As part of its efforts to help improve the lives of Filipinos through health and wellness, Watsons recently staged a health symposium event titled “Watsons World of Wellness” graced by the country’s top medical practitioners as resource speakers at The Meralco Theater.
The symposium is part of Watsons’ continuous support in providing its members under the Watsons Advantage Program (WAP) with affordable medication, vitamins and supplements for their health needs, as well as imparting knowledge on the importance of health management.
WAP is a rewards and engagement program under the SM Advantage Card for those who buy their medicines, vitamins and supplements from Watsons.
WAP addresses the health and wellness needs and concerns of Filipinos. Those who have issues about prices can avail of the different special promos and discounts, and can also avail of Watsons Generics medicines that offer savings up to 80% compared to branded medicines. The program also provides medication alerts via SMS as a reminder to replenish maintenance medication to avoid missed doses. Moreover, members also receive tips on better health management.
Other privileges include points, free delivery with a minimum purchase anywhere in Metro Manila and SMS of weekly promos and discounts.
The health topics during the event were moderated by Dr. Anthony Leachon, (President of Manila Doctors Hospital Medical Staff Association as well as the Independent Director of Philhealth as Representative of the Monetary Board) who gave an overview of lifestyle diseases. He talked about how regular physical activities can help prevent obesity, which can lead to other complications such as hypertension and diabetes.
Dr. JA Bautista (Chairman, Department of Medicine Mandaluyong City Medical Center) said it was important to know the symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms can include speech slurring, cold sweat and shortness of breath.
Dr. Jude Erric Cinco, (Head of Critical Care at the Medical City) talked about good and bad cholesterol. He said we can eat certain foods, such as avocado and fatty fish, to boost our HDL or good cholesterol levels.
Other topics included healthy eating habits by Dr. Catherine Carlos (Consultant in Diabetes, Roque Diagnostic Clinic and Faculty member of Institute for the Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc.) and the relation of sex and the heart by Dr. Joselito Atabug (Head of Non-Invasive CV Lab, Capitol Medical Center)
Dr. Melvin Pasay (Medical Affairs Manager for Respiratory Franchise, GSK) discussed misconceptions about COPD and smoking which was very enlightening.
You can actually get Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), even if you’ve never smoked in your life.
Watsons believes that a healthy lifestyle helps improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional health. Watsons also advocates visiting your doctors for regular health checks and seeing health care professionals when you first notice symptoms.