SkillHer Wellness Session Recap, January 2025

The recent SkillHer Wellness Session held on 25th January, 2025 focused on an essential aspect of health—preventive care. Led by Abisoye Ruth Adesanya, a nurse, midwife, and health educator, the session emphasized the importance of proactive health management through The Wellness Cycle, a framework designed to help individuals assess, adjust, and achieve optimal well-being. This SkillHer event was held via Google Meets, increasing accessibility and inclusivity.

Key Takeaways from the Session:

The Power of Preventive Care 

Participants were introduced to the importance of preventive health measures rather than waiting for illness to strike. A powerful example shared during the session is the story of Mercy, a woman who had always considered herself healthy and often skipped routine medical check-ups. However, when she finally decided to undergo a mammogram, doctors detected an early-stage breast cancer that was easily treatable. This case underscored how early detection can be life-saving, reinforcing the need for regular health screenings.

Understanding the Wellness Cycle

The concept of wellness was explained beyond just physical health, extending to mental, emotional, and social well-being. Participants learned about the Wellness Continuum, which highlighted how people move between different states of health based on their lifestyle choices.

The Wellness Cycle itself was broken down into three key steps:

1. Assessing one's current state of health.

2. Adjusting lifestyle habits to improve well-being.

3. Achieving long-term health goals through consistent action.

How to Assess Wellness

Attendees were guided on how to perform self-assessments, using personal checklists and reflections on their physical and mental well-being. The session also stressed the importance of professional health assessments, which help in the early detection of diseases. Some key health screenings discussed included:

- Blood pressure checks to monitor heart health.

- Blood tests for conditions such as diabetes and cholesterol.

- Mammograms for early breast cancer detection.

- Pap smears for cervical cancer screening.

Nurse Adesanya highlighted that early detection leads to better treatment outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and improved quality of life. She encouraged SkillHer participants to participate in the wellness wheel activity to assess and rate their wellness physically, financially/occupationally, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Adjusting for Better Health

Participants were encouraged to make small but impactful lifestyle changes, such as:

- Eating a balanced diet to improve overall health.

- Engaging in regular physical activity to maintain fitness and mental well-being.

- Prioritizing mental health through mindfulness and stress management

techniques.

- Scheduling routine check-ups, even when feeling healthy, to prevent unforeseen

health complications.

Achieving Optimal Health

The session concluded with an emphasis on consistency and commitment in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Participants were reminded that wellness is an ongoing journey, requiring intentional effort and proactive choices.

Final Thoughts

The SkillHer Wellness Session provided an insightful and practical guide to preventive healthcare, empowering attendees to take charge of their health. The discussions reinforced that health is a priority, not an afterthought, and that small steps taken today can lead to a healthier future.

For those who missed the session, this recap serves as a reminder to assess, adjust, and take action toward better health—because your well-being is in your hands!