© Melvin Garcia, MD, DPCP
| Clinic | Schedule |
|---|---|
| MD Link Healthcare | M, 9 am - 12 pm |
| Medicard Clinic | W, Th, F, 8 am - 12 pm |
| The Medical City | T, W, Th, F, 1 pm - 5 pm |
| New World Diagnostics | Sa, 9 am - 12 pm |
Fasting Instructions
Laboratories: LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, FBS
Fasting duration: 8 to 12 hours
Example: Dinner at 6 PM, followed by a light snack (e.g., 1 glass of milk or 1 sandwich) at 10 PM. You may drink water in the morning. Blood samples should be taken between 7 and 10 AM.
What to avoid: Do not consume any food or beverages, except water, in the morning. Water is encouraged to stay hydrated.Abdominal or Pelvic Imaging: Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, Endoscopy
Fasting duration: 4 to 8 hours
What's allowed: Clear liquids
What to avoid: Solid foods
Why: To ensure clear images and minimize the risk of complications. Consult your physician for specific instructions.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
for hypertensive patients
• Monitor resting blood pressure 2-3 days a week until good BP control is achieved.
Example: MW, AM/PM before meals, medications, and activities.
• Record readings and bring on follow-up.
• Monitoring frequency can be reduced to once or twice a month, if BP remains consistently controlled (<130/80 mmHg).
Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring
for diabetic patients
• Monitor capillary blood glucose 2-4 times daily, as instructed.
Example: MWS, before meals and at bedtime.
• Record readings and bring on follow-up.
• It is recommended to check HbA1c every 3 to 6 months to evaluate overall glucose management.
Weight Loss Tips
Calorie deficit
For safe and effective weight loss, aim to reduce your daily calorie intake by 500. For example, if you typically consume 1,700 calories a day, reducing to 1,200 calories can result in a 500-calorie deficit, helping you lose 1-2 pounds per week.Balanced diet
Eat a variety of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, to ensure you get the nutrients your body needs.Regular physical activity
Incorporate both aerobic and strength training exercises into your routine. This helps build and preserve muscle mass, supports weight loss, and maintains a healthy metabolism.
Lifestyle Modification
Physical activity
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or 30 minutes a day, 4 to 5 days a week. This can include a variety of activities such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, or similar exercises.Nutrition
Be mindful of portion sizes and aim to eat a variety of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Limit ultra-processed foods.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.Well-being practices
Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Manage stress through effective relaxation techniques. Maintain a healthy weight with a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9. Avoid smoking, vaping, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Adult Immunization
| Vaccine | Indication | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | All adults | 1 dose annually |
| Pneumococcal | Adults 65+ or younger with health risks | 1 dose PCV15 or PCV20. PPSV23 if necessary |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria | All adults | 1 dose Tdap, followed by Td booster every 10 years |
| Human Papillomavirus | Adults up to 26 (or up to 45 for some) | 2 to 3 doses depending on age |
| Hepatitis B | All adults under 59, or older adults at risk | 3 doses (over 6 months) |
| Hepatitis A | Adults at risk or wanting protection | 2 doses (6 months apart) |
| Meningococcal | At-risk adults (e.g., specific conditions, military, students, travelers) | 1 or more doses depending on risk |
| Haemophilus influenzae type B | Adults with certain medical conditions (e.g., immunocompromised, asplenia) | 1 to 3 doses depending on risk |
| COVID-19 vaccine | All adults | 1 or more doses of updated vaccines |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella | Adults born in 1957 or later without immunity | 1 or 2 doses |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | Adults without history of chickenpox or vaccination | 2 doses |
| Herpes Zoster (Shingles) | All adults 50 and above | 2 doses (2 to 6 months apart) |
| Travel vaccines (e.g., Typhoid, Cholera) | Adults traveling to high-risk areas | Varies by destination |
