Chronicle Pepperpot July 1, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XVIII
about the desired number of children they would like to have, as well as the spacing and timing of their births. Members of the community were urged to make themselves available for the services of family planning and birth control, which are viewed as integral to how families determine the number and timing of their children. It was said that the importance of these services is generally seen as a human right issue; as a population and environmental concern; as a personal and public health issue; and is also connected to social and economic development within the society. HYGIENE MANAGEMENT Dr. Watson spoke about the menstrual cycle and the types of materials that were used by women in taking care of themselves, explaining that it is a natural biological process of a woman’s life in which the survival and propagation of our species depend on it. Women, she said, have an estimated 450 periods during their lifetime. Disposable pads were also distributed to some of the ladies within the Pakuri community. The team stated that the very first disposable pads were thought up by nurses, looking for new methods to stop excessive bleeding, particularly on the battlefield. They were made from wood pulp bandages and they were very absorbent and cheap enough to throw away afterwards. Many of the ladies in attendance at the family planning sessions were given reusable sanitary napkins that consisted of a shield that has “wings” which is secured to the underwear with a clip piece, and two liners that can be placed within the shield based on the menstrual flow. This sanitary napkin which usually comes within a kit can last for four years once cared for correctly i.e. wash it after every use with blue soap and water then placed to be dried in the sun. Within the kit, there is a calendar to monitor the female menstrual cycle as well. The ladies were also told that there are many benefits from using the reusable sanitary napkin such as it saves money; that it does not consist of harmful chemicals and it is environmentally friendly, fun and empowering because they are bursting with colour, patterns and unique designs. The craft sessions were also very interactive. Members of SRHR Adventures were very pleased with the response they received from members of the community who turned up to take part in the sessions. “We were expecting many more people from the community to turn up, but we understand that because of the weather and so on more did not come,” one member stated, adding that the team was still happy with the response they received and that the evidence is there to show some of the items that were produced, from which the others may also learn. The sessions were held for both children and adults. The team returned to Georgetown, saying that they are much encouraged and ready to go again with further plans to educate other communities in Guyana. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
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