60% of patients with heart disease fail to comply with their medication, study shows

For patients with cardiovascular disorders, adherence to medication goes a long way in ensuring that their health is in its tiptop condition. However, 60 percent of these patients are not complying with the medication as prescribed by their doctors, according to a study.

Published in the American Heart Association, the study revealed that non adherence to medication remains to be a major problem for cardiovascular patients, often leading to poor clinical outcomes, frequent hospitalizations, and increased mortality.

To prevent the worst consequences of heart disease, expert says that religious compliance to medication should be a top priority—starting from curbing the risk factors associated with the disorder.

“One of the risk factors for developing heart disease is having high blood cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of formation of plaques and atherosclerosis,” said Dr. Amado Nazal, medical director of Pharex HealthCorp. “If our patients will comply with their medication from the moment their doctors instructed them to lower their cholesterol levels, then we will be able to keep their condition from worsening.”

He added, “We believe that many patients fail to adhere to their medication because of the costs that come with it. However, medication need not be expensive. This is why at Pharex, we provide optimum health assistance to these patients through maintenance medicines that are not only of high quality but also affordable.”

Pharex HealthCorp., the most prescribed brand of medicines, offers quality maintenance medicines that are designed to help curb high cholesterol levels at an affordable price.

With Pharex’s 15-day Compliance Pouch for Cholesterol, patients will be able to comply with their medication to prevent tendencies of having chronic cardiovascular diseases.

“Fat as a result of bad cholesterol can build up on the walls of your heart’s arteries, which suppresses the smooth blood circulation that’s crucial to our body system’s functions,” Nazal said.

When arteries are narrowed down or blocked, the heart will not be able to pump blood to the other parts of the body, Nazal added. “Too much cholesterol weakens our heart, therefore putting to risk our lives.”

“With the new Pharex 15-day Compliance Pouch for Cholesterol, we are assuring patients of three things: first, they can conveniently bring their medicine whenever and wherever they go as it is packed in a resealable foil pouch. Second, it’s affordable and accessible to leading drugstores nationwide. Lastly, healthcare professionals proved and tested the effectiveness of the medicine, making it a top choice for people who have high cholesterol levels,” said Nazal.

Nazal concluded, “Failure to comply with medication could cost our lives more than we realize. Now that the new Compliance Pouch for Cholesterol is here, patients will be more able to improve the quality of their lives without the added costs.”

The new Pharex Compliance Pouc h is available in all leading  drugstores. 

For more information, please contact 4338088 (local 820).

Pharex ensures your loved one’s safety with every medication

The idea of close family ties is widespread among Filipinos as evidenced in their habits and practices. Filipinos value the concept of extended families with in-laws living in one household or overseas workers who overcome loneliness in order to support the family or of caring for the elderly members at home instead of packing them off to a hospice for the aged. But more importantly, family members care about their loved ones’ health as much as they care of their own.

Filipinos show concern for the people they love most, especially the elderly, by taking care of them when they are sick. Health concerns are usually discussed with the trusted members of the family for motivation to recover and further assistance. Indeed, oftentimes, family members come together in nursing a sickly member back to health or when paying medical bills.

Other than ensuring that their loved ones’ health are monitored, family members actively see to it that medical regimens are maintained so that they get well, expenses do not get aggravated or hospitalizations are minimized or avoided altogether.

In order to help Filipinos take better care of their loved ones, Pharex HealthCorp—the most prescribed unibranded generic medicines—has long advocated the importance of adhering to prescribed medication. This is why the Pharex 15-day Compliance Pouch or Pharex CP15 was launched. This innovative product aims to assist patients to better adhere to their treatment regimen.

“We see how individuals put importance to family and their health. And with this, we want people to know that Pharex is one with them in the care for their elder family members,” said Tomas Marcelo Agana III, President and CEO of Pharex.

The company has been in the service of Filipinos for more than 25 years, showing sincere concern for their families by providing anti-infective and chronic care drugs, as well as, vitamins.

“In line with our support to disseminate the essence of compliance, we make sure that our medicines are affordable and accessible without compromising on quality. This is our mission: to promote strict compliance to medication for recovery and a better quality of life,” Agana added.

Pharex CP15 are all available in any leading drugstores. For more details, kindly contact 433-8088 (local 820).

TBEX Asia-Pacific 2016 set on October 13-16

The Philippines is all set for the Asia-Pacific leg of the world’s largest conference of travel bloggers, writers, content media creators and tourism industry professionals - the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX), on October 13-16, 2016 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Presented by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in coordination with NMX Events, TBEX is expected to bring in hundreds of delegates from North America, Europe and Asia to the Philippines for the first time and will serve as the best venue for bloggers to acquire knowledge, as well as expand their networks and linkages. It will also create a good opportunity for the participants to experience the best of the Philippines through exciting tours.

Highlighting this event will be a series of talks presented by some of the world’s renowned speakers including New York Times #1 international bestselling author and veteran travel journalist Patricia Schultz, host of the award-winning podcast Slice of Sci-Fi Evo Terra, and Filipino travel blogger and founder of OurAwesomePlanet.com Anton Diaz.

Talks will cover various travel-blogging topics such as the proper use of social networking sites, video blogging, content management, marketing techniques to building brands and challenges and opportunities in blogging. The conference will also allow the participants to interact with each other and have in-depth discussion on travel blogging opportunities.

The group will also be treated with exciting tours to the country’s premier destinations including iconic landmarks, world heritage sites, scenic views, natural wonders, entertainment venues, lifestyle spaces, and top attractions. The list will include a visit to the historical walled city of Intramuros, the Eighth Wonder of the World Banaue Rice Terraces, the world’s Best Island Palawan, UNESCO World Heritage site Ilocos and the world’s most perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano.

By hosting this four-day event, the Philippines is once again set to take the spotlight for being a premier travel destination among the world’s most successful travel bloggers and the industry’s most creative and influential minds.

To register and know more about the upcoming TBEX 2016, visit http://tbexcon.com/2016-asia/.

Bed Linens by Canadian: An Experience Beyond the Norm of Luxury

Imagine coming home after a long day of work with the hassle of Metro Manila traffic. Upon contact, you slowly give into your bed’s playful call to slumber. Your eyes grow heavy as you drag your tired body, anticipating the warm caress of your duvet cover wrapping you up in its cocoon of comfort. Slowly, the thoughts of the exhausting work day drift off while you climb the peak of relaxation. Hours pass as if they were seconds and you wake up the next day feeling very refreshed, ready to start the day but not really keen on leaving the comfort of your bed. You sit up, smile and think of how the time you spent shopping for beddings was all worth it.

Choosing the perfect bed sheet is usually the most challenging part of putting together a comfortable bed to sleep in. It’s important to take into consideration how the sheets come in direct contact with our skin, which makes looking for the right type of fabric just as important as the quality of the mattress as well as the warmth and coziness of a blanket. The right combination makes for the most comfortable slumber.

So what brand defines the perfect sheet set? Canadian Bed & Bath / Lifestyle Bed Linens is your best bet?

Bed Linens by Canadian: An Experience Beyond the Norm of Luxury

Since 1959, the company has been providing the finest bed linens fit for any season and has not stopped providing Filipino families quality products ranging from bed sheets, towels, pillowcases, duvets, and comforters. It is the company’s goal to make Canadian Manufacturing part of everyone’s sleeping habit. Only the finest products have been carefully selected to provide the perfect experience of going above and even beyond a superb lifestyle.

This year, Canadian’s brand extension Lifestyle will be launching its 2016 collection. The latest sheets and towel designs were created to meet the constant demands of fashion-forward Filipino consumers. Carefully selected only the finest products to give your home a touch of unparalleled sophistication and class. The new collection includes dynamic and youthful designs as well as brand new colors for its Lifestyle Urban Premium, Urban Basic, and Pick n’ Go collections, all intended to guarantee the highest quality of comfort.

In the previous year, Canadian Manufacturing’s products have undergone an upgrade with its fabric starting with the Lifestyle Urban Premium line which went from a 220-thread count to 300-thread 100% cotton. The Urban Basic Collection also upgraded to an 180-thread count cotton rich blend coming from its previous 150-thread count and Lifestyle Pick n’ Go collection continues to provide budget-conscious consumers a wide variety of playful and lively bed sheet designs and comfort.

With a broad range of prints and hues to choose from, Modern Linen, another brand extension of Lifestyle, can suit the most affordable needs of every budget-conscious consumer. Modern Linen offers a collection of microfiber plain sheets sets as well as printed designs.

Another collection to look forward to this year are Canadian’s full assortment of white fabric. Canadian Bed & Bath started to cater to the hospitality industry back in 2003 and slowly expanded its products and services for not only hotels and resorts, but hospitals, spas, and restaurants as well. Until today their series of white sheets, towels, pillows, table linens and bed accessories remains to be world class quality.

Lifestyle Bed Linens also brings you only the finest towels for everyday use. In its campaign to promote only the highest quality products, Lifestyle Towels aims to provide the market with excellent, pure cotton products while remaining environmentally responsible. In doing so, CCI acquired cotton from all over the world to provide a taste bud for anyone.

Highlighting this year’s collection are Brazilian Cotton, USA Cotton and Cotton Made in Africa. Brazilian cotton ensures a unique drying experience with its soft, contamination free, super-absorbent material crafted with a unique beveled design. USA Cotton has been proclaimed one of the best cotton in the world, grown with the highest quality standards to provide a clean, contamination free towel. Organic 100% combed cotton is grown in strictly controlled environments to produce the purest natural cotton.

Cotton Made in Africa is grown with the support of the BCI or the Better Cotton Initiative which supports African farmers and promotes the highest standards in environmentally friendly cotton growing.

Lifestyle by Canadian is available at major department stores nationwide. For more details and collections, visit their website www.canadianbeddings.com. For promotions and updates, like their Facebook page “Lifestyle Bed Linens”.

How to sleep better and avoid insomnia

Do you often feel tired but can’t sleep? Do you always find yourself lying in bed wide awake at night and tormented by random thoughts until the morning hours? Your lifestyle habits might be giving you insomnia.

“Insomnia is the inability to get the sufficient amount of sleep to feel rested and function normally. In most cases, it is caused by stress and unhealthy habits, which can be resolved by simple lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president and CEO of MediCard Philippines, a leading health maintenance provider in the country.

Here are healthy habits to help prevent insomnia and get better sleep:

• Be active during the day. Do regular exercise or adequate physical activities during the day so you will feel “tired” by the time you need to go to bed. The post-exercise drop in your body temperature promotes falling asleep. Breathing exercises can also help quiet your mind and calm your body. However, avoid doing rigorous exercises at night because it activates your stress response system, which makes you more alert.

• Limit coffee, alcohol and nicotine. Drinking caffeinated and alcoholic drinks and smoking can interfere with your sleep because these substances contain stimulants. Coffee and alcohol can also increase night-time urination, which causes you to wake every few hours while withdrawal pangs from smoking may keep you awake at night. Avoid smoking before going straight to bed and avoid drinking coffee and alcohol at least four hours before bedtime.

• Switch off the TV and put down the phone. Watching TV or fiddling with your smartphone and other light-emitting gadgets before bedtime can stimulate your mind and keep you awake. Avoid using these devices at least one hour before sleeping.

• Eat a light meal in the evening. Practice eating heavy meals at breakfast and light meals during the evening so your body won’t be hard at work digesting food when it should be sleeping. Drinking a warm cup of milk before bedtime can also help you relax and may serve as a signal for your body to sleep, if done regularly.

• Follow a regular sleep schedule. Stick to a regular waking and sleeping routine every day to program your biological clock. Listening to soothing music at night can help you doze off while setting your alarm clock and opening your blinds in the morning can help you get up. Avoid spending more time in bed.

• See a doctor if you have a chronic insomnia. If your insomnia does not go away for more than three weeks despite lifestyle changes, it is best to consult a doctor. Your insomnia might be a symptom of an underlying health condition, like asthma or depression, or it could be a side effect of the medications you are taking. Your doctor can recommend the safe and effective treatments based on your medical evaluation.

“The demands of modern life can result in stress and and physical discomforts, which may trigger insomnia and other sleeping disorders. While almost everyone may have experienced insomnia at some point, it is best to seek treatment if the condition is getting in the way of your normal daily functioning,” advises Dr. Montoya.

The MediCard Lifestyle Center offers medical and specialty services for wellness and lifestyle diseases, including stress management counselling and physical therapy. For more information, visit http://mlc.medicardphils.com or call trunkline number 878-5101. 

Piolo and Crizal® get into life’s moments

What if, in the middle of your routine eye check-up, you ended up face-to-face with Philippine leading man Piolo Pascual?

Watch and share the surprised reactions of patients during a vision screening set up by Essilor’s flagship brand Crizal® on https://youtu.be/-E6BiMaz5gc. 

The new video is part of the brand’s campaign to encourage patients and customers alike to stay present in every experience of your life – or, better yet, to create your own precious moments with the clear vision that only Crizal® can provide! 

Crizal® lenses are available at leading optical shops and through eye care professionals nationwide. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph.

Wheels rides cutting-edge vehicles

This week in Wheels, automotive journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero test drive some of the country’s modern and dynamic vehicles, as well as meet significant people in the automobile industry.

The all-new Hyundai Elantra takes a spin through the streets of the Queen City of the South, Cebu! In addition to its modern technologies and sophisticated features, what other surprises does Hyundai have in store with its newest compact sedan?

Join Angel as she looks for the perfect wedding cake in Tagaytay aboard the Mazda CX-5 diesel. Aside from its elegant design, witness the crossover’s outstanding performance as it smoothly ascents up the city.

Meanwhile, Kap interviews the Filipina who is recognized as one of the best Porsche sales executives in the world, Mary Ann “MeAnne” Espinosa. Get up close and personal and find out how she’s able to effectively promote the German sports car brand.

Finally, Manny sits down with Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez to find out what’s in store for this year’s Philippine International Motor Show. Know what surprises await car brands and enthusiasts on this must-go to event.

Catch the fourth season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane, every Thursdays, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel.  For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on facebook.com/PhilStarWheels, @PhilStar_Wheels on Twitter and @PhilStarTV_Wheels on Instagram. 

Wheels explores the great outdoors

The Wheels team explores the great outdoors in this week’s episode! Join topnotch automotive journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero as they go to exciting adventures aboard some of the finest rides in the country. 

Kap goes Down Under aboard the Ford Focus. Witness the car’s outstanding features and sleek design as he takes it to a stroll around Australia’s streets, while Angel goes all touristy in the Fruit Basket of the Philippines, Davao, on a Nissan NP300 Navara. With its power and excellent performance, find out why this tough pickup is perfect for outdoor adventures.

Uly, on the other hand, goes to Subic, Zambales via the lavish Volvo XC90 and tries his hand at sailing! As he takes it to spin, discover the elegant luxury SUV’s efficiency and smart technologies. 

Lastly, Matteo test drives the cutest small car from Mitsubishi – the 2016 Mirage. With its major upgrades and features combined with maximum performance on the road, the automobile clearly retains its lead in the small car segment.

Catch the fourth season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane, every Thursdays, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel. For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on Facebook ,  on Twitter and @PhilStarTV_Wheels on Instagram. 

Road-trip ready vehicles in Wheels

The Toyota FJ Cruiser transforms into a capable off-roader

Is your automobile adventure-ready? This week in Wheels, join the audacious team of motoring journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero as they take some of the country’s road trip and off-road vehicles for a spin. 

First, Matteo learns how to transform the stunning Toyota FJ Cruiser into a capable off-roader. He will also show how to make the adventure vehicle look even tougher and more ready for action outdoors. 

Meanwhile, the entire Philippine STAR team goes on a food trip in the country’s culinary capital, Pampanga, aboard the all-new Toyota Innova. Witness the car’s power and superior performance on the road and find out why it is the perfect vehicle for road trips. 

For car racers, join Uly as he visits Crossfit MNL and tries to get fit like a racing driver. He will also share tips on how to prepare your body to prevent injuries while racing.

It’s all these and more on the fourth season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. Catch it every Thursdays, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel. 

For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on Facebook , @PhilStar_Wheels on Twitter and @PhilStarTV_Wheels on Instagram. 

5 Visayan-Speaking Americans spread their good vibes nationwide through a Philippine tour

Dubbed as “Hey Joe Show : Amerikanong Bisaya 2016 Philippines Tour”, online sensations “Hey Joe Show” composed of Sumner, Tylan, Davis , Jake and Connor toured the country through a series of  13 shows in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 

They are a group of five Americans by blood but Filipinos by heart. Their recent tour to the country has confirmed their popularity and influence as all of their shows nationwide were jampacked with fans screaming and wanting to take pictures with them. 

They did a series of shows in Visayas - Dumaguete, Negros and Cebu, in Mindanao – Iligan , CDO , Davao, General Santos and Dipolog and for the first time in Luzon – Bacoor, Batangas, Muntinlupa and Quezon City. 

These crazy, good natured guys from Utah who became a tremendous hit on social media – Facebook and Youtube because of their fluency in Bisaya, has earned for them hundreds of thousands of followers and still growing especially during this tour. 

Not only do they speak Bisaya fluently but they can also sing in the vernacular and yes, move to the latest dancefloor tunes and crack jokes in unique “Hey Joe Show” fashion.  Because of their huge following, they are able to score video guestings with celebrities and government officials. 

Only recently, they were able to meet and have a video with President Duterte himself and there are definitely more to come for these young good-natured men. 

The group was formed out of their common love for everything Pinoy and they continue to serve as inspirations to the youth who enjoy wholesome fun.

Show your support for the “Hey Joe Show” by following them online and by buying their exclusive “Hey Joe Show” Island Souvenirs shirts available in SM Department Stores nationwide.

The group is leveling up to do international shows next year to reach out to Filipinos abroad and will release a song soon in collaboration with Pinoy talents. 

To know more about Hey Joe Show and to watch their trending videos, follow their facebook page, on youtube  and on Instagram. 

You can also visit their official website  heyjoeshow.com.

Are you Financially World Class?

“You can learn how to become a Financially World Class Company by making your finances simple and getting your management team focused on the right measures”, said Mr. Andrew Stotz, PhD, CFA. 

And, this is exactly what he is going to impart in his inaugural seminar-workshop entitled “Make Your Company Financially World Class” happening this September 28-29, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria powered by The Society Events in partnership with ADFIAP and ThinkTank Global Branding.

From his two decades as a financial analyst and business owner, Andrew created a simple, easy-to-understand, comprehensive way to get any management team focused on the financial measures that matter.  Using the same system, you can make your company financially world class.

Who should attend this two-day seminar-workshop? 

•             Entrepreneurs looking for ways to beat large, established competitors

•             CEOs, CXOs, CFOs, MDs and Senior Management

•             Highly competitive management team members

•             New managers who are looking for new ways to be more effective

•             Advisors and coaches to senior management

                               

The seminar is broken into four parts and all materials will be provided.  Participants will need to provide financial data on their companies prior to the event and will work through their own plan of action to take away from the seminar. 

And, the most awesome deal is each participant will get a 30-minute follow up Skype call with Andrew after the seminar to help the participant to continue to implement what they have learned.

Mr. Andrew Stotz, PhD, CFA is an award-winning financial analyst with twenty years of experience at various investment banks. He is the CEO of A. Stotz Investment Research, an independent research firm which helps companies improve their financial performance; and individuals and institutions grow their wealth. He has been a university lecturer throughout his career, and earned his PhD (Finance) from the University of Science and Technology of China. Andrew co-founded CoffeeWORKS Co. Ltd., Thailand’s leading specialty coffee roaster and has authored two books: You Won’t Get Rich in the Stock Market… Until You Change the Way You Think about It and Transform your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 Points. He currently serves as the President of CFA Society Thailand and has been a Chartered Financial Analyst since 2001.

Register now until September 16 to enjoy a Php5,000 discount! 

To register online for the seminar-worksho, please go to http://dsocietyevents.wixsite.com/mysite/events.  

For inquiries, please free to send an email to events@andrewstotz.com or a message to 09178419571.  

Look radiant on rainy days with Marula!

The sun may not be out on rainy days but the damp and humid weather can leave your skin dry and prone to irritation and breakouts. To keep it moisturized and glowing, use Marula Pure Beauty Oil, the only doctor-endorsed and scientifically validated facial oil!

Marula Pure Beauty Oil is a ground-breaking skincare oil that provides all-natural hydration for the face, neck and décolleté with faster absorption rate and longer lasting moisture retention. It is made from 99% marula oil and 1% blend of natural essential oils that leaves a light, natural scent. With 60% more antioxidants than argan and grapeseed oils, it is more effective in fighting free radicals that cause premature aging.

Aside from its optimal hydration and age-defying benefits, Marula Pure Beauty Oil is also best for treating damaged skin after facial treatments, radiation therapies and surgeries. With its high concentrations of omega-9 fatty acid, it penetrates quickly into the skin and locks in hydration to sooth redness, swelling and irritation.

Ideal for everyday use, use Marula Pure Beauty Oil during the day to keep your skin hydrated and at night to help your skin replenish its vital moisture reserves. During rainy and humid weather, apply it more frequently as needed.

Don’t let the rainy season dampen your skin’s radiance. Keep your healthy, youthful glow with Marula Pure Beauty Oil!

Marula Pure Beauty Oil is available at the beauty section of the SM Stores in SM Aura, SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa and SM Mall of Asia.  

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 4^th 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.