IDA Lucknow Launches Oral Health Awareness Campaign for Pregnant Women on International Women's Day
In a significant initiative to mark International Women's Day, the Lucknow branch of the Indian Dental Association (IDA) organized a comprehensive oral health awareness campaign specifically targeting pregnant women. The event was held at the gynaecology department of the prestigious King George's Medical University (KGMU), aiming to educate expectant mothers about the critical importance of dental care during pregnancy and for their newborns.
Educational Outreach at KGMU Gynaecology Department
As a core component of the programme, Prof. Pragya Pandey, the honorary secretary of the IDA Lucknow branch, personally visited the gynaecology department at KGMU. During her visit, she distributed detailed educational leaflets to the expectant mothers present, providing them with valuable information on maintaining optimal oral health.
Prof. Pandey emphasized the heightened importance of oral hygiene during pregnancy, explaining how hormonal changes can increase the risk of dental issues such as gingivitis and tooth decay. She stressed that proper dental care is not only essential for the mother's health but also plays a crucial role in the overall wellbeing of the developing child.
"Timely dental consultations are vital for pregnant women to prevent complications that could affect both maternal and fetal health," Prof. Pandey stated. She shared simple, practical guidelines for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, including regular brushing, flossing, and dietary recommendations to support oral health throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Felicitations and Empowerment Seminar in Gomti Nagar
Following the awareness session at KGMU, the campaign extended to a felicitation programme held in Gomti Nagar. This segment of the event saw the gathering of approximately 50 women members of the association, who came together to celebrate Women's Day and further the cause of women's health and empowerment.
The programme was led by Dr. Arvinder Singh, the president of the IDA Lucknow branch, and Dr. Pragya Pandey, the honorary secretary. Their leadership underscored the association's commitment to advancing women's health initiatives in the region.
A highlight of the event was a keynote address by guest speaker Dr. Ritu Narang from the University of Lucknow. Dr. Narang spoke on the empowering theme ‘Unleash Your Power', delivering an inspiring talk that focused on holistic wellbeing. She covered essential aspects of financial stability, mental resilience, physical health, and spiritual growth, encouraging the attendees to take proactive steps towards comprehensive self-care and empowerment.
This dual-focused campaign by the IDA Lucknow branch successfully combined practical health education with motivational empowerment, making a meaningful impact on the lives of pregnant women and female dental professionals in the city. By addressing both immediate oral health needs and broader wellbeing, the initiative set a positive precedent for future women-centric health programmes in Uttar Pradesh.
