ONE DAY RETREAT: All Saints Army Head Quarters,(AHQ) Abalti Barracks,Lagos. Addresses Hardship To Deter Famine

By Obiajulu Uwadone Nio

The Nigerian Army Women, of All Saints Army Head Quarters,(AHQ) Abalti Barracks, Lagos. Held her annual Mothering one day retreat, on Saturday 9th of March , 2024.

A day retreat kicked off with a robust praise worship which was followed up by health talk, with the topic Menopause,its stages, symptoms and treatment.

In attendance,Lady Benny Ajagwaigbo, President of Christian Women Fellowship, Dame Onome Adewuyi, Mrs Temitope Bello, Rev John, Rev, Hassan, wives of Clergy men and the entire Women of All saints.

Guest speaker:
The Assistant Director, Nursing Education Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Mrs Sylvia Brown Uba, speaks on Menopause – as defined by Merriam webster Dictionary is the Natural cessation of menstruation that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

In her keynote address, says Menstruation cessation in women differs, for some women it comes early and for some it comes late. Some menopause can be natural while some can be as a result of operation or health related issues.

Furthermore, she said as our faces differ, so has the menopausal symptoms in women. She reiterated the need to know the Three major stages, symptoms and treatment of menopause.

THREE MAJOR STAGES OF MENOPAUSE
Perimenopause: is the transitional time before menopause proper. And this includes the last 12 months that follows the last period.
Menopause: This starts either 12 months after the last period or when menstruation has stopped.
Postmenopause: This refers to the years after menopause

SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE
Some Symptoms Include: Hot Flashes, Virginal Dryness, Mood Swing, Depression, Bone Loss, Hair Loss, Night Sweat and Insomnia.

MEDICAL TREATMENT
Lubricants: This can help manage the situation ‘can be purchased over the counter without prescription’. applying it every few days reduces dryness.
Hormonal & Non Hormonal pills: Estrogen pills, cream or virginal rings can address dryness, they require prescription. Hormone therapy can help with hot flashes and mood changes.
Counseling: manages depression, anxiety and other mental health related challenges. Couples therapy helps in addressing issues affecting marital issues, weather or not related to sex, this helps couple speak out.

However, Menopause is a natural process in women, with treatments that focuses on symptomatic relief. Virginal dryness can be treated with lubricant, so can every other menopausal symptoms, women in this menopause stage are advised to see their gynecologist. Good life style tips and strategies that can help include…

• Getting regular exercise
• Avoid or quit smoking.
• Avoid products that irritates the vagina such as scented soaps, bath products. She urged Women to manage their weight which can boost overall well being.

Other highlights of the retreat were strategic sessions that needed to tackled the current hardship Nigerians are experiencing – tagged ‘Famine’.

The president of Christian Women fellowship, Benny Ajagwaigbo – spoke in the face of current hardship as a situation in which there is not enough food for a great number of people, causing illness and untimely death. Speaking on the causes of famine and how can it be tackled; she stated that Women needs to help self and each other in times like this. Has the rich is complaining, the poor is crying and the rate of poverty is at its peak.

Francisca Daras in her words of encouragement pleas with women to accept the obvious and move on to lighten the existing burden . She suggests women coming together to buy in bulk and share which inevitably will help cut cost. Also, women are to cut down on excesses,think happy thoughts and speak happiness into ones live, lastly encourage self and others with the word of God.

Vera Odiase: A small time farmer, who has harvested yam in her backyard for 3 seasons,encourages Subsistence farming for starters .she enjoins women to cultivate vegetable farms in their houses, do bulk purchase and share with friends if able.

Bernice Okorocha encourages women to plant Onugbo (Bitter Leaf),nncha awun which is an everyday meal and grows fast, she also explained method of blanching, which can simply be achieved by cutting your vegetables , pour hot water into it, add salt, drain out the water and place it in the freezer, when ever its brought out for use, it comes out as fresh as ever. Same blanching method can be applied to fruits, fried rice ingredients , salad ingredients etc.

Benny Ajagwaigbo rounded up this section with few tips on how women can help each other..
• Have a source of income.
• Those who have a job should get an extra source of income.
• Set priorities right and avoid impromptu expenses.
• Save towards emergency situation, for unforeseen events.
• Network with other women and purchase food items, toiletries, provisions in bulk.
• Community support, be your sisters keeper, help out in whatever way you can. Even when you have no cash, a friendly and regular check up would go along way in unburdening heartaches.

Rev.John in conclusion touched briefly on Sunday’s sermon titled “Women who meet the Mark of Godliness “says women are connectors by nature and are positive influence to their husband. Women must remain on their knees in order not to miss the Mark.

The one day retreat rounded off with prayers by Rev Hassan and the grace in fellowship.