From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The National Youth Service Corp Members under Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa on Monday sensitised young girls on Menstrual Hygiene and Sexual Health Awareness.

Speaking during the sensitisation programme, held in Igbogene Community town hall, the Project Leader, Chidera Ogbu, said that girls are special and unique in the society.

Daily Asset reports that over 350 sanitary pads were distributed to the young girls.

She said menstrual hygiene and sexual awareness is one of the arising factors in the world today, that so many people do what they are not supposed to do because of lack of knowledge and ignorance.

Ogbu commended the sponsors of the Pad The Girls Project, which are: Regenix Healthcare Services Limited, O-Timo Globe Nigeria Ltd, Wondergirl Sanitary Pads, AIT, CodeXpress Programming Labs Karimart, El Rol Castle and suites, amongst others.

According to her, these kids need to be educated on their sexual health, how to manage their menstrual hygiene, I believe that if one or two people can listen and learn from what they have been taught, it will be impactful in their lives.

She urged other corps members to always leave a footprint wherever their serving, by giving back to society, is not all about focusing on your service to get certificate but endeavor to impact in the community.

“We must ensure that we leave something remarkable, so that we can be remembered by our host community, after we have passed out of service”.

On her part, Chinenye Owosina, Territory Sales Manager, Exxon Pharma (Nig) Limited, in her lecture said menstruation or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle.

She said: “Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus, or womb, sheds its lining. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus.

“Periods usually start between age 11 and 14 and continue until menopause at about age 51. They usually last from three to five days. Besides bleeding from the vagina.

“Besides bleeding from the vagina, you may have: Abdominal or pelvic cramping pain, Lower back pain, Bloating and sore breasts, Food cravings, Mood swings and irritability and Head and fatigue,” she explained.

She defined Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) as ‘women and adolescent girls using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect blood that can be changed in privacy as often necessary.

According to her, good menstrual hygiene practices can prevent infections, reduce odors and help you stay comfortable during your period.

On his part, Ogbete Dasime, the Zonal Inspector, NYSC Yenagoa, encouraged those that are still serving not to keep their knowledge they have gained to themselves alone but to impact the society.

According to him, what you have learnt is new hygiene today, go home and teach your siblings and those who are not here.

He urged the teenagers to be an agent of change in their homes, environment, their schools, community, and society at large. A lot was said here for the teenager’s consumption.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Tina Ovie, commended the Sponsors and the Chief Host other corps members for the menstrual hygiene sensitisation.

She promised to enlighten her younger ones at home and friends in the school, on the importance of good menstrual hygiene, among young people and women.