Military wives from across Papua New Guinea have been encouraged to place greater emphasis on their own health and wellbeing while continuing to support their families and communities.
The message was delivered during a health awareness presentation at the 9th biennial Military Wives Convention currently underway in Port Moresby.
Critical Care Nurse Specialist Sr. Nathalie Mosh from the Murray Barracks Clinic presented a session on empowering military wives to overcome stress, prevent lifestyle diseases and protect their overall health.
Speaking to participants, Sr Mosh acknowledged the important role military wives play in supporting their spouses, raising children and maintaining strong family units within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force community.
She said the demands of military life often place significant pressure on women, particularly during deployments, extended work commitments, financial challenges and family responsibilities.
According to the presentation, prolonged and unmanaged stress can negatively affect mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, contributing to conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and strained family relationships.
Sr Mosh encouraged participants to recognise the signs of stress early, including fatigue, headaches, poor sleep, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
She outlined practical ways women can better manage stress, including maintaining regular prayer and devotion, engaging in physical exercise, getting adequate rest, eating nutritious foods and seeking support from trusted friends, family members or health professionals when needed.
The session drew inspiration from the convention theme, “Arise Esthers! For Such a Time as This,” based on the biblical story of Queen Esther, whose courage, wisdom and resilience were highlighted as qualities military wives can emulate in their daily lives.
Participants were reminded that caring for their own health is not only beneficial to them personally but also strengthens their ability to support their families and contribute positively to their communities.
The presentation concluded with a call for military wives to rise above challenges, prioritise self-care and become role models for healthier living within their households and across the wider PNGDF family.
