A 25-minute documentary Period. End Of A Sentence., set in the backdrop of Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district on the taboos associated with menstruation won an Oscar at the 91st Academy Awards on Monday.
Produced by Indian producer Guneet Mongha’s Sikhya Entertainment and directed by Iranian-American director Rayka Zehtabchi, Period. End Of A Sentence., bagged award in the category Best Documentary (Short Category).
The documentary speaks about the taboos associated with menstruation in India, lack of access to sanitary products, personal hygiene and how school going girls are forced to drop out of schools due to the health issues.
The short film ends with a vending machine for sanitary pads being set up in Harpur district and how women start manufacturing and market their own products under the brand name FLY.
Agree it not, menstruation is not still discussed openly in many households and young girls are often let confused, thanks to many myths related with the entire process.
Read on to know the common myths and facts associated with menstruation.
Myth:
Exercise is a strict No.
Fact:
There is no reason to stop doing workouts in periods. In fact, it is a great way to control cramps and other negative feelings related to hormones as it pumps more oxygen to muscles and can make you active.
Myth:
Meet doctor after first period.
Fact:
It is not compulsory to meet a doctor after first period, unless the girl suffers from severe bleeding or pain. It is a natural process and doesn’t require any medical intervention.
Myth:
Period should last for 5 days.
Fact:
It is different for every person. For many the period lasts up to 3 to 5 days. It may be irregular for few girls in the starting months, but it settles down within a year. If it is longer than a week, talk to doctor.
Myth:
There is no such thing like PMS.
Fact:
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome is like a roller coaster ride of emotions, especially in the teenage girls. Symptoms like emotional outbursts, depression, anxiety, severe headaches are quite common. Talk to doctor, if these symptoms become unbearable.
Myth:
Do not talk about periods before the girl attains puberty.
Fact:
Keep your child informed about the whole process of menstruation and why it is natural. Do not scare your child but try educating her with the help of information available online. Have an open, honest mother-daughter talk to relieve her stress.
