Health care that walks out the front door

High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms. Many people we screen at Marian Market are surprised to hear their reading is high, because they feel strong and work every day. But over the years, uncontrolled pressure quietly damages the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain, and it is one of the main causes of stroke in Nigeria.

The good news is that it is easy to check and can usually be controlled. Use less salt and fewer stock cubes in your cooking, go easy on palm wine and other alcohol, move your body every day and keep a healthy weight. If a doctor prescribes medicine, take it every day, even when you feel fine.

Adults should check their blood pressure at least once a year, and more often if it runs in the family. It takes two minutes, and at Coral Grove it is always free.

For the first six months, breast milk alone gives your baby all the food and water they need, even in Calabar heat. No water, no glucose, no pap. Breast milk also helps protect your baby against diarrhoea and chest infections.

In the early days, feed whenever your baby wants, day and night. Frequent feeding helps your milk flow. If feeding hurts, the baby may not be latched on well. Come and see a midwife and we will show you how to fix it, free of charge.

Mums need care too. Eat well, drink plenty of water and rest when the baby sleeps. Family members help most by taking over cooking and chores. From six months, start soft family foods such as pap enriched with crayfish or groundnut and mashed yam, and keep breastfeeding.

Carnival is Calabar's pride, and we want everyone to enjoy it. Long hours dancing or watching in the sun can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, so carry water, drink often and rest in the shade when you can. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat.

If you drink alcohol, pace yourself and alternate with water. Never drive after drinking, and agree a meeting point in case you are separated from your group in the crowd. Keep children close and put a card with your phone number in their pocket.

December is also a season of new friendships. Protect yourself with condoms, and remember that free, confidential HIV testing is available at Coral Grove any day we are open. If someone collapses, becomes confused or has chest pain, call 112 straight away.