MediPro FirstlifeMedasia

04/02/2026

MIGRAINE: What you should know

Migraine is not just a headache, it is a neurologic condition that causes moderate to severe, throbbing head pain, often with nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and even vision changes.

It happens when the brain’s pain pathways and blood vessels become over-reactive, usually triggered by:
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes
• Skipping meals
• Bright lights or loud noise
• Certain foods (coffee, chocolate, MSG, alcohol)

How Migraine is Detected & Treated

How it’s detected

There is no single blood test for migraine. Doctors diagnose it through:
• Medical history
• Pattern of headaches
• Symptoms (aura, nausea, light sensitivity, duration)
• Sometimes CT scan or MRI (to rule out stroke, tumor, or sinus issues)

How it’s treated

Treatment depends on severity:

Acute (during an attack):
• Paracetamol, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Triptans (migraine-specific meds)
• Anti-nausea meds

Preventive (for frequent migraines):
• Blood pressure meds
• Anti-seizure meds
• Antidepressants
• Botox injections (for chronic migraine)

Types / Levels of Migraine

By type
• Migraine without aura – headache, nausea, light sensitivity
• Migraine with aura – flashing lights, zigzag lines, numbness before pain
• Chronic migraine – headaches ≥15 days per month
• Vestibular migraine – dizziness, vertigo
• Menstrual migraine – related to hormones

By pain level
• Mild – dull headache, still functional
• Moderate – throbbing pain, needs rest
• Severe – disabling, cannot work, with vomiting or visual disturbance

Simple & Effective Home Remedies

These won’t cure migraine but help reduce attacks and pain:
• Drink plenty of water
• Cold compress on forehead or neck
• Sleep in a dark, quiet room
• Magnesium-rich foods (banana, spinach, nuts)
• Avoid skipping meals
• Limit caffeine & screen time
• Gentle neck and shoulder stretching

Is Migraine Covered by HMO?

Yes, most HMOs cover migraine, including:

✔ Doctor consultation
✔ ER visits for severe migraine
✔ Prescribed medications
✔ CT scan or MRI (if doctor requests)
✔ Neurologist referral

Coverage depends on your plan (OPD vs inpatient), but migraine is NOT considered a cosmetic or minor condition, it is a medical disorder.

30/01/2026

PNEUMONIA: What You Need to Know

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in your lungs to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing painful and oxygen intake difficult. It can range from mild to life-threatening especially for high-risk groups.

Who is most prone to Pneumonia?

Pneumonia can affect anyone, but risk is higher among:
• Children under 5 years old
• Adults 60 years old and above
• People with weak immune systems
• Those with chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, COPD)
• Smokers and people with frequent respiratory infections

Types of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is classified based on what causes it:
• Bacterial pneumonia –most common; usually needs antibiotics
• Viral pneumonia –often from flu or COVID
• Fungal pneumonia –affects people with weak immunity
• Aspiration pneumonia –when food, liquid, or vomit enters the lungs

It is also grouped by where it was acquired:
• Community-acquired
• Hospital-acquired
• Ventilator-associated

How is Pneumonia treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity:
• Antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia)
• Antivirals (for viral cases)
• Oxygen therapy if breathing is difficult
• IV fluids and medications for moderate to severe cases
• Hospitalization if symptoms are serious

Early diagnosis prevents complications like respiratory failure or sepsis.

Is Pneumonia covered by HMO?

Yes, Pneumonia is generally covered by HMO plans because it is classified as an acute medical condition.

Most HMOs cover:
• Doctor consultations
• Chest X-ray & laboratory tests
• Hospitalization
• IV antibiotics and medicines
• Oxygen therapy

Coverage depends on:
• Plan type
• Room & board limits
• Pre-existing condition rules (for repeat cases)

Pneumonia is one of the top causes of hospitalization in the Philippines and one of the biggest rea*ons employees end up with large medical bills. Having a good HMO means early treatment, proper hospital care, and zero out-of-pocket surprises.

23/01/2026

Accredited Hospitals of MedAsia in Rizal Province.

Angono Medics Hospital

Antipolo City Medical Hospital

Arnaiz Hospital

Assumption Specialty Hospital and Medical Center

Binangonan Lakeview Hospital

Clinica Antipolo Hospital and Wellness Center Inc.

Dionisio M. Cornel Medical Center

Fatima University Medical Center

Manila East Medical Center

Metro Antipolo Hospital Hospital and Medical Center Inc.

Metro Rizal Doctors Health Services Coop.

Ortigas Hospital and Healthcare Center

Padre Pio Maternity and Medical Hospital

San Isidro Hospital

San Mateo Medical Hospital

St. Mattheus Medical Center

St. Therese De Lima Medical Hospital

Tanay General Hospital

Taytay Doctors Multispecialty Hospital

Unciano Medical Center

23/01/2026

MedAsia’s List of Accredited Hospitals in Cebu.

Adventist Hospital Cebu
ARC Hospital
Danao Mother and Child Hospital
Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital
Cebu North General Hospital
Cebu South General Hospital
Chong Hua Hospital
Chong Hua Mandaue and Cancer Center
Malayo Medical Clinic Corp.
Mactan Doctors Hospital
Mendero Medical Hospital
Perpetual Succor Hospital
San Lucas Medical Center
University of Cebu Medical Center

20/01/2026

What is UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)?

A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra.
Most UTIs affect the bladder (cystitis) and urethra.

Where Does UTI Come From?

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, most commonly E. coli, that enter the urinary tract.

Common causes:
• Improper wiping (back to front)
• Not drinking enough water
• Holding urine too long
• Sexual activity
• Poor ge***al hygiene
• Catheters or medical procedures
• Weakened immune system

Why Is It Painful When Urinating?

Because:
• The urinary lining becomes inflamed
• Bacteria irritate the bladder and urethra
• Urine passing through inflamed tissue causes:
• Burning sensation
• Stinging pain
• Pressure or discomfort

Common Ages Affected by UTI

UTI can happen at any age, but most common in:
•Women (ages 18–65) –shorter urethra
•S*xually active adults
•Pregnant women
•Post-menopausal women
•Elderly (60+)
•Children (less common but possible)

Women are 4–5x more likely to get UTI than men.

How to Prevent UTI

Simple but effective habits:
• Drink plenty of water
• Don’t hold your urine
• Wipe front to back
• Maintain proper ge***al hygiene
• Avoid very tight underwear
• Urinate after s*x
• Avoid harsh feminine washes
• Cranberry (supportive, not a cure)

How Is UTI Treated?
• Antibiotics (doctor-prescribed)
• Pain relievers (if needed)
• Increased fluid intake

Untreated UTI can lead to kidney infection, so early treatment is key.

Is UTI Covered by HMO?

YES, usually covered, especially if not complicated.

What HMOs Typically Cover:
•Doctor consultation (GP / OB / Urologist)
•Urinalysis & urine culture
•Prescribed antibiotics
•ER visit (if severe symptoms)
•Hospitalization (for complicated UTI)

Possible Limitations:
•Pre-existing UTI (may have waiting period)
•Advanced kidney complications may need approval
•Coverage depends on plan limits

17/01/2026

What Are Lifestyle Diseases?

Lifestyle diseases are conditions mainly caused by daily habits, what we eat, how active we are, stress levels, sleep, and substance use.
They develop slowly but can lead to serious complications if unmanaged.

Most Common Lifestyle Diseases (PH Workplace)
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
Heart Disease
Obesity
Fatty Liver
Gout
Chronic Kidney Disease (early stages)

Common triggers: sedentary work, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol.

Why Employers Should Care
Often asymptomatic early on
Leads to frequent sick leaves
Higher risk of ER visits & hospitalization
Long-term impact on productivity and costs

Early detection = lower costs + healthier employees

How Lifestyle Diseases Are Detected

Usually through routine checkups, which HMOs encourage:
Annual Physical Exam (APE)
Blood tests (FBS, lipid profile, uric acid)
Blood pressure monitoring
ECG (age- & risk-based)
Ultra*ound (if needed)

What HMOs Usually Cover (PH Setting)

OUTPATIENT (Often 100% within limits)
Doctor consultations (GP & specialists)
Laboratory tests
Diagnostics (ECG, ultra*ound, X-ray)
Follow-up checkups

INPATIENT / HOSPITALIZATION
Room & board
Doctor’s fees
Procedures & treatments
ER visits related to covered conditions

PREVENTIVE CARE
Annual Physical Exam
Wellness screenings
Health risk assessments
Corporate wellness programs (plan-dependent)

MEDICATIONS
•Maintenance meds may be covered or discounted
•Depends on plan type, limits, and rider inclusion

Common HMO Limitations
•Pre-existing conditions may have:
•Waiting period
•Partial coverage (1st year)
•Advanced or long-term complications may require approval
•Lifestyle coaching not always included unless bundled

Why HMO Coverage Is Key for Lifestyle Diseases

Encourages early diagnosis
Reduces hospitalization risk
Controls long-term costs
Improves employee well-being
Supports preventive healthcare culture

Lifestyle Diseases = Habit-related, long-term, manageable

HMO Covers:
Consultations
Labs & diagnostics
Hospital care
Preventive checkups

Best Strategy:
Detect early
Manage consistently
Prevent complications

14/01/2026

What is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. Normally, the liver has some fat—but when it’s >5–10%, nagkakaproblema na.

There are 2 common types:
• NAFLD – Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (most common)
• AFLD – Alcohol-related Fatty Liver

Madalas walang sintomas sa umpisa.

How is Fatty Liver Detected?

Usually nadidiscover by accident during checkups.

Common tests
•Ultra*ound (most common)
•Blood tests (ALT, AST – liver enzymes)
•CT scan / MRI (if needed)
•Liver biopsy (rare, severe cases only)

Possible early signs (if meron):
•Pagod lagi
•Kabigatan sa kanang upper abdomen
•Elevated liver enzymes (kahit wala kang nararamdaman)

How to Prevent Fatty Liver

Do this:
•Eat balanced meals (less sugar, less processed food)
•Regular exercise (30 mins/day)
•Maintain healthy weight
•Limit alcohol
•Control blood sugar & cholesterol

Avoid:
•Sugary drinks (milk tea, soda, juice)
•Too much rice/bread/sweets
•Frequent fast food
•Sedentary lifestyle

How to Treat / Reverse Fatty Liver

Weight loss (even 5–10% helps a lot)
Diet change (low sugar, low carbs, more fiber)
Exercise
Treat underlying conditions (diabetes, high BP, cholesterol)

No specific “magic medicine” for fatty liver yet.
Supplements are support only, not cure.

Is Fatty Liver Covered by HMO?

YES, usually covered, but may depend on plan.

Commonly covered:
•Doctor consultation
•Blood tests
•Ultra*ound / basic imaging
•Monitoring & follow-ups

Possible limitations:
•Some HMOs consider it pre-existing if diagnosed before enrollment
•Advanced procedures may need approval
•Lifestyle counseling may not be included

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Fatty Liver?

If untreated, fatty liver can progress to:
• Fatty liver → Hepatitis → Cirrhosis → Liver failure

09/01/2026

HEADACHE: INSIGHTS & GUIDE

1. Kinds of Headache

a. Tension Headache (most common)
• Feels like pressure or a tight band around the head
• Mild to moderate pain
• Usually related to stress, fatigue, or poor posture

b. Migraine
• Moderate to severe, usually one-sided
• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• May come with nausea, vomiting, light/sound sensitivity

c. Cluster Headache
• Severe pain around one eye or temple
• Occurs in “clusters” over weeks or months
• Often associated with eye redness or tearing

d. Sinus Headache
• Pain around the face, forehead, eyes, or nose
• Worse when bending forward
• Usually linked to sinus infection or congestion

e. Secondary Headache
• Caused by another condition (infection, injury, high BP, etc.)

2. Common Causes of Headache
• Stress and anxiety
• Lack of sleep or irregular sleep
• Dehydration
• Skipping meals
• Eye strain (gadgets, screens)
• Hormonal changes
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Poor posture
• Sinus infection or colds
• High blood pressure

3. Possible Illnesses Where Headache Is a Symptom

Headache can be a symptom of:
• Migraine disorder
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Sinusitis
• Viral or bacterial infections (flu, COVID, dengue)
• Eye problems (poor vision, eye strain)
• Neck or spine problems
• Brain infection (meningitis, encephalitis)
• Stroke or brain bleeding (rare but serious)
• Brain tumor (very rare, but possible)

4. Medicines for Headache

For mild to moderate headache:
• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

For migraine:
• Triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan)
• Preventive meds (doctor-prescribed)

For sinus headache:
• Pain relievers + decongestants
• Antibiotics (if bacterial, doctor advised)

Important:
Avoid frequent self-medication. Overuse of pain relievers can cause rebound headaches.

5. When Do You Need an MRI or CT Scan?

Doctors may request imaging if:
• Headache is sudden and very severe (“worst headache of your life”)
• Persistent headache that does not improve with medication
• Headache with vomiting, seizures, confusion, weakness, or vision loss
• Headache after head injury or accident
• New headache in patients over 50 years old
• Headache with fever and stiff neck
• Progressive worsening over weeks/months

Imaging helps rule out serious conditions like bleeding, tumors, or infections.

6. Is Headache Covered by HMO?

Yes, generally covered, but with limitations.

Usually covered:
• Doctor consultation
• Basic laboratory tests (if needed)
• Prescribed medications (depending on plan)
• CT Scan or MRI if medically necessary and doctor-recommended

Possible limitations:
• Pre-authorization required for CT/MRI
• Annual benefit limits
• Some HMOs require specialist referral
• Advanced imaging may depend on plan coverage

Best practice:
Always consult first so the headache is properly assessed and documented for HMO approval.

07/01/2026

UBO: Ano ito at bakit tayo inuubo?

Ang ubo ay natural na depensa ng katawan para ilabas ang plema, mikrobyo, alikabok, o iritasyon sa daanan ng hangin.
Pero may mga pagkakataon na ang ubo ay senyales ng mas malalang sakit, kaya mahalagang malaman ang uri nito.

IBA’T IBANG URI NG UBO

Tuyong Ubo (Dry Cough)
• Walang plema
• Madalas dahil sa:
• Allergy
• Viral infection (trangka*o, COVID)
• Hika
• Acid reflux
• Karaniwang masakit sa dibdib at lalamunan

Ubo na may Plema (Productive Cough)
• May kasamang plema (malinaw, dilaw, o berde)
• Maaaring sanhi ng:
• Sipon
• Bronchitis
• Pulmonya
• Dilaw/berdeng plema = posibleng impeksyon

Paos na Ubo (Croup-like cough)
• Parang tahol ng a*o
• Madalas sa bata
• Dulot ng pamamaga ng larynx

Chronic Cough (Matagal na Ubo)
• Tumagal ng mahigit 3 linggo
• Posibleng dahilan:
• TB
• Asthma
• COPD
• Smoking-related illness

MGA URI NG GAMOT SA UBO

Para sa Tuyong Ubo
• Antitussives
• Dextromethorphan
• Pinipigilan ang urge na umubo

Para sa Ubo na may Plema
• Expectorants
• Guaifenesin
• Pinapalabnaw ang plema para madaling mailabas

Antibiotics
• Hindi basta-basta iniinom
• Para lamang sa bacterial infection
• Kailangan ng reseta ng doktor

Natural Remedies (support lang)
• Salabat
• Honey + calamansi
• Steam inhalation
(Hindi kapalit ng gamot kung malala na)

KAILAN DELIKADO NA ANG UBO?

Magpatingin na sa doktor kapag may:
• Ubo na lampas 2–3 linggo
• May dugo sa plema
• May hirap sa paghinga
• Mataas at tuloy-tuloy na lagnat
• Pananakit ng dibdib
• Biglaang pagbagsak ng timbang

MGA MALULUBHANG SAKIT NA MAY UBONG SINTOMAS
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Pulmonya
• Asthma
• COVID-19
• COPD
• Lung cancer
• Heart failure (minsan may ubo sa gabi)

Hindi lahat ng ubo ay simpleng sipon.

COVERED BA ITO NG HMO?

OO, karaniwan ay covered ang:
• Doctor consultation
• Laboratory tests (X-ray, CBC, sputum exam)
• Basic medications (depende sa plan)
• ER care kung emergency

MGA LIMITASYON SA HMO

Depende sa plan:
• May annual benefit limit
• May waiting period (lalo sa pre-existing conditions)
• TB treatment – minsan may special coverage rules
• Outpatient vs Inpatient coverage ay magkaiba

💡 Importanteng basahin ang HMO policy details

REMINDER:

Ang ubo ay hindi dapat balewalain, lalo na kung:
• Paulit-ulit
• Lumalala
• May kasamang ibang sintomas

Mas mura at mas maaga ang gamutan kapag maagap.

01/01/2026

As part of the V MediPro Insurance Agency promotion, we will be giving away a selected appliance as a gift to clients who avail of their HMO through us.

Our quotation is free, and you may inquire via email to receive precise health benefit plans tailored to your company’s needs.

📩 dianev.firstlifehealth@gmail.com

01/01/2026