Wazobia Widows Celebrate Independence with Health Advocacy
By Roseline Okakah
Women have been urged to adopt healthy lifestyles, eat nutritious foods and undergo regular medical checks to prevent diseases and improve their quality of life.
The Chief Executive Officer of Carebridge Elders Support Foundation, Nurse Olufunke Ogidan, gave the advice during a health talk organised for members of the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association to mark the Independence Day celebration in Akure, Ondo State.
Ogidan, who spoke on “Healthy Living, Nutrition and Preventive Care”, explained that healthy living involves making daily choices that promote physical, mental and social well-being while reducing the risk of diseases.
According to her, members should eat balanced diets comprising vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, protein-rich foods and healthy fats, while limiting excessive salt, added sugars and highly processed foods.
Ogidan also encouraged the women to engage in regular physical activities such as walking, swimming, dancing and other exercises suitable for their age and physical condition.
She stressed the importance of adequate sleep and rest, noting that most adults require about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. She also urged them to maintain good personal hygiene, drink safe water and avoid tobacco and other harmful substances.
The nurse emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, advising the women to undergo regular health checks, including blood pressure and blood glucose tests where appropriate, as well as recommended cancer screenings, dental examinations and eye tests.
She further advised them to seek early medical attention whenever they noticed unusual health symptoms, while stressing the need for safe food preparation, proper food storage, environmental sanitation and appropriate waste disposal.
Ogidan said older adults should pay particular attention to adequate protein and nutrient-rich foods, safe physical activity, the prevention of falls at home, regular health and medication reviews, as well as social interaction and mental stimulation.
She urged the women to manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms, including relaxation, recreation, social support and prayer, while encouraging them to seek help when experiencing persistent emotional difficulties.
Emphasising the importance of prevention, Ogidan said, “Prevention is better than cure,” adding that small but consistent healthy choices could reduce the risk of many diseases and improve overall quality of life.
The celebration was organised as part of the association’s National Widows Rise Games and National Convention, with the theme: “Rising Together, Building Stronger: Unity, Empowerment, Excellence.”
The Ondo State chapter featured a health walk and exercise session, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as a health talk on “Healthy Living, Blood Pressure, Nutrition and Preventive Healthcare.”
