An Interactive Health Talk on “Awareness on Menstrual health and Hygiene: Facts and Myths” was arranged at the Bangalore International Academy School (Previously Nehru Smaraka Vidya Kendra School, CBSE), Jayanagar on 26th July 2024. The Founder Chairman of the Institute Rtn. Dr. D. Muniraju and the Principal and Campus Director (CBSE) Dr. Arockia Raj welcomed Dr. Manjula S K (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology) who delivered this health talk along with Dr. Rajkiran Raju S (Assistant professor, Paediatric Surgery) who facilitated the interaction with students.

The girl students of 8th and 9th grades who had gathered for this rather taboo subject were surprisingly very enthusiastic, receptive, outgoing and inquisitive when the discussion started on basic concepts of understanding normal physiological body changes at puberty, the basics of menstruation, problems encountered in teens like premenstrual syndrome, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and PCOS. This was followed by a brief sensitization program on menstrual hygiene and dispelling some common myths associated with it in the society. The packed audience were very vocal in enquiring their queries and surprisingly, they were very knowledgeable and aware of subjects like sanitary tampons, menstrual cups and even HPV vaccines! The session ended with a sensitization of teachers and Academic coordinators towards identifying the Danger signs or “Red Flags” and need for prompt referral of such children. 

The session ended with a Vote of Thanks and the management expressed their gratitude to Dr. Manjula for the talk and Rev. Fr. John Varghese, Associate Director, SJMCH, Dr. Rajkiran Raju and Mr Sachin K T (HoD, MSW Dept.) for facilitating the conduct of this event.