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HEALTH PROGRAMMES

Women’s Studies Centre

Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women

Coimbatore – 641 043

(August 2013 to October 2016)

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WORLD BREAST FEEDING WEEK

“Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development; it is also a

country’s development” (UNICEF & WHO). World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an

annual celebration which is being held every year from the 1st to 7th August in more

than 120 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy

of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize the value of breastfeeding for mothers as well as

children. Both recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and

then supplemented breastfeeding for at least one year and up to two years or more.

WORLD BREAST FEEDING WEEK CELEBRATIONS 2013

OBJECTIVES

1. Bring about awareness to the students on breastfeeding

2. Advantages of breastfeeding

3. Awareness on the changing life style pattern

PROCEEDINGS

The Women’s Studies Centre in

collaboration with the

Department of Home Science

Extension Education and

National Service Scheme of the

Avinashilingam University for

Women celebrated the 20th

World Breast Feeding Week on

6th August, 2013.

Dr. K. Jothilakshmi, Professor,

Department of Paediatrics, PSGIMS&R, Coimbatore delivered a special lecture on

“Breast Feeding the Best Feeding”.

Dr. K. Jothilakshmi explained the physiology of lactation, key role of hormone involved

in milk production and ejection. She also mentioned the advantages of breast feeding

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which include immune power, easy digestibility, nutrient content, easy availability and

the most important is the psychological comfort, security and the bonding between the

mother and the child. She also insisted that students should be aware of the changing

life style pattern and give emphasis on maintaining normal body weight and include

liberal amount of antioxidant rich foods like vegetables, fruits etc. Around 1000

students benefitted by the programme.

COMPETITIONS

The Centre also conducted Essay, Poster, Slogan and Poem Competitions for the

students and awarded cash prizes to the winners of the competitions. Totally, 173

students participated in the competitions. Dr. Minnie Mathew, Director, Women’s

Studies Centre and Dr. K. Jothilakshmi distributed the prizes to the winners of the

competitions.

WORLD BREAST FEEDING WEEK CELEBRATIONS 2014

The focus of 2014 was on the countdown and link to the Millennium Development

Goals (MDGs) by ‘asserting the importance of increasing and sustaining the protection,

promotion and support of breastfeeding in the post 2015 and beyond’ according to a

release by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

OBJECTIVES

1. Bring about awareness to the students on breastfeeding

2. Awareness on the activities of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action

(WABA)

3. Nutritional importance of breast milk

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PROCEEDINGS

Women’s Studies Centre in collaboration with the Department of Home Science

Extension Education and National Service Scheme of the Avinashilingam Institute for

Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore celebrated the 21st World

Breastfeeding week from August 1-7 August 2014. Totally, 153 students participated in

the competitions.

The Valedictory function was held on 7th August 2014. Dr. M. Sylvia Subapriya, NSS

coordinator of the University, welcomed the gathering. Dr. N. Vasugi Raaja, Dean,

Faculty of Home Science delivered the presidential address. She highlighted the

activities of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and emphasized the

nutritional importance of breast milk. Dr. S. Rajalakshmi, Assistant Professor in Home

Science Extension Education proposed the vote of thanks.

Dr. Minnie Mathew, Director, Women’s Studies Centre in her special address, stressed

on the need to create awareness among the community on breastfeeding and the

importance of providing facilities for working women, especially in the unorganized

sector, to breast feed their infants.

The psychological aspects of nursing, benefits of breastfeeding both for the mother and

the child, diet for pregnant and lactating mothers were also presented in her speech. Dr.

Chaitanya, Junior Medical Officer, The Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam and Research

Institute, Coimbatore also highlighted on the formulations in Ayurveda which

improves lactation and opined that breast milk is ‘elixir’ according to Ayurvedic

concepts. She also talked about “The Role of Ayurveda in Breastfeeding”. She explained

the eight goals of WABA and described the history of breastfeeding from the 18th to 21st

century.

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COMPETITIONS

In order to create awareness about Breastfeeding among university students various

competitions including quiz, essay writing both in English and Tamil, slogan writing,

songs, poster presentations were organized.

Songs on the importance of breastfeeding were sung by t he prize winners. Prizes were

distributed for various competitions held as part of the celebrations.

World Breastfeeding Week is an important week for

many bre astfeeding moms all over the world. It is a

great opportunity to raise awareness and inform the

public about why breastfeeding is important and

how people can support breast feeding moms so

they can continue to breastfeed no matter where

they are.

CANCER AWARENESS

Two programmes were organized:

Breast Cancer Awareness Programme October, 2013

Cancer Awareness Programme for Women November 2014

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BACKGROUND

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is an annual campaign to increase

awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to

take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage

others to do the same.

OBJECTIVES

1. Bring about awareness on Breast Cancer

2. Early signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer

3. Importance of cancer check ups

4. Facilities available in the Government Hospitals

PROCEEDINGS

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Women’s Studies Centre in collaboration with National Service Scheme and Kovai

Medical Centre and Hospital conducted a Breast Cancer Awareness Programme for the

teaching and non teaching staff members of the University on 28th October, 2013.

TOPICS COVERED

1. Symptoms of breast cancer

2. Prevention, detection and management of breast cancer

3. Importance of regular check-up.

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Dr. R. Narayanan, Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital

Address on Breast Cancer awareness

Dr. Minnie Mathew, Director, Women’s Studies Centre,

delivering a special address on Breast Cancer Awareness

The doctor explained the symptoms of breast cancer. They are (a) lumps or

thickening of breast tissue (b) continuous pain in a breast or armpit, (c) one breast

becoming larger or lower, (d) puckering or dimpling of the skin, (e) nipples becoming

inverted (turned in), (f) changing shape or position, (g) nipples developing a rash,

(h) crusting or producing discharge, (i) swelling under the armpits or around the

collarbone.

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The symptoms of vaginal cancer was also explained (a) irregular vaginal

bleeding, (b) vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour, watery vaginal discharge,

vaginal discharge tinged with blood, (c) pelvic or back pain.

The risk factors are high among:

Persons taking oral contraceptive pills

Childless women

Early puberty

Early marriage

Multiple sexual partners

Late menopause

Food habits (fast food)

Smoking

Use of alcohol and tobacco

Obese women

Lack of exercise

The doctor briefed the participants on methods of early detection and curative

measures. He spoke about the facilities offered by KMCH and the costs involved. The

teaching and non-teaching staffs benefited immensely by the Breast Cancer Awareness

Programme conducted by the Women’s Studies Centre.

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CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN

Women’s Studies Centre organized a Cancer Awareness Programme for the rural

women on 13.11.2014 at Nathekavundampudur, Thondamuthur Block, Coimbatore.

Dr. Sivapragasam, Retd. Medical Officer, Government Hospital, Coimbatore

explaining about Cancer

Dr. Sivapragasam, Retd. Medical Officer, Government Hospital, Coimbatore was

the resource person. This programme was to help people reorganize the early signs and

symptoms of cancer, thus enabling them to seek treatment at an early stage, educate

people about the causes and consequences and to educate the women about the

importance cancer check-ups and the facilities available in Government Hospitals at

nominal costs.

The doctor informed that while in India, cervical cancer is more prevalent, in

countries like America and Britain, breast cancer is widespread. He also talked about

Human Papilloma Virus. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines may prevent

infections by certain types of human papillomavirus which are associated with the

development of cervical cancer, genital warts, and other cancers. He also stressed that

early marriage is one of the reasons.

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Participants were also taught some simple exercises.

Training on Workouts by Mrs. Radha, Field Worker,

TULSI TRUST

COMPETITIONS

Quiz competitions were conducted on the topic ‘women health and cancer’ for the

village women and prizes were distributed. All the women participated actively and

answered the questions.

Quiz competition on ‘women health and cancer’

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Prizes for the Quiz competitions

The Cancer awareness programme among the rural women was also successful.

Among the 40 participants 25 women were willing to do the mammogram and Pap

smear tests. Action was taken to help them for the above tests at the Government

Hospital, Coimbatore.

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WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY OCTOBER, 2015

BACKGROUND

Mental Health Day is observed to raise awareness on the role of Mental Health

Professionals to ensure that people with mental health challenges live with dignity and

enjoy human rights. The theme for this year’s World Mental Day was “Dignity in

Mental Health”.

OBJECTIVES

1. Classification of Mental Disorders to DSM IV & ICD 10

2. Stigma attached to mental health

3. Rights of mentally ill persons

4. Role of family in intervention

5. Role of social workers in decision making

PROCEEDINGS

World Mental Health Day was observed by Women’s Studies Centre on 10th October,

2015. Mrs. U. Gowri, Assistant Professor coordinated this programme. Dr.

Venkateswaran, Psychiatrist, Natchiyar Mind Care, Coimbatore was the chief guest for

the function.

TOPICS COVERED

He oriented the Social Work and Rural Development & Sociology students on

Classification of Mental Disorders according to DSM IV & ICD 10, stigma attached to

mental health, rights of mentally ill, the role of family in intervention and treatment,

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and the importance of informed consent to treatment and the role of social workers in

decision making processes and public information campaigns.

Dr. Venkateswaran, Psychiatrist, Natchiyar Mind Care, chief guest for the function

Mr. Thangadurai, Social Worker, demonstrating a brain teaser to the students

It was a highly informative and interactive session, where the students clarified

their doubts and misconceptions regarding mental illness. From this Mental Health Day

on “Let us all show compassion and empathy for those who have survived a crisis and

make sure they can access the help they need, for as long as they require it”.