Winning the fight against diseases, premature death

MANILA, Philippines — It used to be incredibly rare to see anyone under the age of 40 suffer a heart attack. But now, more and more people in their mid-20s and 30s succumb to the disease.

Just last month, my husband’s cousin got the biggest shock of his life when he got a text from his wife Nelia saying their 25-year-old daughter Angelique was already gone.

“I was on a business trip in Macau at that time,” Tony Reyes told us during his daughter’s wake at the family residence in Novaliches. “I attended a series of meetings and it was only when I got back to the hotel that I learned the sad news.”

According to Tony, his wife Nelia was awakened by a loud thud coming from Angelique’s room.

“She rushed to where Angelique was and got hysterical when she saw her lying on the floor facedown. She had a cardiac arrest,” Tony related.

And just like that, their only daughter is gone.

Angelique showed no signs of any life-threatening disease. She didn’t smoke or drink and worked out regularly in the gym.

“Her only guilty pleasure was dining out,” Tony said. “She never complained of common symptoms like chest pain or weakness.”

Maybe there were subtle signs Angelique hardly noticed, and that her parents didn’t notice.

“We were complacent (and felt) that, since she was still young and active, cardiac arrest was only a remote possibility. We learned the lesson the hard way. We have to take charge of our health. Make it a habit to visit your doctor regularly, even if you don’t feel ill,” advised Tony.

At MediCard’s free clinic at the Salcedo Weekend Market, some shoppers stopped by to get their blood pressure checked and their skin analyzed. This is just a sample of what MediCard has been doing for 32 years now: bringing healthcare to the Filipino people. Philstar.com/Bening Batuigas

Early detection saves lives

Aside from age and other genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle choices play a big role in developing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart diseases despite the growing number of health and wellness trends in today’s generation.

“Also, the problem with most of us is that we only seek medical help when we are already under the weather or when the illness is already in its advanced stage,” said Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard, a leading HMO provider in the country. “We never make it a habit to undergo regular checkups.”

The reasons vary. Some are afraid to see a doctor, others are just too lazy, while the rest don’t have spare money for a preventive checkup. This is why it’s important to invest in health maintenance organization (HMO) plans.

“Outpatient consultations are covered by HMOs, depending on one’s plan,” says Dr. Montoya. “Regular outpatient consultations can detect medical problems and prevent more serious situations that will require more expensive procedures.”

An HMO can protect you from unforeseen health problems (to prevent premature death), because no matter how hard we try to avoid them, health emergencies will arise.

This was what the people behind MediCard had in mind when it set up the HMO in 1987.

Secure your health now

Now that health costs are rising, even as incomes are falling, one’s health can take a backseat.

“And since most of us don’t set aside a portion of our earnings to healthcare, we don’t have funds for treatments and medicines once we get ill,” said Dr. Montoya. “If only we could put away P18 a day, we could take better charge of our health.”

At MediCard, one can have access to quality comprehensive healthcare services at a cost he or she can afford.

So how much is the cost of securing one’s health through MediCard?

“For as low as P500,” enthused Dr. Montoya.

MediCard believes in the importance of regular doctor’s visits to maintain good health. And since most families can’t afford consultations and lab tests, MediCard introduced the MediCard Health Check Card. For only P500, cardholders can get unlimited consultations with select doctors plus discounts on laboratory tests.

“It’s our way to help Filipinos get regular checkups and preventive healthcare services at an affordable price point,” added the amiable doctor.

Bike to work, bike to play, play today and get a shake: MediCard encourages everyone to live a healthy, active life. Philstar.com/Bening Batuigas

For a one-time payment of P500, MediCard Health Check cardholders are entitled to one-year unlimited consultations with MediCard primary care physicians, including general practitioners, internists, family doctors, pediatricians and ob-gynecologists (except maternity-related).

Those who are employed can apply for individual membership for less than P20,000 a year.

“The cost is less if you’re employed by a company. Again, your P20,000 goes a long way. You’ll have an annual checkup, unlimited consultations, access to all MediCard clinics and partner hospitals, among others, depending on your plan,” added Dr. Montoya.

So what’s your excuse?

HMO innovations

MediCard is accepted in the widest network of fully accredited health facilities by the Department of Health and Philippine Heart Center nationwide. Customer service is a top priority as the company has its own call center with over 120 agents in three locations on duty 24/7 to answer all calls.

It also boasts My Pocket Doctor, a telemedicine solution that allows members to consult with a medical expert in the comfort of their home, office or anywhere using your smart phone or computer.

The company also takes the hassle out of getting a letter of approval (LOA) as it introduces the MediCard Online LOA, an online application that allows you to easily request a LOA for your laboratory and diagnostic tests using your mobile phone.

“MediCard constantly aspires to make quality healthcare accessible and more convenient for our members because we value their time. With innovations such as the MediCard Online LOA and the MACE App, we are able to eliminate a lengthy and time-consuming wait period to get your LOA since online application allows quicker user convenience,” added Dr. Montoya.

MediCard helps in winning the war against diseases and premature death as it continues to provide the best and latest in healthcare that all Filipinos can afford.