Cherry Blossom Project-
Rotary Club of Pune Shivajinagar conducted Cherry Blossom Project for Anemia identification and Prevention in Madhyamik School during 2nd to 5th September 2024. 468 students from 5th to 10th standard were examined for weight, height, HB and eye check-up. Eye check-up was done by Atharva Netralaya from Pune. Students requiring new spectacles or needing further examination were advised to visit Atharva Netralaya .Artharva Netralaya will provide new spectacles or further investigation if necessary, at subsidised rates.
After the completion of the Check Up, students were briefed about importance of the project, symptoms of anemia and adverse effects of anemia. It was equally important to tell them about iron rich foods and dietary improvements for prevention of anemia. Informative pamphlet was given to each student and flex charts explaining ideal diet were given to the school for display. The importance of the project and ideal diet were also explained to parents of the students in Parent -Teacher meeting. This would certainly help in creating awareness among parents about nutrition needed for prevention of anemia.

Health check up data revealed that,-
1)Girls between 11 to 14 yrs had higher weights compared to boys.
2)As regards height, beyond 13 yrs boys were taller than girls. In fact, from 5th std to 10th std girls increase in height was only 16.2 cms while Boy’s height increase was 27 cm. This means girls will be short as adult with high BMI which is not healthy sign.
3)Boys were far below their Normal value of HB i.e.14 compared to that in girls for whom the Normal value is 12
4)Proportion of anaemic boys was more (around 80%) than girls (30 to 50%).
All the anaemic boys and girls were given deworming tablets and iron and folic acid tablets for following 3 months. Their HB will be rechecked after 3 months. Club intends to complete a sample of 1000 students during this Rotary Year. The project is funded by Pesi Pocha Trust, Pune.

Dr. Shobha Rao
Director Medical Services
RCP Shivajinagar