Our Ancestors are not The Enemy; The True Causes of Sudden Death and Health Crisis During Festive Periods

As Christmas approaches, many of us look forward to travelling home to reunite with family, celebrate, share memories, and enjoy the warmth of our communities. The festive season is indeed a time of joy, love, and connection. But it is also a period when many people unknowingly put their health at risk, often with tragic consequences. Across our society, sudden deaths or severe health crises that occur during the holidays are too frequently attributed to spiritual attacks, family enemies, or ancestral forces.

While spirituality is deeply rooted in our culture, we must face an important truth: many health emergencies are not spiritual at all, they are medical. They are preventable, predictable, and often caused by lifestyle choices we ignore during moments of celebration. Health experts warn that many of today’s common illnesses stem from the foods we consume and the lifestyles we maintain. During Christmas, these risks increase significantly.

When we travel home, we step into an environment filled with starchy meals, salty delicacies, fatty foods, fried snacks, heavy meats, and generous amounts of alcohol. While these foods are not harmful in themselves, they become dangerous when taken in excess, especially for individuals living with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, or obesity. These conditions do not go away because it is Christmas, and they do not take a break simply because we are celebrating.

Many people abandon their medical routines once they travel. Some forget or intentionally stop their medications. Others indulge in heavy meals and alcohol without restraint. Some stay awake late into the night, stressing their bodies further. The result is often sudden collapse, stroke, heart failure, diabetic emergencies, or unexpected death.

Because these events can occur without warning, people quickly blame village enemies or ancestral spirits. But in truth, our ancestors are not the cause, and our brothers and sisters at home are not plotting against us. What we often call “spiritual attack” is the direct result of ignoring medical advice and neglecting our health. This Christmas season, every traveller should make their health a priority.

Go for a complete medical check-up before leaving your place of residence. Know your blood pressure, sugar level, and general health status. Carry all your medications with you, and take them exactly as prescribed, celebration is not a reason to stop. Eat responsibly and politely decline what your body cannot handle. Avoid excessive alcohol, rest well, and do not allow the excitement of the season to push your body beyond its limit.

As a people, we must begin to change the narrative. Not every illness is spiritual, and not every misfortune originates from the village. Science and spirituality can coexist, but we must not reject medical knowledge. Good health is a blessing, and protecting it is a personal responsibility. Your family wants you alive.

Your community wants to celebrate with you again next year. Your ancestors are not after your life; they want you to use wisdom. Let us celebrate wisely this season. Let us correct the misconceptions that turn preventable medical emergencies into fear of unseen forces. Above all, let us choose life, through knowledge, moderation, and responsibility.