Corporate Health & Wellness Specialist – PrognoHealth
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY & RED DOT MOVEMENT!!!
International Menstrual Hygiene Day is a celebration on 28th May every year, It is a day to create awareness about good menstrual hygiene practices. The “28th May” (28 – 5 ) date was selected to acknowledge the fact that “28 days” is the average length of the menstrual cycle, May is the “5th month” of the year and women menstruate an average of “5 days” every month.
Today let’s talk about the menstrual cycle, The female reproductive system undergone a regular natural change specifically the uterus and ovaries which is known as the Menstrual cycle. It is because of the menstrual cycle that makes pregnancy possible in females. The first “period” usually begins when the girl is between 12-15 years of age, and it lasts for 5 days. The typical length of time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next is 21 – 45 days, blooding usually lasts around 4-7 days.
Around 80% of women report the same symptoms during 1-2 weeks prior to menstruation and during menstruation, these include acne, tender breast, bloating, cramps, feeling tired, irritability, and mood changes.
It is very important to maintain good hygiene during menstruation. Even in today’s world, when several menstruation hygiene products like sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, and tampons are available, a high percentage of women don’t use the most basic form of menstrual management product available in the market instead of many use old rags or similar forms to collect menstrual blood. Cleanliness of the genital area is of utmost importance to reduce the incidence of infection by up to 97%. The sanitary napkins or tampons should be changed every 4 hours If they are heavily soaked.
It is very important to maintain good hygiene during menstruation. Even in today’s world, when several menstruation hygiene products like sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, and tampons are available, a high percentage of women don’t use the most basic form of menstrual management product available in the market instead of many use old rags or similar forms to collect menstrual blood. Cleanliness of the genital area is of utmost importance to reduce the incidence of infection by up to 97%. The sanitary napkins or tampons should be changed every 4 hours If they are heavily soaked.
Maintaining good hygiene reduces the risk of urinary tract infection, reduces incidents of rashes in genitals, ensures good reproductive health, and minimizes the risk of cervical cancer.
It is also important to maintain mental health before and during menstruation, bath daily, maintain a work schedule, exercise, meditate, connect with loved ones, intellectual engagement, and keep work stress to a minimum are few tips to maintain positive mental health.
Menstruation is still surrounded by taboos and myths in many countries which make an impact on women’s emotional state, lifestyle, and health. Thus it is very important to create awareness in society and address these issues in primary care.
RED DOT- It is also important that sanitary waste are wrapped properly in paper bags and mark with “RED DOT” which will help waste pikers to identify them, this will reduce the exposure of waste pickers to these products and will avoid dangerous disease
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