You Don’t Need Money to Stay Healthy, You Need Discipline,” Says 60-Year-Old Kadiatu Kamara

By: Augusta Osmatu Bangura

The heart – the moment it stops, so does your life journey. Yet, all too often we neglect the wellbeing of this all-important organ whose sole function is to keep us alive. According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is “the world’s number one killer, causing over 20.5 million deaths per year.” Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, unhealthy diet and high blood pressure continue to be prevalent in the wealthiest and poorest countries.

In commemoration of the recently concluded World Heart Day, there was an open invitation to share “heart stories” to draw attention to the importance of cardiovascular health. “When I was young, we didn’t have the kind of food young people eat now. We also walked everywhere,” explained Kadiatu Kamara, 60. “Nowadays, many young people rely on tricycles or taxis and don’t get enough physical activity.”

A widow with seven children, Kadiatu works as a cleaner and struggles with hypertension. A cardiovascular condition, hypertension means high blood pressure which forces the heart to work harder to pump blood. Kadiatu often cannot afford her prescribed medication and relies on traditional herbal remedies. She also had to make deliberate lifestyle choices, to which she attributes her relative physical wellbeing. For her, walking to work every day is essential. “Sometimes I can afford transport fare,” she said, “but I need the walking. I’m old, and I know I don’t always eat the food I should.”

Kadiatu’s story is a reminder that heart health does not always depend on wealth. While resources make life easier, a lack of money is not an excuse to neglect your well-being. Small choices—like walking, eating in moderation, or doing light exercise—can protect the heart and extend life.

Her life is a testament to resilience, self-care, and the power of small, consistent actions. In commemoration of World Heart Day, may her example inspire us all to take simple, deliberate steps toward better heart health—because it’s the little things, done every day, that make the biggest difference.