Lagos turns out enmasse for Endo Walk 2016

IT was a star-studded list of Nigerians  that braved the early-morning downpour on Saturday March 5, 2016, to  participate in the annual Endo Walk, aimed at breaking the silence around Endometrioisis - a silent but growing health condition that predisposes women of reproductive age to ill health, infertility and severe periodic pains.
The 5-kilometre walk, organised by Endometriosis Support Group of Nigeria, ESGN, (an initiative of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos), in collaboration with Diamond Woman (a female-friendly initiative of Diamond Bank Plc.),  was to raise awareness about endometriosis and to keep women on the alert.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 170 million women worldwide and occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere – most commonly on the ovaries, in the recto-vaginal septum, bladder and bowel.
The tissue bleeds every month, and can cause severe and chronic pain.
Among the notable participants were former Miss Nigeria, Ms. Nike Oshinowo; the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN 2015, Unoaku Ayandike; Anne Idibia-Macaulay; an International Model, Millen Magese; Executive Director, Mirabele Centre, Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba; Ace Comedian, Ali Baba and a host of Nollywood stars.
Medical Director, Nordica Lagos, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi said Endometriosis is lifelong  and women need to know how to manage it so that they can have quality life and enjoy their marriages.
“It is a chronic disease where tissues that are normally found lining the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body forming lesions.
During menstrual flow, these lesions bleed in their locations leading to pain. The most common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful bowel movement, menstrual pain and sometimes some degree of infertility.”
Spokesperson for Diamond Bank,  Ayona Trimnell, said Diamond Woman, is an initiative that caters for the complete woman, is very passionate about the education and awareness level of the woman especially in dealing with health conditions like Endometriosis.