Stay healthy this December: Essential tips from pharmacist Vukona Baloyi

As the summer sun graces South Africa, beach bags are packed and braais are sizzling, and the festive spirit of December beckons families to make cherished memories. Yet amidst the holiday fervour, pharmacist Vukona Baloyi is advocating for something crucial to be added to the checklist: prioritising health. “The holiday season should be about making memories, not medical emergencies,” she states emphatically, addressing the common healthcare challenges faced by South Africans during this time.

According to Baloyi, a pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s first courier pharmacy, the combination of travel, extreme heat, disrupted routines, indulgent meals, and increased alcohol consumption can quickly overwhelm even the healthiest individuals. “Every year, we see the same pattern. People forget their chronic medication, spend long hours in the sun, and eat or drink far more than usual. The result is a wave of avoidable health problems landing in pharmacies and doctors’ rooms,” she explains.

The perfect storm of holiday health issues

The holiday season often brings with it a surge in physical and mental health concerns. Respiratory infections, stomach bugs, dehydration, sunburn, and digestive distress tend to rise as families gather, travel increases, and food is prepared in large quantities. Furthermore, Baloyi notes that many individuals experience heightened stress, anxiety, or low moods once their daily routines are disrupted.

When heat meets medicine

The sweltering summer heat poses additional challenges for those reliant on medication. Baloyi highlights that “high temperatures can damage certain medications and reduce their effectiveness. If tablets change colour or smell, or if insulin or liquid medicines appear unusual, it’s safest not to use them.”

Moreover, some medications can make patients more susceptible to heat and sun exposure, including common treatments for diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and depression. Baloyi advises, “If you're unsure, a quick chat with your pharmacist could save you from severe sunburn or heat exhaustion.”

She cautions against heatstroke and dehydration, stressing the importance of staying hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding peak sun hours, and being mindful of early warning signs like dizziness, cramps, nausea, or extreme fatigue.

Party wisely and medicate religiously

With holiday festivities comes heavy eating and irregular food safety habits, which can lead to heartburn, bloating, indigestion, and foodborne illnesses. Alcohol can further exacerbate these symptoms and interact unpredictably with chronic medications. Baloyi underscores the seriousness of skipped chronic medications, stating, “Missed medication remains one of the most serious risks during the holidays. We regularly see uncontrolled blood pressure, unstable blood glucose, asthma flare-ups, or rebound symptoms when treatment lapses during the festive rush.”

She recommends checking with a pharmacist if you plan to drink over the holidays, as alcohol interacts with more medications than people realise, potentially increasing side-effects or preventing medication from working effectively.

Extra care for kids

During this bustling season, children are especially vulnerable when it comes to holiday travel and outdoor activities. Baloyi advises families to have a well-stocked first-aid kit which should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain and fever medicine, antihistamines, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal prescription medicines. “Travel can introduce additional risks such as motion sickness, dehydration, and, on long journeys, blood clots. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and ensure all medications, including spares, are packed safely,” she suggests.

Smart travel, safe holidays

For those embarking on road trips, Baloyi offers practical tips:

• Take breaks every two hours to stretch and move.
• Keep medications in the cool interior, not the hot boot.
• Pack medicines in carry-on luggage when flying.
• Bring copies of prescription information.
• Stay hydrated, even if it means more bathroom stops.

Your December action plan

Baloyi’s prescription for a healthy holiday season is refreshingly simple:

• Before you leave: Collect chronic medications, update your first-aid kit, and check medicine interactions with alcohol.
• During celebrations: Stay hydrated, eat safely prepared food, and pace yourself.
• In the heat: Seek shade during peak hours (10 am-4 pm), wear protective clothing, and monitor medication storage.
• If problems arise: Don't wait – speak to a pharmacist immediately.

“Pharmacists are your most accessible healthcare professionals, especially when doctors' offices close for the holidays,” Baloyi reiterates. “We're here to help in all 11 official languages, whether you need advice, emergency supplies, or just peace of mind.”

The bottom line

This December, give yourself the gift of good health. A little planning now ensures more time enjoying what matters most – whether that’s splashing in the pool with the kids, catching up with loved ones, or simply unwinding in the shade with a good book. “Take care of the basics,” Baloyi concludes, “and December will take care of itself.”

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