-As Lagos First Lady Condemns Gender-Based Violence
The Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos State Chapter has emphasised the necessity of rest and self-care for its members and by extension for all women, as it highlighted the numerous dangers of chronic stress to the human system. The interest group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) made the statement at the 2021 ALPs Forum, held at the Lagos State PSN Secretariat, Ogudu, Lagos, recently.
The colourful occasion themed: “Relax”, was well attended by prominent Nigerians and pharmacists, among whom were the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Pensions office, Mrs Bandele Fadipe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo ably represented by Mrs Modupe Badmus, the Chairman of ALPs Forum 2021, Pharm. (Chief) Elfrida Obikili; Iyom Adachi, MD/ CEO of First Elfimo Pharmacy; Pharm Abimbola Adebakin, keynote speaker, represented by Pharm Yewande Adekoya; PSN Chairman, Lagos State PSN, Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola; ACPN Chairman Lagos state, Pharm Lawrence Ekator, Director of Pharmaceutical Services Health Service Commission, Pharm. Segun Okoya, among others.
Adebakin, in her keynote speech condemned the workaholic habits in career women as she stressed the importance of relaxation, which improves overall health, as it is linked to lower blood pressure and better sleep, boosts self-esteem, helps women see themselves in a more positive light, as well as builds a formidable immune system.
On the contrary, she described physiological and mental stress as the cause of chronic diseases and disorders in women, urging the ladies to endeavour to always create a me time for themselves, as sleep is not always a resting time in some cases, when women wake up tired and exhausted.
“When women don't make self-care a priority, they often feel like victims of something outside of themselves, in a position of restrictions and limitations. This prevents women from having rich and fulfilling lives.
“Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your health. It weakens your immune system and inflames your body, making you more susceptible to colds, weight gain, sleep issues, stomach ulcers, depression, diabetes and heart disease.
“The physiological changes that result from prolonged stress are compounded by the poor choices you make which could contribute to obesity and disease, poor sleep and ultimately, an unhappy existence.
“When you only focus on getting physical rest like napping or massages, you will still suffer from the anxiety and excessive cerebral background noise of a restless mind”, she warned.
The Advantage Health CEO also debunked some myths against self-care, saying it is for anyone who wants to live a long, healthy and great life; it also means time with family and loved ones; it is affordable.
Appreciating the association for the laudable 2021 Forum which was well designed to create an atmosphere of relaxation for the ladies, Mrs Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the roles of pharmacists in the ongoing pandemic, describing them as indispensable members of the healthcare team. She thus sought their partnership in stamping out sexual and gender based violence out of the state.
She said “I appeal to our lady pharmacists to lend their voices and join the movement to stamp out all forms of sexual and gender-based violence in our dear state and country. A lot is being done in this regard by the state government and through the Office of the First Lady.
“Therefore, the support of important stakeholders such as lady pharmacists will turn out to be useful and beneficial towards achieving the goal of zero tolerance for the menace”.
On her part, the Chairman, Lagos State ALPs, Pharm. (Dr) Afusat Adesina, counselled members on the need to always seek opportunities to unwind from hectic official responsibilities as it is crucial to achieve optimum health. “The theme this year is “Relax”. I urge every one of us here to relax and enjoy the rest of the programme”.
Also speaking at the event were the Lagos chairmen of PSN and ACPN, who commended their female colleagues for organising such event spiced with various activities to help them relax and unwind.
Pharm. Iyiola, however stopped the merry making at the occasion for a few minutes to observe minute silence in honour of two of their deceased colleagues who left the earth recently.
For the Father of the Day, Elder Ebenezer Adeleke, lady pharmacists are not doing badly in their healthcare space, as women are leading positions of authorities nationally and internationally. He therefore urged them to latch on to the trend more as they aspire to occupy more leadership positions in the sector.
To attain this goal, he noted they must always be focused and strive to be at their best mentally, which reechoed the essence of the theme “relax”. He charged them with the Scriptural injunction, “casting all your cares on Him for He cares for you”.
The high points of the Forum were the various fun activities such as musical chairs, gele tying, spelling bee and raffle draw.
 Lagos State Chapter has emphasised the necessity of rest and self-care for its members and by extension for all women,){kind=link}