 36.4% of Indian neonates receive breastfeeds within one hour of birth (Patel A et al, 2013).

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> We conduct informative seminars as well as one-on-one counseling to spread awareness about EBF, its lasting physiological & psychological benefits for mother and child, proper technique & about kangaroo mother care. Our pilot was launched in World Breastfeeding Awareness Week in 13 govt/charitable hospitals across Mumbai, Thane & Pune.

 

# Nutrition (Mothers & under-5 children)

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> Malnutrition is rampant in rural India, causing several complications among mothers & children. Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can result in congenital anomalies. Malnutrition contributes to half of the under-5 child deaths in rural India (read more). .

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> For under-5 kids: a multi-micronutrient home fortification powder - Sprinkles - validated by the WHO, to fulfill the requirement of 15 Vitamins and minerals for kids between 6 months – 5 yrs of age. We provide a 6month supply at a time. .

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> For Mothers: We educate women about the importance of registration of pregnancy at hospital/clinic, immunization, pre-natal vitamins (ANC pack provided free of cost at govt. hospitals/clinics). We counsel them on nutrition, healthy diet, backyard farming and distribute seeds of indigenous fruit bearing perennial plants including banana, guava to meet nutritional requirements.

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# Unwanted pregnancy & unsafe abortion

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> A WHO report states, in India the law for abortion 'was liberalized already in 1971, however, many women are unaware of the legal provisions, services are not easily accessible and it is officially acknowledged that an estimated “two thirds of all abortions take place outside the authorized health services by unauthorized, often unskilled providers.” (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India) in effect contributing a large number of unsafe abortions. These numbers are unlikely to decrease until women become informed of their right to legal and safe abortion.'

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> We educate the women & health workers about planned pregnancy, safe abortion, their rights as per the law of the nation and govt funded services they can avail of, in our interactive training sessions.

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# Breast-cancer awareness & breast self-examination

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> As per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report, breast cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women. A study on breast cancer awareness among Indian women, by Gupta A. et al, 2015,warns about alarmingly low level of cancer literacy in said demographic.

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> We create awareness about breast cancer in our interactive seminar. ICMR sub-committee on breast cancer recommends (guidelines) opportunistic screening in high risk women. We train women and village health workers to identify high risk individuals, & educate them about clinical presentation of the disease & breast self examination. For tests & treatment at subsidized costs, we connect them with our partner NGOs such as Cancer Patients Aid Association, that aid patients in further management, and help them avail of government schemes available in our teaching hospitals.

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# Oral cancer awareness & self-examination

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> Oral cancer is another common cancer in India (ICMR report). Chewing tobacco (a common practice in India, especially in lower socio-economic strata) puts people at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. .

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> Our dental volunteers conduct visual screening for oral cancer & precancerous lesions along with routine dental check-up. We also create awareness about oral cancer in our interactive seminar & complement it with an anti-tobacco didactic. We teach people to conduct oral self-examination & train health workers to revise it periodically with them. We have also teamed up with Indian Dental Association in National Oral Health Program to expand our combined outreach.

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# Cervical cancer awareness & screening

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> In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. As per data from National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, and National Cancer Registry Program:

1. One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. Annual deaths due to Cervical Cancer ~67500 women

2. Rural women are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer as compared to their urban counterparts.

3. The survival chance of a person becomes better if the cervical cancer is diagnosed and treated at earlier stages.

Therefore it is important to avail of cervical cancer (Ca Cx) screening. A simple proven method is screening by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). This method can also help detect pre-cancerous lesions. .

 

> We create awareness about cervical cancer in our interactive seminar. We have partnered up with Cancer Patients Aid Association to conduct cervical cancer screening. We also create awareness about cervical cancer & pre-cancerous lesions in our health education seminar.

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# Physiotherapy for musculo-skeletal problems 

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> Musculo-skeletal problems are common during pregnancy (Ramchandra P et al, 2015) and advanced age, especially in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes. There are numerous scientific studies validating the efficacy of Physiotherapy for a variety of issues in women including common ones like back pain & knee pain. A meta-analysis of several research studies suggests that impact exercise reduces postmenopausal bone loss (Martyn St James, Caroll S. 2009).  .

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>Our physiotherapy volunteers analyze the problem & counsel the patient on its management. Wherever applicable, they construct personalized exercise regimen for the patient.

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# Past projects in healthcare 

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Our program also includes other healthcare initiatives from our previously launched projects, including hypertension screening, eye check-up (in collab with Rotaract Club of Lotus College of Optometry), anaemia screening, general health check-up & complaint specific medical check-up. We also maintain health records & evaluate progress made over the span of the programme.

 

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 Women's Health Task Force, Rotaract Club of The Caduceus.

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