Don't let sickness, emergencies steal your holidays!

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 Keep your loved ones ready and protected with MediCard’s RxER

The holidays are here! Finally, it is the time of the year to relax, unwind, and enjoy all the festive activities with your family and friends. And perhaps, you are now busy listing all the possible gifts that would spark joy in your loved ones, regardless of whether they have been naughty or nice. 

As everyone is eager to celebrate this season, keep in mind that it can be a risky time as well. The holidays frequently attract unwanted guests, such as illnesses and accidents ranging from road accidents to fireworks injuries.

A January 2022 report by the Department of Health (DOH) revealed there were 85 cases of fireworks-related injuries as the country celebrated the 2022 New Year. While the numbers continue to decrease each year, it pays off to be ready always for unforeseen emergencies that can steal your holiday celebrations.

MediCard RxER: The best gift you can give this season

To help you put one of the best gifts under the Christmas tree, MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) in the Philippines, brings you MediCard RxER so you can ensure that your loved ones are prepared for any unexpected situations while savoring the joy of the festive season.

The RxER provides a brand-new, specialized healthcare maintenance service that includes emergency, preventative, and outpatient treatment and is created to give members of all ages the maximum value and convenience.

In hospitals recognized by MediCard, the overall cap for patients requiring emergency trauma care is PhP20,000. ER costs, professional fees, and urgent drugs connected to the condition of accidents, burns, animal bites, and accidental chemical poisoning are also included in emergency care charges if it is within six hours from the time of the incident.

Emergency diagnostic procedures and lab tests up to PhP5,000, including MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound, are also covered. Additionally, coverage will be provided for tetanus toxoid, anti-tetanus serum, and current rabies vaccination. Regular casting and splint are also included.

Is it a one-time-use thing? No. Members may use emergency services more than once for the said circumstances if the limit has not yet been reached.

The gift that keeps on giving

Members of the RxER card are also entitled to an annual physical exam in any MediCard free-standing clinic and Uro Industrial Clinic (UROIC). This includes a complete blood count, a chest X-ray, a urinalysis, a fecalysis, and a general check-up for the entire year.

In addition, members get unlimited access to outpatient consultations with primary care physicians, including general practitioners, general surgeons on a clinic-to-clinic basis, obstetricians for non-maternity-related check-ups, pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and medical internists. For other specialists and sub-specialists, on the other hand, the RxER covers a flat rate of PhP350 for consultations.

Other benefits of RxER include a 30% discount on outpatient laboratory and diagnostic tests, outpatient surgeries and other services, and procedures at the Skin & Body Clinic. It also gives its members dental services, such as one-time oral prophylaxis, dental consultations, and a 30% discount on dental procedures.

All these may be availed of at any MediCard free-standing clinic in key cities nationwide https://fsc.medicardphils.com/Home/Contact.

There is no time to lose! Gift your loved ones these wonderful benefits now for only PhP1,998 with no age limit and no medical check-up required, available on MediCard’s website, Shopee, Lazada, Medicard free-standing clinics, Maria Health, and more.

MediCard is a leading HMO founded and managed by doctors. Over the years, it has provided the most comprehensive and innovative healthcare programs and fitness activities to help people achieve healthier lives. 

To learn more about MediCard Philippines, visit its website at https://www.medicardphils.com/. 

 

Fighting Obesity: Kickstart Your Family’s Journey Towards Healthier Diets, Habits with an HMO Plan

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Globally, obesity has been a growing concern among adults and children. By 2030, individuals with obesity might reach more than one billion worldwide, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2022.

This number is not far-fetched. In the Philippines alone, a recent study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) noted that there are currently at least 27 million overweight and obese Filipinos.

But what causes this condition? While various factors contribute to obesity, the primary causes include having a sedentary lifestyle and consuming foods with a large amount of salt and calories. People who experience this condition might also experience musculoskeletal issues, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer said the Department of Health (DOH).

How an HMO plan helps with healthier diets, habits

To prevent or treat obesity, an individual must start adopting an active lifestyle paired with a more nutritious food selection consisting of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, among others. It is also complemented by reducing the consumption of food rich in calories and salt.

However, as easy as it seems, this is a challenge for people living with obesity because this condition dramatically affects their way of life. Experts believe that it changes a person’s appetite, hormone balance, feeling of fullness, digestion, and many more, which is why fighting obesity would need help from medical professionals who can guide you and your family towards healthier diets and habits.

To provide appropriate care and reduce healthcare costs, MediCard, a leading Health and Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the Philippines, has Individual and Family plans that you can avail for yourself and your family, which start at PhP10,739 annually. Benefits include health management and counseling on health habits and diets to help your family’s journey in living a healthy lifestyle while preventing or managing obesity.

It also has family hospitalization (in-patient) services and outpatient care. For instance, conditional to a member’s diagnosis and plan, it covers X-ray and laboratory examinations, operating and recovery room expenses, and services of MediCard specialists, including anesthesiologists, internists, surgeons, and many more.

For outpatient care, this plan allows members to access different physicians in MediCard free-standing clinics and MediCard-accredited clinics or hospitals in the country. Depending on a member’s coverage, this can include regular consultations, specialist referrals, and laboratory or diagnostic examinations prescribed by a MediCard physician.

In addition, MediCard’s Individual and Family plans cover routine immunization, annual physical examination (APE), counseling on family planning, preventive healthcare services at any MediCard free-standing clinic, complete blood count, Pap smear for women above 40 years old, and dental care services from any accredited dental clinic.

MediCard is the first and leading HMO founded and managed by doctors. Over the years, it has provided the most comprehensive and innovative healthcare programs and fitness activities to help people achieve healthier lives.

To learn more about MediCard Philippines, visit its website at https://www.medicardphils.com/.

  

 

Ensuring Your Family is Well-Taken Care of with MediCard

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The global health crisis, for sure, has impacted us in various ways, whether financially, mentally, or physically. And yes, because of these uncertain times, we realized the significance of health for ourselves and our family. That is why prioritizing health is now considered a vital investment and not an option in today’s world.

However, from doctors’ fees, laboratory fees, room rates, medicine, and other outpatient costs, health care in the Philippines is generally costly for an average Filipino. A 2021 report published by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that in 2020 alone, healthcare costs for each Filipino were at PhP8,216.42 a month.  

 

For that reason, health cards are critical, now more than ever, to reduce costs while increasing the quality of care for you and your family. The good thing is that MediCard, a leading HMO in the Philippines, offers a wide range of healthcare plans. 

 

Ensuring your and your loved ones’ health with MediCard 

Starting at PhP10,739 per year, MediCard offers different Individual and Family plans, which give family hospitalization (in-patient) services or outpatient care.  

 

Depending on the diagnosis and the plan, this can also cover X-ray and laboratory examinations and the expenses of using the operating and recovery room. On top of that, you can acquire the services of MediCard specialists, such as anesthesiologists, internists, surgeons, and other doctors. 

 

Meanwhile, members who seek outpatient care have access to physicians in MediCard free-standing clinics and in MediCard-accredited clinics or hospitals nationwide. This plan also covers specialist referrals, regular consultations, and laboratory or diagnostic examinations prescribed by a MediCard physician, such as treatments for eyes, ears, nose, and throat, depending on the plan’s available coverage. 

 

Aside from annual physical examination (APE), complete blood count and Pap smear for women over 40 years old, the MediCard Individual and Family plans also provide members Preventive Healthcare Services at any MediCard free-standing clinic. 

 

Other benefits are counseling on health habits, diets and family planning, routine immunization, and health management. Members may also avail themselves of dental care services from any accredited dental clinic, which includes oral prophylaxis, simple tooth extractions, temporary fillings, and treatment of mouth lesions, wounds, and burns. 

 

More MediCard free-standing clinics for accessible healthcare 

To provide more access to the healthcare needs of its members, MediCard recently opened two new free-standing clinics in the country. It includes MediCard Ram Plaza Makati and MediCard Davao, offering a wide array of healthcare services. 

 

For instance, the newly opened clinic in Makati provides annual physical examination, clinical laboratory and drug testing, dental services, executive check-up, major and minor surgery, pre-employment examination, specialty consultations, and X-ray and imaging services. 

 

Meanwhile, the Davao free-standing clinic offers annual physical examination, clinical laboratory and drug testing, dental services, medical evaluation, pre-employment examination, consultations, and X-ray and imaging services. 

 

Indeed, health is one of the most precious assets we could ever have. So, maintaining it is crucial, especially amid these uncertain times. And if there is one best time to take care of our body and ensure that our family is always in good shape, it is NOW.  

 

MediCard is the first and leading HMO founded and managed by doctors. Over the years, it has provided the most comprehensive and innovative healthcare programs and fitness activities to help people achieve healthier lives. 

  

To learn more about MediCard Philippines, visit its website at https://www.medicardphils.com/.   

Health Talks with MediCard: What happens after eating a healthy breakfast

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We often hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, do you know what happens to your body after eating a healthy breakfast? Aside from improving your overall heath, eating a healthy morning meal helps you to focus, to make smart decisions and satisfies your appetite to help you avoid overeating later in the day. 

“The literal meaning of breakfast is really breaking the fasting period of the night before. The span of time between your dinner and your next meal is long, perhaps 7 to 8 hours. That’s why it’s important to eat breakfast within 2 hours of waking up. In addition to starvation and low-energy levels, skipping breakfast can also make you binge and snack excessively later in the day, which can lead to other serious health problems like obesity, ” said Dr. Nicky Montoya, president and CEO of MediCard. 

Here are more reasons why you shouldn’t skip breakfast:

• It improves memory and concentration. Eating a healthy breakfast boosts your memory and concentration, especially at work and at school. According to research, eating breakfast leads to better cognitive performance, helping you concentrate more. It also restores glucose levels. Glucose is an important carbohydrate that is needed for the brain to function properly. “A healthy breakfast helps you have better coordination and problem-solving skills,” says Dr. Montoya.

• It keeps you energized. Breakfast is the perfect time to fuel your body with vitamins and nutrients to keep you energized through the day. Keeping your energy levels high will help you accomplish all your responsibilities efficiently and eating a nutritious breakfast is essential for this. Try having eggs, yogurt, cereal or fruits in the morning.

• It helps lower cholesterol levels. Studies show that people who skip breakfast are more likely to have worse cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity than breakfast eaters. This is because eating nutritious foods for breakfast helps you eat smaller meals and avoid fatty food throughout the day.

• It boosts metabolism and controls weight. While you sleep, your metabolism slows down and burns less calories. A great way to kick start your metabolism is by having a healthy breakfast to allow your body to start burning calories as soon as you start your day. In addition to faster metabolism, eating breakfast also helps you control your weight. When you consume high-protein meals during breakfast, you will feel fuller, hence, avoiding overeating later in the day. Just make sure that your breakfast is loaded with nutrients and not with fat and empty calories. 

• It puts you in a positive mood. Sleeping for 8 hours or so usually mean that you’re starving when you wake up. Starvation can really put you in a bad mood. That can be easily dealt with by eating a healthy breakfast. Dr. Montoya recommends having mood-boosting food for breakfast like berries (e.g. blueberries or strawberries), whole wheat pancakes and a banana smoothie with nuts and flaxseed.

For more nutrition advice, make an appointment with your doctor or nutritionist. 

MediCard has numerous free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information. 

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What you need to know about heart attacks

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Heart attack is one of the main causes of death every year. It happens when there’s a lack of oxygenated blood flow to the coronary arteries because of plaque buildup, causing permanent damage to the heart. Heart attacks can strike anytime and that is why it’s crucial to know what to do when it happens. 

“Heart attacks can happen anytime, sometimes without any warning. It’s important for people to be fully informed on how to prevent heart attacks, how to accurately identify a heart attack and the steps to take when it happens. Some of the essential things you should know are the symptoms and how to perform first aid when you or a loved one suffers a heart attack. Heart attacks, whether silent or recognized, should not be taken lightly because it can cause sudden death if not treated or acted upon immediately,” said Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard.

Here’s what you need to know about heart attacks:

The warning signs.

 Paying attention to warning signs can save you or your loved one. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense while others start slowly. That’s why you need to spot the early warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack: chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or lightheadedness, cold sweat, and pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Even if you’re not sure that you’re experiencing symptoms of heart attack, it is better to consult your doctor about it because patients usually make the mistake of ignoring these signs or waiting too long before they ask for help.

Silent heart attacks. 

A silent heart attack has more subtle signs wherein a person experiences minimal or unrecognized symptoms or no symptoms at all. It can be as dangerous as a recognized one because the attack often leaves scarring and serious damage to the heart. Signs of a heart attack can easily be shrugged off because they are common aches, like experiencing extreme fatigue, indigestion, flu-like symptoms and jaw, shoulder or neck pain.

People who experienced silent heart attacks realize it only after going through tests like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or electrocardiogram (EKG). People who suffered silent heart attacks are at risk of having potentially greater and fatal heart attacks. 

First aid. 

Heart attacks, silent or recognized, can happen anytime, and it is important that you know exactly what to do when you or a loved one suffers from an attack. Keep in mind that acting quickly and getting help immediately can help lessen heart damage and heighten the chances of survival. First, call 911, the emergency hotline, immediately. If you are the one suffering a heart attack, do not attempt to drive on your own as this will only endanger you and others on the road. Keep calm and chew an aspirin – which can prevent blood clotting – if they are not allergic to it. If the person is unconscious, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

Heart attack prevention. 

Dr. Montoya advises several ways to prevent heart attack. These include maintaining a healthy blood pressure, monitoring your cholesterol, quitting smoking, exercising, eating a balanced diet which contains fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains and fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and most importantly, having regular check-ups. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart attack, consult a doctor immediately. MediCard has numerous free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer cardiology consultations and tests. 

For more information, visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at http://www.medicardphils.com.

Healthy lifestyles: The doctor is always in with MediCard’s My Pocket Doctor

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Let your health top your 2016 priority. 

MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider, gives a time-saving and convenient option to get medical consultations anytime, anywhere with the My Pocket Doctor. 

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines, says:

“My Pocket Doctor is definitely a game changer especially in the medical field. It is also our way of using modernized technology to make medical consultations handy for everyone. With less waiting time, patients can now get in touch easily with a medical doctor and get consultations instantly, at the comfort of their homes or offices.”

To use My Pocket Doctor, simply register on the My Pocket Doctor website (mypocketdoctor.com) or via the app through the App Store or Google Play Store and wait for an activation link with username and password.  

Users can also register via text by sending their email address and cellphone number to 29290DOCTOR (or 2929036-2867) and wait for a call from a nurse to complete their one-time registration. 

After registration, a nurse will call the member for assessment to schedule the consultation with one of their doctors. A medical doctor will call the patient for a check-up and give prescriptions or instructions. Video call via webcam can also be done during medical consultation for cases that need visual assessment such as skin rashes. 

My Pocket Doctor has highly competent, well-trained and unbiased medical doctors from Europe and Philippines who can cover up to 70% of all health issues in a consultation and are available 24/7, ensuring members an accessible and credible medical service. 

The MediCard My Pocket Doctor Card is for sale at P450 at select MediCard free-standing clinics. Soon, the card will be also sold online through MediCard’s online store.

Always be healthy, be wise.

Feeling weak and sick? You might be lacking these vitamins

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Do you often feel weak, fatigued, or sick? Was there ever a time when muscle and joint pains kept you from doing your work? You may be lacking vitamins. 

“Vitamins play vital roles in bodily functions such as metabolism, immunity and digestion. Without sufficient vitamin intake, a person may feel lethargic, be vulnerable to infection and develop other serious complications that can endanger his/her health and life.” MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya stated. 

Take note of these essential vitamins that your body needs to function properly: 

Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in bone growth, reproduction, and immune system health. Vitamin A also improves vision, reduces the risk of heart disease, and may slow skin aging. However, lack of vitamin A can cause night blindness and compromises the immune system. Vitamin A can be found in organ meats, some types of fish (e.g. salmon), carrots, and sweet potato. 

B Vitamins. The B vitamin family is made up of eight B vitamins: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12. These vitamins help maintain metabolism, muscle tone, and a sharp mind. They also help form red blood cells. Poor absorption of B vitamins can result in fatigue, confusion, and anemia. Skin rashes can also occur. Foods that are full of B vitamins are seeds like chia and flax, asparagus, and oats. 

Vitamin C. Also called ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is good for strengthening blood vessels, giving the skin its elasticity, anti-oxidant function and iron absorption. It is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. People who don’t get enough Vitamin C often experience bleeding gums, feeling lethargic, bone pain, and joint pain. Another sign are wounds that don’t heal or break open after they appear to have healed. Good sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell pepper, and cucumber.

Vitamin D. Known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D can be produced in the body with mild sun exposure. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine three times a week is enough to produce the body’s requirement of vitamin D because it stimulates Vitamin D production. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. Apart from spending a few minutes out in the sun, vitamin D can also be found on eggs, fortified milk, fish such as tuna, and mushrooms. 

Calcium. Almost all calcium is stored in bones and teeth, where it supports their structure and hardness. Calcium also helps the blood clot, nerves send messages, and muscles contract. When a person doesn’t get enough calcium, he/she increases the risk of developing diseases such as osteoporosis and calcium deficiency disease or hypocalcemia. Aside from milk, calcium can also be acquired in yogurt, cheese, sardines, and soybeans.

Vitamin K. This vitamin plays a key role in helping the blood clot thus preventing excessive bleeding. Vitamin K is also important for developing essential proteins for the blood and bones. However, insufficient dietary intake, inadequate absorption and decreased storage of the vitamin due to liver disease can cause Vitamin K deficiency. Hence, eating foods that are high in Vitamin K such as leafy greens (e.g. kale, spinach, and broccoli) are recommended. 

MediCard has 12 free-standing clinics nationwide that offer consultations, diagnostic tests and specialty medical services for young and adult patients. 

For more information, visit a MediCard clinic located near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com.

MediCard opens new clinic in McKinley

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MediCard Philippines, a leading HMO provider in the country, brings their innovative clinical services to residents of Taguig with the opening of its new clinic in McKinley Hill. Aside from consultation services for general medicine, pediatrics, OB-GYN and ENT, the new MediCard clinic in McKinley Hills also offers laboratory and ancillary services and imaging services (x-ray and ultrasound).

Photo shows (L-R) motivational speaker and management trainer Anthony Pangilinan with his wife, actress and TV host Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan; MediCard assistant medical director Catherine Jimenez; and MediCard president and medical director Dr. Nicky Montoya. 

The new MediCard clinic, which is also open to non-members, is located at Retail 6, G/F Morgan Suites Executive Residences, McKinley Hill, Taguig City and can be reached at tel. nos. 886-5285 to 86.

Triathlon for beginners

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Triathlon is an activity that combines swimming, cycling, and running in one event.

An adrenaline-pumping and a popular sport in the Philippines, thanks in large part to celebrity triathletes who not only promote the sport to the general public but also make it look easy and fun to do. 

In reality, however, first-time triathletes need 3 to 6 months of preparation to finish the race without injury or burnout. Just want to share this for the beginners.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines ssid that “it takes time to improve your endurance and stamina for a triathlon event. Aside from multisport training, you need to make healthy lifestyle choices—good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and having a positive attitude.” 

The MediCard 24.7 triathlon team shares the following advice for those who are planning to join a triathlon event:

1. Training is serious business. Be physically and mentally prepared.

The way to becoming a triathlete is to live an active and healthy lifestyle all the time and to train harder when the triathlon event approaches. Do not join when you’re not physically and mentally ready to avoid hurting or exhausting yourself.

“Eating right has always been a conscious effort for me even before I became a triathlete,” says Vanessa Aguirre-Estrada. “When I prepare for a race, training and recovery dictates my nutrition. I don’t have a strict diet but when training season is at its peak, I store more protein in my meals. I reload carbs and hydrate for the whole day.”

2. Train early. On weekdays, assign a sport to do before and after work hours. 

Timmy Dadia shares, “During weekdays, I train for 1-2 hours of swimming, biking, running, or cross-training depending on the assigned sport of the day, in the morning or afternoon depending on my work schedule. On weekends, I wake up at 4:30AM so I can start biking at 6:00AM and end around lunchtime.”

3. Train with a buddy for encouragement and support.

Working out and doing multisport activities alone can get boring and lonely. It’s the reason why triathletes typically train with their team or with a loved one who’s also into the sport. “During the weekdays, [my wife] Lyka trains in the gym and me on my own. We train together on weekends,” says Jamie Leather.

4. Find inspiration to motivate yourself when the training gets difficult.

Lyka Leather advises, “Think about the upcoming race and look forward to enjoy the experience as opposed to the suffering. Picture yourself crossing the line happy, smiling and with no injuries.” 

Timmy Dadia shares, “I draw my inspiration from other athletes who are doing this sport. When the going gets tough, you get added inspiration when there’s a little competition between fellow triathletes.”

5. Never stop improving.

The great thing about triathlons is that there’s always room for improvement with its three disciplines to “master.” It’s about one’s personal journey to fitness and sporting excellence. So if the first triathlon event intimidates you, strive to be better next time.

“Try it!” encourages Vanessa Aguirre-Estrada. “The community is growing and you can have new friends to ride, run and swim with. Conquer the sport you least like and this can be your biggest challenge and your greatest achievement. Make it your bucket list to finish one race. It only takes one race for you to believe in the triathlon bug.” 

Before a triathlon training, consult your doctor first to check your health and fitness level through stress testing and annual examination to design a safe and effective training program. MediCard has 12 free-standing clinics located in key cities.

For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com. 

MediCard opens new clinic in SM City Clark

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MediCard Philippines, a leading HMO provider in the country, brings health and wellness closer to the Kapampangans with the opening of its free-standing clinic at SM City Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga. 

Photo shows (L-R) Analiza C. Pulido senior executive vice president, Bank of Florida, Inc. (A Rural Bank); Dr. Honorato C. Salazar III, MediCard Clark clinic manager; and Dra. Concepcion S. Montoya, MediCard chairman.

Situated inside the mall’s Wellness Zone, the clinic’s convenient location helps many locals gain access to prompt, attentive and affordable medical care. The MediCard Clark clinic offers comprehensive out-patient services for all ages, including consultation on various medical concerns; imaging, laboratory and ancillary diagnostics; health check-up and physical examinations; immunization; and minor surgery. It also provides dental services, like oral prophylaxis, light cure filling, tooth extraction, and gum treatment. 

Burning facts about sunscreens

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Most of us are aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen, especially in the Philippines where the sun’s ultraviolet radiation levels are usually high. But with many sunscreen options available in the market today, it can be confusing to choose the right product.

“Sunscreens shield our skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. However, not all products labelled with sunscreen claims effectively do their job. Some can also irritate the skin and trigger allergies. People need to pay attention to the sunscreen’s ingredients and labels to ensure safety,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

Here are some essential sunscreen facts:

SPF ratings affect sunscreen effectiveness. SPF means “Sun Protection Factor,” which refers to the sunscreen’s ability to block ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation over a period of time. Overexposure to UVB rays can cause sunburn. A sunscreen with SPF 15 can block about 94% of UVB rays while SPF 30 can block about 97% UVB. Higher SPF rating means higher UVB protection. However, SPF ratings do not make that much of a difference as they increase—SPF 50 can block about 98% of UVB, which is just faintly lower to the 98.9% UVB protection of SPF 90. No sunscreen product can also provide 100% protection from UV rays.

Sunscreens with Broad Spectrum SPF protect against UVB and UVA rays. A sunscreen with SPF may be effective in shielding the skin from UVB rays but it may not be strong enough to block UVA rays, which are linked to deeper skin damage, like skin cancer and early skin aging. Sunscreens that provide protection from both UVB and UVA rays have Broad Spectrum SPF. These products pass the FDA’s broad spectrum test, which measures the sunscreen’s magnitude of overall protection. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreens with a Broad Spectrum SPF rating of 15 or higher.

Sunscreens may contain ingredients that can irritate the skin or trigger allergies. Dermatologists discourage the use of sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzephenones, which are linked to skin discoloration and skin cancer. Products with alcohol, fragrances and preservatives must also be avoided by people who have sensitive skin, especially toddlers and babies. Children 6 months or older are also advised to use kid-friendly sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher. 

“Water-resistant” is different from “waterproof.” Sunscreens with “waterproof” labels are misleading because all sunscreen products can only stay effective in water for up to 80 minutes. Since these products are water-resistant for a limited period of time, people need to reapply them regularly, ideally after every two hours of swimming.

Sunscreens are essential for year-round skin protection. The sun’s UV rays can damage the skin even during rainy season. Although people are not directly exposed to the sun, its UV rays can also come through the clouds. 

“Sunscreens don’t necessarily provide protection from the sun but from the UV rays that are emitted by the sun. People should make it a habit to wear sunscreens regularly to keep themselves protected from sunburn, melanoma and other skin diseases. It will also help them prevent premature skin aging,” advises Dr. Montoya.

MediCard Skin and Body offers modern aesthetic treatments for a healthy, glowing and younger looking skin. Visit its Skin and Body Clinics at The MediCard Lifestyle Center, Festival Mall and Centris. For more information, visit http://medicardphils.com. 

Medicard-Metafit launches Metafit Fitness Boot Camp Season 3

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A part of Medicard’s mission of enjoining the public to live healthier lifestyles, here comes the latest Metafit Fitness Boot Camp Season! 

Medicard Philippines, Inc., a leading HMO provider, opens the year with season 3 of the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp at the Cul-de-Sac of the Westgate Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, beginning February 3. 

Teamed-up for Season III. Photo shows (Seating L-R): Ms. Joy Polloso, senior vice president for Retail Operations, Filinvest Corp.; Dr. Nicky Montoya, president, MediCard Philippines, Inc.; Coach Jim Saret, founder, Metabolic Fitness program; Ms. Rose Nuqui, vice president for Marketing, Exhibits, and Convention, Filinvest Corp.; (Standing L-R): Mr. Ricky Suarez, senior marketing manager, Filinvest Corp.; Kate Joaquin, marketing services manager, MediCard Philippines, Inc.; and Coach Toni Dimaguila-Saret, co-founder, Metabolic Fitness program.

“We are elated that Westgate Center was chosen as venue for the Boot Camp,” said Joy Polloso, SVP for retail operations of Filinvest. “We have open spaces that are ideal for sports and other fitness activities. We hope to generate more fun through wellness events here at Westgate.”

Polloso added that the boot camp is the first of its kind at Westgate, and this would give them perfect opportunities to bring to residents in the south a proactive and healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of Medicard Philippines, welcomed Westgate as the new partner for the boot camp’s third season.

“With the success of our first two seasons, we feel that it has become our duty to continue the goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “We have chosen Westgate because of its wide, open spaces and to give people living in the South a chance to experience this activity.”

MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp, which started in February 2012 at the Medicard Lifestyle Center in Makati, gives participants a chance to challenge and motivate themselves for comprehensive training and high-intensity workouts, with proper guidance from and supervision of expert fitness instructors, including ABS-CBN’s Biggest Loser coach and Meta Fit developer Jim Saret, together with other coaches. Its success has produced three editions of the program across Metro Manila. 

“The boot camp is a perfect venue for health and wellness advocates as we help provide them a more comprehensive health and fitness package,” Saret said. “Meta Fit provides physical training part while MediCard provides the health service.”

MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp Season 3’s 12-session program runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Online registration for interested participants is open until January 31, 2014, through the official Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/app 206429986046631.