Having spent some wonderful years in South Africa, I’ve come to appreciate not just the rich culture and landscapes, but also the importance of health awareness, especially when it comes to heart health.
September is heart awareness month in South Africa, and on the 29th we celebrate World Heart Day—a moment to remind ourselves just how vital it is to take care of our hearts.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, and initiatives like those from the Heart & Stroke Foundation aim to raise awareness of the simple, yet powerful lifestyle changes we can make to protect ourselves.
But, as we know, heart health isn’t the only thing that deserves protection. A critical illness like heart disease can ripple through every aspect of our lives, including our finances.
Medical bills, loss of income, and long-term care costs can hit hard. So, just as we focus on safeguarding our health, it’s equally important to protect our financial well-being. After all, if the worst does happen, you want the peace of mind that you’re covered on all fronts.
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your long-term well-being. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are all essential. Staying active for at least 30 minutes a day, eating heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and managing stress effectively can help keep your heart strong and resilient.
Prevention is always better than cure, and that’s why regular medical check-ups are crucial, especially as we get older. For us over-40s, scheduling annual health assessments that include an ECG (electrocardiogram) can help detect any underlying heart issues early on. Regular check-ups offer peace of mind and can catch potential problems before they escalate into something more serious.
It’s also important to stay alert to early warning signs of heart disease. Symptoms like chest pain, high blood pressure, a rapid resting pulse, and unusual shortness of breath can all indicate potential heart issues. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The earlier a problem is detected, the better your chances of successful treatment and management.
On the financial side, it’s essential to have proper protection in place, starting with critical illness cover.
FUN FACT: Critical illness insurance was first launched in South Africa on August 6, 1983, by the Crusader Life Assurance company. The product was originally called dread disease insurance and was developed by Dr. Marius Barnard, a heart surgeon. Marius was the brother of the renowned Christiaan Barnard, who performed the world’s first human-to-human heart transplant operation, on 3 December 1967.
Heart disease and other serious illnesses can lead to unexpected medical expenses that go beyond what standard health insurance typically covers. Critical illness cover can provide a lump sum payout upon diagnosis, helping you manage not only medical bills but also any necessary lifestyle adjustments, home care, and other unexpected costs.
Income protection is another vital consideration. A serious heart condition could mean taking time off work or even dealing with permanent disability. Income protection ensures that even if you’re unable to work, you’ll still receive a steady income to cover your day-to-day expenses. It’s an important safeguard, giving you peace of mind that your family won’t face financial hardship during your recovery.
Lastly, it’s critical to have adequate life insurance in place. While no one likes to dwell on the worst-case scenario, having life insurance ensures that, in the event of your passing, your loved ones are taken care of. Life cover can provide the financial support they need to cover living expenses, outstanding debts, and other financial obligations, offering them security during an already difficult time.
Heart disease not only impacts your health but can also put a strain on your financial stability. Taking proactive steps to protect both your health and finances is crucial to securing a stable future for yourself and your family. While you focus on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise, it’s also important to regularly review your financial protection plans.