Docs urge revelers to take heart (test) before partying

Before going on party mode this Christmas, a reminder from your doctor: Live a healthy lifestyle and don’t wait until the holidays for a checkup.

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

“Don’t wait until Christmas to go for a checkup. By then, you have been pigging out for 25 days already and it could 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 keep a checklist of their medicines, checkups and other reminders.

“If you eat too much, do 30 minutes of exercise or take an hourlong walk. That would burn 250 to 300 calories already,” Leachon said.

The doctor added that though hospitals are on white alert during the holidays, some doctors also 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.

He noted that some patients are also apprehensive to undergo procedures during the holidays because it is more expensive to do so.

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