Online Reporter
Health Matters
Dr Tendai Zuze
CHRISTMAS in Zimbabwe is a special time marked by family reunions, church services, long-distance travel, music, laughter, and plenty of food. While the festive season is meant to be enjoyed, it is also a period when many avoidable health problems occur. A few practical health reminders can help ensure the celebrations remain joyful rather than ending in clinic visits.
Food is at the centre of most Christmas gatherings. Braais, sadza, rice and chicken, cakes, and fizzy drinks(called minerals in the old days) are everywhere. It is perfectly fine to enjoy festive meals, but overeating for several days in a row often leads to bloating, heartburn, constipation, and poor sleep. Christmas is not the time to store food in preparation for the famous ten-day fasting period that suddenly appears in January.
Eat enough to enjoy, but not so much that you need medical forgiveness afterwards. Leftover food should be stored safely, especially meat and dairy products, as food poisoning remains common during the festive season.
Alcohol intake tends to increase during Christmas. Excessive drinking contributes to road traffic accidents, violence, dehydration, and poor decision making. Mixing alcohol with certain medications, especially those for blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, and mental health conditions, can be dangerous. Moderation is key, and no amount of alcohol is safe for driving.
Many serious injuries and deaths on Zimbabwean roads during this period are entirely preventable.
Although the weather is currently wet and rainy rather than hot, people should still pay attention to hygiene and infection prevention.
Rains increase the risk of diarrhoeal diseases especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Handwashing with soap, using safe water sources, and properly cleaning fruits and vegetables remain very important.
Children playing in muddy water should be supervised, as skin infections and gastrointestinal illnesses can follow.
Travel is a major part of Christmas, with many people travelling to rural homes or visiting relatives across the country.
Long journeys increase fatigue, which affects concentration and reaction time. Drivers should rest adequately, avoid night driving where possible, and resist the temptation to speed in order to arrive early.
Seatbelts save lives, and children should be seated safely at all times. Overloaded vehicles and unsafe public transport remain a serious risk during the festive season.
People living with chronic medical conditions often neglect their health routines during holidays. Blood pressure tablets and other chronic medications in general, should not be skipped because it is Christmas.
Skipping treatment can lead to serious complications that may be difficult to manage when clinics are closed as is often the case over holidays. Anyone travelling should carry enough medication for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays.
Infectious diseases spread more easily during festive gatherings. Coughs, flu and stomach bugs move quickly through families when people share utensils, drinks, and close spaces. If unwell, resting and avoiding close contact protects loved ones.
Parents should also remain alert to common household injuries during this period, including burns from open fires, scalds from hot food, and cuts from sharp objects used during cooking.
Mental and emotional health should not be overlooked.
While Christmas is a joyful time for many, it can be stressful for others due to financial pressure, family conflict, or loneliness. Grief often feels heavier during festive periods.
Checking in on friends, relatives, and neighbours, especially the elderly or those living alone, can make a meaningful difference.
Seeking help early when feeling overwhelmed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Christmas is about celebration, connection, and rest.
By making sensible health choices, families can enjoy the festive season fully and enter the new year healthier.
Happy Holidays
