RBCT Trust

Catching them young – Health-Wise

ranitrustngo — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:52:19 +0000

About three weeks ago, I came across a news report on how a “heart-healthy lifestyle” was missing in 9 out of 10 children in Punjab and Delhi. The report was based on a study carried out by Dr Rajneesh Kapoor, Vice-Chairman of Interventional Cardiology at Medanta Hospital. The study examined 3,200 children in the age group of 5 to 18 years through a questionnaire-based assessment on parameters that affect cardiovascular health.
Before I go into more details of the study, I wish to share my concerns on what the results of a similar study would possibly indicate, if conducted, on the basic hygiene of young girls in the age group of 5 to 12 years and menstrual hygiene from then onwards in our country. Obviously, it would be apathetic and shocking. I also wonder what the results of such a study would be in slum areas and in the villages. Equally shocking would be the steps – or lack of them -being taken by schools, parents and the society in general on improving basic hygiene/ menstrual health of this strata.
To come back to the cardiovascular health, against a maximum attainable score of 100, 24 percent of the study population had a score of less than 40. Most (68 percent) featured in the 40-70 score category. Only 8 percent of all children led a lifestyle that met all the criteria needed for a healthy cardiovascular system.
Obesity was seen to be prevalent in 38 percent of the study population.
I feel that though the primary responsibility for children leading a healthy lifestyle rests with the parents, given the state of ignorance and lack of awareness among them, this would remain a formidable challenge. Maybe the government needs to inculcate some kind of health regimen in schools on the lines of the mid-day meals that are provided in schools.
Taking a cue from this cardiovascular study, let us gear up for carrying out similar surveys on basic hygiene/ menstrual health. Perhaps NGOs like Rani Breast Cancer Trust (RBCT) could help and get this done through government and private schools. This would require clear directions from the government so that the NGOs face no hassles in schools. It would also be necessary that such surveys don’t gather dust and are acted upon. The responsibility for that would rest squarely on the government departments like education and social welfare. Needless to say, we at RBCT are always ready to pitch in.

Blog/ Kanwar Sandhu (Source: Indian Express. September 2, 2022)

I am a Woman – I am also Human

ranitrustngo — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 04:52:43 +0000

While being a selfless member in the family, it is expected and very often it comes naturally to her – that a woman fulfills the role of caring and nurturing siblings and elders not just at home but often in the community. Despite that, given the economically difficult times we are living in, she is often compelled to take on paid employment to support the family, ALONGWITH her daily chores. Irrespective of gender, including of her own new born, she has a masterplan – to love & give and ensure her kith and kin get the best and become the best. She carries the ’seeds’ for the next generation which will be cursed if it does not care for the womb, the ma, the behen or the (nari) shakti….The connotation is so powerful, who are we to reduce it?

Our festivals also show that a woman is the main participant if not the center of every festival – Raksha Bandhan, Karwa Chauth, Diwali, Teej, Durga Puja, Navratri……. The list is long! But….. Has anyone ever given a thought to ask – what is it that a woman, as another human, want from others and from life?

Respect, dignity, security? Versus being taken for granted; being objectified or being victimised. Women themselves too, need to get vocal and occupy a meaningful space in society, for example take their health seriously and not allow dehumanization if it occurs. A woman also wants to survive and has a right like every other human, to that.

Let us for one stop anyone from saying ‘bichare’ to the parents of every girl that is born and disrespect that new life by saying ‘bichari’ when she starts understanding the word, because she will shrivel before she blooms.

“While India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it is also one of the most unequal countries. These widening gaps affect woman and children the most.”*

Blog/ Chandni (https://www.oxfam.org/en/india-extreme-inequality-numbers)

Never Say Die

ranitrustngo — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 05:55:56 +0000

On 9th September we were blessed with the birth of a beautiful soul, Kanu, who grew up to be Dr. Karan Sandhu. This beautiful soul had a short but amazing journey. Full of life, he lived by the motto, “Never Say Die”. In his loving memory, on his birthday today, we are launching a “Never Say Die” initiative to help people lead a better and healthy life. We invite people in age bracket of 25 to 35 years who need help in surgical heart interventions.

Kindly contact:
Bittu Safeena Sandhu:- 9876333301, Kanwar Sandhu:- 9779580011, Ritu:- 9876333304

Fresh hope for cervical cancer warriors

ranitrustngo — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 06:13:43 +0000

It is not very often that morning newspapers bring some cheer with good news. But last Friday morning was special. Headlines of the day stated that the first indigenous cervical cancer vaccine was likely to be rolled out by December this year.

Called “Cervavac”, the vaccine will benefit a very large number of people worldwide, more so in our country. India accounts for one-fourth of all global deaths from the condition. According to estimates, 1.25 lakh Indian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and more than 75,000 die from the disease. Cervical cancer is believed to be the second most common cancer that affects women in India after breast cancer.

This will inspire hope amongst the low and middle income groups who account for 90 per cent mortality rate from the condition. The vaccine has been developed by the Department of Biotechnology and the Serum Institute of India, Pune. 200 million doses will be prepared and each dose is expected to be affordable – the cost is likely to be between Rs 200 and Rs 400. Depending on age, the vaccine is given as a two-dose or three-dose regimen. The vaccine will be administered in India first and given to the world later, said the manufacturers.

Currently two vaccines are available in the private market – both made by foreign companies. These sell for Rs 2,000 to 3,500 per dose now. The Indian vaccine will bring down the prices drastically. Final details on exact cost and dosage for various age groups will emerge in coming months.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting the vagina. People can reduce risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests. Routine Pap tests are suggested. An affordable Indian vaccine has been long awaited. While there are many reasons for getting cervical cancer, a weak immune system and even smoking is reportedly harmful. Doctors also suggest practicing safe sex and preventing sexually transmitted infections.

The question is: how safe and effective is the Indian vaccine? Those involved with its development say that it is both safe and effective with evidence from vaccine use in various countries. There have been extensive tests on it. It is even suggested that shots of the vaccine should also be administered to boys to prevent certain cancers and genital warts in them.

One hopes that given the magnitude of the problem, the Government would involve the NGOs like us, Rani Breast Cancer Trust (RBCT) in identifying people for the vaccine. We have been involved in creating awareness about breast and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness is one major problem and convincing people to take preventive steps – and vaccines – is another. But, we at RBCT can help!

Blog/ Kanwar Sandhu (Source: Media Reports)

Calling Volunteers

ranitrustngo — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:17:45 +0000

Calling Volunteers

ranitrustngo — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:18:18 +0000

Happy Independence Day

ranitrustngo — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:22:46 +0000

Raksha Bandhan (Bond For Life)

ranitrustngo — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:49:45 +0000

Gift Your Sister Health Start with a Check-Up Gift Card

Chat with Bittu Safeena Sandhu

ranitrustngo — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:52:43 +0000

Host Navdeep Kamboj, joined by Shameel Jasvir chats with Bittu Safeena Sandhu, Punjabi Poet and activist.

Distribution of dignity kits was done on Majari village,Mohali (Punjab).

ranitrustngo — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:21:19 +0000

Women were made aware of personal hygiene practices and kits were distributed to women under the ongoing Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Program that is being done by RBCT in collaboration with Pritika Auto Industries Limited. We are reaching out to 7500 women through this Project.