It may very well be a fresh start for everyone. NEW START is actually the acronym of the health program being launched at the Manila Adventist Medical Center (MAMC), formerly known as the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital.
The program offers the seven natural remedies which have been shown to help prevent a lot of common medical problems such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. These are: Nutritious food, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in the Lord.
Dr. Bibly Macaya, MAMC president, says the NEW START formula is a simple but frequently neglected formula for good health. "This alternative lifestyle program was designed for everyone who has the burden of choosing a healthier lifestyle," explains Macaya.
Blessie Varona, one of the country’s respected nutritionists and health authors, heads the Health and Wellness Program. She says that other unique lifestyle programs are offered to add zest to one’s life and help prevent serious medical problems.
These are the Smoking Cessation, Diabetes Control, Stress Management, Weight Control, Vegetarian Nutrition, Health Check Status, Diet Therapy, Hydrotherapy, Laughter Therapy, Guide to Family Relationship, Heart Management and Physical Fitness programs.
According to Macaya and Varona, the NEW START program is ideal for executives who are always on the go. "They are ever catching up with various meetings and beating deadlines and they have the tendency to neglect their health. We specifically designed a three-day, in-house program fit for their schedules," they say.
Medical experts are alarmed that lifestyle diseases like hypertension, heart diseases, cancer and diabetes are the top killers today not only in developed countries like Europe and United States, but also in Third World countries like the Philippines.
Medical science is confronted with the real issue on how to prevent them, yet, until today, the clinical side is more concerned on cure than on prevention. Prevention though is better than cure.
Macaya says the MAMC is strongly committed to focus on the preventive aspects of controlling diseases. In this regard, it will soon inaugurate the Angelo King Health and Wellness Center whose mission is to change the present lifestyle into a healthy one.
This center was made possible because of the generosity of the Angelo King Foundation and other equally generous friends of the MAMC. A dedication to God is scheduled today, at 10 a.m. to noon.
Those interested in the NEW START program may get in touch with Varona at the Health and Wellness Center, 525-9191 local 126, fax at 524-3256 or e-mail at mshy2001@easycall.com.ph.