A health professional, Mrs. Remilekun Akinfenwa, has described menopause as a natural stage in the life of every woman, urging women to prepare adequately for the transition rather than see it as a disease.
Menopause: A Natural Biological Transition
Akinfenwa, the Director of Nursing at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, spoke during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Peculiar Good Women Fellowship of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church. The programme, which began on Saturday, ended on Sunday with a thanksgiving service themed, “Mystery of Grace.” Speaking on the topic, “Managing Menopause,” Akinfenwa sought to dispel fears and misconceptions surrounding menopause, insisting that it is a normal biological transition experienced by women.
“It is a natural biological transition in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently. This is a transition. So it is not a disease; it is normal. And we should prepare towards this stage because it is a normal developmental stage of a woman. Therefore, we should know that life continues and our modification to new life is important,” she said.
Stages of Menopause
According to her, menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 50 years, although some women may experience it earlier. She identified the three stages of menopause as perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.
Healthy Lifestyle and Regular Check-ups
The nursing expert also urged women to embrace healthy lifestyles and regular medical check-ups to detect diseases early and prevent avoidable deaths. “A lot of women died due to ignorance,” she said. She stressed the importance of proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest and prompt medical attention whenever unusual symptoms are noticed. “Even cancer is curable when it is diagnosed early. So we should engage in regular check-up,” she added.
Wisdom in Preventive Healthcare
Quoting Proverbs 27:12, Akinfenwa linked preventive healthcare to wisdom and foresight. “Proverb 27:12 says, ‘A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.’ Therefore, wisdom will lead a man or woman to anticipate danger and to take action,” she said. According to her, health encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual well-being. “Some people end up committing suicide when they are faced with challenges because they are not spiritually healthy. According to the World Health Organisation, health is a state of complete wellness physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially and mentally,” she explained.
Christian Parenting and Family Relationships
Also speaking at the event, guest pastor Mrs. Radex Olutimilehin urged couples to make love and friendship the foundation of family life while speaking on “Christian Parenting: Building Intentional Relationships Between Our Children, Behaviour and Discipline.” “There are some families today where there is no relationship between the wives and the husbands because there is no love,” she said. She advised parents to listen to their children, avoid favouritism and discipline with love. “Your first goal as Christians is to introduce your children to God; lead them to Christ,” she added.
Olutimilehin, who is also the Proprietress of Majestic Gloobal School, encouraged men to value and listen to their wives. “Men who listen to their wives make headway,” she said. Another speaker, Pastor Funke Abegunde of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, urged parents to be positive role models to their children. “You are the example for your children. You are the Bible they read, so teach them the word of God and ethical values,” she said.
Celebration of Grace
Earlier, Captain of the Peculiar Good Women Fellowship, Pastor Remi Olatundun, described the 20th anniversary as “a journey of grace,” urging members to embrace love, unity and spiritual growth. The event featured song ministrations and prayers for families, the church and Nigeria.
