By NAN
A former president of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo has urged women across the country to find time to unwind and dance to checkmate and address mental health challenges.
Onyilo gave the charge at a conference/seminar to sensitise Nigerians on alternative medicine product, ‘Emiral Elixir’ in Abuja.
The conference/seminar with the theme: “Promoting Health Well-being Through Alternative Medicine” was organised by Emiral Global and Abuja Women Dance.
According to the former NAWOJ president, the government is yet to actively fund research for alternative medicine.
Onyilo, who is also a member of the Abuja Women Dance, however, noted that there was nothing wrong with orthodox medicine, except the issue of adulteration and fake drugs.
She suggested that Nigeria could emulate China by seriously looking at the direction of effective alternative medicine, adding that, they are simple things like basic fruits, vegetables and plants.
“They can be researched upon, harnessed and put together to ensure that we have sound health, including mental health.
“We advocate sound mental health. People, especially women don’t find time to relax, because they are too busy chasing money, daily bread and taking care of the family.
“And in that process, many things go wrong; there is high level of stress that can lead to depression and other negative energy.
“Women bear the brunt for children, husbands, school runs and 90 per cent of everything.
“I, therefore, urged all women in the country to once in a while, unwind, find the time to relax, dance, do what they love doing and take care of themselves.
“Their well-being is very crucial to national development. When you have sick women in a society, then that society cannot be wholesome,” Onyilo said.
According to her, at the Abuja Women Dance, members come together, dance, do Yoga, physical exercise and talk to themselves about what women are passing through.
“At the Abuja Women Dance, we come together and try to help ourselves and also promote issues that will promote women’s health, well-being and mental health”. (NAN)
