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Female Stress Syndrome: Coping With Menopause

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Amidst other stress
syndromes Common with the female sex, Menopause is yet another issue that has engaged the worry of most average and well-thought ladies.
The ceasation of ovarian function, stopping of the menstrual cycle and the end of the reproductive years, Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s life. It usually occurs between the ages of 42-55.  The average age is about 50 and the transition is generally up to five years.
While this is occurring, there tends to be a hormone starvation, since menopause usually results from a decreased production of the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) Particularly, the estrogen, which the reduced supply increases the possibility of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy.
Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, sixth edition, reveals that menopause comes along with insomnia, hot flashes, irritability, backaches, disturbances in calcium metabolism, dizziness, mental instability, bladder problems, headaces, dryness and aging of the skin, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.  Some women however, have almost no symptom at all, other than the absence of menses.
With all its accompanied experiences, most of which are unpleasant and even undesirable, the average woman deploys every tool within her reach to avoid the stresses as they not only drastically reduces her value to her man but affect her general output to the economic barn of the family as the years roll on.
Although it could be termed an age of younger-aged marriages, there are yet ladies who do not get married until the ages of 35-40.  Such, so close to the menopausal age, it is wonder then the worth or relevance of such women in their matrimonial homes in the nearest years. Another tool then for infidelity, complex, anxiety and fears in most marriages today.
As natural as it is, the woman, not being able to change the situation, rationally endures it.  Unfortunately, most menopause don’t proceed normally, but accompanies even more dreadful symptoms, leaving the woman restless and susceptible to more external health influences.  However, when it does proceeds normally, the adrenals and liver increase their output of female hormones, mating up the difference from the lost ovarian function.
According to a Director in the State Civil Service, “(menopause is  entirely another phase of life for the woman.  Ordinarily, the woman feels that she would have her body back in her hands having been through with childbearing.  But no.  The stress is sometimes so much that you wonder if your problem is more than a medical health issue”.
Nonetheless, as part of measures to keep the woman  a little free from the stress of the time (menopausal age), it has become popular to take estrogen supplements to prevent or postpone menopausal symptoms.  But, it should be noted that there is an increased risk of cancer when this is done unwisely.
While it is recommended that oral estrogen should not be accompanied by progesterone because of its high risk of cancer particularly of the uterus and breast, synthetic, not natural estrogens are given in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).  These tend to accumulate in the body and can also cause metabolic changes in the liver which can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention and blood clots.
But, natural estrogens are available one of which is the equine estrogen. Extracted from the urine of pregnant mares, it is very powerful and may also cause some changes in the liver to the extent that smokers, obessed women with high blood pressure and cholesterol or varicose veins are advised against it. Somewhat safer estrogens are Estropipate (Ogen) and Estradiol.
These are all metabolised  more easily by the body but only the smallest possible dose should be used and taken every other day.
Estrogen is the popular female sex hormone and most wanted for the proper functioning of the woman, thus, even desired to be replaced at menopause. Recent studies is proving that it is even more important to replace the lessened progesterone than that of estrogen.  Natural progesterone-like creams (from the herb, wild yam, which contains diosgenin) provide a simplified way to do this and so many women have been helped by doing so.
Apart from the broadened HRT which can be expensive and sometimes cumbersome except for the average and learned woman, there are other simplified means of coping with the stresses with less expense.  Unfortunately, ignorance has caused a lot of sufferings among women mostly of the lower class which this edition is focused on alleviating.
Simply put, there are some simple ways of living a somewhat stress free. Menopausal life:·Raw fruits and vegetable juices, brewer’s yeast, lecithin and cold-pressed vegetable oils are needed in the system.  The diet should be at least 50 percent raw food.·If estrogen (hormone replacement) therapy is begun, take vitamin E several hours earlier or later and not at the same time. Taking it up to 1,200 IU is especially important during this time.    ·In addition, generous amounts of vitamins B6 (500mg) B12 (1000mg), Vitamin C(1000mg) and folic acid (5mg) will make the estrogen therapy more effective, especially as Vitamin C works with bioflavonoids to maintain capillary strength.
·It is very important that sufficient calcium (4000mg) be taken to maintain a proper calcium-phosphorus balance.  As menopause sets in, the woman lacks enough calcium in the body due to the lessened estrogen; thus, it becomes important that calcium supplement be taken henceforth.·An increase in protein and reduction in carbohydrates is recommended at this time. Maintain an adequate intake of Vitamin D (1000 IU), Iron (50mg) and magnesium (1000 mg). Do not use alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, sugar, hot soups or drinks. They make the emotions to swing worse and the blood more acidic.  This causes the bones to release extra calcium to balance the blood PH and weaken the bones if extra calcium is taken.·
Substitute garlic & onion powder for salt. Consuming salt increases urinary excretion of calcium.·Drink plenty of water each day to avoid drying of the skin mucous membranes.·Avoid mental and emotional stress and worry.   Always be happy with yourself no matter what.·Get plenty of outdoor exercise and sufficient rest. A lack of exercise weakens the body density. ·Endeavour to be calm and relaxed.  Only do one thing at a time and avoid becoming anxious.
·In all, proper diet, nutritional supplements, exercise and adequate rest can minimize the effects of menopause.

 

Lady Godknows Ogbelu

Christian Association of Nigeria (Can) women's wing entertaining at the farewell  for intending Christian pilgrims to Israel. Photo: NAN

Christian Association of Nigeria (Can) women’s wing entertaining at the farewell for intending Christian pilgrims to Israel.
Photo: NAN

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Women

The Desire Of Every Woman In Marriage

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A woman needs a man that is honest,  trustworthy,  nice,  loving and financially stable.
There are no two ways about finance in marriage. No matter the level of love, If there is no money,  it is always difficult.


Referring to the Biblical belief in Genesis 3:Your desire  shall be unto you……..
That is one aspect  the woman expects her husband to take care of.
A woman wants a husband that is not lazy,  at least helping to do one or two things.   A man that is educated and intelligent.
She knows that there is a trait that her husband has.  Traits of taking care of people,  giving freely to people and caring for her family.
A woman wants to love a husband that has family interest at heart. A man that spends time with his family,  remembering his family even as he is away from home.
A woman should not antagonise her husband because of one error or the other. No matter the level of offence he may have committed, you still show some love.


According to the Scripture, it is with wisdom that the women builds her home.
It is not as if the woman will not monitor her husband, but to certain limit.  Don’t be a monitoring spirit.  Don’t allow anything to take your joy.
Don’t loose trust in your husband.
The idea of checking your husband’s phone should be discouraged. The more you check your husband and his phone, the more you loose your joy.


The home should not be a battle ground for a woman and man.  A woman should be able to ask herself if the check on her husband will pay her any good.
Draw a line to a point where you checkmate your husband’s activities.
A woman wants a man that will love her and telling her you love her will be all she desires.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

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Women

What Women Want In Yet-To -Be Husbands

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What women want in their yet-to- be husbands matters a lot as far as marriage is concerned.
A woman desires a good fnancial prospect. Interestingly, some modern women place a man’s financial potential as more desirable than they have in the past.
Many decades ago, women ranked it lower on the list. It still comes in after items like love and maturity, but perhaps today’s women realise that a good economic partner is good husband material.
Good health has been an important characteristic for women through the 20th century and remains so these days. One might argue that because we’re living even longer, health plays a huge role in the success of a marriage. Women are anxious to know that their partners are healthy to be able to run the family together.
You discover that in most faith based organisations, would- be couples are mandated to go for medical tests to ascertain their health status as it concerns HIV/AIDS, Genotype and other related ones. This according to stakeholders is to ensure that couples raise healthy families.
Ambition has become less important to women over time, though it still being considered even if women nowadays are thriving in the workforce competing with the male folk. It may be because more women are thriving in the workforce, they want a husband who has earning power but are not looking for him to be the sole provider.
More women want husbands with pleasing disposition. They may not want a man who is always moody. A man who is always cheerful is whom they desire.
Surprisingly, a man’s likes do not rank as high on women’s list of wants as it used to. Until recently, women are more willing to accept a man for who he his, despite the inevitable mood he may be.
Sociability from both men and women rank very high on their marriag material list. And for both sexes, it has been steadily moving up the list for many years. The rise of the “love marriage,” a partnership based on attraction rather than practicalities (like wealth or status) might mean that married couples are more likely to be friends and have mutual circles of friends.
A lot of couples want to associate with others and then socialise. Attending parties of other friends forms part of their marriage requirements.
Women have placed education and intelligence top making it one of their most desirable male traits for decades. This timeline coincides with more and more women receiving college education themselves. Once education becomes important in women’s lives, it is a more attractive trait in potential husbands.
Of course when a woman is educated, she is likely to go for an educated man. When they are gainfully employed, their income boost the family affairs faster.
Today, women are much more attracted to men who are interested in home and family than they ever have been. Men who have desire for their home and children is whom they desire.
After a days job, a man will come home to ensure that his children are comfortable. Because most women today are expecting to be in dual-earner relationships, they want husbands who will be happy and willing to contribute at home. More women today even report that they hope he will take the lead at home.
A woman wants a man who is emotionally stable and mature. Growing big physically is not the issue but maturity in the heart.
Men, too, place a heavy emphasis on a potential wife’s emotional maturity, signaling that it is a key quality for a stable partnership. Women seem to look past appearance to the heart of the matter.
A woman wants a man who is not easily provoked. Dependable character is what some women want in marriage.
Women want husbands that they can count on, and this has not changed in recent years. Yes, women look to their spouses to be lovers and friends, they also want them to be supportive and trustworthy. They want to know that their husbands will be there and remain loyal. Men, too, desire dependable character from their yet-to be wives.
Mutual attraction and love from the first appearance is what they want till they become old.
The highest-rated characteristic women seek from men is mutual attraction and love. Some no longer look for a man who will provide everything, afterall they are also educated and are gainfully employed, they want to be in love.
For some women, even when the man do not provide household needs, the love shown on her is enough. When women had no job prospects and needed to marry, they desired love . The women’s movement has not only helped women pursue careers, it has also given them more choice in love.

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Echoes Of IWD : Need To Invest In Women

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As this year’s Internatinal Women’s Day (IWD) has come and gone, there are calls from different quarters on the need to invest in women so that we can achieve accelerated growth.
It was, indeed, a thing of joy when Rivers Women Unite For Sim, took delivery of large quantities of sanitary towels and some bags of rice provided them for this year’s celebration.
Many young women expressed joy that they got such gesture since some of them have financial problems getting sanitary towels whenever they are on.
Some secondary school students were also lucky to have a share of the benefits. They also got some sanitary towels.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Women Affairs organised a platform to celebrate and honour the women for the remarkable jobs they perform in their homes and society.
Addressing women on the occasion, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, noted that women from time immemorial have been great pillars in achieving remarkable heights and stressed that IWD across the globe is pivotal all women for the roles they play in bringing, nurturing and sustaining life.
Dr. Uranta said that IWD, which started in 1911 and celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day that provides women a platform to address economic inclusion, participation in political and public life.
She said the day was set aside to look into lack of access to education for the girl-child, gender-based violence, child marriage, child trafficking, harmful cultural practices as well as other challenges facing women around the globe.
The Hon. Commissioner, who described March 8 as a day to celebrate the socio-economic, cultural and political achievements of women, emphasised that it is a day that offers women the opportunity to reflect on progressive achievements.
Noting that it is an opportunity to call for change, she stressed that it is also an opportunity to celebrate acts of courage and every achievement made by ordinary women who did extraordinary things and are remembered in history.
She noted that the IWD2024 theme:”Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress”, is timely and apt because according to her, to achieve gender equality, we must ensure that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women do not elude them.
Her words: ” We must see investing in women as a human right issue and consider investing in women as a social tool to eradicate poverty since women are helpmeet in the homes while a handful are breadwinners in their respective families”.
The commissioner urged women to uphold the deliberate act of investing in themselves, be it furthering formal education, developing a new skill as well as learning a trade.
“Shun idleness, always find something positive and productive to do, regardless of your age, social status and financial capabilities”, she said.
In a paper presentation, Dr. Dabota God’swill Jumbo, reiterated that investing in women would attract good and positive dividends to herself and the society at large and noted that it is essential in addressing poverty, hunger and climate change.
The guest speaker said women need more opportunities in elective and appointive positions, hence the need to encourage and support them in politics.
According to her, when you invest in women, they will be able to create safer environment devoid of gender-based violence.
In a goodwill message, the spokesperson, Rivers Women Unite For Sim, Mrs Charity Deemua appreciated the organisers for making it possible for women to gather and celebrate themselves.
She commended those who created a day like March 8 of every year to celebrate women and regretted that the girl-child was seen as a second-class person decades ago.
The former commissioner, Rivers State House of Assembly Commission, described those who taught it wise for women to celebrate as conquerors, tough and strong.
International Association of World Peace Advocates, a world-class organisation with the United Nations, honoured different categories of women.
In Cross River State, 150 women were empowered with about N15m to boost their small and medium scale businesses.
According to stakeholders, the women empowerment is vital in addressing social, economic and political challenges and will make them self-reliant.
An NGO, Association of Professional Women Engineering Technologists (APWET), said it’s aim is to promote professional excellence among engineering personnel, advocating for women and girl-child education.
With what we saw in terms of response to women’s call on issues affecting them from relevant authorities, we are optimistic that the women will do better whenever they are empowered.
If we must kick out cervical, breast and other forms of cancer in women, underage marriage, prostitution, we must invest in women.
There were goodwill messages from National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC, Nigeria Association of Female Journalists (NAWOJ), among others.

By: Eunice Choko-Kayode

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