In Kenya, the festive season means family visits, road trips upcountry, nyama choma, pilau, chapati, Christmas cake, and late-night celebrations. While this is a joyful time, it can also be challenging for your health—especially if you are managing a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, or joint problems.
At Bristol Park Hospital, we believe you can enjoy the festivities while still taking good care of your health. Here are practical holiday health tips tailored for Kenyans to help you stay well throughout the season.
During December holidays, many people:
Travel long distances upcountry
Eat more than usual and exercise less
Miss clinic appointments or medication
Delay seeking medical care
For individuals with chronic conditions, these changes can lead to complications such as high blood pressure spikes, unstable blood sugar levels, asthma attacks, or joint pain flare-ups.
A little planning can help you celebrate safely.
1. Enjoy Festive Foods the Healthy Way
Traditional festive foods in Kenya are delicious—but often high in oil, salt, and sugar.
Healthy eating tips during Kenyan festivities:
Enjoy nyama choma in moderation and avoid excess salt
Balance meals with sukuma wiki, managu, cabbage, kunde, or fresh salads
Limit sugary drinks, sodas, and alcohol
Choose water, fresh juice (without added sugar), or uji
For people with diabetes or hypertension: Avoid skipping meals during long visits or travel. Carry healthy snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
2. Don’t Miss Your Medication—Even While Travelling Upcountry
One of the biggest risks during holidays is forgetting medication while travelling.
Medication tips for Kenyans during holidays:
Carry enough medication for the entire trip, plus extra
Keep medication in hand luggage when travelling
Set reminders on your phone
Refill prescriptions early before clinics close for holidays
If you are unsure about your medication schedule, our doctors at Bristol Park Hospital can review it before you travel.
3. Stay Active Despite the Festive Mood
Many Kenyans become less active during the holidays, especially after long meals and road trips.
Easy ways to stay active:
Take morning or evening walks with family
Help with household chores or farm work upcountry
Stretch regularly, especially after long drives
Avoid sitting for long hours without movement
Even light physical activity helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, and joint stiffness.
4. Manage Stress, Fatigue, and Late Nights
The festive season can also be emotionally and physically draining due to:
Financial pressure
Travel fatigue
Hosting responsibilities
Late nights and little sleep
Protect your mental and physical health by:
Getting enough rest
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
Taking breaks when overwhelmed
Practising deep breathing or quiet time
Good sleep supports your heart, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
5. Protect Yourself from Seasonal Illnesses
December in Kenya often comes with rainy weather, increasing the risk of flu, colds, malaria, and respiratory infections.
Stay healthy by:
Washing hands frequently
Avoiding crowded areas when unwell
Using mosquito nets, especially upcountry
Seeking medical care early if symptoms appear
If you experience chest pain, severe headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or high fever, seek immediate medical attention.
6. Plan Ahead for Emergencies
If you are travelling far from your usual healthcare facility:
Carry a brief medical history
Know the nearest hospital along your route
Save emergency contact numbers on your phone
Bristol Park Hospital offers 24/7 emergency services, ensuring support whenever you need it during the festive season.
Celebrate Safely with Bristol Park Hospital
The holidays are meant to be joyful—not stressful. With mindful choices and proper medical support, you can enjoy the season while keeping your health under control.
At Bristol Park Hospital, we offer:
Chronic disease management
Emergency and trauma services
Diagnostic and screening services
Specialist consultations
📞 Call us on +254 709 880000–5
📍 Visit our branches in Kitengela, Machakos, Fedha, Tassia and Utawala
