BAGUIO CITY — The holiday season is a time for joy, but health officials are reminding Baguio residents not to let celebrations take a toll on their hearts — or minds.

The Baguio City Health Services Office (CHSO) has issued a seasonal advisory urging people to prioritize both cardiovascular health and mental wellness. Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes, chief of the CHSO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, warned that festivities often lead people to skip medications, a risky move for those managing heart and cerebrovascular conditions — the city’s top killers.

From January to 15 December, CHSO recorded 828 deaths from heart disease and 179 from strokes. Mortality rates typically spike during seasonal changes, especially in April and from November to December. Officials advise residents to make healthier food choices and keep tabs on their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney function during the holiday rush.

Mental wellbeing is equally important, Dr. Panes said. She cautioned against making comments on someone’s weight, marital status, or finances during gatherings, which can trigger the “holiday blues” — a mix of stress, anxiety, and sadness often amplified by family conflicts, financial worries, or grief.