Bhumika Club champions women's health, cyber security

Bengaluru: The 25th edition of the Deccan Herald and Prajavani-Bhumika club event, presented by Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, Manipal Hospitals, and Ecocrystal was held at Indiranagar Club in Bengaluru on Saturday. 

The club, founded in August 2022, aims to foster a community for women. 

The event was hosted by RJ Akshay and Sneha Neelappa Gowda. The inaugural dance was performed by classical dancers Pavani D and Bhavani. 

Assistant Commissioner of Police CEN West Bangalore division Umarani S, actor and Big Boss Season 11 contestant Anusha Rai and gynaecologist Dr Shashikumari of Manipal Hospitals were the chief guests. 

Umarani S Assistant Commissioner of Police CEN West Bengaluru Division interacts with the audience. 

Responding to a question, Anusha said, “Rejection is very common in the cinema industry. From a TV actor to a big star, ‘what’s next’ is the big question.”

In an interactive session, Umarani raised awareness about cyber crimes. 

“Don’t panic when you get audio calls about your Aadhaar card being linked to narcotics and drugs. Call 1930 for help,” she said.

She emphasised that there is no concept of “digital arrest” in the law and order system and “we don’t interrogate anyone online,” she said. Interrogation happens only at the police station, she shared. 

“Lack of knowledge and confidence is the reason why these cyber crimes are happening. Don’t leak your personal information anywhere unnecessarily, especially on public domains. Don’t click on random links,” she added. 

She also suggested people should avoid spending more time than needed online and spend more time with family and friends. 

Umarani also spoke about other online crimes like sextortion, loan fraud, social media fraud

Dr Sasikumari’s session focused on women’s health. She spoke about how to deal with PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), period cramps, menstrual hygiene, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and menstrual disorders like dysmenorhhea, menorrhagia, PCOD, and uterine fibroids. 

Sasikumari further explained the advantages of robotic surgeries in gynaecology. Improved quality of surgery, lesser blood loss, faster recovery, less complications among others, are the advantages.  “Fibroids that are 5cm and above in size, need treatments,” she added. She recommends an annual Mammogram for women above 40 and an ultra-sound for those aged below 40 to detect breast cancer early. 

“Perform monthly self-breast examination. Look for lumps in the breast and armpit, nipple discharge, redness and rashes on the nipple,” she added. 

“There are very few cancers that can be prevented and cervical cancer is one of them. HPV vaccine and regular pap smear can prevent cervical cancer,” she said. 

The cookery session was by food influencer Triveni Patil who runs a YouTube channel- Uttara Karnataka Aduge Mane. She made ‘yenne holige’.  A dance performance by Tharak Dance Academy concluded the event.