Swim, Bike, Run Towards a Healthy Lifestyle

Fitness enthusiasts of all ages got together for a fun Sunday morning of swim, bike, run at the first HMO-powered triathlon, MediCard’s Sprint Tri, in Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.

The triathlon included a 600-m swim, 20-km bike, and 5-km run.  Athletes took several laps in the Olympic-sized pool and went on to a one-loop bike course around the Clark grounds, and a single-loop run on the rolling paths of the resort. It also featured a relay category for family, friends, or teammates.

Joining the event were MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya and COO Atty. Jon S. Montoya to advocate for a healthy and active lifestyle and to further show their dedication towards providing accessible healthcare to Filipinos.

“This is one of the best ways to encourage everyone – from little kids to adults, even the more senior ones – to exercise and move,” said MediCard president Nicky Montoya.

Participants of all ages finished strong with Adrian Thomas Dionisio nabbing the top spot of the 15-17 age group as he clocked in at 1:07:46, while Ian Banzon from the women’s category topped the 35-39 age group as she finished at 1:19:53.

Through the MediCard Sprint Tri, many beginner athletes were able to start achieving optimal health while having fun.

Vaccination Myths and Facts

 

You may have completed your vaccinations when you were a child, but do you know that vaccines are not only for kids but for adults, too? Vaccines are among the most cost-effective health interventions available. They help ensure optimum health.

“Vaccines provide heightened protection against diseases, disabilities and even death. They prepare the body to fight diseases without exposing the person to the symptoms. Many believe immunizations are for children only. But you are never too old to get vaccinated. Newer vaccines are being developed and booster shots may be necessary to maintain the efficacy of certain vaccines. Vaccination is important especially if you have a chronic disease, are pregnant, sexually active, or if your work requires you to travel to places where you can be exposed to different diseases,” says MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya.

MediCard, a leading HMO provider in the country, debunks some myths on vaccinations:

Myth: Vaccines are for children only.

Fact: Vaccines don’t offer lifetime immunity to diseases; they stimulate antibody production. Almost all vaccines wear off after 5-10 years. Getting vaccinated as an adult is just as important as getting it when you are young because you might be at risk for a new or different disease. The vaccinations you need are determined by factors such as age, lifestyle, health conditions, travel, and previous immunizations. To find out what vaccines you need, consult your doctor.

Myth: Vaccines are ineffective and harmful.

Fact: Vaccines are effective and safe. They go through comprehensive testing before they are approved for general use. They are also continuously monitored for safety and effectiveness. For those who worry that vaccines will cause serious side effects, Dr. Montoya says such cases are very rare. Normal reactions to vaccination include redness, pain, and swelling in the body part where the shot was given.

Myth: Vaccines weaken the immune system.

Fact: Vaccines actually strengthen the immune system and help fight diseases. Vaccines strengthen the immune system by safely introducing an antigen, a substance that triggers the production of antibodies needed to neutralize viruses and bacteria. Vaccines also stimulate defense mechanisms that provide protection against specific diseases. Fears that vaccines can overload the immune system are unfounded because a healthy person’s immune system can recognize and handle thousands of organisms at once.

                                                                                                                          

Myth: Vaccinations are not needed if you live a healthy lifestyle.

Fact: Good hygiene, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle can help prevent the spread of diseases, but you are still exposed to germs and viruses. This is why getting vaccinated is encouraged, even if you live a healthy lifestyle, as it provides a significant level of protection from diseases.

                                                  

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

Eat Your Way to Healthy Skin

Your skin is the window to your overall health. If you feel like your skin is dull and dry, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at what you’re eating because the state of your skin is largely a reflection of your diet. Achieve healthier, younger-looking skin by eating food rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and E, and essential fatty acids, among others.

“The skin is the largest body part of the body and one of the most vital ones. Aside from using skincare products, you can take better care of your skin by eating food that are beneficial for the skin such as salmon, berries, and green tea. In addition to eating right, healthy skin can be achieved through regular exercise and adequate sleep,” says MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya.

Here are some of the best food for glowing, healthy skin:

Green tea. “Green tea has numerous health benefits, especially for the skin. According to studies, drinking green tea also helps prevent skin cancer. We suggest drinking at least one cup of green tea daily to efficiently reap its benefits,” Dr. Montoya says. Drinking green tea also helps lessen facial redness. In addition to antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help delay skin aging. It also flushes out toxins from the body, giving you clear and supple skin. Also, green tea improves blood circulation, which is essential for healthy skin.

                                                                                                                                                              

Sunflower seeds. Rich in vitamin E and beta carotene, sunflower seeds keep the skin young and healthy. It protects the skin from free radical damage, helps diminish appearance of scars, combats UV rays, and delays onset of wrinkles. Sunflowers are packed with essential fatty acids that increase production of collagen and elastin, essential components for a smooth and soft skin.

Salmon. This superfood is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids which help the skin maintain its elasticity. Eating salmon also increases the skin’s ability to protect itself against the sun’s damaging rays. It also reduces inflammation and helps prevent skin cancer. Dr. Montoya recommends eating salmon three times a week for radiant skin.

Berries. Berries not only help keep you healthy, but they do wonders for the skin too. They are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids. “Opt for berries rich in colors like red, blue and black as these contain the highest level of antioxidants, protects your skin from aging and keeps your skin supple and hydrated,” says Dr. Montoya.

Greek yogurt. Full of essential nutrients and vitamins, Greek yogurt is not only good for the digestive tract but for the skin as well. It is an anti-aging food as protein from dairy is known to help skin become firmer. Eating Greek yogurt also nurtures vital cells, breaks down harmful cells and bacteria in the body, thus preventing wrinkles and giving you flawless, glowing skin. Furthermore, yogurt also increases good bacteria in the body, which help fight acne-causing bacteria.

Learn more on how to take care of your skin. MediCard has numerous free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations, tests and vaccinations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out www.medicardphils.com for more information.

What You Need to Know About Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses among many Filipinos. However, did you know that you can have diabetes and be unaware of it? To prevent diabetes from becoming more serious, you should be aware of important medical facts so you’ll be able to treat it properly.

“Many people are being affected by diabetes, and some aren’t even aware that they have it. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to severe health complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and a blood vessel disease that may require amputation. That is why it’s vital to learn more about diabetes and if needed, seek proper treatment immediately,” says MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya.

Here’s what you need to know about diabetes:

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a health complication wherein the body either can’t produce insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to use glucose that is found in food for energy. There are several types of diabetes but the most common ones are Type 1, where the pancreas does not produce insulin; and Type 2, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not use insulin properly.

What are its symptoms? People with diabetes experience frequent urination, excessive thirst, constant hunger,  irritability, blurry vision, extreme and unexplained fatigue, wounds or cuts that are slow to heal, weight loss even if you are eating more, and tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet. In some cases, individuals with diabetes don’t show any symptoms. That is why it is very important to visit your doctor regularly for check-ups.

What are its complications? People with diabetes are more at risk of having other serious health problems. They are more prone to infections. High glucose levels and high blood pressure can also lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve disease and eye diseases, among others. To avoid complications, it’s important to regularly monitor and maintain your blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.

How is it treated? To prevent complications of diabetes, Dr. Montoya recommends that diabetics should have a meal plan prescribed by a dietitian. Eating healthy and engaging in physical activities will help the body break down insulin better and convert glucose into energy. Some need to take insulin injections and oral agents, pills which help diabetics produce more insulin or utilize insulin better. Always remember to visit a diabetes specialist regularly to monitor your glucose level.

What should I do to prevent diabetes? To reduce your risk of diabetes, get moving and have a regular exercise routine like 30 minutes of walking a day. Dr. Montoya also recommends reducing your consumption of alcohol and processed sugars such as candies and sodas while adding more food rich in monounsaturated fats in your diet like avocados, nuts and olive oil.  

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

Get unlimited check-ups with My MediCard health card

It is always advisable to consult a health professional rather than research or self-medicate whenever you feel sick. However, sometimes we have no choice but to self-medicate because check-ups with specialists can be costly. Worry no more because you can now have unlimited consultations with a medical expert with MediCard’s newest health card, My MediCard.

“Many people value the advice of a professional health expert but it can be expensive. Nonetheless, self-medication can come with its own set of dangers to your health. Thus, a consultation with a medical professional is invaluable. This is the reason we introduced a new product called My MediCard which allows members to have unlimited consultations with select MediCard accredited doctors nationwide and experience excellent medical services,” explains Dr. Nicky Montoya, MediCard president and CEO.

My MediCard is the ultimate health card for unlimited outpatient check-ups. My MediCard holders can avail of unlimited consultations with the following MediCard-accredited doctors in MediCard-accredited clinics and hospitals nationwide: family medicine, internal medicine, cardiologist, endocrinologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist and dentists. The new card also includes an annual oral prophylaxis (mild cases only).

MediCard also offers services such as preventive health care, hospital confinement, out-patient care, emergency care, and members’ financial assistance and dental care. With numerous free-standing clinics and satellite clinics nationwide, MediCard is committed to bringing the best and accessible medical service to its members.

Other clinic locations include MediCard Lifestyle Center, MediCard McKinley, MediCard Makati, MediCard Sta.Rosa, MediCard Alabang, MediCard Cavite, MediCard Calamba, MediCard Fairview, MediCard Ortigas, MediCard Clark, MediCard Sta. Lucia, and MediCard Cebu City.

You can avail of unlimited check-ups with My MediCard for only P3,600 and membership is good for one year. Membership eligibility includes individuals from 18 to 65 years old.

You can also check:

www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/.

Bad mood or depression? Here’s what you need to know

Do you often feel sluggish and tired? Do you always feel hopeless that it takes control over your life and you lose interest in activities you used to enjoy? You might dismiss those episodes as mood swings, but in fact, you might be depressed. Depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects the way you think, feel, or act, and should be addressed immediately.

“Depression is more than just a bad mood and can happen to anyone. It’s important for people to be educated on the symptoms as well as the ways of overcoming depression so they can seek help for themselves or their loved ones who might also be going through it,” said MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.

How can you tell if you’re suffering from depression? Here are some warning signs:

Fatigue and loss of interest. Feeling lethargic all the time is a common sign of depression. Depression also hinders you from doing and enjoying the things you used to do like hobbies, going outdoors or even hanging out with friends.  

Irregular sleep. Depression and sleep are closely linked to each other. A change in your sleeping habits – the inability to sleep (insomnia) or oversleeping – could be a sign that you are depressed.

Appetite or weight changes. Another warning sign of depression is a significant change in your appetite or weight. A distinctive factor to find out if the weight changes are related to depression is whether it is intentional or not. If the change is unintentional, it’s possible that depression is the cause.

Suicidal thoughts. Depression is often connected to suicide, according to studies. If you are thinking of harming or killing yourself, it is a strong indication that you are depressed.

As Dr. Montoya said, depression is preventable and treatable. Here are some ways to overcome depression.

Stay connected. Reaching out to people is an essential part of your recovery. Isolation fuels depression, which is why it’s a big help to stay connected to your family or peers even if you always want to be alone. Attending social activities, even if you don’t feel like it in the moment, may also prove helpful.

Exercise. Working out is another good way to combat depression. While exercising, your body releases feel-good brain chemicals that may boost your mood. Start with a routine you can follow every day, such as continuous and rhythmic exercises like walking, swimming and dancing.

Seek professional help. If you already made changes to your life to overcome depression, but it seems like your situation hasn’t changed, it’s time to see your doctor for a thorough check-up.

Depression should not be taken lightly. If you are experiencing these warning signs, it’s best to get professional help. MediCard has 14 free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out www.medicardphils.com for more information.

Fast online approval for laboratory requests from MediCard

For some, part of having an HMO is securing a letter of approval
(LOA) for laboratory tests requested by doctors to help them
diagnose health problems accurately. These tests include blood
tests, urinalysis, chest x-ray, among others.

A letter of approval basically confirms that such tests are indeed
part of a member’s HMO coverage and authorizes the diagnostic
clinic to proceed with the requested tests. However, securing an
LOA may mean going through a process that can be slow and
inconvenient sometimes: A medical attendant gets your card,
then calls the HMO provider to advise them of the laboratory test
that needs to be done. Afterwhich, the patient waits for the
approval.

Now, Medicard, a leading health maintenance organization in the
Philippines, takes the hassle out of getting LOA as it introduces
Medicard Online LOA -- an online application that allows you to
easily request for a letter of approval for your laboratory and
diagnostic tests in the comfort of your own home or straight from
your mobile phone on the go.

“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, we are able to eliminate a lengthy and time-consuming
wait period to get your LOA since online application allows quick
user convenience,” said Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Getting an LOA for laboratory and diagnostic tests can be done

Tips to Boost Your Brain and Mental Health

Get enough sleep. Sleep helps your brain and body work properly. While you’re sleeping, your brain is forming new pathways to help you learn and remember information. Deep sleep also promotes normal growth in children and teens. It also boosts muscle mass and helps repair cells and tissues in children, teens and adults.

Drink plenty of water. It is important for the brain to be adequately hydrated to function properly. Your brain cells require a delicate balance of water and various elements to operate efficiently. When you’re dehydrated, your brain has to work a lot harder to perform at the same level. Drinking water also helps you feel refreshed, which may improve your state of mind. It can also prevent headaches and hangovers.

Get moving. Exercise releases endorphins, which are essential for producing good moods. Working out also keeps your brain and vital organs healthy. It also improves your body image and keeps you motivated to conquer challenges and pursue your goals.

Learn a new skill and play brainteasers. Learning a new skill and playing brainteasers can keep your brain sharp. When you learn a new skill, your brain creates new neural pathways that help you process and remember information better. Meanwhile, brainteasers and games that require you to decipher codes and pattern series, remember events and rationalize your answers can also enhance your problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, creativity, and imagination.

Communicate with other people. Regularly talking and socializing with other people can boost your communication skills and improve your decision-making and problem-solving abilities. It is also a way to avoid depression and negative thoughts, which can interfere with your daily activities.

Practice meditation. Meditation, which involves focusing your thoughts on the present moment, provides cognitive and psychological benefits. Aside from giving a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, it can also improve memory,

The MediCard Lifestyle Center in Makati offers quality medical and specialty services, including nutrition counselling, diet management, and yoga classes. For more information, call (02) 878-5101or visit http://mlc.medicardphils.com.

*This is Press Release

MediCard teams up with Hanjin Subic Shipyard

MediCard teams up with Hanjin Subic Shipyard. MediCard, a leading health
maintenance organization (HMO) provider, has partnered with Hanjin Subic Shipyard to
provide innovative, advanced and efficient quality health service to its employees.
Hanjin Subic Shipyard is the 4th largest shipyard in the world and the sole contractor of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil). With this partnership,

Hanjin Subic Shipyard employees now have access to MediCard’s wide network of
more than 1,000 accredited hospitals and clinics and over 40,000 accredited doctors
nationwide. In photo are HHIC-Tech President Mr. Park No Joon, HHIC-Phil Managing Director Mr. Jun Woo Yoon, Subic Shipbuilder Corporation President Mr. Kim Tae Jeon, MediCard President and CEO Dr. Nicky S. Montoya, MediCard COO Atty. Juan Andres S. Montoya and MediCard AVP for Sales and Business Development Maricel L. Torres.

The Doctor is Always in with MediCard’s My Pocket Doctor

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.

*This is Press Release

The Many Health Benefits of Love

Are you in love and in a healthy romantic relationship with someone? If yes, consider yourself blessed! Beyond the obvious advantage of having a date for Valentine’s Day, love can also do wonders for your physical, emotional and mental health.

“Apart from keeping you inspired, love can also help you live longer in many ways. The list of its health perks includes lowering your stress hormones, boosting your immune system and preventing you from developing many diseases, like depression and heart disease,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

Love can lower your risk for many diseases. When you’re in a healthy and intimate relationship with someone, you experience less stress, which in turn improves your cardiovascular health. Various studies also reveal that people in a committed and long-term relationship live longer than their single counterparts. Additionally, they experience fewer heart attacks, have lower cancer rates, and get pneumonia less frequently. Men in particular are more likely to give up smoking and alcohol abuse when they marry.

Love can boost your immune system. A study from the University of Iowa claimed that ovarian cancer patients with a strong sense of connection to others and satisfying relationships developed more white blood cells that kill cancerous cells compared to those without social ties. A separate study from eHarmony Labs also revealed that happy couples who engage in positive conflict resolution have higher functioning immune systems than those who retreat from the conversation or stonewall each other.

Love can reduce your pain. The saying, “love heals pain,” is not just a metaphor. Researchers who studied a group of people exposed to electrical shocks found out that holding someone’s hand can ameliorate the pain and the perception of pain. The married females in the study decreased their feeling of pain even more when they held their husband’s hands.

Love can regulate your menstrual cycle. If you are suffering from chronic painful periods, it may be the time to ditch the painkiller and get a warm body to cuddle. A study from Planned Parenthood revealed that women who have sex at least once a week have higher levels of estrogen and are more likely to have regular menstrual cycles than those who have sex less frequently.

Love can keep your skin glowing. The healthy glow of love has a scientific explanation. When you have a happy love life, your stress levels are lower. In turn, your body produces less stress hormones, which could trigger nasty pimple and acne breakouts.

Love can help improve your mental functioning. Ever wonder why people who are in love are more lively and productive? It’s because love gives them a rush of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with optimism, energy and a sense of well-being. A study from Rutgers University found out that people who simply look at the photo of their loved one had an increase in dopamine activity. Talk about high on love!

“As high stress levels are the primary causes of many chronic diseases, it makes sense that those who are in love are healthier and are more likely to live longer simply because they are happier and more satisfied with their lives. That’s why it’s healthy to fall in love and have someone love you back,” says Dr. Montoya.

Happy in love? Don’t forget to take good care of your heart. The MediCard Lifestyle Center offers diverse medical and specialty services to keep your heart healthy, including cardiology consultation, ECG and 2D echo tests, and stress management counselling. For more information, visit its website at http://medicardphils.com.

*This is Press Release

Top Calorie-Burning Sports to Try to Stay Fit This Christmas

The Christmas season is the time of the year where mouth-watering foods are served such as ham, mechado, caldereta, and lechon. But after devouring those sumptuous yet fatty foods, it is important to shed those calories and still have a fit and healthy body.
“Filipinos are food lovers, and it is truly seen during Christmas season where greasy and high-calorie foods are served. Thus, it is just essential to burn those extra calories to avoid excess fat. For people who don’t want to hit the gym, they can try sports to burn the calories,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, MediCard president.

Here are the top calorie-burning sports to try:

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 swim suit on and do some laps.

Racket Sports. Grab your racket and get ready to lose those calories you consumed during your 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 an 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 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 8 mph.

Boxing. Wear those boxing gloves and be game enough to step into the ring. Whether it’s kick boxing 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.

Shed those calories for the holidays! Visit MediCard’s fitness facility at #51 Paseo De Roxas cor. Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For more information, check out their website at www.medicardphils.com.

Medicard - Triathlon for Beginners

Triathlon is an adrenaline-pumping activity that combines swimming, cycling and running in one event. It’s 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.

“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,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

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.