Pune, March 2022: The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS), Pune organized four awareness session on physical and mental health, Cancer, COVID-19 Vaccination and Arogya Setu APP under the aegis of ‘Health Care and Sustainable Environment Project’ supported by AXA Business Services. 103 women participated in these awareness sessions

Four health awareness sessions were held this month. 103 women were educated on physical and mental health, Cancer, COVID-19 Vaccination and Arogya Setu AAP. The objective of the programme was to educate women on health, hygiene and health risk behaviour.

First session by Koregaon Park team was conducted on 4th March 2022 at Darvade Mala slum for 26 women. Mr Nagsen Chavan was the resource person. Second session was held on 14th March 2022 in Bopodi slum for 22 women. Mrs. Christina Tekwani and Mrs. Nirmala were the resource persons. In these sessions following topics were covered by the resource persons:

• Vaccination of COVID-19

• Personal Hygiene

• Symptoms and Treatment of Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer

• Symptoms and Treatment of Oral Cancer and Lung Cancer

Early detection of any Cancer is essential in its management and treatment. Due to ignorance, fear, and social stigma many women ignore it till stage III or IV is reached which requires surgery and extensive treatment. If detected early, then in most cases there will be less aggressive treatment and better chances of recovery. Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. It is the only preventable cancer and it can be detected in the pre - cancerous phase and cured. Following suggestions were given by the resource person:

• Do not smoke or chew tobacco

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains

• Do not be overweight

• Lead an active life and exercise

After the sessions Hand wash soap was distributed to Participants.

Chinchwad team also conducted two health awareness sessions. First Session was held on 3rd March 2022 at Ramnagar slum. 27 women participated in the program. Mrs. Akshada Naik (DBDS Coordinator) and Mrs. Sarika Kadam were the resource person. In the first part they educated women on the physical and mental health and its relationship to sanitation. In the second part of the session they spoke about the safe and effective birth control methods. After that they covered the topics on risks of consuming tobacco. This included educating them on the harmful effects of tobacco on body and mind, oral cancer, lung cancer and many more health problems associated with it.

Second session was held on 5th March 2022 in Duttanagar slum for 28 women. Mrs. Vibhawari Kamble was the resource person. Following information was given in this session:

• Vaccination Drive by Municipal Corporation for COVID-19

• Testing, screening and treatment of Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer

This was followed by question and answer session in which ladies asked many questions related to their personal health.

The details of sessions conducted is as follows: