High blood pressure solutions: The power of reducing salt for a healthier Life

You don’t have to feel sick to have high blood pressure. That’s the scary part, it doesn’t always show signs. But behind the scenes, it can be damaging your heart, your kidneys, and even your brain without you knowing. We see this a lot in our communities. People feel fine but use a lot of salt, because that’s what we grew up with. A spoonful of Aromat here, extra salt in the stew, a salty stock cube in pap gravy. It’s what makes the food taste “right”, right? But that “flavour” could be putting your health at risk.

A wooden spoon filled with coarse salt rests on a dark surface, surrounded by granules spelling out the word "SALT."

Why salt matters in blood pressure management.

Most of us eat way more salt than we need and half the time, we don’t even realise it. Salt hides in all sorts of things: takeaways, sauces, soups, and snacks. Eating too much salt every day raises your blood pressure. That puts strain on your heart, makes you more likely to have a stroke, and can damage your kidneys. The good news? You can take control. If you’re unsure where to start, the American Heart Association has practical tips on reducing salt in your daily routine, without losing flavour.

Delicious doesn’t have to mean salty.

Cutting back on salt doesn’t mean cutting out flavour. There are plenty of tasty alternatives that make healthy eating enjoyable. Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and coriander add natural zest. Cumin, paprika, and turmeric bring warmth and depth to meals. Even a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can enhance flavour without increasing sodium.

Make healthy eating fun and easy.

Living a low-salt lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your food. It can be fun to explore new ways of cooking. Roast your veggies with some herbs and grill chicken with a bit of lemon and paprika. Use fresh ingredients instead of relying on cubes and powders. You’ll start to feel the difference, not just in your food, but in your body.

Start small and feel the change.

You don’t need to change everything at once. Even small steps make a big difference:

• Cook more at home

• Add less salt than usual

• Read food labels and look for “low sodium”

• Try new spices or herbs from the garden or local shop

With time, you’ll notice: more energy, fewer headaches, and better health.

This is your sign to start today.

Taking care of your heart doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Just one small change at a time, less salt, more flavour, better living.

Start today. Your heart will thank you tomorrow.

Understanding medical aid vs health insurance: What does it mean for your GP visit?

At Myclinic, we see many patients who arrive with very different expectations about what their healthcare cover includes. Some believe their plan covers everything, while others are caught off guard by out-of-pocket expenses for GP visits or basic tests.The reality? Many patients don’t fully understand how medical aid differs from health insurance, or how either one works in a general practice setting. Let’s break it down in simple terms—because when it comes to your health, informed decisions matter.

Medical aid pathway

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First, what’s the difference?

Medical aid (e.g. Discovery, Bonitas, GEMS, Fedhealth):

• Works like a credit card for healthcare, your plan gives access to a set amount of funds for day-to-day benefits or hospital cover.

• Regulated by the Medical Schemes Act.

• Must cover Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs).

• Includes managed care plans like GEMS Beryl and Discovery KeyCare which require the use of network providers and strict referral protocols.

Health Insurance (e.g. Prime Cure, Affinity, Dis-Chem Health, Unity Health):

• Covers specific events like accidents or hospital stays.

• May offer a limited number of GP visits or telemedicine consults.

• Often requires upfront payment with claims submitted afterward.

• May not cover chronic conditions or routine care.

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So How Does This Work at Myclinic?

We accept all major South African medical aids and work with most recognised medical insurance providers. Here’s how it plays out in a real-world GP setting:

• With Medical Aid: We check if your plan allows us to claim directly. If funds are available, you may only need to pay a small co-payment—or nothing at all. If funds are depleted or you’re not covered, you’ll need to pay in full. You remain responsible for confirming your benefits before your appointment.

• With Managed Care Medical Aid: You must be registered with Myclinic as your nominated provider. Referrals and tests must follow strict networks and authorisation processes to be covered.

• With Medical Insurance: You usually pay up front and claim back from your insurer. Some plans allow us to claim directly, but only for specific services. Not all tests or referrals may be covered—so pre-authorisation and plan review are critical.

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Final Thoughts

Medical aid and medical insurance serve different needs. If you have chronic health conditions and want full access to primary and specialist care, medical aid may be better. If you want to keep monthly costs low and mainly need emergency or limited care, insurance might suit you best.

Whatever you choose, the key is understanding how your cover works—and how it works with your GP. If you're ever unsure, our team at Myclinic is here to help guide you through it.

Empowered patients are healthier patients. Ask questions, know your benefits, and let’s navigate your care together.