The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Campaign on girls’ health

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Thursday, May 01, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Campaign on girls’ health

Special Correspondent

TAMBARAM: The prevalence of anaemia, deficiency of red blood cells due to low intake of Iron, continues to be high among adolescent girls in rural areas in the southern suburbs of Chennai even as the Integrated Child Development Services has been carrying on a campaign among the girls on better nutrition, personal health and hygiene and their rights.

The ICDS has two blocks in the southern suburbs — St. Thomas Mount and Alandur — and its staff here have commenced awareness programmes on sensitising girls between 11 and 19 years of age to these important issues.

In both the blocks, 30 batches, comprising 30 girl students each from different schools, have been trained.

During the course of the two-day programme, girl students are briefed on the importance of a balanced diet and necessity to consume grains, cereals and other items that were rich in minerals, vitamins and Iron.

ICDS staff told The Hindu that Iron deficiency was the most common ailment among adolescent girls in the southern suburbs. This would make the girls weak and could also lead to complications during pregnancy. And the present awareness programme was part of the Information, Education and Communication campaign, they said.

The staff said that while they would brief on better nutrition, doctors from Primary Health Centres would talk to the girls on personal hygiene in addition to giving tips on better health.

As worm infestation was another problem, the girls were also briefed on steps to prevent it, which included wearing of proper, protected footwear.

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