The festive season is a special time in Uyo and Calabar. Families reunite, friends travel from far and near, streets feel more alive, and celebrations fill the air. After a long year, many people finally slow down and enjoy the moment. As a pharmacist, I also know that this season comes with changes — changes in routine, sleep, diet, travel, and sometimes health needs. Over the years, festive periods have taught us one important truth: health concerns do not take holidays.
This message is to help you enjoy the season safely and confidently, using simple health practices backed by professional guidance and data of what people in our community are actively searching for. During holidays, clinics may close early and hospital visits can become stressful. Community pharmacies are often the first point of care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pharmacists play a key role in primary healthcare by providing medication counselling, preventive health advice, and early intervention support.
Choosing a trusted pharmacy in Uyo or Calabar means choosing:
- Proper medication counselling
- Quality-assured medicines
- Confidential and respectful care
👉 Learn more about our professional commitment
Stay Active While Enjoying the Festivities
Staying active does not mean intense exercise. Small movements matter. In Uyo, residents can enjoy light physical activity at familiar spots:
- Ibom Plaza, recently redesigned and restored as a safe space for leisure and movement
- The Uyo Christmas Village, where dancing and walking are part of the fun
- Community fitness events that combine celebration with wellness
In Calabar, carnival activities, walks, and dance routines naturally keep people moving.
Physical activity supports digestion, heart health, and energy levels — especially during periods of heavy meals.
Mindful Eating and Proper Hydration
Festive meals are part of the joy, but balance is key.mSimple steps include:
- Using smaller plates to manage portion sizes
- Including vegetable-based sides such as ugu or spinach dishes
- Choosing grilled or boiled protein options where possible
Hydration is equally important. Drinking enough water before and after meals helps digestion and reduces overeating. Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, and alternate celebratory beverages with water.
Medication Safety: A Common Festive Mistake
One of the most common issues we see during festive seasons is medication misuse. People travel and forget regular medicines. Others mix alcohol with medications unknowingly. Some reuse old prescriptions or accept advice from friends instead of healthcare professionals.
Medical bodies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that improper medication use increases the risk of side effects, treatment failure, and antibiotic resistance.
Important reminders:
- Antibiotics must be taken exactly as prescribed
- Pain medicines and supplements should not be mixed without advice
- Skipping doses reduces treatment effectiveness
👉 Read more on safe medication use
Confidential Care for Sensitive Health Needs
Some health concerns require privacy and trust. During festive periods, we notice more people quietly asking about HIV testing, PEP, and preventive care. Global health organisations, including UNAIDS, highlight that early testing and prevention reduce long-term health risks and community transmission.
As your pharmacist, I want you to know:
- Your questions are valid
- Your privacy is respected
- Professional guidance helps you make informed decisions
A community pharmacy should be a safe space — and we take that responsibility seriously.
👉 Learn more about HIV awareness and prevention
Use Community Health Services and Stay Safe
Festive seasons often come with medical outreaches and public health initiatives. Free screenings for malaria, hypertension, and diabetes are sometimes available through BEZ Pharmacy community partnerships in Uyo and Calabar.
Also remember:
- Practice good hygiene, especially after public events
- Support clean, zero-waste celebrations
- Follow road safety rules when travelling
- Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or alertness-reducing medicines
During large events like the Calabar Carnival, public health campaigns such as the Wise Up initiative offer useful safety information.
Rest, Mental Health, and Personal Balance
The festive season can be joyful but exhausting. Aim for:
- 7–9 hours of sleep daily
- Short periods of quiet time to recharge
- Staying connected with family and friends for emotional support
Mental rest strengthens immunity and reduces holiday stress.
Community Health Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Strong communities depend on access to quality healthcare, trusted professionals, and informed decision-making. Community pharmacies bridge the gap between hospitals and daily health needs.
At BEZ Pharmacy, our mission remains simple:
- Professional pharmaceutical care
- Ethical practice
- Community-focused service
As the Year Comes to an End
As we celebrate and prepare for a new year, make health a priority. Small choices — choosing the right pharmacy, using medications correctly, asking questions early — make a lasting difference.
If you are searching for a pharmacy near you that values professionalism, confidentiality, and community care, trusted support is close by.
Visit BEZ Pharmacy
For professional guidance, quality medicines, and trusted pharmaceutical care this festive season:
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and joyful festive season.
Pharm. Chinedu Oyeka
Manager, BEZ Pharmacy Uyo