5 things you need to know to protect yourself against breast cancer

Did you know that breast cancer accounted for one-third of new cancer cases for females in the Philippines in 2018? According to The Global Cancer Observatory, the international agency for research on cancer, breast cancer cases amounted to 25,000 out of the almost 80,000 local cancer cases reported last year.

While most experts point out that there is no known cause of breast cancer, most agree that there are ways to reduce the risk.

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance providers in the country, offers various health insurance plans to help you prepare for unexpected health setbacks. Prevention is also important. Dr. Rachael Marie Rosario, executive director of the Philippine Cancer Society, a non-profit organization that seeks to help the Filipino cope with cancer through education, has these tips to help you protect yourself against breast cancer:

Have regular health checkups. "Early detection can save lives. It improves the chances of getting cured," says Dr. Rosario. She adds that when breast cancer is detected early, patients only needed a one-time operation. The American Cancer Society has said that a patient would need several treatments, depending on the stage of the disease, if breast cancer was detected late. Treatments usually include surgery and radiation therapy, often along with chemo or drug therapies before or after surgery. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) is usually a systemic (drug) therapy. Experts advise women to do breast self-examination once in a while and to consult a doctor if they suspect something is wrong. Check out this link for the how-to on the breast self-exam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtJPJrCeKdg

Live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is primary prevention. This means a balanced diet and maintaining an ideal weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, says Dr. Rosario. If you do not have the time to go to the gym, even the simplest physical activities like walking and cleaning the house will help.

Educate yourself. Dr. Rosario says that there is a lack of awareness of breast cancer among Filipinos. Many patients would consult a doctor only when the cancer was in a late stage. She says there were many factors that could increase the risk of having breast cancer such as having no children by the age of 30, a family history of breast cancer, and early menstruation or late menopause. If a woman has one or more of these factors, she should see a doctor regularly.

Avoid vices. Aside from being conscious about what you eat, you should also avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. Medical experts suggest that these habits can increase breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women.

Get critical illness insurance coverage. Many people are intimidated by cancer because they worry about the medical cost. Women avoid screening for breast cancer for fear they will not have enough money and also will no longer be able to work.  AXA Philippines’ Health Start and Health Max offer you and your family protection from life-threatening illnesses at an affordable price. The insurance plan covers critical illnesses, including cancer, stroke, and heart attack. 

For more information on AXA’s health insurance products, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.

Top 5 new health and wellness trends to try

New health trends and exercise programs can lead to longer, more productive lives.

“Health is wealth,” the saying goes, but many people often overlook this gem of a concept because of many factors. For one, on top of the demands of a busy lifestyle, workout routines and healthy regimens become boring and uninteresting after a while – or simply get too hard to stick to.

You can get back on track towards wellness by trying out new health routines and practices. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers, shares these new wellness trends to revive your interest in a healthier lifestyle:

Online workout subscriptions. If you cannot go to the gym, a few clicks on your computer can lead you to online fitness programs that will help you get fit in the comfort of your own home. One of various exercise routines offered by workout websites may suit your needs and budget. Subscriptions cost only about ₱500 to ₱1,000 per month.

Sound bath. Despite its name, sound baths do not involve water and soap. It is an alternative healing practice that uses sounds and sonic waves to calm the body and mind. As you lie on your back and close your eyes, sound bath healers will produce relaxing music using Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, Biosonic tuning forks, shamanic drumming, and other percussion instruments. People now use this auditory approach for deep relaxation and meditation, as the sounds slowly allow them to relax fully and explore the inner self.

Sleep technologies. It is recommended that adults aged 18 to 64 should get seven to nine hours of sleep per day. Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system, affect bodily functions,and even increase the risk of future respiratory diseases and cardio-cerebral vascular illnesses. Several companies have developed state-of-the-art devices that can enhance natural sleep and ultimately improve a person's lifestyle: wristbands and smartwatches, temperature regulators, bedside monitors, and smart beds and mattresses to help you get a good night’s rest.

Digital detox. Technology has caused unnecessary stress and emotional strain to many so a growing number of people are trying to “disconnect to reconnect.” Digital detoxification can effectively reduce stress, improve emotional state, increase work productivity and boost social interaction. You will be surprised at how logging off from social media and limiting use of electronic devices can improve your physical and mental wellness.

Intuitive eating. This is perfect for those who find it difficult to follow a strict diet. This no-diet approach is all about eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full. Intuitive eating encourages people to have a healthy attitude toward food and body image, and to honor their hunger by finding ways to satisfy it in a healthy way. It also helps people cope with stress and other extreme emotions without using food as a coping mechanism. Intuitive eating does not only focus on losing weight, but highlights the need to feel energized, strong and alive.

As poor health choices can lead to critical illnesses that can affect anyone at any age, it is important to protect yourself from the financial repercussions of getting sick. AXA Philippines has several health plans that suit your need and budget, no matter what life stage you are in. For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.

AXA Philippines CEO named Outstanding Leader in Asia

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, was recently recognized at the prestigious Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) 2018 held at the Fairmont Hotel in Singapore.

Its president and chief executive officer Rahul Hora (in photo) was named one of the “Outstanding Leaders in Asia” and was cited for his outstanding business acumen, professionalism, and entrepreneurial skills.

The unprecedented growth of the company – breaking the organization’s annual premium income records twice in 2017 – was attributed to his strong leadership.

The illustrious ACES awards recognize successful companies and individuals across Asia in two main domains: leadership and corporate social responsibility. For more information on AXA Philippines, visit www.axa.com.ph.

AXA Philippines introduces electronic policy

AXA Philippines now makes it possible for you to access your insurance policies anytime and anywhere 

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurers in the country, now makes it possible for customers to access a copy of their insurance policies anytime and anywhere with e-Policy.

“We are happy to introduce this newest feature to our customers as it allows them to view their AXA policies at virtually anytime they wish,” says AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora. “The e-Policy is considered legal and valid with the approval of the Insurance Commission.”

This new service is currently available to clients with policies issued on July 23, 2018 onwards. It is generated two days after the policy is issued - no need to wait for weeks to get a copy of the policy.

A customer can save the e-Policy to his personal storage, print a hardcopy, and even email a copy to his beneficiaries. This way, there is no need to worry about lost files or bulky documents.

AXA Philippines policyholders can get a copy of their AXA e-Policy simply by following these simple steps: Register an account on MyAXA portal, login to that account, and go to “My Policies” to view the contract and other documents. With internet access, customers can have easy access to their policy contractsright away.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/epolicy/faq or contact an AXA Philippines agent today.

AXA Philippines helps Filipinos become retirement-ready

AXA Philippines recently launched Retire Smart, an investment and insurance plan, which helps Filipinos build a future fund for retirement. The cruise-themed event featured fun-filled activities designed to have guests imagine an enjoyable retirement. A panel of distinguished speakers in different life stages were invited to talk about their thoughts, plans, and tips for retirement. Photo shows (L-R) AXA Philippines wealth management segment director Tony Isidro; AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora; Happy Skin Cosmetics founder Jacqueline Yuengtian Gutierrez; entrepreneur and former broadcast executive Jose Ramon “Monchet” Olivez; Sarsa and Kafe Batwan Chef JP Anglo; columnist, author, and former advertising executive Barbara Gonzalez; and AXA Philippines chief customer officer Amor Balagtas.