
Preparing for Emergencies: JFA’s First Aid Workshop
2 August 2023हिंदी महोत्सव
21 September 2023
"The health of a woman is the cornerstone of her family's well-being, the bedrock of a community's prosperity, and the foundation of a nation's progress."
We believe in fostering a community where everyone is equipped with the knowledge to take charge of their well-being. It is with this spirit that we recently organized a workshop dedicated to all the wonderful women stakeholders of our school, which include our esteemed teachers, staff, and parents.
The session was conducted in partnership with Bhagirathi Neotia Hospital, a notable name in healthcare. We were privileged to have Dr. Chandrani Pal, an expert in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, lead the session. Here, we highlight the essential points discussed during this enlightening workshop.

Feminine Hygiene
The foundation of good health is maintaining proper hygiene. Dr. Pal shared invaluable advice on this front:
- Regular Bathing: Maintain freshness by showering or bathing daily.
- Proper Intimate Care: Use mild soap and water for intimate areas, avoiding harsh products to maintain the natural pH balance.
- Wiping Technique: Prevent bacterial spread by wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
- Menstrual Hygiene: Change sanitary products every 4-6 hours to avoid infections.
- Clothing Choices: Opt for breathable cotton underwear to prevent bacterial growth.
- Avoid Douching: Douching can disrupt the natural vaginal pH balance and increase infection risk.
- Safe Sexual Practices: Use protection and undergo regular STI screenings if sexually active.
- Balanced Diet: Support overall health by maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and water.
- Hydration: Maintain vaginal moisture by drinking sufficient water daily.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit your gynaecologist routinely to monitor reproductive and sexual health.

Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer is a major health concern globally. Dr. Pal emphasized the importance of prevention, urging everyone to adopt the following measures:
- Self-Exams: Conduct monthly self-exams to detect any unusual changes early on.
- Clinical Exams: Schedule annual clinical breast exams with a healthcare provider.
- Mammograms: Follow mammogram guidelines based on age and risk factors to detect early-stage breast cancer.
- Healthy Weight: Maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity to prevent obesity, a risk factor for breast cancer.
- Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise weekly.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Consult with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of HRT.
- Family History: Know and discuss your family history concerning breast cancer with your doctor.

Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical cancer is largely preventable with timely interventions. The session also covered the preventive measures in depth, which include:
- HPV Vaccination: Vaccinate against high-risk HPV strains to protect against cervical cancer.
- Regular Pap Smears: Schedule regular Pap smears or tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- HPV Testing: Opt for HPV testing along with Pap smears for more accurate cervical cancer screening.
- Safe Sexual Practices: Use condoms to reduce the risk of HPV transmission, a significant risk factor for cervical cancer.
- Limiting Sexual Partners: Reduce the number of sexual partners to lower HPV infection risk.
- Cervical Cancer Vaccination: Discuss with your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine based on your age and risk factors.
- Balanced Diet: Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support a strong immune system.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular gynaecological checkups and voice any concerns to your healthcare provider.
- Education and Awareness: Stay informed and spread awareness about cervical cancer prevention and screening.
At the school, we are committed to fostering a community of informed and healthy individuals. This workshop was a step in that direction, empowering our women stakeholders with knowledge and resources to prioritize their health. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chandrani Pal and the Bhagirathi Neotia Hospital for partnering with us in this endeavor. Together, we are building a healthier, brighter future.
Disclosure & Advisory:
This article is intended to share insights and information presented during the workshop conducted at JFA and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Please note that the practices and recommendations discussed in the article may not be suitable for everyone, and readers are urged to consult with their healthcare providers before adopting any new health practice. Remember, it is essential to prioritize personalized, professional medical advice over generalized recommendations. Stay informed, and stay safe.