THE Anglican Women of Alor Archdeaconry have been urged to be mindful of their health in devotion to the service of God and humanity.

Elsie Nwokolo, the president, Women’s Ministry, Diocese on the Niger, noted this during the 2019 Alor Archdeaconry Women’s Conference, held at St. Andrew’s Church, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area.

Nwokolo, while speaking on the theme of the conference: “Take Your Cross Daily and Follow Me,’’ enjoined every woman to embrace Jesus Christ, so as to selfless disciples.

“Bearing the cross entails seeking God, denying ones’ self to please God in everything and everywhere.

“Preach the word of God, relate well with your neighbours and don’t allow your children to be pagans,” Nwokolo said.

She pleaded with the women to be sacrificial as Jesus Christ, and continue to support the Women’s Ministry University Hostel project at Umunya financially, saying “it is a legacy that generations will benefit from.’’

Amalachukwu Elobisi, the hostess and Alor Archdeacon’s wife, in her address described the conference theme as a call to be committed to the God’s assignment, discipleship, selflessness and sacrifice even at one’s inconvenience.

She noted that in the Christian race, one had to sacrifice time, talent, treasure and be ready to give out all for Jesus and await His great reward.

“Carrying your cross is not physical punishment but a resolve to focus on God while serving him in spite of any form of distraction or discouragement.

“You will reap your reward either now or by generations to come,’’ Elobisi noted.

She, then, said that good health was required to serve God effectively while urging women to always go for medical checkups.

Esther Maduka, the deputy director, School of Nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, while presenting her health seminar, entitled, “Holistic Care of the Woman,’’ talked about self and medical examinations.

Speaking on breast cancer, she enjoined the women to check or ask their husbands to help them to check for growth or lumps in their breasts monthly, saying that early detection and treatment was vital.

She noted risk factors associated with developing breast cancers in the female gender to include aging, family history, early menstruation, late menopause, late child bearing or childlessness and previous radiotherapy.

Maduka indicated symptoms of breast cancer are also changes in breast tissue; painless or painful hard lumps; discharge from the nipple or the nipple pulling into the breast.

She urged the women to see a doctor immediately they discover any lump in their breasts.

The deputy director also spoke on the menace of cervical cancer which had become common among Nigerian women, enjoining them to take preventive measures if possible.

“Tobacco intake, having multiple sex partners, taking oral contraceptives for a long period, being sexually active before 18, dieting low in fruits and vegetables and sexually transmitted infections might cause cervical cancers.

“Detoxification is necessary for every woman. Proper dieting, exercise and stress reduction can lead to improvements in cholesterol levels. Maintain normal blood pressure level,’’ Maduka admonished.

She urged the women to avoid high consumption of lots of red meat; take more of nuts and fiber in place of canned or processed foods.

The conference also featured revivals, family management teachings, prayer ministrations, award presentation to deserving members and programme of the year schedule.

– May. 1, 2019 @ 13:19 GMT |