Tag: Women’s Health

Social

JCI Farmagudi, TATA Strive, and IMA Goa Collaborate to Raise Awareness on Menstrual Health & Hygiene

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In a notable initiative to promote Menstrual Health & Hygiene, JCI Farmagudi, in association with TATA Strive and IMA Goa, organized an insightful awareness session on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day and Prayas Day. The event, which took place on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, at TATA Strive, Farmagudi, focused on educating young girls about menstrual health, hygiene practices, and the importance of maintaining cleanliness during their menstrual cycle.

The session was led by renowned Dr. Purnima Usgaonker, a distinguished expert in the field of women’s health. Dr. Usgaonker provided an in-depth understanding of Menstrual Health & Hygiene, helping the attendees—26 students in total—gain better knowledge about their body’s functions and how to take care of their hygiene during menstruation. The talk emphasized precautions, cleanliness, and self-care, enabling the young girls to approach menstruation with confidence and awareness.

Dr. Usgaonker explained the importance of maintaining a hygienic menstrual cycle and how improper hygiene could lead to health complications. Her interactive session not only focused on the physical aspects of menstrual health but also provided psychological reassurance to the students, removing the stigma often associated with menstruation.

As part of the awareness session, the event also included the distribution of Organic Sanitary Napkins. This was a crucial part of the event, as it introduced the attendees to eco-friendly and sustainable menstrual products. Organic sanitary napkins, made from natural materials, were provided to the students, and Dr. Usgaonker shared important insights on their benefits over conventional synthetic sanitary products.

The discussion included the advantages of using organic sanitary pads—which are biodegradable, free of harmful chemicals, and safer for women’s health. Dr. Usgaonker explained how these pads not only help in maintaining hygiene but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the amount of plastic waste generated by conventional sanitary products.

This initiative would not have been possible without the generous contribution from JCI Senator Ria Patil Chandray, who provided the “Josa – Organic Sanitary Pads” for the distribution. These organic pads have gained popularity for their eco-friendly properties, and Ria’s support was instrumental in making the distribution a reality.

The session was well-received by the attendees, with many students expressing gratitude for the valuable knowledge shared by Dr. Usgaonker. The awareness program aimed not only to educate the girls about menstruation but also to encourage open conversations about menstruation, a topic that is often shrouded in taboo in many communities.

The event’s success can be attributed to the combined efforts of JCI Farmagudi, TATA Strive, and IMA Goa, who came together to promote menstrual health awareness in the community. Their collaborative effort to engage young girls in such an important discussion shows their commitment to empowering women through education and awareness.

The event was organized by the JCI Farmagudi team, led by Jc Abida Shaikh, President, Jc Amin Hipargi, Secretary, and Jc Heena Momin, Lady Jaycee Coordinator. Their dedication to bringing this event to life was evident in the smooth execution of the session and their role in ensuring that the students left with important knowledge that will benefit them in the long run.

In conclusion, the Menstrual Health & Hygiene Awareness Session organized by JCI Farmagudi, in association with TATA Strive and IMA Goa, was a successful and impactful initiative aimed at educating the youth about menstrual hygiene and promoting sustainable menstrual products. With the help of expert speakers like Dr. Purnima Usgaonker, this event marked a significant step forward in eliminating the stigma surrounding menstruation and empowering young girls with knowledge for better health and hygiene practices.

Human Interest

A Remarkable Milestone: Triplets Born Through Free IVF at Goa Medical College

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In a moment that radiates hope, joy, and medical excellence, the IVF Centre at Goa Medical College (GMC) has achieved a landmark success—the safe and healthy delivery of triplets under its free IVF treatment initiative. This incredible outcome is a heartening reminder of what is possible when compassionate care meets cutting-edge medical technology.

The free IVF program at GMC was launched with a singular purpose: to support couples struggling with infertility—emotionally, physically, and financially. For many, the dream of parenthood had begun to fade, overshadowed by years of challenges and high treatment costs. Through this initiative, GMC seeks to turn those dreams into reality by offering access to quality fertility care without financial burden.

One such couple recently walked through our doors, having endured the painful journey of infertility. With cautious hope and trust in our team, they began treatment at our IVF Centre. After a successful conception through assisted reproductive technology, their journey continued under the careful watch of our multidisciplinary medical team.

Despite the complexity of carrying multiples, the pregnancy progressed under vigilant prenatal care. The mother was admitted to Goa Medical College for a planned Caesarean section, which was successfully performed by our skilled obstetrics team. Their efforts resulted in the joyous birth of three healthy babies:

  • Triplet A (Male): 2.32 kg
  • Triplet B (Female): 1.77 kg
  • Triplet C (Female): 1.525 kg

Both the mother and the newborns are in stable and healthy condition, and are currently under observation in the care of our dedicated maternity and neonatal staff. Their recovery and early days together are a tribute to the exceptional medical support provided by GMC.

This achievement is not just a medical milestone, but a symbol of renewed hope for families across Goa. It highlights the success of our IVF program and demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities that arise when expert knowledge is delivered with empathy and a commitment to public service.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the family, whose strength and resilience throughout this journey have been nothing short of inspiring. We also express our deepest appreciation to the entire medical and support staff at GMC who made this outcome possible—from fertility experts and surgeons to nurses and neonatal specialists.

At Goa Medical College, we remain dedicated to making parenthood a reality for every couple who dreams of it. With every life we help bring into the world, our commitment to accessible, high-quality fertility care grows even stronger.

#Diet

Expert Insights: Richa Shet Talauliker, Dietician, on Nutrition, Wellness, and PCOD Management

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As a renowned dietician specializing in PCOD and hormonal health, Richa Shet Talauliker has helped numerous individuals achieve optimal wellness. In an exclusive interview, Richa shared her inspiring journey, approach to nutrition, and expert advice on managing PCOD, diabetes, and weight loss.


Growing up in Goa, Richa appreciated the nourishing effects of home-cooked meals. However, her personal experience with hormonal imbalances post-pregnancy led her to delve deeper into PCOD and hormonal health. This journey sparked her passion for nutrition and inspired her to become a dietician.


Richa believes in a balanced, sustainable approach that integrates real, wholesome foods. She focuses on individual needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds to create personalized plans that are easy to follow. Whether it’s a Goan diet plan or a specific medical condition, Richa ensures that her recommendations fit seamlessly into her clients’ lifestyles.


To provide evidence-based advice, Richa continuously reads scientific journals, attends webinars, follows credible nutrition experts, and participates in professional courses. This commitment to ongoing education enables her to offer cutting-edge guidance to her clients.


Richa addresses common misconceptions about PCOD, such as the notion that it can only be managed with medication. In reality, lifestyle and dietary changes play a significant role. She also educates clients on balanced carb intake rather than restriction.


Richa recommends prioritizing high-fiber, protein-rich meals, reducing refined sugar and processed foods, managing stress through meditation or yoga, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep and hydration.


Richa acknowledges that PCOD can be emotionally challenging. She focuses on a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, encouraging small, sustainable changes, celebrating progress, and incorporating mindfulness techniques to help clients manage stress and body image concerns.


Richa emphasizes balanced meals with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, portion control, choosing whole grains over refined grains, spacing meals properly, and educating clients on the glycemic index of foods.


Richa focuses on habit-building rather than drastic dieting. She encourages mindful eating, portion control, and increasing protein intake while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Richa sets small, achievable goals to keep clients motivated.


For cravings, Richa suggests healthier alternatives and mindful eating techniques. For emotional eating, she works with clients to identify triggers and develop coping strategies. Plateaus are tackled by modifying workouts, adjusting macros, and reinforcing consistency.


Richa promotes a flexible and guilt-free approach to eating. She encourages clients to listen to their bodies, enjoy their meals mindfully, and shift focus from restriction to nourishment.


Richa recommends setting small, measurable goals, tracking progress, and finding an accountability partner. She also encourages celebrating non-scale victories, such as better energy or improved digestion.


Richa encourages self-compassion and shifting focus from perfection to progress. She helps clients reframe their thoughts around food and body image, emphasizing nourishment over deprivation.


Richa respects cultural food preferences and adapts meal plans accordingly. She also offers flexible consultation timings to cater to different time zones.


Richa has successfully adapted to online coaching, ensuring effective communication and support through video calls, voice notes, and messages.


Richa uses simple language, visual guides, and voice notes if needed. If technical issues arise, she reschedules calls or switches to a different communication method.


After struggling with weight gain, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances post-pregnancy, Richa regained her energy and health through mindful eating and lifestyle changes. This personal journey made her more empathetic toward her clients.


Richa believes that health is about balance, not extremes. She emphasizes sustainable habits, real food, and self-care, helping clients find an approach that works for them rather than forcing rigid diets.


Richa makes time for daily walks, nourishing meals, and moments of relaxation. She also practices gratitude and ensures work-life balance to avoid burnout.

Richa Narvekar’s inspiring journey, expert advice, and compassionate approach to nutrition and wellness make her a trusted guide for individuals seeking to achieve optimal health and balance in their lives.