The Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos State Chapter has emphasised the necessity of rest and self-care for its members and by extension for all women, as it highlighted the numerous dangers of chronic stress to the human system. The interest group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) made the statement at the 2021 ALPs Forum, held at the Lagos State PSN Secretariat, Ogudu, Lagos, recently.The colourful occasion themed: “Relax”, was well attended by prominent Nigerians and pharmacists, among whom were the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Pensions office, Mrs Bandele Fadipe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo ably represented by Mrs Modupe Badmus, the Chairman of ALPs Forum 2021, Pharm. (Chief) Elfrida Obikili; Iyom Adachi, MD/ CEO of First Elfimo Pharmacy; Pharm Abimbola Adebakin, keynote speaker, represented by Pharm Yewande Adekoya; PSN Chairman, Lagos State PSN, Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola; ACPN Chairman Lagos state, Pharm Lawrence Ekator, Director of Pharmaceutical Services Health Service Commission, Pharm. Segun Okoya, among others. Adebakin, in her keynote speech condemned the workaholic habits in career women as she stressed the importance of relaxation, which improves overall health, as it is linked to lower blood pressure and better sleep, boosts self-esteem, helps women see themselves in a more positive light, as well as builds a formidable immune system. 

On the contrary, she described physiological and mental stress as the cause of chronic diseases and disorders in women, urging the ladies to endeavour to always create a me time for themselves, as sleep is not always a resting time in some cases, when women wake up tired and exhausted. “When women don’t make self-care a priority, they often feel like victims of something outside of themselves, in a position of restrictions and limitations. This prevents women from having rich and fulfilling lives. “Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your health. It weakens your immune system and inflames your body, making you more susceptible to colds, weight gain, sleep issues, stomach ulcers, depression, diabetes and heart disease.