Women Square

Tag: Women’s Health

  • Expert View: Sleep is a Priority for Women’s Hormonal and Menstrual Health

    Expert View: Sleep is a Priority for Women’s Hormonal and Menstrual Health

    Sleep is an important aspect of women’s health. It provides energy and focus and has a major impact on women’s menstrual health and mood. Disrupted sleep can lead to hormonal imbalance and health effects. The impact of sleep on menstrual health and mood swings is described in this article, which involves the regulation of estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). When women sleep and how well they sleep matter for these hormones. Evidence suggests that insufficient sleep may disrupt the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is the body’s main way of maintaining reproductive function. Hormonal disruption due to HPO disruption may lead to irregular cycles, changes in cycle intensity, and delays in ovulation. Women who consistently sleep <6 hours /night are significantly more likely to report irregular cycles than women who sleep >6 hours/night.

    Sleep and Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS)

    A lack of sleep exacerbates premenstrual syndrome. While bloating, headaches, and cramps come with the territory before a woman’s period, sleep deprivation makes symptoms worse. Sleep deprivation increases cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, leading to even greater PMS-related fatigue and irritability. It helps settle the nervous system and lessen the experience of pain, making periods easier to handle.

    Mood Swings and Emotional Well-Being

    The menstrual cycle can impact the regulation of neurotransmitters that help regulate mood. When sleep is insufficient, hormone fluctuations can result in increased emotional sensitivity, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The increased mood swings or sadness occur with altered sleep schedules. Good sleep hygiene works as a stabilizer for women, promoting emotional clarity during menstrual phases after sleep is restored.

    Better Sleep for Better Menstrual Health

    To support menstrual and emotional well-being, women should strive for sufficient and restorative sleep. Practices such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, minimizing caffeine and screen time before bedtime, and establishing a calming bedtime routine can help improve the quality of sleep. Light movement and stress management techniques, like meditation, can also help women regulate hormones.

    Sleep is rest for the body; sleep is part of having hormonal regulation, regular menstrual cycles, and emotional well-being. Understanding the interconnectedness between sleep, menstrual health, and mood enables women to take preventive measures to optimize their overall health and well-being. In many ways, prioritizing sleep is prioritizing health for women.

    By- Dr Kajal Singh, Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, NIIMS Medical College and Hospital

     

  • Blume Foundation: Investing in Women’s Future

    Blume Foundation: Investing in Women’s Future

    An Evening of Advocacy, Art, and Action to Uplift Women and Girls Worldwide

    Houston, TX – June 28, 2025: The Blume Foundation celebrated a powerful milestone with its inaugural gala, Petals of Hope: Voices of Change, held at The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria. This elegant and purposeful evening united a vibrant community of changemakers, philanthropists, artists, and advocates committed to empowering women and girls globally.

    Inspiring Words and a Call to Action

    The evening was gracefully emceed by Rosie Nguyen, Director of Communications and Projects in Free Expression at Rice University and one of Houston’s Top 30 Influential Women of 2024. She opened the gala with a passionate call to action, encouraging guests to unite behind Blume’s mission to dismantle the systemic devaluation of women and girls through education, advocacy, and empowerment.

    The Vision Behind Blume

    Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Vaishali Dev, the Blume Foundation addresses some of the world’s most pressing issues: gendercide, reproductive justice, leadership equity, mental health, and economic opportunity for women. The foundation employs innovative programs, global partnerships, scholarships, and tailored support systems to transform lives and create lasting change.

    Opening Ceremonies and Special Recognitions

    The gala began with a soul-stirring invocation by Gwendolyn Price Harris, followed by heartfelt remarks from Vaishali Dev, who shared her personal journey and the inspiration behind Blume.

    Blume was honored with the following recognitions for its groundbreaking work:

    • Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Al Green

    • Certificate of Recognition from Texas Senator Molly Cook, District 15

    • Proclamation from Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones

    • Proclamation from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, delivered by Alice Lee

    These accolades underscored the foundation’s unwavering commitment to creating a world where women and girls have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and safety.

    Shining a Light on Gendercide

    A poignant segment on gendercide, led by Beverley Hill, founder of the Gendercide Awareness Project (GENDAP), featured powerful testimony from survivor Niriah Williams. This emotional segment highlighted the harsh realities of gender-based violence and human trafficking, reinforcing the urgent need for action.

    Fireside Chat: Voices Driving Policy and Progress

    A compelling fireside chat moderated by Sami Khaleeq, City of Houston Commissioner for Planning & Development and tech entrepreneur, brought together two visionary leaders:

    • Juliet K. Stipeche, Director of Human Services at H-GAC

    • Dr. Elizabeth Gregory, Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies, University of Houston

    Their discussion focused on gender equity, education access, and systemic change through policy and leadership.

    Art that Speaks for Women

    Guests were captivated by a stirring art exhibit from internationally acclaimed Dutch painter Johannes Boekhoudt, whose evocative works depict the beauty, strength, and resilience of women across cultures.

    Blume Foundation, Petals of Hope, Voices of Change, Women Empowerment, Girls Empowerment, Gendercide Awareness, Reproductive Justice, Leadership Equity, Mental Health, Economic Opportunity, Vaishali Dev, Houston Gala, Charity Event, Women's Rights, Gender Equality, Human Trafficking, Women's Advocacy, Nonprofit, Philanthropy, Education Access, iEducate, Anjali Phougat, Fashion for Purpose, Women's Health, Community Impact

    Honoring Champions of Change

    The Blume Foundation recognized four trailblazers whose work exemplifies courage, compassion, and transformative leadership:

    • Dr. Conte M. Terrell
      Phoenix Petal Award – For lifelong dedication to supporting abuse survivors and promoting emotional wellness.

    • Lushin Dubey
      Blume Beacon Award – For leveraging the power of theater to highlight social justice issues and amplify marginalized voices.

    • Parvez Jasani
      Roots and Wings Award – For visionary leadership and quiet, consistent support that uplifts others.

    • Roopa Gir
      Force of Nature Award – For her unwavering commitment to education, civic leadership, and empowering future generations through iEducate.

    Spotlight on Local Impact: iEducate

    The evening highlighted the work of iEducate, a Houston-based nonprofit mentoring underserved youth and nurturing future educators. CEO Arun Gir spoke passionately about their mission and the impact they are making in high-need communities.

    A Tribute to Creativity and Culture

    Designer and philanthropist Anjali Phougat was honored for her exceptional creative contributions to the Petals of Hope gala. She curated the showstopping fashion experience, “She Walks Free”, which powerfully portrayed the journey of survivors of human trafficking while celebrating South Asian culture on global stages.

    Fashion with Purpose: A Night to Remember

    The evening culminated in a breathtaking high couture fashion show titled Fashion with Purpose, curated by Anjali Phougat and narrated by media luminary Meena Dutt. The show told a moving story of innocence, struggle, and empowerment—capturing the essence of Blume’s vision.

    Marti Nonemaker, Co-founder of the Blume Foundation, delivered a stirring message to close the event:

    “Change begins with us. Every voice, every act, every contribution helps shape a world where women and girls can rise.”

    Gratitude to Sponsors and Partners

    The success of the gala was made possible through the generosity of key sponsors and partners, including:

    Vesta Stream, Amir Dodhiya, LACP – Wealth Preservation and Strategies, CGS Digital Marketing, Designer Dream Collection by Anjali Phougat, VIVA Global Events by Vaishali Dev, Microteq Engineering Inc., Yogi International Fashion, Spark Media, Chai Gold, Raindrop Foundation, Rupani Foundation, IAPAC, iEducate, An-Nisa, NAMI Greater Houston, UNA Houston Chapter, and Fresh Spirit Wellness for Women.

    About the Blume Foundation

    The Blume Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit championing the empowerment of women at every life stage. From supporting survivors of domestic violence and gendercide to fostering education, entrepreneurship, mental health, and career development, Blume strives to create a world where women and girls are seen, heard, and celebrated.

    Get Involved – Be a Catalyst for Change

    You can be part of this transformative movement.

    Contact:
    info@blumefoundation.org
    www.blumefoundation.org
    Instagram / Facebook: @BlumeFoundation
    Vaishali Dev: +1 (210) 705-0510

  • FUJIFILM India Launches National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with Upasana Kamineni Konidela

    FUJIFILM India Launches National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with Upasana Kamineni Konidela

    Hyderabad, June 11th, 2025 — FUJIFILM India, a pioneer in healthcare imaging and diagnostics, has officially launched its nationwide CSR campaign titled ‘Find It Early, Fight It Early’, aimed at raising breast cancer awareness. The campaign was inaugurated in the presence of Ms. Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson of CSR at Apollo Hospitals, who joins as the official Campaign Ambassador.

    This initiative, in partnership with Apollo Foundation as the implementation agency, will span 24 cities across India, targeting over 1.5 lakh women. The goal is to educate, empower, and encourage early detection of breast cancer through structured community outreach, health screenings, and on-ground sensitization activities conducted by trained educators.

    Ms. Upasana Kamineni Konidela emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating,

    “As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to not only treat illness but prevent it through awareness and access. FUJIFILM India’s CSR campaign addresses the critical need for early breast cancer detection, especially in areas where stigma and lack of awareness persist. We must act before it’s too late.”

    India continues to face a growing burden of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Registry Program by ICMR, breast cancer accounts for around 14% of all cancers diagnosed among women, with 1 in 29 women at risk in their lifetime. Late detection—often due to misinformation, cultural barriers, and limited healthcare access—remains a serious challenge.

    FUJIFILM India’s campaign tackles this issue with a culturally sensitive, grassroots approach. Through workshops, self-examination education, and open discussions, women will be empowered to prioritize their health and seek timely care.

    Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said,

    “At FUJIFILM India, we strive to blend technology with compassion. ‘Find It Early, Fight It Early’ is our commitment to community well-being and early diagnosis. This campaign reflects our Group purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles’ and our dedication to saving lives through awareness and innovation.”

    The campaign is aligned with FUJIFILM Group’s Sustainable Value 2030 Plan, focusing on health equity and access for underserved populations. With this initiative, FUJIFILM India continues to pave the way toward inclusive healthcare, enabling women from all walks of life to take control of their health and future.