Households in a coastal district of Ghana aim to maintain a constant supply of food by farming, fishing and trading. Trading in processed foods is highly competitive in the rainy season. Many families respond to adverse farming or trading conditions by temporary migration. Seasonal stress reduces women's ability to care for their children and make use of health services. Village health workers perceive their farm work to be of higher priority than their health tasks at a time when demand for their services is greatest. This article suggests measures to reduce the impact of seasonal stress on households and health workers.