GOOD overall health begins with a healthy heart.
World Heart Day, which falls on September 29, was established by the World Heart Federation to remind people all over the world that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world.
One of the most common cardiovascular diseases in Malaysia are coronary artery disease and stroke, which is why it's important for everyone to stay on top of their heart health and to attend cardiac screenings regularly.
These tests can assist doctors in detecting any problems early on, allowing individuals to receive the care they require.
Other conditions like "happy hypoxia" could also be lethal to one's heart health, especially during this pandemic.
Happy hypoxia is a condition in which the oxygen level in the blood falls below the normal range, but the patient appears unaffected.
The respiratory system, especially the lungs and blood arteries, is primarily affected by Covid-19.
For Covid-19 patients, the infection reduces the lungs' operational capacity while also triggering inflammation in the blood vessels, which leads to clotting and restricted blood flow.
Besides patients who have a high cardiac risk factor, a heart screening is highly recommended for individuals recovering from Covid-19.
GUT HEALTH
Healthy digestion and a digestive system that's intact are associated with many positive health benefits.
These benefits include better immunity, heart health, brain health, better mood, better sleep and healthy gastrointestinal functions.
Additionally, having a healthy digestive system may help prevent some forms of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
In the past 20 years, the field of digestive health has seen many breakthroughs. For instance, there are now enhanced treatment processes for conditions like colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, Hepatitis B, C and GERD.
With so many new advancements in this area, there is a higher possibility that this will result in an improvement in terms of diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention.
Dr Tee Teong Jin, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity highlights the importance of getting an endoscopy if patients have any one of these symptoms:
- New onset dyspepsia
- Anaemia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Family history of GI tract malignancy
He also strongly encourages that anyone between the ages 45 to 75 to get a colonoscopy done in view of the high incidence rates of colorectal cancer in Malaysia.
Some tips for digestive health he suggested include increasing one's fruit and vegetable intake, reducing the consumption of red meat and processed meats, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting one's consumption of alcohol.
Last but not least, those above the age of 45 are encouraged to get a colonoscopy done.
POST-COVID-19 CARE PACKAGE
Patients who recover from Covid-19 may continue to experience symptoms of the disease.
These individuals, also known as "long haulers", suffer from the "post-Covid-19 syndrome".
These health problems that linger on for more than four weeks after the infection has subsided are also referred to as post-Covid-19 conditions.
Some of the symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, depressed moods, persistent cough, chest tightness and a poor appetite.
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity provides patients with a Post-Covid-19 Package that aims to alleviate any health concerns that they may face after battling the coronavirus.
The package, priced at RM299, includes a Full Blood Count, C-Reactive Protein Test, Liver Function Profile, and many more tests to ensure that patients are on the right recovery track.
SMCV'S SECOND ANNIVERSARY
Besides caring for one's gut and heart health, it is also essential to go for regular health screenings as an effective approach to diagnose a specific disease or condition early, even if no symptoms or indicators of the disease have appeared.
Early detection of an illness allows patients to receive the appropriate treatment at the proper time, giving them more control over their health.
From September 1 to 30, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has an array of offers on their screening packages, in conjunction with their second anniversary.
During this period, customers may purchase their preferred packages and redeem them by December 31.
General Health Screening
Patients can opt for Sunway Medical Centre Velocity's health screening packages depending on their needs, whether it is a basic, general or specialised screening. Their health screening packages are designed according to a patient's gender and age.
- General Basic: RM288
- General Comprehensive: RM633
- Men's Basic: RM588
- Men's Wellness: RM648
- Women's Basic: RM688
- Women's Wellness: RM828
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity is also offering a "Buy 1 and get a special rate for the second package", where patients can buy their package online, and go for their screening later in the year. This offer is valid until December 31.
Heart Screening
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity is giving an offer on their Comprehensive Heart Screening Package.
Conducted by Consultant Cardiologists Dr Foo Yoke Loong and Dr Tee Chee Hian, patients are encouraged to register to get a thorough heart health assessment.
Digestive Screening
Procedures like gastroscopies and colonoscopies are used to diagnose any abnormalities in the digestive system.
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity can also perform those procedures, and they are at a special rate in celebration of their anniversary.
Patients can now get themselves checked at these rates:
- Gastroscopy (RM999)
- Colonoscopy (RM1,499)
Blood Screening and Tumour Marker Package
Additionally, those who would like to attend a more thorough screening can also purchase the Blood Screening and Tumour Package at only RM222.
For further information on this offer, please visit Sunway Medical Centre Velocity's website here.
KKLIU 2239/2021