The department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, along with 7th semester BSc and First year MSc nursing students organized an awareness session on “Personal hygiene and Healthy lifestyle” on January 13, 2025, at the Government Higher Primary School, Manipura, Katpady as part of the school health and wellness drive, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The objective of the program was to give fundamental information on a healthy lifestyle, to stay away from tobacco and other harmful substances, and to practice good personal hygiene..

The event witnessed the participation of 130 students from 1st standard to 7th standard. The sessions incorporated engaging and interactive elements, including lectures and roleplays performed by 7th semester nursing students, and four MSc nursing students actively contributed to the program.

The interactive session was conducted by Ms Nishmitha Shettigar, a BSc nursing student on Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Hygiene, followed by an action song on hand hygiene involving all the students present there. Dr. Malathi G. Nayak demonstrated pranayama techniques to all the students.

The program then proceeded with a roleplay done by Mr.Shabaan and the Team on "Harmful Consequences of Substance Abuse." At the end, pens were distributed to all the students.

For female students of 5, 6, and 7th classes, Ms. Anvika T Maidan, MSc nursing student, conducted a session on the reproductive system, physical growth, menstrual health, and hygiene. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Prasad, the school teacher.

Feedback from participants indicated high satisfaction with the content and delivery of the sessions. Students and faculty members from the school expressed their appreciation, commending the program's organization and relevance to school children's needs.

This program was successful in educating school children and teachers on Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Hygiene, along with an awareness about tobacco control. They can develop responsibility and positive habits by incorporating these values into their daily lives. This will make their lives healthier and more productive, which will help them to achieve SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 4 (Quality education), and SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation).

The overall event was coordinated by Dr Malathi G Nayak, Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, and student coordinators Ms. Ananya, I year MSc nursing student, and Ms Mable Mary Mathews, 7th semester nursing student.