A different kind of sweet

They say, when you get older, you either become too sensitive or tolerant.  Experience usually dictates what you eventually become.  And in spite of stereotype expectations, people still react based on what stimulus is applied to them.

But it is really difficult to care for older people.  It takes a special amount of care and tons of patience especially when lifestyle diseases catch up with them.

In San Miguel Brewery Inc.'s Community Clinic, Dr.JoselitoTe seriously checks his patients with utter concern and meticulous care.  The clinic was set up by San Miguel Brewery Inc. for its adopted communities in Mandaue City, namely, Barangay Tipolo, Barangay Casuntingan, Barangay Banilad and Barangay Cabancalan.

Patients accepted are those whose incomes fall far below the poverty threshold and who are afflicted with diabetes and hypertension.  This program is part of the company's corporate social response to the growing cases of lifestyle ailments that have plagued Filipinos.

In the clinic, you will find the charming Dr.Te talking with his patients.  His dimpled smile, encouraging his patients to take their medicines properly and to follow the protocols given to them.  Since most of them are old, fragile underprivileged, "Dockie", as we fondly call him, has to painstakingly explain the importance of following the diet and prescribed medicines. "It frustrates me when I see their sugar has increased again.  That means they have either missed on their medicines or eaten something that is not good for them.  Sometimes, they also do not have enough rest, and this takes a toll on their body." Dockie relates. "I feel good when I see a pallid patient eventually gain colour on her cheeks.  That means her health is improving."

Dr.Te who also volunteers in the KapwaKo,MahalKo outreaches finds serving the community a very satisfying part of his profession.  "I find fulfilment when I go to remote areas where you can see that people really need medical care and they do not have access to it.  My being able to share a bit of myself through the outreaches give me a joy that I cannot explain.  To see their expectant faces, and the relief that you could bring, makes me feel I am in the right profession.  To see their faces light up because it has been a long time since somebody really took care of them, gives me that happiness of being able to make others happy too."

Dr.Te also volunteers in other medical missions in his free time.  He is a family medicine specialist and has a special touch for geriatric people.  In SMB's Community Clinic, you can find him either patiently cajoling his patient to follow the regimen or scolding them for violating their diet. "I also have to be stern.  Otherwise, they will not take care of themselves.  You know, when I give them a wash down, they realize that if I am angry it is because I care for them.  My patients are diabetics and hypertensive, some of them have kidney and heart complications, I cannot let them be complacent.  I care for their lives."

Recently the SMB Community Clinic celebrated its first anniversary.  During the occasion, Dr.Te gave a lecture on diabetic foot care.  Dr.Paroleta Mission of the Department of Health also shared her expertise on diabetic nutrition.

In the small unassuming edifice of the SMB Community clinic in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City, there is an everyday exchange of a different kind of sweet, between patient, and doctor, and life.