Doctor’s reminder this Christmas: Live healthy, go for regular check-up

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MANILA, Philippines — Before enjoying the parties this Christmas, a reminder from your doctor: live a healthy lifestyle and don’t wait until the holidays to go in for a check up.

Warning of heart-related ailments that come with excessive partying, a cardiologist has reminded Filipinos to take it easy to avoid a trip to the doctor during the holidays.

“Don’t wait until Christmas to go for a check up. By then, you have been pigging out for 25 days already and it may be too late,” said Dr. Anthony Leachon, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians.

In a forum on Tuesday in Quezon City, the cardiologist noted that hospital confinements due to heart ailments usually go up during the months of December and January.

He reminded those suffering from heart problems to have a checklist of their medicines, check ups and other reminders always ready.

“If you take in too much, go for 30 minutes of exercise or an hour long walk at the mall. That would burn 250 to 300 calories already,” Leachon said.

The doctor added that although hospitals would be on white alert during the holidays, some doctors would take time off to go on vacation, leaving behind less experienced new doctors.

“The emergency rooms are staffed with new doctors since the older ones are away. I suggest that those doctors on leave but who are only in Metro Manila should be on call,” he said.

According to Leachon, some patients are apprehensive to undergo procedures during the holidays because it is more expensive to do so.

“Christmas is the merriest but can be the deadliest time of year,” Leachon added.

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