Arunachal: Sensitization Workshop on Health and Nutrition for Rural Tribal Women conducted at Tawang
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Debajit Mahanta, Joint Director, APSCS&T gave emphasis on importance of the role of women in the society stating that women’s health is an essential factor for happy living as healthy women builds a healthy family.
Tawang
Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology (APSCS&T), Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh conducted a three days Awareness and Sensitization Workshop on Health and Nutrition for Rural Tribal Women at Tawang supported and catalyzed by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, Govt. of India during 10th to 12th September, 2019.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Debajit Mahanta, Joint Director, APSCS&T gave emphasis on importance of the role of women in the society stating that women’s health is an essential factor for happy living as healthy women builds a healthy family. Further adding he stated that women’s health has far been neglected but in the recent times this sector is getting the attention that is needed due to the various studies highlighting the important role played by women in society. This workshop is a small step in educating women of their own health and brining the change.
Yumbi Bijum Yongam, Scientific Officer, APSCS&T, highlighted the importance of Mental Health which is often not even considered a medical related issue. She also added that Mental Health Awareness is the need of the hour as mental health includes our emotion, psychological, physical well being and its state effects the way we think, feel, react and act. Mental health issues are common and help is also available but due to lack of awareness we often attribute such symptoms to various superstitious beliefs instead of providing medical help as we often don’t prefer to go a psychiatrist because of the societal shaming which often results in suicides, substantial uses like drugs and alcohol, severe and very sudden behavioural change, harming one self and even others in extreme cases. She further stated that mental health is as important as physical health and to bring in the change we need to stop stigmatizing people with mental health issues.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest Dr. Wangdi Lama, District Medical Officer, Tawang emphasized on the importance of the first step to healthy living i.e. hand washing. He stated that about 60% of health problems stay at bay or can be controlled by just incorporating the habit of hand washing in daily life. He also stated that women and men not only differ in their physiological features but also in the way they communicate, deal in relationships, express their feelings and react to stress. Women are more prone to mental health problems than men. Hence, women’s health should also be a focal point in health sector.
Resource person Dr. Tenzin Kunga, Gynaecologist, District Hospital, Tawang emphasized on Breast Self Examination (BSE) and stated that the most cost effective way to detect early sign of breast cancer by women is by BSE. He stated that about 80% of the women with breast cancer detected the problem themselves. He also demonstrated the various ways of BSE that women can practice at home. He further added that by simply practicing BSE one can not only help oneself in early detection but also in providing early medical attention. Dr. Kunga advised the women participants to do pap smear test every three years for detecting early sign of cervical cancer which is in rise among women in the state.
Speaking on the workshop as resource person Smt. Dhondup Pema, CDPO, Tawang emphasized on the importance of all round nourishment among women and children, maintaining self and environmental hygiene for healthy living. She also briefed about the various governmental schemes related to nutrition to pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children and requested the participants to avail the opportunities for healthy living.
The workshop organised at the Zomkhang Hall concluded with positive notes and witnessed participation of more than fifty participants both from rural and urban areas including school, college students and NGOs.
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