Khunti govt school students to get sex education lessons
Ranchi: In a unique move, Khunti administration has planned to rollout
in govt schools in the district to sensitise students on the adverse impacts of unsafe sex amid concerns of pregnancies among minor girls here.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Officials said that the move is part of the long-term education programme to sensitise students on the sensitive topic.
Khunti district education officer (DEO) Aparupa Chowdhary said all govt schools in the district have been directed to educate the students on these issues during the school health and wellness programme (SHWP) classes which are held every Tuesday.
She directed that SHWP classes on the first and third Tuesdays of every month should be dedicated to educating students on evaluating the behaviour of people, including neighbours, identifying their intentions, and distinguishing between right and wrong actions.
A teacher designated as an 'Arogya Doot' would study the issues extensively and create awareness among the students.
In addition, career counselling would be organised for students between classes VI and XII to discuss the adverse impact of early motherhood and fatherhood on health, education, and career. "If required, the issues would be discussed with the help of videos and photos," she said.
The programme would begin on the first Tuesday after the resumption of classes post summer vacation on June 5.
The DEO also directed that for the next three months, the topic would also be taken up in the parents-teachers meets (PTM), which is held on the 25th of every month. Village elders, school management committee presidents, and other influential persons in society would be invited.
"There have been few reports and cases in recent times related to early maternity among minors which is a concern. We plan to educate the students, parents, and society through SHWP and PTM.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
We hope that participants at PTM would use their influence to stop such practices in society. The education department would take feedback from every school in this regard through a Google link and take further action," Chowdhary added.
Notably, various social activists, including former Zila Parishad President Jenica Gudia, have termed early alcohol addiction among youths as one of the reasons for illicit intercourse. "Such situations also arise due to traditional practices like 'Dhuku', in which a tribal girl can live with a man even before marriage," claimed another expert.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Khunti govt school students to get sex education lessons
Ranchi: In a unique move, Khunti administration has planned to rollout in govt schools in the district to sensitise students on the adverse impacts of unsafe sex amid concerns of pregnancies among minor girls here. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officials said that the move is part of the long-term education programme to sensitise students on the sensitive topic. Khunti district education officer (DEO) Aparupa Chowdhary said all govt schools in the district have been directed to educate the students on these issues during the school health and wellness programme (SHWP) classes which are held every Tuesday. She directed that SHWP classes on the first and third Tuesdays of every month should be dedicated to educating students on evaluating the behaviour of people, including neighbours, identifying their intentions, and distinguishing between right and wrong actions. A teacher designated as an 'Arogya Doot' would study the issues extensively and create awareness among the students. In addition, career counselling would be organised for students between classes VI and XII to discuss the adverse impact of early motherhood and fatherhood on health, education, and career. "If required, the issues would be discussed with the help of videos and photos," she said. The programme would begin on the first Tuesday after the resumption of classes post summer vacation on June 5. The DEO also directed that for the next three months, the topic would also be taken up in the parents-teachers meets (PTM), which is held on the 25th of every month. Village elders, school management committee presidents, and other influential persons in society would be invited. "There have been few reports and cases in recent times related to early maternity among minors which is a concern. We plan to educate the students, parents, and society through SHWP and PTM. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We hope that participants at PTM would use their influence to stop such practices in society. The education department would take feedback from every school in this regard through a Google link and take further action," Chowdhary added. Notably, various social activists, including former Zila Parishad President Jenica Gudia, have termed early alcohol addiction among youths as one of the reasons for illicit intercourse. "Such situations also arise due to traditional practices like 'Dhuku', in which a tribal girl can live with a man even before marriage," claimed another expert.
News18
2 days ago
- News18
False Hope, Real Harm: How Online Misinformation Endangers Cancer Patients
Cancer misinformation: When it comes to cancer care, misinformation isn't just misleading—it can be deadly. In the age of digital hyperconnectivity, a cancer diagnosis often triggers not just emotional and physical upheaval, but also a frantic Google search. And therein lies the danger. As cancer patients and their families grapple with fear and uncertainty, the internet can seem like a lifeline—but it is often a misleading one. From turmeric touted as a miracle cure to alkaline diets replacing chemotherapy, medical misinformation has become a hidden epidemic compounding the already monumental challenge of cancer care. A Surge in Digital Misinformation 'Due to the prevalent use of smartphones and social media particularly WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, numerous individuals in India depend on these channels for health information," says Dr Syed Ismail Nawab John, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant, MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai. 'Regrettably, these platforms also serve as hotspots for inaccurate and unverified assertions related to cancer." From urban WhatsApp groups to rural YouTube channels in vernacular languages, misinformation spreads swiftly, often disguised in the language of natural healing and traditional remedies. While holistic wellness has its place, bypassing evidence-based medicine can be fatal. Dangerous Myths and Real-Life Consequences 'Many myths that circulate like 'you can cure cancer with an alkaline diet' or 'chemotherapy does more harm than good' are not just misleading but dangerous," warns Dr. Saravanan Periasamy, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai,. 'I have witnessed patients delay important treatment or withdraw therapy entirely because of something they read on a random blog or received via forwards. These choices can be life-threatening." Among the most harmful beliefs, says Dr. Nawab John, are claims like: Cow urine (gomutra) can cure cancer — No scientific backing exists for this, yet it remains alarmingly popular. Turmeric can replace chemotherapy — While turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits, it is not a standalone cancer cure. Cancer is caused solely by sugar — Overconsumption of sugar is unhealthy, but it doesn't 'feed' cancer the way many believe. Natural remedies can completely treat cancer — Herbs may aid wellness, but they cannot substitute for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. These myths have real-world consequences. 'Particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, patients postpone or abandon conventional treatments," says Dr. Nawab John. 'By the time they return, their disease has often progressed to a much more advanced stage, reducing survival chances drastically." bThe reasons for the belief in online myths are multi-layered. As Dr. Nawab John points out, 'Factors include fear of side effects from conventional treatments, low health literacy, deep-rooted cultural or religious beliefs in natural remedies, and a lack of access to reliable medical professionals." Additionally, the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis often makes patients and caregivers vulnerable to the allure of 'miracle cures." In many cases, people prefer comfort over confrontation—choosing friendly-sounding advice over complex, often painful treatment plans. How the Medical Community Can Respond Both doctors agree: the solution is not shaming but sensitization. 'Healthcare providers and caregivers must adopt a proactive, non-judgmental approach," says Dr. Nawab John. This includes: Advertisement Listening actively to understand a patient's fears and beliefs. Addressing myths with empathy and clear, simple facts. Providing credible sources, such as verified websites or multilingual educational materials. Encouraging second opinions from certified oncologists. Using community engagement—including videos, talks, and moderated WhatsApp groups—to enhance awareness. Dr. Periasamy concurs: 'The internet is not a substitute for a trained medical oncologist. Cancer treatment is complex and needs to be individualized. My advice to patients and caregivers is simple—trust science, not sensationalism. When in doubt, always ask your doctor." The Way Forward top videos View All The battle against cancer is hard enough without having to also combat misinformation. It's a tragic irony that in a world overflowing with data, the signal is so often drowned out by the noise. But as Dr. Nawab John rightly says, 'The answer lies in education, compassion, and the availability of reliable health information." Empowering patients with accurate, accessible knowledge could be the most powerful treatment of all. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 08, 2025, 08:03 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness False Hope, Real Harm: How Online Misinformation Endangers Cancer Patients
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
The post-30 skin plot twist: When pores zoom in before you do
One minute, you're being carded at bars. The next, someone gently points you toward the 'anti-aging' aisle while you're just trying to buy sunscreen. What happened? You hit 30 and your skin decided it's time for a plot twist. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here's the thing: your skin doesn't throw a tantrum when you turn 30. It simply starts… changing. Quietly. Subtly. Until one fine day you wonder why your glow seems to be on sabbatical, your pores are suddenly visible from space, and your once supple cheeks are now playing a dry desert theme. This isn't a crisis. But it is a shift and no one talks about it until you're deep into Google searches like 'Why does my face look tired even after 8 hours of sleep?' Let's talk about what's really going on and how both men and women can navigate this sneaky stage with a mix of science, common sense and the discipline of simple habits. Texture: When smooth becomes sandpaper-ish In your 20s, your skin's renewal cycle is like a caffeinated intern on steroids ; fast, effective, and slightly smug. But post-30, that intern takes a break. Cell turnover slows, dead skin hangs around like an overstaying houseguest, and your face loses its bounce. Fix it gently: • Use a mild AHA exfoliant (like lactic or glycolic acid) 2–3 times a week. No need to scrub like you're trying to remove old paint. • Diet alert: Too much sugar and ultra-processed food dull your glow from within. Add in foods rich in antioxidants like berries, nuts, and green veggies and watch your skin perk up. Hydration: MIA and unbothered Remember when your skin looked dewy just because you existed? Yeah, that was your natural hyaluronic acid at its peak. Now, production dips (especially for women due to fluctuating estrogen), and your face starts feeling tighter than your jeans after Diwali. Simple swaps: • Layer a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin, then seal it with a good moisturizer (look for ceramides or peptides). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now • Cut down on caffeine and late-night junk, which both dehydrate skin faster than a desert wind. • And no, fancy coconut water alone won't save you but any means of hydration is a start and the simpler it is the more consistent it's likely to be for sure. Resilience: The slow fade In your 20s, a zit would show up and leave like an uninvited guest. Post-30? That zit settles in, redecorates, and leaves behind a pigmented souvenir. Healing slows, inflammation lingers, and for women, hormonal shifts can trigger adult in Indian skin pigmentation is the subtlest and first sign of aging. Smart moves: • Introduce a retinoid or bakuchiol a few nights a week. It is your skin's personal trainer. • Don't pick. Ever. Picking now equals scars later. • Eat clean-ish. Greasy, high-glycemic foods are skin saboteurs, not comfort food heroes and that once in a while is not three times a week! Stress, hormones, and the 'Why do i look older than i feel?' phenomenon Cortisol, the stress hormone goes rogue in your 30s. It messes with your skin barrier, triggers breakouts, and even slows healing. Combine that with poor sleep, erratic schedules, and (for women) hormonal flux around cycles or perimenopause and boom, the skin starts to sulk. Quick wins: • Try mindful breathing for 3 minutes a day. It sounds basic, but it's backed by neuroscience. • Prioritise sleep. Not 'just one more episode' sleep. Real sleep. • And yes, regular movement (even dancing in your kitchen) increases circulation and gives your face that natural flush and glow. So exercise! Your skin hasn't betrayed you—it's evolving This post-30 phase isn't about panic. It's about pivoting. Your skin isn't failing. it's just asking for a little more effort, a little less neglect, and definitely less sugar. Hydrate smartly, exfoliate gently, eat like you love your cells, and wear sunscreen like your future self is watching. Because here's the truth: the glow is still there. It just doesn't show up uninvited anymore. You've got to roll out the red carpet. Dr. Aparna Santhanam
