Jockia has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Following her diagnosis two years ago, the mother of seven continued to eat unhealthy food.

When she realised that she was feeling sick more often, she spoke to health care workers.

They placed her on medication and advised her on how to live a healthier life style.

Jockia was advised to steer clear of salty and fatty foods, which she has done, but she also took steps to incorporate exercise into her life.

Exercise – along with dietary adjustments – can help manage hypertension, which puts patients at risk of heart disease and stroke.

Now, she plays soccer to keep fit, eats as well as she can and takes her medication regularly.

“I and some other elderly women from the community who are all suffering from the same chronic condition started a soccer team together,” Jockia told OurHealth. “It helps us to exercise, stay fit, and maintain a good, healthy lifestyle.”

[quote float=”right”]”I and some other elderly women from the community…started a soccer team together”

“All these years I have been managing this chronic illness well and I haven’t really had a relapse,” she added. “My advice to others out there who are suffering from this chronic illness is to eat lot of veggies and to exercise to keep your body healthy.”

She ascribes her newfound healthy outlook to the understanding support and kindness of nurse Sunnyboy Bhekimuzi Nkosi, who works at Nelspruit’s Msogwaba Clinic.

“He has a good heart,” she said.

“He never turns us away, even if we come late in the afternoon for our medicine,” said Jockia, adding that the clinic has managed to recently cut waiting times for check ups and collecting her mediation from six hours to two.

However, Jockia added that the clinic recently experienced a stock out of one of her medications. As a result, she experienced pains that Nkosi helped her manage with painkillers.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, South Africa has one of the highest rates of hypertension worldwide, with statistics indicating that about 130 people have a heart attack and 240 have a stroke every day.