Expert tasks women on regular check-up

A health expert, Remilekun Akinfenwa, has urged women to prioritise regular, routine medical screenings to prevent medical complications that may cause sudden death.

Akinfenwa, the Director of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi in Nasarawa State, gave the advice at the Peculiar Good Women Fellowship 20th Anniversary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event, which began on Saturday, was concluded with a thanksgiving service on Sunday with a title: “Mystery of Grace.”

The Director, as part of the activities of the event, urged women to take good care of themselves and eat healthily.

She advised them to take appropriate steps when they notice any strange development in their body.

“A lot of women died due to ignorance,” she said.

Akinfenwa, who urged the women to adopt a health management system that improves lifestyle, emphasised the need for routine medical check-up.

She said: “Even cancer is curable when it is diagnosed early.

“So we should engage in regular check-ups.”

Akinfenwa, who is also a pastor at Rehoboth Chapel, Lugbe, cited Proverb 27: 12 to substantiate her call for regular medical examination.

She said: “Proverb 27:12 says: ‘A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.’

“Therefore, wisdom will lead a man or woman to anticipate danger and to take action.”

She listed other good health habits to include a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, and enough water intake.

Akinfenwa said issues of health are all-encompassing involving physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being.

She added: “Some people end up committing suicide when they are faced with challenges because they are not spiritually healthy.

“According to the World Health Organisation, health is a state of complete wellness physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially and mentally.”

Speaking on the title: “Managing Menopause,” Akinfenwa allayed fears of women about the transition stage.

She said: “It is a natural biological transition in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.

“This is a transition. 

“So it is not a disease; it is normal.

“And we should prepare towards this stage because it is a normal developmental stage of a woman.

“Therefore, we should know that life continues and our modification to new life is important.”

According to Akinfenwa, menopause usually begins from 45 years to 55 years, and the average age for menopause is 50 years.

“But some women may experience menopause at an early age,” she added.

The expert named the three stages as perimenopausal, menopause, and post-menopause stages.