Women and Health
Women and Health
Owing to the rise in the number of Covid cases DST has continued its efforts in building capacities of the Community Workers in creating awareness on the spread of the Corona Virus. Sessions have been conducted by Dr. Mutatkar, Trustee, DST, Medha Ranade, Trustee, DST and Dr. Renu Mahtani to explain the difference of the infection of the corona virus with other ailments and also the importance of preventive measures to control its spread.
Development Support Team (DST) have partnered with Dmagic is an initiative by Dr. Renu Mahtani which aims to improve the health of the low socio economic strata by improving their vitamin D status. Low levels of vitamin D in community women can drastically impact her physical and mental well being. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various health problems, including cognitive decline, depression, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
A programme titled ‘Tribute to women power’ was organised in Someshwarwadi, Pashan on 7th March 2021 by Sunny Vinayak Nimhan as a celebration of International Women’s Day in collaboration with three organisations viz. PABBS (the West Pune Fest 2021), Inner Wheel Club (IWC, Baner Hills) and Development Support Team, Aundh. The programme saw participation of local women leaders ,about 50-55 women and young girls.
Medha Ranade, DST conducted a session on ‘preventive health care regarding Corona virus’ with a focus spread of Corona virus, importance of hand washing, social distancing and proper use of masks. She also talked about the need and acceptance of COVID vaccination. Medha Ranade also discussed the importance of menstrual hygiene and Babita Kaushik, IWC Baner Hills spoke about the use of menstrual cups in place of sanitary pads so as to protect the environment. Two packets of sanitary pads were distributed to all the women present for the occasion.
DST had organised an awareness session for 50+ community women from Yerwada and Lohegaon, Dr. Renu Mahtani spoke about the vital role played by vitamin D in commanding our whole body into a state of wellbeing. Dr. Renu Mahtani explained the role of vitamin D which goes beyond the regulation of calcium and bone health. Alkem sponsored the blood tests for 50 women which indicated low levels of Vitamin D3 in majority of the women, Vitamin D3 tablets were given by Dr. Mahtani under Project Dmagic which would help raise these levels.
Continuing with efforts of creating an awareness of the role played by Vitamin D in prevention and care of Covid 19, Dr. Renu Mahtani conducted a session for the community workers on 22nd February 2021. A feedback was conducted of the status of health of women who have been taking Vitamin D3 to help raise their levels. Free Vitamin D3 tablets were distributed to 300+ women in Bopkhel, Lohegaon and Yerwada since the lockdown under Project Dmagic which would help build their immunity.