Everyday Adventures: Medicard

Balik-alindog Activities with Your Loved One

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 23, 2017

At the start of 2017, I planned to go back to "balik-alindog" program. While I didn't really neglected myself last year, I just feel that I need to get back in shape especially that this year I'll turn 40 (yes, I'll be officially in my middle adulthood, waaah!). There are lots of things that I wanted to achieve before I turn a year old this year and it involves a lot of physical activities (you can see my bucket list here).

Doing these activities can be more fun if you'll do it with someone you love <3 <3 <3

Exercising can be fun if doing it your partner or best friend. While most people are allergic to the word 'exercise', if done with partner or best friend, it becomes a great bonding activity!

#couplegoals
#friendshipgoals
#fitnessgoals

Let's get it on!

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines said that exercising with a partner has many advantages--physically, mentally, and socially. "Working out with someone has been shown to make you happier and more motivated to achieve your fitness goals. When you exercise with a partner, strenuous physical activities can be more tolerable," says Dr. Montoya.

Here are some fitness ideas that you can do with your partner or best friend:

Rock/Wall Climbing--rock/wall climbing is a full body workout that pushes you to use your entire body to climb a wall or a rock mountain. This activity has lots of benefits--it builds muscle, increases endurance, reduces stress, and boosts brain function. This activity also teaches trust to each other. Your friend/partner will be the one to hold the rope and give you enough rope slack while climbing the wall/rock mountain. He/She makes sure that you will be safe should you miss a step.

Cycling--group cycling is more fun than biking alone. Tag along your partner or friend while you go to different places with your respective bicycles. Did you know that an hour of cycling can burn 590-930 calories? It's definitely a great way to help both of you lose weight, increase cardiovascular fitness, decrease stress levels, and strengthen bones.

Zumba--this is the most popular activity done with your pal! Dance your way to a fit body! Zumba is not only a fun and healthy way to bond, but also a full body workout that burns fat, boosts our mood, and increases confidence. Zumba is for all ages and is a great opportunity to meet new friends who has the same fitness goals as you.

Hiking--do you like nature? Hiking is the best for you and your other half. Hiking gives you numerous health benefits such as improved blood pressure and blood sugar levels, increased bone density and a strengthened core. Hiking with a partner for your safety is also a good reason why you need someone with you when you climb mountains. Taking photos on the summit with someone is the best memory that you can build together!

Excited to use this! Another check mark on my #bucketlist ✅ #camping #mountainclimbing #almost40 #balikalindog2017

A post shared by Donna Donor (@donababe) on Feb 6, 2017 at 9:02pm PST

Yoga--if you and your partner are not the adventurous type, you can try yoga. Yoga is a low-impact and relaxing workout. It helps you develop a stronger and more flexible body while doing the physical poses of yoga. It also allows your mind to be calmer and more focused. Yoga provides the means to attune to the body, thus improving overall health. It increases circulation, slows heart rate, and lowers blood pressure.

MediCard Lifestyle Center offers yoga classes. MediCard Lifestyle Center specifically offers Surya Fitness Yoga, which offers hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, and basic yoga classes. MediCard Lifestyle Center is located at 51 Paseo de Roxas cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. You may also visit their website, http://mlc.medicardphils.com, for more information.

Let's burn those calories away with our loved ones! Go to a healthier you this year!

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Medicard

Medicard's My Pocket Doctor: Philippines' First Telemedicine App

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 29, 2016

It is very important that we have someone whom we can rely on to in our lives, especially in times of emergency. It is very important that we keep things handy so that when the time comes, we don't waste so much time looking for something. Organizing is one of the skills that we need to master, hihihi.

Now that we are in digital age, most of the time we always rely on our digital devices in organizing our daily schedule. We check our emails using our mobile phones, we track our health status using our smart watch, we have teleconferences using our laptops--these are some of the things that we can do with our gadgets.

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 (www.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 mobile number to 29290DOCTOR (29290-362867) and wait or a call from a nurse to complete their one-time registration. You can check this video posted on MediCard's Facebook page for the instructions on how to register.

My Pocket Doctor's homepage

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 an are available 24/7, ensuring members an accessible and credible medical service.

The MediCard My Pocket Doctor is for sale at Php450 at selected MediCard free-standing clinics. Soon, the card will also be sold online through MediCard's online store.

Very convenient eh?! This is ideal for people who are busy scheduling appointment with the doctor thru phone call and for those people who are always on the go.

To know more about MediCard, you may visit www.medicardphils.com.

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balik-alindog

Burn Your Holiday Fats by Trying These Calorie-Burning Sports

By Mommy Donna and Kib - January 04, 2016

When December comes, we attend parties here and there with our family, friends, and colleagues. Food served on the dining table are really mouth-watering that it makes us eat and eat and eat. We make it an excuse that since it's a holiday, it is okay that we gain a little bit of weight.

Surely, the number one on the New Year's resolution list is to be more healthy and shed off the holiday weight we gained, hihi.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, MediCard president said, "Filipinos are food lovers, and it is truly seen during Christmas season where greasy and high-calorie food are served. Thus, it is just essential to burn those extra calories to avoid execss fat. For people who don't want to hit the gym, they can try sports to burn the calories."

I'm also into sports. When I was younger, I do join some sports activities like running, badminton, swimming, bowling. I also do mountain-climbing and wall-climbing too. I am surrounded with friends who are into sports. Even if some of my friends are already in their 40s, they are still engaged in sports. I didn't excel in sports, but being engaged into some sport taught me self-discipline and to value health more. Also, it helps you to be physically fit.

Bring back your alindog by engaging into sports. Here are the top calorie-burning sports that you can try after the holidays:

Swimming. Swimming gives an overall body workout and is great for toning muscles. Burning up to 800 calories per hour, swimming is one of the best choices if you want to shed those extra pounds for the holidays. If you have a pool or have access to one, it's time to slip your swimsuit on and do some laps.

Racket Sports. Grab your racket and get ready to lose those calories you consumed during Christmas parties. Racket sports such as tennis and badminton are fun sports you can do with your loved ones. Building lower body strength and endurance, as well as burning up to 900 calories per hour make racket sports and excellent workout options.

Martial Arts. Learn self-defense and burn calories while practicing martial arts. Whether judo, tae kwon do or muay thai, martial arts has you moving quickly and in a variety of ways. It is sure to help you tone muscles by burning up to 1,100 calories per hour.

Running. This may be the most accessible sport you can get your hands on. Burns up to 1,500 calories per hour, running is an ideal sport which works every part of your body, from your calves and quads to your abs. For the best-calorie burning potential, try to keep your speed above 8mph.

Boxing. Wear those boxing gloves and be game enough to step into the ring. Whether it's kickboxing or in the ring, boxing is one of the best sports to participate in since it burns up to 800 calories per hour.

Basketball. Aside from burning up to 900 calories per hour, playing basketball lets you develop flexibility, endurance, and cardiorespiratory health. But, make sure that you warm up properly before stepping on the court to avoid injuries.

I do hope that for 2016, everybody should really be more focused on taking care of our health. Having a healthy body is a gift from God, so we must take care of it by keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Happy holidays!

You may visit MediCard's fitness facility at #51 Paseo de Roxas cor. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For more information, you may also check out their website at www.medicardphils.com.

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diabetes

What to Know about Diabetes: Myth Vs. Facts

By Mommy Donna and Kib - December 04, 2015

I come from a family of diabetics. My grandmother has it, my uncles and aunts have it, and my cousin has it too. My mom doesn't have diabetes but she is now taking Metformin for prevention. If I'm not going to be careful and not watch my lifestyle, there is a tendency that I will also have it too.

Diabetes is a serious condition with severe effects that can last a lifetime. However, there are many misconceptions regarding diabetes that make people think certain foods or situations will immediately make them diabetics. Thus, it is essential to know the myths and facts about diabetes.

“Genetics and lifestyle are major causes of having diabetes. It should be taken seriously, but it’s important to remember that not everything you hear about diabetes is true. Learn the facts, so you can make knowledgeable decisions to prevent the disease,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

Here’s a list of diabetes myths and corresponding facts:

Myth: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.

Fact: Weight gain is one of the risk factors in developing diabetes. A diet that is high in excess calories can be a cause of excess weight. Drinking sugary drinks such as sodas has been linked to excess weight, thus, increasing a person’s risk for developing diabetes. However it is not yet proven that too much sugar directly causes diabetes.

Myth: Women with diabetes should not get pregnant.

Fact: Women who manage their diabetes well can have a normal pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. But a woman with diabetes should keep her blood glucose (sugar) in the target range—both before she is pregnant and during pregnancy.

Myth: People with diabetes cannot donate blood.

Fact: Diabetics are eligible to donate blood as long as their sugar level is controlled, are in good health, their blood pressure is below 180/100 and are not anemic. On the day of the blood donation, they need to remember to eat an adequate meal, drink extra fluids, and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages. It is also advisable for diabetics to stay away from fatty foods, as it might affect some of the tests done to determine their eligibility for blood

donation.

Myth: Diabetics should never consume alcoholic drinks.

Fact: Diabetics are advised to avoid drinking alcohol since it may lead to a major drop in blood sugar. However, according to some studies, one drink of alcohol is allowed
once a week depending on one’s health conditions. It is recommended for a diabetic to monitor his blood sugar before, during, and after drinking alcohol.

Myth: Diabetics should not eat rice.

Fact: All foods containing carbohydrates may affect diabetes. The key to maintaining good blood sugar level and preventing long-term complications is getting the right amount of carbohydrates in one’s diet. Also, the quantity and quality of the rice a diabetic can consume always depends on the nature and degree of the diabetes.

It is really very important that we should watch everything we eat and do. We should be very conscious about our lifestyle so that we will maintain good health and we will be able to do the things that we like doing. If we get sick, our activities will already be limited. We want to see our children grow. We want to see them successful. We want to see them on their milestones. We want to be always there for our children.

Diabetes should be taken seriously and managed properly. MediCard has 12 free-standing clinics nationwide that can give you more information about diabetes, as well as consultations, and laboratory tests. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.

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balik-alindog

Let's Fight Obesity! Make a Lifestyle Change!

By Mommy Donna and Kib - November 16, 2015

As you may know, I've been into balik-alindog program. I have been doing a healthy living for more than a year now. You can see on my earlier post on how far I've been through this process. I'm very happy with the results that I'm back to size small, yay! I do not need to unbutton my pants as well. I'm so happy with my progress :)

I never became obese; I'm just on the overweight spectrum. However, we don't need to be obese to start monitoring our health. It's better if we can maintain our health at its finest as early as NOW :) Don't wait for your doctor to tell you to watch for your health.

Sadly, obesity is now a growing epidemic in the Philippines. According to a 2013 study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), three out of 10 Filipino adults 20 years old and above are either overweight or obese.

“Obesity means a person has too much body fat as determined by his body mass index (BMI). People with a BMI of 30 or more are classified as obese. Aside from limiting physical functioning, obesity also increases the risk of many diseases, including musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes,” explains Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

Lifestyle causes

While genetics and medical problems can contribute to the development of obesity, its common causes are lifestyle-related, including:

Steady diet of processed foods and excessive sweets. Ready-to-eat frozen meals and potato chips are high in empty calories, which can lead to weight gain and deficiency of several essential nutrients. Overconsumption of sugary foods, like desserts and chocolates, can also increase body fats and cholesterol levels.

Working in a stressful environment. Some people overeat when stressed or upset. Aside from eating more than normal, “comfort foods” are usually high in sugar and fat. Stress also causes the body to release cortisol, a hormone responsible in managing fat storage and energy use and is known to increase cravings for sugary and fatty foods.

Sedentary lifestyle. Technological advancements have caused many adults to work in desk-based jobs that involve too much sitting and doing less physical activities. The leisure provided by televisions, computers and smartphones have also caused many individuals to do less outdoor activities and sleep less, which can lead to weight gain.

Prevention and treatment

Living a healthy and active lifestyle is the best way to prevent or overcome obesity. People who feel like they are becoming overweight or obese can start taking “little steps” to lose the extra pounds and improve their overall health, such as:

Going outdoors and exercising regularly. Outdoor activities, even a relaxed stroll to the park, can help burn calories. Meanwhile, daily jogs and exercise sessions can accelerate the weight loss and tone the muscles faster. Being more physically active and involved in outdoor recreations can also help people feel less stressed.

Following a healthy diet regimen. Regular consumption of fruits, vegetables and foods that are low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sugar can keep the body nourished and feeling full longer, which helps control unwanted food cravings. Aside from keeping the body in good physical shape, healthy foods also keep diseases at bay.

Managing stress and work-life balance. Stress may be unavoidable, but there are a lot of effective stress management strategies that do not ruin a healthy eating plan, like working out, social engagement and having a positive outlook in life. Yoga and meditation can also reduce stress by bringing the attention away from life’s problems and keeping the mind and body relaxed.

“There are a lot of healthy ways to lose weight and overcome obesity. If you feel like you need a professional intervention, don’t hesitate to consult with nutrition and fitness experts who can help you set achievable weight loss goals,” says Dr. Montoya.

Love ourselves and our family more by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Health is wealth. Thank God for giving us good health all the time because it makes us do a lot of things in life.

The MediCard Lifestyle Center offers effective solutions for obesity and weight management problems, including nutrition management and counselling, yoga and fitness classes and body slimming and contouring services. For more information, visit http://mlc.medicardphils.com.