Dr. Melvin Garcia
Internal Medicine
Schedule consultations here
Preventative care
Chronic disease management
Prescriptions and refills
Lab and imaging requests
Specialist referrals
Fitness evaluations
© Melvin Garcia, MD, DPCP
Day | Time | Clinic |
---|---|---|
Mon | 9 to 12 | MD Link Healthcare |
Mon | 1 to 5 | Medicard Lipa Clinic |
Wed | 8 to 12 | Medicard Lipa Clinic |
Wed | 1 to 3 | New World Diagnostics |
Thu | 8 to 12 | Medicard Lipa Clinic |
Fri | 8 to 12 | Medicard Lipa Clinic |
Fri | 4 to 5 | MD Link Healthcare |
Sat | 8 to 12 | Medicard Lipa Clinic |
Mon to Sat, 5 to 8 PM, Online Consultation
Fasting Instructions
Laboratories: FBS, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides
Duration: 8 to 12 hours
Sample: Dinner at 6 PM, followed by light snack (1 glass of milk or 1 sandwich) at 10 PM. You may drink water in the morning. Blood samples should be drawn between 7 to 10 AM.
What to avoid: Do not consume any food or drink other than water in the morning.
What's allowed: Water is permitted and encouraged to stay hydrated.Imaging: Abdominal Ultrasound, Endoscopy
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
What to avoid: Food and beverages, except for small sips of water.
Why: This helps to get clearer images and reduce the risk of complications.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
for Hypertensive Patients
• Monitor resting blood pressure 2-3 days a week until good BP control is achieved.
Sample: MWF, AM/PM before meals and physical activities.
• Record all readings and bring on follow-up.
• Monitoring can be adjusted to once a month, once blood pressure is consistently controlled (<130/80 mmHg).
Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring
for Diabetic Patients
• Monitor capillary blood glucose 2-4 times daily, as instructed.
Sample: MWF, before meals and at bedtime.
• Record all readings and bring on follow-up.
• Check HbA1c every 3 or 6 months, based on glucose control, to evaluate overall glucose management.
Healthy Weight Loss
Calorie deficit
For safe and effective weight loss, reduce your daily calorie intake by 500. Sample: If you typically consume 1,700 calories per day, reducing your intake to 1,200 calories per day can create a 500-calorie deficit. This can help you gradually lose 1-2 pounds weekly.Balanced diet
Eat a variety of whole foods like veggies, fruits, and lean proteins to help you get the nutrients you need.Regular physical activity is essential
A balanced workout routine that includes both aerobic and strength training exercises is ideal for building and preserving muscle mass.
Lifestyle Modification
Physical activity
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or about 30 minutes a day on 4 to 5 days, with activities like brisk walking or swimming.Nutrition
Be mindful of portion sizes.
Eat a variety of whole foods like veggies, fruits, and lean proteins. Minimize ultra-processed foods.
Stay hydrated.Well-being practices
Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
Manage stress with effective relaxation techniques.
Maintain a healthy weight, or BMI of 18.5 to 22.9.
Avoid smoking, vaping, and alcohol consumption.
Adult Immunization Schedule
Vaccine | Who should Get it | Schedule |
---|---|---|
Influenza | All adults | 1 dose annually |
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertusssis (Tdap) | All adults | 1 dose Tdap or Td booster every 10 years |
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) | All adults 50 and above | 2 doses (2 to 6 months apart) |
Pneumococcal (PPSV23, PCV15, or PCV20) | Adults 65+ or younger with health risks | 1 dose PCV15 or PCV20; PPSV23 if necessary |
HPV (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) |
MMR (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 |
Meningococcal | At-risk adults (e.g., students, military) | 1 or more doses depending on risk |
COVID-19 vaccine | All adults (including boosters) | 1 or more doses of updated vaccines |
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) | Adults with certain medical conditions (e.g., asplenia) | 1 to 3 doses depending on risk |
Travel vaccines (e.g., Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow fever, Japanese Encephalitis) | Adults traveling to high-risk areas | Varies by destination and vaccine type |