NGO organises free medical screening for widows, market women

Eagles Wings Development Centre, non-government organisation (NGO), has organised free diabetes, hypertension and blood sugar tests for widows and market women, including distribution of drugs to citizens in Lagos.

The screening, which held at National Stadium, Surulere, was meant to honour women, especially widows in remembrance of this year’s International Day for Women.

A member of the medical team at the screening Mrs. Kofowolola Ayodele, said that 35 per cent of those who participated in the screening were diagnosed of diabetes, hypertension and high blood sugar, adding that these health conditions are increasing because of lifestyle and types of food people eat.

She said: “We check their glucose levels as many of them are hypertensive and diabetic; we advise them to visit hospitals for medical check ups because the major health challenge we have in Nigerian is that many people do not visit hospital for medical check ups until they at the point of death”.

“Those who tested positive are not aware they are hypertensive and diabetic. We advised them to avoid taking much salt and fatty food such as soft drinks because it contains high sugar level. It is better to eat high fibre foods; vegetables and fruits because they are good for the body”.

She advised those who are diabetic to reduce stress, old people should eat more vegetables and fruit-related foods, while children should eat balanced diets because it would help their growth.

“Major cause of hypertension is stress because there is hardship in the country and people find it difficult to relax. So, people should make out time to relax irrespective hardship. Taking plenty of water is good to health”.

The founder of the NGO, Mrs. Bunmi Oloyede, said God inspired her to establish the NGO, adding that it is meant to help women, especially the girl child.

She said: “Today we are remembering women, and decided to help women, who are in need in our society. I want to encourage women whether married, single, and young girls that there is hope for them. Widows should not give up irrespective of what they go through”.