In this day and age of information technology, it is important to keep up with changes in the way companies are doing business. Nobody wants to be left behind. Things are happening faster and better in order to meet the demands of the 21st century lifestyle. People practically want things and information at one touch of a button. Last August 1, 2000 marked a significant event in PhilamCare's history as the company's website was launched. Marking the initial stage of a series of plans, it consists mainly of marketing-related information to orient the public about what PhilamCare is and what it offers. Global affiliates including the American International Group, United Health Care, and The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company allow visitors to access these company websites as well.

The designs used in the website are very user-friendly and interested persons can choose the topic that they would want to inquire about. The corporate profile gives a brief background on the events that brought about the company. Products that include individual plans, corporate plan, and other services are enumerated to allow visitors to make an informed decision to choose a plan that will best be suited for their needs. Along with this, the provider network is shown. The online guidebook, "Your Guide" is also displayed for members who are at a loss in the basic guidelines and procedures on how to avail the benefits in their plan. For the most commonly asked questions regarding membership, the FAQ portion is available.

The list of marketing offices and payment centers are likewise presented. The quarterly wellness newsletter, "HealthLine" can be viewed online especially if members fail to receive their copy by snail mail. For those who are willing to become part of the leading Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the country, visit the Career Opportunities section. It will also not be complete without the "Feedback/Queries" section wherein PhilamCare can address specific concerns.

The recent launching of the website is another service meant to provide relevant and timely information to both prospective clients and valued members. Since the stages for enhancing the company website is still in process, PhilamCare would like to assure the public that future plans are being undertaken to improve the website. The ultimate goal is to be able to offer electronic processing of all HMO-related transactions. This will definitely be something that people can look forward to. Just a little more time, perseverance and hard work, it will be a reality.

To our valued customers: In our continuing quest to deliver better customer service and satisfaction, we are pleased to announce that we have added seven (7) new trunklines, as follows:

525-8411

The first-ever Philam Group of Companies Product Fair was held last Sept. 16-23, 2000 at the SM Megamall. The exhibit showcased the various insurance and financial services of the affiliates of the Philam Group of Companies, namely: Philam Care, Philam Life, Philam Plans, Philam Insurance, Philam Savings Bank, Philam Asset Management and AIG Credit Card. The opening program was graced by none other than Mr. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and guest co-host Ms. Christine Bersola. Also present during the affair was Mayor Ben Abalos and the officers and decision-makers of the various Philam Group affiliates. Introduced also during the product fair was the new product of Philam Life, the "Moneymaker Prime".

Each day a Philam Group affiliate is assigned as a sponsor with different activities lined-up for the day. Last Sept. 22, Philam Care offered exhibit visitors the free medical services such as Dexa Screening (Osteoporosis Test), Random Blood Sugar (Diabetes Test) and Cholesterol Testing. People from all ages took advantage of this activity while others also had their consultations and blood pressure checked with the Doctor on Duty. Manning the Philam Care booth were several Marketing Personnel who attended to various inquiries and a Lay Underwriter to process the applications. Company giveaways were given also to applicants who enrolled during the Product Fair.

One of the highlights of each day was the daily raffle with prizes such as SM gift certificates, Free Physical Examination at Philam Care Clinics, Dulcinea gift certificates and Smart pre-paid phone kits. The grand raffle held during the last day of the product fair also had special prizes in store for lucky winners. The grand prizes included a trip to Boracay, Pearl Farm - Davao and VHS Player, among others. A thanksgiving mass was also celebrated on the last day of the Product Fair.

It was clear from the huge turnout of visitors, clients and partners that the Philam Group Product Fair made a great impression on the general public and was able to reach out to potential clientele. For PhilamCare alone, sales generated during the eight-day exhibit amounted to Php 156,490.00 in annualized membership fees. Once again, the synergy of the Philam Group was undoubtedly a key factor in the astounding success of the Philam Group Product Fair.

Vertigo (Giddiness)

Vertigo is the feeling that the room or oneself is spinning. The disorder can affect anybody, but is usually harmless. However, when accompanied by other symptoms, vertigo may be a sign of underlying disorders (e.g., labyrinthitis).

Symptoms

• Illusion of spinning, which usually occurs when lying down, getting up, or turning the head quickly.
• Loss of balance.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Jerky eye movements.

Common causes

• Viral illness (e.g., common cold, flu).
• Decreased blood flow to the part of the brain that controls balance (e.g., narrow arteries that get twisted when turning the head).
• Head injury.
• Transient ischemic attack.
• Certain medicines, alcohol.
• Migraine.
• Epilepsy in rare cases.
• Meniere's disease (increased fluid in the inner ear), in rare cases.

What you can do

• Consult a doctor.
• Avoid movements, positions, or substances that bring on vertigo.

What your doctor can do for you

• Determine the cause of vertigo and treat it.
• Prescribe appropriate medicine (e.g., antiemetics or antihistamines).
• Recommend a neck collar if vertigo is brought on by turning the head.

"Health secretary Alberto G. Romualdez, Jr. warned that expired drugs still being used by patients could cause adverse effects and further aggravate their health condition. At worst, active substances of the medicine can become poisonous over time. The health chief disclosed that there are drugs that deteriorate into toxic compounds after their expiration date."

-HealthBeat, issue no. 24, May-June 2000, p.15

STRESS REDUCERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

1. Plan ahead of time. Most people wait until the last minute to buy gifts for their loved ones, which adds tension. Try to avoid the rush in shopping malls by planning what gifts to buy and starting off your Christmas shopping earlier.

2. Eat fruits and vegetables daily. Loading up on essential vitamins and minerals keeps your body in good shape, and you'll have the energy to meet the holiday demands.

3. Don't try to please everyone. Coming up to everyone's expectations is not realistic. Decide for yourself and be sincere.

4. Get enough sleep. The body needs time to rest after all the physical, mental and emotional efforts you make everyday. Adjust your sleeping hours in order to feel rested and reinvigorated the next day.

5. Spend time to do the things you want to do. Doing a hobby or any leisurely activity that you like will help you relax. Enjoying what you do makes everything so much easier.

6. Pray.

7. Give time to yourself. Having a few minutes of "quiet time" will give you a short break, or even just to allow some moments for meditation and peace and quiet.

8. Remember the reason of the season. It is not about material things, parties or getting drunk. It is a celebration of life and thanksgiving to the Lord Jesus during this special time of the year.

A HEALTHY HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL!