‘Kuya Kim’ switches to healthier lifestyle post-stroke with MakatiMed

MANILA, Philippines - Who would have thought that Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza, the lively and energetic host in the noontime variety program It’s Showtime and on TV Patrol, suffered — and survived — a mild stroke just three years ago?

Caught off guard when the stroke happened, Atienza was rushed to get treatment at the Makati Medical Center. It was his doctors, neurologist Anna Marie Sage-Nolido and cardiologist Gary Lopez, who explained to him his condition.

“I found out from them that the stroke was caused by patent foramen ovale (PFO) or a congenital hole in the heart that most people have, which eventually closes as we grow older,” explains Atienza. “So the stroke could have happened anytime. But I did not expect it to happen this early.”

Fortunately for Atienza, he was taken under the care of MakatiMed, which was well-staffed and well-equipped to attend to such stroke emergencies. The Acute Stroke Unit, one of the service units of MakatiMed’s NeuroSciences Department, is known for its comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach in treating simple to complex cerebrovascular disorders.

Considered as the second leading cause of death worldwide, stroke is probably one of the most traitorous diseases feared by many, as anyone — young and old, can have it.

For Atienza though, suffering from it was an almost unlikely condition because after all, he is young and his health seemed stable — he was into neither smoking nor drinking, and even visits the gym occasionally.

“But the stroke became a catalyst for me to discover a better, healthier lifestyle which I eventually became passionate about,” says Atienza.

“I like how my doctors at MakatiMed not only treated me and helped me understand my condition. They also helped and supported me as I made changes in my lifestyle,” he adds.

The premier health institution, after all, is known for its holistic and multi-disciplinary approach that helps patient beyond recovery from illness, but in working toward overall health and lifestyle, too.

As the stroke hit the left frontal and temporal lobe of his brain, Atienza’s abilities in movement, language, and memory retention were impaired. “That’s why my doctors advised me to read and read, as well as prescribed an exercise routine for me to strengthen my heart and blood circulation.”

He recalls having to read a book every two days. “All of the books I chose were also about stroke. That’s how I learned more about my condition.”

Having a required 30-minute brisk walk per day, Atienza not only recovered his physical stamina, but also discovered a newfound lifestyle he wanted to continue.

“The short walk became a run, and then the run became a bike and run, and then I got into swimming, and started training for triathlons. Now, I’m preparing for my full Ironman which will happen in two months in Australia,” he reveals.

On top of it all, there’s the diabetic diet he strictly follows. “I’m not a diabetic, but I eat like one. Because I come from a family of diabetics, I know I’m genetically predisposed to have it, too. So I would like to prevent it for as long as I can,” he says.

He admits that although born with PFO, the condition that caused the stroke, other factors in his lifestyle before proved to have aggravated it.

“Before the attack, I was tired because of work. I was too focused on my job,” he admits. “Thankfully I was young when it happened, so I was able to fight it.”

Atienza takes in his experience with stroke not as a misfortune but rather a blessing. “After the stroke, I have really gotten healthier. I’m at my best now, as compared to any other time in my life,” he shares. “And it was MakatiMed that definitely helped me through my stroke and my recovery.”