On October 26, 2024, The Pink Health Foundation, in collaboration with Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo (HLWNS), organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Awka, Anambra State, to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The theme of this year’s walk was ‘No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.’ This initiative sought beyond awareness creation by providing direct support, love, and encouragement to breast cancer patients. The event commenced with a visit to the Oncology ward of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka. The delegation was led by Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, Founder of HLWNS; The Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Akabuike; and The Founder of the Pink Health Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Umeh Ifeoma. Other dignitaries and medical professionals were also in attendance. During the visit, the team engaged with breast cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment at various stages, distributing thoughtfully curated gift baskets provided by our generous donors. The patients expressed their gratitude for the care and support, which reinforced the significance of the outreach. Following the hospital visit, the awareness walk continued, bringing together a diverse group of participants, including medical students, lecturers, non-academic staff, community volunteers, and passers-by. The walk covered the vicinity of Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, with participants disseminating critical information about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The event concluded at the Alex Ekwueme Square, where participants engaged in an interactive session featuring lectures by key healthcare leaders. Speakers included the Head of the Medical Association, The Founder of Pink Health Foundation, Dr. Ifeoma Umeh; and The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Okeke. The discussions were focused on raising awareness, addressing myths about breast cancer, and promoting early screening and treatment. This initiative not only created widespread awareness but also demonstrated tangible support for breast cancer patients, emphasizing community solidarity. The event captured numerous moments of connection and hope, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in combating breast cancer. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our donors, dedicated volunteers, and community partners, whose contributions made this event a remarkable success. Below are some of the beautiful moments captured during the event…

Please wear your pink shirts and running shoes, we are going on a run again!!! Pink Health Foundation invites you to her annual ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Walk‘ happening on Saturday, 26th of October, 2024. The Theme of the event is – ‘No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone‘ – And Indeed No One Should! Let’s spread love and awareness together. Join us and put up a fight against breast cancer! We can’t wait to see you there!!! #pink_health #breast_cancer_awareness #run_for_breast_cancer

Foods that support women’s health and hormone balance. “One key factor that will determine how you’ll look in your 70’s is the quality of food you’re eating right now.   Ludwig Feuerbach had a point when he said, “Man is what he eats.” So, what’s it going to be? Will you devour everything in sight and turn into an antique before 70?  Or will you eat wisely and have people mistaking you for your daughters? The choice is on your plate!” Caring for our bodies is essential for our overall health and well-being as women. One key component of self-care is ensuring that we nourish our bodies with foods that support our unique hormonal balance. These foods not only help to keep our hormones in check, but they can also help to alleviate common symptoms of hormonal imbalances such as PMS, mood swings, and irregular periods.   So, what are some of the best foods that women can incorporate into their diet to support their health and hormonal balance?  Let’s dive in! Leafy Greens Foods like Spinach, Kale, and Swiss chard are packed with essential nutrients like Magnesium, Calcium, and Vitamin B, which are crucial for hormone production and balance. Healthy Fats Foods like Avocados, Nuts, Seeds, and Olive oil are rich in healthy fats that support hormone production and help to keep your hormones in check. Complex Carbohydrates Foods like Sweet potatoes, Quinoa, and Whole grains are excellent sources of Complex Carbohydrates, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep hormones in balance. Protein-rich Foods Foods like Lean meats, Eggs, and Legumes are good sources of protein, which is essential for hormone production and overall health. Fermented Foods Foods like Yogurt, Kefir, and Sauerkraut are rich in Probiotics, which can help to support gut health and improve hormone balance. In addition to incorporating these foods into your diet, it’s also important to practice other forms of self-care to support hormonal balance.  Getting regular exercise, Managing stress, and Getting enough sleep are all crucial for maintaining healthy hormone levels. Remember, every body is different, so it’s essential to listen to your body and pay attention to how different foods and lifestyle choices impact your hormones.  By prioritizing your health and making mindful choices, you can support your hormonal balance and overall well-being.  Cheers To Happy Hormones And A Healthier You!

On the 31st of May 2024, Pink Health Foundation visited 4 Secondary schools in Anambra State to commemorate the Menstrual Hygiene Day with the “Pad A Girl in School” event. It was a huge success, all thanks to God, our dear sponsors, and awesome volunteers. During the event, the girls were educated on menstruation and the importance of menstrual hygiene. They were also admonished to be self confident and bold even when they menstruate, with no hiding, and no inferiority complex. It was quite an interactive session with the girls. We’re glad that we could do this again, even after 8 years! Below are some of the beautiful moments captured during the event… #padagirlinschool #menstrualhygiene #pinkhealthfoundation …together we can!

”Creating A Period-friendly World” Research has shown that an average of 1.8 billion ladies, menstruate every month across the world. And sadly, millions out of those billion ladies are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a healthy and dignified way.   Menarche marks the beginning of a new phase and new vulnerabilities in the life of an adolescent girl. And as such, it must be managed properly and with dignity. Before we discuss common ways to manage this sensitive time in the life of an adolescent girl, let’s first talk about what menstruation is all about. What Is Menstruation? It is common knowledge that ovulation happens before menstruation. So here’s a little story about menstruation. Certain chemical Messengers (hormones) are released during your menstrual cycle. These hormones cause the lining of your womb to thicken so that if a pregnancy occurs, an egg could be implanted into your uterine lining. These hormones also cause ovulation, releasing eggs from your ovaries down to your fallopian tubes. Now this is where they wait and see if the sperm can fertilize them. But if fertilization doesn’t occur, the lining of your uterus breaks down and sheds. This is your period!   Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of your uterus. Menstrual blood flows from your uterus via your cervix and out through your vagina. MenstruaL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT It refers to access to menstrual hygiene products to absorb blood flow during menstruation, privacy to change the materials at appropriate intervals, and access to facilities to help dispose of used menstrual management materials.   When proper menstrual hygiene is observed, certain infections, body odor, and health complications are prevented.   Below are some of these practices: Wash your hands before and after using a menstrual product (sanitary pads, tampons, etc). Discard used disposable menstrual products properly. Change sanitary pads/tampons every 4-8 hours and change more frequently if having a heavy flow. Have a separate set of underwear just for your period flow. And keep them clean always. Bath at least thrice daily during your menstrual days. Keep your genital area clean. What Poor Menstrual hygiene could cost you Reproductive and Urinary Tract Infections. Body odour. Discomfort during the day’s activities. Complications like; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, infertility, etc. WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY Every 28th May, menstrual hygiene day is observed to emphasize; The need for proper hygiene during menstruation and the importance of access to menstrual products and education. You too could be a part of this campaign by; 1. Enhancing menstrual hygiene awareness in yourcommunity. 2. Padding a girl in school/ community or doing that through an NGO like Pink Health Organization. 3. Practicing the menstrual hygiene tips, you’ve learned. CONCLUSION Menstruation is a significant event in the life of every female. Therefore, this significant period must be managed with so much care and dignity.

Join us on the 31st of May as we strive to educate young ladies and end the stigma around menstruation. Together we can! #padagirl #aperiodfriendlyworld #pinkhealthfoundation

Together we stride, fight, and inspire in the race against breast cancer Let’s do this for our breast cancer warriors Join us on the 28th … together we can #breastcancerawareness #runforbreastcancer