The health maintenance organization, founded and run by doctors, celebrates three decades of industry leadership by encouraging more Filipinos to capitalize on good health so they can seize more opportunities, dare to make a difference and pursue a better future

MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider in the country, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a stronger commitment to provide more Filipinos access to quality health and medical care, amidst the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyles of this generation.

To make the celebration more meaningful, the country’s top HMO put forward the theme, “Brave the World,” to emphasize the company’s commitment to encourage each and every Filipino to capitalize on his health so that he can seize more opportunities, dare to make a difference and successfully pursue a better future.
“The world has indeed become smaller, providing Filipinos more opportunities to excel and grow. However, many pass up these great opportunities as health issues sometimes stand in their way. As we celebrate our anniversary with this in mind, MediCard will continue to strive to provide more Filipinos access to quality health care through innovative products, and services and free-standing clinics in key locations that will make staying healthy possible for every Filipinos thus, allowing them to brave the world,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.

Innovative and responsive products

Along with its corporate packages, MediCard also highlights its new products as it celebrates 30 years of providing quality and accessible healthcare to Filipinos: MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund and allows returns of unused fund.

On top of these innovative health maintenance products, MediCard offers various health plans to fit each individual’s budget. For individuals and families who want coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures and preventive healthcare, among others, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans. For a more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard also offers VIP plans; and Kabayan, created for overseas sponsors to provide quality healthcare for their loved ones in the Philippines;

Other healthcare pre-paid plans offered by MediCard are: The RXER plan, which offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases and preventive and outpatient care in MediCard free-standing clinics; Healthplus plan, where members can avail themselves of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard free-standing clinics for one year for only P1,100; and the MediCard Health Check Card, which gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups at MediCard free-standing clinics for only P500.

Clinics across Metro Manila, Luzon and Cebu In addition to its 12 well-equipped clinics, MediCard also brings its top-notch medical services to more Filipinos by opening more free standing clinics outside Metro Manila. It recently opened clinics in Lipa City, Batangas and Cainta, Rizal, making their quality healthcare services accessible to everyone.

Chief among them is the MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati, which has a breast clinic - an outpatient facility that offers breast exam, mammography and consultation with breast specialists before undergoing any diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.

Giving back to the community

Furthermore, in 2012, MediCard maintained the lead on the realization of its founding chairman’s vision and created another symbolic milestone with the birth of MediCard Foundation, the  first charitable institution in the Philippine HMO setting. It develops and implements health-related programs and conducts outreach activities through funded CSR projects, fund-raising activities and donations from generous corporations, philanthropic individuals and other foundations. With all these developments, new product offerings and network of clinics, MediCard is truly the health partner to help members and patients achieve optimum health and be on their way to brave the world.

For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/. .

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. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.

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.

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.

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.