PEOPLE die from heart attacks during the holidays. Other causes of heart attacks could include traffic, gum disease and even “third-hand” smoke.
At the Watsons World of Wellness discussion at the SM City Trade Hall in Cebu City, Dr. Celine Aquino and Dr. Marivic Vestal talked about “Inane Things That Can Kill You” or not-so-well-known risk factors for a heart attack. The two doctors said the association of these factors to heart attack have been the subject of much research.
“According to Google, Filipinos are becoming more health conscious. The health sector is growing in terms of demand for online content because most people now search online before buying almost anything,” said Watsons Health Trading Director Rafael Lim. The discussion was attended exclusively by Watsons Card members.
Another trend we’re seeing is lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes affecting younger people in the 25 to 35 age range. The speakers also included Dr. Kevin Bautista (on being a flu fighter across generations and the basics of asthma) and Dr. Albert Chu (diabetes).
Influenza is the most common VPD (vaccine preventable disease) that affect different age groups, said Bautista. The flu impacts a person’s productivity and overall well-being. Prevention and treatment include vaccination, and practice of good health habits such as handwashing, and covering your mouth and nose when sick.
About 10.7 million Filipinos suffer from asthma, a condition wherein the muscles around the airways tighten, making them narrower and harder to get air in and out of the lungs.
Triggers can include animal hair, dust, pollen, pollution and exercise. Symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Bautista said those who suffer from asthma should always consult their doctor.
Meanwhile, diabetes is one of the top 7 leading causes of death in the Philippines with one out of five adults having diabetes or prediabetes. Chu said the symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst, blurry vision, chronic fatigue, very dry skin and sores that take long to heal.
“The health symposium is only one of Watsons’s initiatives to help improve the lives of Filipinos. By gaining more knowledge on health and wellness, Filipinos become more empowered,” said Lim. Exclusive invites to events like World of Wellness is only one of the perks of being a Watsons Card member. Other perks include value-added in-store services such as doctor consultations and vaccinations.
As of May, there are 1.2 million member of Watsons Card, which was launched in September 2018. Wellness, said Lim, is a fast-growing component at Watsons.
“How big is the wellness component? It’s nearly at the same level as the beauty category. The best sellers in this category are vitamins and supplements, with women among our biggest customers.”