Tag: Health Education

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Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter Women’s Group Raises Awareness at Lok Utsav Festival

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 31, 2026:
The Women’s Group of the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter actively took part in the Lok Utsav festival held on January 27, 2026, using the platform to raise awareness about hemophilia — a genetic bleeding disorder that affects the body’s ability to clot blood and requires lifelong management.


Members of the group distributed educational pamphlets and engaged with festival-goers through one-on-one interactions, sharing information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options available for hemophilia. Volunteers also spoke about the social and medical challenges faced by individuals and families living with bleeding disorders.

Speaking at the event, Sabina DaCunha, Women’s Wing President of the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter, highlighted the critical role of awareness and early diagnosis. She noted that while hemophilia predominantly affects men, women are carriers of the gene and may themselves experience symptoms such as heavy or prolonged bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles. She stressed the importance of testing for bleeding disorders to prevent long-term complications and permanent disability caused by delayed detection.

The Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter is affiliated with the Hemophilia Federation (India), a national patient organisation supporting over 30,000 individuals across the country. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organisation works to improve access to care while reducing stigma associated with bleeding disorders.

Advisor to the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter, Prakash Kamat, also addressed visitors during the event. Avelino de Sa, Founder and President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa, and Festakar Marius Fernandes, were present and extended their support to the awareness initiative.

The participation at Lok Utsav forms part of the chapter’s ongoing community health efforts aimed at empowering families with information, encouraging early diagnosis and fostering a more inclusive environment for people living with hemophilia.

Health Scope

Teeth Cleaning vs Teeth Whitening: What’s the Real Difference?

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Many people walk into a dental clinic expecting a brighter, whiter smile after a routine teeth cleaning. When that doesn’t happen, disappointment often follows. The truth is, teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are two completely different dental procedures, each serving a unique purpose.

What Teeth Cleaning Really Does

Professional teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing, focuses on maintaining oral health. During this procedure, dentists remove plaque and calculus (tartar) that build up over time. These deposits can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and cavities if left untreated.

Cleaning also helps eliminate extrinsic stains — the surface stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and certain foods. While your teeth may look fresher and cleaner after scaling, the natural colour of the teeth remains unchanged.

What Teeth Whitening Actually Does

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to lighten the intrinsic colour of the teeth. These intrinsic stains lie deeper within the tooth structure and cannot be removed by cleaning alone.

For professional, in‑office whitening, dentists protect the gums using a special barrier gel. A high‑strength peroxide‑based bleaching gel (usually between 15–35%) is then applied to the teeth. This gel is activated using a special light or laser, allowing it to penetrate the enamel and break down deep stains.

Each whitening cycle typically lasts around 15 minutes, and most patients require one to two sessions in a single visit. Once the process is complete, the gel is rinsed off and a fluoride treatment is applied to help reduce sensitivity.

Possible After‑Effects of Whitening

Teeth whitening is generally safe when performed by a dentist, but some temporary effects may occur:

  • Mild to moderate tooth sensitivity for a day or two
  • Sensitivity usually subsides with desensitizing toothpaste or over‑the‑counter pain relief
  • Results can last 6 to 10 months with good oral hygiene and by limiting staining foods like coffee, tea, and red wine
  • Some patients may be given touch‑up trays for long‑term maintenance

Is Whitening Right for Everyone?

Not all stains respond equally to bleaching. In some cases, treatments like tooth‑coloured fillings, veneers, or other cosmetic procedures may be more effective.

That’s why a quick consultation with your dentist is essential. It helps determine whether professional whitening is suitable for you or if another treatment would deliver better, longer‑lasting results.

A healthy, confident smile starts with understanding your options — and choosing what’s right for your teeth.

EduConnect

Goa Launches Statewide “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” at Morpirla Village Panchayat Hall

allycaralgoa

Goa | 16th June 2025 — In a significant move to promote child health, sanitation, and public awareness, the Directorate of Health Services Goa, in collaboration with the State Family Welfare Bureau (SFWB) and Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli, officially launched the “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” at the Village Panchayat Hall, Morpirla.

The launch event marked the beginning of a sustained, community-driven public health initiative aimed at preventing diarrhoeal diseases through education, hygiene promotion, and nutritional awareness, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

Dignitaries Lead the Campaign with a Unified Message

The event was graced by key healthcare professionals and community leaders. The dignified launch was led by:

  • Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi, Medical Officer, SFWB, Directorate of Health Services, Panaji
  • Dr. Benedicta Dias, Health Officer, Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli
  • Dr. Meenal
  • Maria Murena Miranda, Headmistress, local school
  • Along with dedicated members of the local Health Team

Together, they underscored the urgent need to combat diarrhoeal illnesses, which continue to be a leading cause of preventable deaths among children under five in India.

Educational Talk on Hygiene, Nutrition & Breastfeeding

Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi delivered an impactful awareness session focused on:

  • Importance of handwashing, especially before meals and after using toilets
  • Consuming safe and clean drinking water
  • Sanitation and proper waste disposal as critical preventive measures
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as a key strategy to improve infant immunity and reduce infections

The talk encouraged active participation from both students and parents, emphasizing that prevention begins at home.

Creative Competitions to Engage and Educate

To involve the community creatively, the event featured:

  • 🎨 Poster and Rangoli Competitions on the theme “Stop Diarrhoea”, showcasing vibrant student talent
  • 🍽️ Nutritional Food Exhibition by parents, who prepared and displayed wholesome dishes that promoted healthy eating habits

These activities made health education interactive and accessible, especially for young minds. Winners across categories were recognized and awarded, encouraging broader community involvement.

Impact and Way Forward

The event succeeded in sensitizing the community—especially school children and parents—on critical health practices. It helped cultivate a shared understanding of how hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition collectively play a pivotal role in diarrhoea prevention.

The campaign’s launch set a strong precedent for similar awareness drives across Goa, supporting the broader goals of Ayushman Bharat and National Health Mission (NHM) in reducing child morbidity and improving public health outcomes.

“Awareness is the first step towards prevention. This campaign will go a long way in ensuring that every child in Goa has access to a healthy, hygienic start to life,” said Dr. Benedicta Dias.

The “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” continues to be a shining example of how grassroots engagement, community participation, and healthcare leadership can come together to drive meaningful change.

EduConnect

Empowering Students Against Tobacco: PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Observes World No Tobacco Day

allycaralgoa

In a bid to educate students about the harmful effects of tobacco and promote a tobacco-free lifestyle, PM SHRI Government High School (GHS) Morpirla, in collaboration with Village Panchayat Morpirla, observed World No Tobacco Day with great enthusiasm and fervor. The event was a resounding success in raising awareness and empowering students with knowledge to make informed choices about their health.

The day’s activities kicked off with a rally, where students took to the streets, spreading awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption. With banners and placards in hand, they marched through the village, spreading a powerful message about the importance of a tobacco-free lifestyle. The rally was a testament to the students’ commitment to promoting health and wellness in their community.

A poster competition was held, where students showcased their creativity and artistic skills while highlighting the risks associated with tobacco use. The posters were a visual representation of the students’ understanding of the issue and their ability to convey a powerful message through art.

A health official from Primary Health Centre (PHC) Balli delivered a talk, educating students about the risks associated with tobacco use and the benefits of quitting. The expert’s insights provided students with a deeper understanding of the issue, empowering them to make informed choices about their health.

Smt. Ashwini Gaonkar, Sarpanch of Village Panchayat Morpirla, urged the students to stay away from tobacco, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Her words of wisdom served as a reminder to the students about the significance of making informed choices about their health.

The World No Tobacco Day celebration at PM SHRI GHS Morpirla was a resounding success, achieving its objective of educating students about the harmful effects of tobacco and promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle. The event empowered students with knowledge, encouraging them to make informed choices about their health and well-being. As the students returned to their classrooms, they carried with them a newfound understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a commitment to spreading awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption.

Social

JCI Panaji Empowering Community through Cancer Awareness

allycaralgoa

The JCI Panaji team recently organized a Cancer Awareness Talk for the staff of Panaji Municipality on March 29, 2025, at Panaji Municipality. This initiative aimed to educate and empower the community about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.


The session featured Dr. Pawan Rane as the special guest speaker, who shared valuable insights and information on cancer awareness. Dr. Rane’s expertise and interactive approach made the session engaging and informative, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of cancer-related topics.


The Cancer Awareness Talk covered essential topics, including:

  • Risk Factors and Prevention: Understanding the causes of cancer and adopting healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk
  • Early Detection and Diagnosis: Importance of regular screenings and check-ups for timely detection
  • Treatment Options and Support: Overview of available treatments, support systems, and resources for cancer patients and their families


The session provided a platform for participants to:

  • Ask Questions and Clarify Doubts: Interact with the expert and gain clarity on cancer-related topics
  • Share Experiences and Concerns: Discuss personal experiences and concerns related to cancer
  • Gain Knowledge and Awareness: Acquire valuable information and insights on cancer prevention, detection, and treatment


The event demonstrated JCI Panaji’s commitment to community service and health awareness. By organizing such initiatives, JCI Panaji aims to:

  • Empower the Community: Educate and empower individuals with knowledge and awareness about cancer
  • Promote Health and Wellness: Encourage healthy lifestyle choices and promote overall well-being
  • Support Cancer Awareness: Contribute to the fight against cancer by raising awareness and promoting early detection and treatment


The Cancer Awareness Talk was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of the JCI Panaji team, led by JC Sandeep Kerkar, President; JC Srushti Lotlikar Nagvekar, Secretary; and JC Ambey Parwatkar, Project Director. This initiative has made a positive impact on the community, and we look forward to more such empowering events in the future.