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

DayTimeClinic
Mon9 to 12MD Link Healthcare
Mon1 to 5Medicard Lipa Clinic
Wed8 to 12Medicard Lipa Clinic
Wed1 to 3New World Diagnostics
Thu8 to 12Medicard Lipa Clinic
Fri8 to 12Medicard Lipa Clinic
Fri4 to 5MD Link Healthcare
Sat8 to 12Medicard 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

VaccineWho should Get itSchedule
InfluenzaAll adults1 dose annually
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertusssis (Tdap)All adults1 dose Tdap or Td booster every 10 years
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)All adults 50 and above2 doses (2 to 6 months apart)
Pneumococcal (PPSV23, PCV15, or PCV20)Adults 65+ or younger with health risks1 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 BAll adults under 59, or older adults at risk3 doses (over 6 months)
Hepatitis AAdults at risk or wanting protection2 doses (6 months apart)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)Adults born in 1957 or later without immunity1 or 2 doses
Varicella (Chickenpox)Adults without history of chickenpox or vaccination2 doses
MeningococcalAt-risk adults (e.g., students, military)1 or more doses depending on risk
COVID-19 vaccineAll 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 areasVaries by destination and vaccine type