Experts urge women to prioritise mental health, healthy lifestyles
Experts urge women to prioritise mental health, healthy lifestyles
A consultant psychiatrist, Dr Kabirat Kilanse-Oni, and other health advocates have urged women to prioritise mental health, seek medical advice and adopt healthier lifestyles.
They gave the advice at the seventh Muslimah Health Forum organised by Bountiis in Lagos on Saturday.
Kilanse-Oni, of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, warned women against ignoring persistent headaches, fatigue and other possible signs of underlying health conditions.
She said women’s mental and physical well-being were essential for functioning effectively and realising their full potential in society.
The psychiatrist advised women to manage stress, get adequate rest and seek professional medical assessment when experiencing concerning symptoms.
She explained that cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, could remain elevated during prolonged stress and affect the body’s normal functioning.
Kilanse-Oni warned that unmanaged stress could have wider health implications, including an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
She emphasised the importance of recognising warning signs early and seeking appropriate care rather than dismissing symptoms.
Similarly, Lasbat Kabiawu-Mutiu, a lead public relations expert at Bountiis Foundation, urged people to take health concerns seriously and consult qualified professionals.
She cautioned against relying on artificial intelligence tools and social media influencers to diagnose health conditions without professional medical assessment.
Kabiawu-Mutiu encouraged regular medical check-ups and proper diagnosis, stressing the importance of obtaining reliable medical advice when health concerns arose.
She disclosed that securing funding was among the challenges encountered while planning the forum.
However, she said sponsorship extended beyond financial support, as sponsors also provided free medical checks for participants.
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Kabiawu-Mutiu attributed the forum’s consistency over the years to the organisers’ shared commitment to improving Muslim women’s well-being.
Also speaking, Lateefah Adelekan, one of the sponsors, described women as queens of the home and builders of the nation.
She urged women to protect their health by eating balanced diets, consuming adequate protein and moderating their carbohydrate intake.
Adelekan said healthy eating habits could help women manage their blood sugar levels and support their overall well-being.
The forum brought together participants to discuss women’s health, preventive care and the importance of seeking appropriate medical attention.
