Medical Tourism

Definitions:

-When a person/s Travel to Another Country for Medical Care

-Travel primarily for the purpose of receiving Health Care
-It is traveling to a destination in another country to receive medical, dental and surgical
care, etc.

Specific Reasons for Travel:

1. To undergo variety of Procedures

2. Novel Treatments
3. Experimental Treatments

According to tourists' health status, health tourists can be divided into those
seeking leisure-oriented tourism, health-promoting tourism, and medicine-
oriented tourism.

Areas of Destination of Medical Tourists:

1. Developed Countries
2. Underdeveloped Countries

Reasons why People may travel to another country to get health care:

To find a cheaper place for the medical procedures of same quality.

• Cost: To get treatment or a procedure that may be cheaper in another country.

The country offers the same treatment at a more affordable price.

• Culture: To receive care from a healthcare provider who shares the traveler’s
culture and language.
• Unavailable or Unapproved procedure: To get a procedure or therapy that is not
available or approved in their own country of origin.

In some countries, certain medical procedures are not legal, such as fertility
procedures.
So, such people go to different countries to get the procedure done. India is also a
major
 medical tourism destination these days.

• Care: To get better access to care.

Provides higher quality Care as compared with other countries.

Most common procedures that people undergo on medical tourism trips include:

1.dental care
2. surgery
3. cosmetic surgery
4. fertility treatments
5. organ and tissue transplantation
6. cardiac surgery
7. orthopedic surgery
8. cancer treatment.

Risks in Medical Tourism:

1. Risk of complications depending on the destination, the facility where the

procedure is being performed, and whether you are in the good physical and
psychological condition for the procedure(s);

2. Other issues that can increase you risk of complications include:

Infectious Disease. All medical procedures have some risk of complications, those
associated with procedure done in other countries include wound infections,
bloodstream infections, donor-derived infections, and diseases such as hepatitis B,
hepatitis C, HIV.

Antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is definitely a concern and a global

problem; however, you are more likely to get an antibiotic-resistant infection in some
countries. Highly drug-resistant bacteria have caused infectious disease outbreaks
among medical tourists.

Quality of Care. Some countries’ requirements for maintaining licensure, credentialing,

and accreditation may also be less than what would be required in the United States. In
some countries, counterfeit medicines and lower quality medical devices may be used.

Communication challenges. Communicating with staff at the destination and

healthcare facility may be challenging. Receiving care at a facility where you do not
speak the language fluently could lead to misunderstandings about your care.
Air Travel. Flying after surgery can increase the risk for blood clots, including deep vein
thrombosis. If you get chest or abdominal surgery do not travel by air for at least 10
days to avoid risks associated with changes in atmospheric pressure. People who get
cosmetic procedures of the face, eyelids, or nose, or who have had laser treatments
should wait 7–10 days before flying.

Continuity of Care. You may need to get health care outside your country of origin if
you have complications after returning.

What to do to Minimize Medical Tourism Risks

1. Get a pre-travel consultation

• If you are planning to travel to another country for medical care, see a your
healthcare provider or travel medicine provider at least 4–6 weeks before the trip to
discuss general information for healthy travel and learn about specific risks you
may face because of your health status, the procedure, and travel before and after
the procedure.
• Obtain international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to
the United States.
• Before planning vacation activities, such as swimming or taking tours, find out what
activities are not permitted after the procedure.

2. Maintain your health and medical records

• Bring copies of your medical records with you, including results of lab tests and any
other tests done related to your condition and care. Inform the medical staff at your
destination of any allergies you may have.
• Pack a travel health kit with your prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Bring enough medicine to last your whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
Also, bring copies of all your prescriptions and a list of medications you take,
including their brand names, generic names, manufacturers, and dosages.
• Get copies of all your medical records from the destination, before you return
home. You may need to get them translated into English.

3. Research the healthcare provider and facility

Check the qualifications of the healthcare providers who will be doing the procedure and
the credentials of the facility where the procedure will be done. Accrediting groups,
including Joint Commission International, DNV GL International Accreditation for
Hospitals, and the International Society for Quality in Healthcare, have lists of standards
that facilities need to meet to be accredited. Please note, that all surgeries carry the risk
of complications, and accreditation does not guarantee a positive outcome.

If you go to a country where you do not speak the language, determine ahead of time
how you will communicate with your doctor and others who will be caring for you.
4. Arrange for follow-up care.

• Identify where you will be staying immediately after the procedure.

• Before you travel abroad for medical tourism make sure you can get any needed
follow-up care in your country of origin.

TOP 10 Countries in Medical Tourism

Canada
According to the MTA (Medical Tourism Index) survey, Canada is one of the top preferred
destinations attracting around 14 million Americans besides other nations. Canada is
famous for its surgical procedures i.e., coronary angiography and angioplasty, joint
replacements, plastic surgery, and other treatments.

Singapore
The World Population Review has ranked the medical facilities of Singapore as the sixth
best in the world.
It offers the latest medical treatments and surgeries with modern techniques and
arrangements. Singapore offers cost-effective medical procedures when compared to US
e.g. heart bypass surgery or joint replacement procedures.

Japan
Japan is famous for its cosmetic surgery procedures and cancer treatments that are cost-
effective when compared to other major medical tourist destinations.

Spain
Spain, a cost-effective medical tourism destination for advanced orthopedic procedures
such as tendinosis treatment, foot and ankle deformities, flat feet surgery; Dental
procedures – laser whitening techniques; cosmetic surgeries, breast augmentation which
are available at one-third of the price as compared to USA.

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is an attractive hub for medical tourism with its charming destinations
which include England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Whales. The UK is famous for its
cosmetic procedures, such as jaw surgery, facial fillers, skincare treatments, and other
anti-aging procedures.
Dubai
Dubai is famous for its modern advanced infrastructure that attracts more than five million
tourists every year. The Medical Tourism Index ranked Dubai as the most visited medical
destination of the Arab region, with its world-class hospitals and best doctors in several
specialties. Dubai attracts medical tourists mainly from neighboring Arab and Gulf
countries, Asia, and some European and African nations. Top-class medical services
include orthopedics, dentistry, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatment.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica, which is very near to Miami, has become a preferred tourism destination for
health tourists. It is ranked high in dentistry and cosmetic surgery procedures by MTA.
Some of the best health services this country offers to medical tourists are eye surgery,
weight loss surgery, and cancer treatment at very low costs when compared to regional
centers.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE has been an emerging destination for medical tourists.
It provides numerous medical and surgical facilities in the field of multi-organ
transplantation, cancer care, and heart bypass services. The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland
Clinic have established their hospitals in the emirate. Abu Dhabi offers easy medical visa
procedures, medical tourism insurance, cost-effective packages to attract medical tourists
globally.

India
India has been a preferred medical tourism destination among other Asian Countries due
to its favorable medical visa policy which also allows family members to stay on a medical
attendant visa. Some of the main services that attract medical tourists to India include
cardiac care, cosmetic surgeries, multi-organ transplantation and alternative medicine
like Ayurvedic treatments.

Pakistan
Pakistan has emerged as a favorite destination for medical tourism amongst many
neighboring countries including patients of Pakistani origin from the Middle East, African
Nations, United Kingdom, and the United States. The country is known for its
internationally trained physicians and surgeons along with availability of modern
treatment facilities. It has also become a sought after destination due to religious and
cultural similarities with countries in Gulf, MENA and Central Asian regions.

The best healthcare services, for which the country is recognized for are dentistry,
orthopedics, fertility treatment, cardiac surgery, and dermatology with the world’s top-
class specialists. The cost of treatment is much lower than those in western, Asian, and
neighboring countries.
Shifa International Hospital is a JCI accredited, one among the best hospitals in Pakistan.
The hospital has its setup in Islamabad and Faisalabad and is fully dedicated to providing
valuable healthcare services in numerous fields since 1993. The hospital has more than
30 specialties and subspecialties in various fields of surgery and medicine. These include
Interventional cardiology, orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Interventional radiology, Cancer
treatment, dentistry, and Liver Bone Marrow, Kidney, and Cornea Transplant.
A Patient Facilitation Office in Dubai to promote health tourism has been established
which assists patients to make hassle-free appointments with the world’s top-class
doctors at Shifa International Hospitals Ltd, Pakistan. Till now it has assisted hundreds of
health tourists with their complex treatment and surgeries such as transplants, cardiac
surgeries, neurosurgeries, and cancer treatments.

TOP 10 Places in the Philippines that are Famous in Medical Tourism

1. Philippine Heart Center - Quezon City

Established in 1975, the Philippine Heart Center is regarded as one of the most
active cardiac care treatment and surgery center in the Asia-Pacific region.
Located in a 2.7 hectare facility with two hospitals and a medical arts building,
the institution offers various cardiac, cardio-pulmonary and cardiovascular
procedures for both local and international patients.

2. Asian Hospital and Medical Center - Muntinlupa City

Established only in 2002, the Asian Hospital is the first major private health
facility in the south of Metro Manila. Success came quickly, as in 2005 it received
an award as the Most Outstanding Modern Hospital. It offers world-class
treatments and facilities catering to both local and international patients seeking
various health services including Cardiology, Cosmetic Surgery, Dermatology,
Executive Health Screening, Oncology, General Surgery and Urology among
others.

3. St. Luke's Medical Center - Quezon City / Fort Bonifacio Global City

The second JCI-accredited health facility in the Philippines, St.

Luke's Medical Center is the premiere health center in the
Philippines that offers 21st century medical facilities and services
using the most advanced technologies. Established in 1903, the
hospital has 9 institutes, 13 departments and a total of 19 health
centers offering various medical treatments and procedures.
These cater for both local and international clientele.
 4. Manila Doctors Hospital - Ermita, Manila

Established in 1956, this ISO-certified health facility is a private

tertiary hospital that offers various health and medical services
catering to local and international patients. Among the services
offered are Industrial Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Radiology,
Rehabilitation Medicine, Special Diagnostics, Laboratory Medicine
and other Clinical services.

Common Treatments Done by Medical Tourists in the Philippines

Foreign medical tourists to the Philippines usually go for aesthetic and un-complicated
procedures, whilst Filipino expats return home for all types of medical procedures.
The following procedures are more common among non Filipino medical tourists:

• Aesthetic procedures
• Cosmetic surgery
• Dentistry
• Dermatology
• Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology
• Fertility Treatment
• General Surgery
• Hair Transplantation
• Rehabilitation
• Weight Loss Surgery
• Stem Cell Therapy

Cost of Medical Treatments in the Philippines

The following are cost comparisons between medical procedures in the Philippines and
equivalent procedures in the United States: [Sources: 1]

Medical Procedures

Average
Procedure US Hospitals Philippines
Savings

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery $70,000 - $133,000 $11,500 - $17,500 83% - 86%

Heart-valve Replacement $75,000 - $140,000 $14,000 - $21,000 81% - 85%

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass $35,000 - $52,000 $2,000 - $3,500 92% - 94%

Hip Replacement $33,000 - $57,000 $5,000 - $7,600 84% - 86%

Knee Replacement $30,000 - $53,000 $5,200 - $7,700 82% - 85%

Prostate surgery (TURP

$10,000 - $16,000 $1,500 - $2,700 83% - 85%
procedure)

$290,000 - $120,000 -
Liver Transplant 51% - 58%
$310,000 $150,000

$200,000 -
Kidney Transplant $23,000 - $25,000 88% - 90%
$250,000

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Average
Procedure US Hospitals Philippines
Savings

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) $6,000 - $10,000 $3,000 - $4,000 50% - 60%

Face Lift (rhytidectomy) $10,500 -16,000 $3,500 - $4,500 66% - 71%

Breast Augmentation
$7,500 - $8,500 $3,000 - $3,500 58% - 60%
(Mammoplasty)

Breast Reduction $8,000 - $10,000 $3,000 - $3,200 62% - 68%

Complete Liposuction (lipoplasty) $13,000 - $14,000 $3,000 - $4,000 71% - 76%

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) $5,500 - $6,500 $2,000 - $2,500 61% - 63%

Eye / Ophthalmology

Average
Procedure US Hospitals Philippines
Savings

Cataract surgery $1,500 - $2,500 $800 - $900 46% - 64%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Average
Procedure US Hospitals Philippines
Savings

Dental Implant $3,500 - $5,500 $500 - $600 85% - 89%

Malpractice and Liability Laws in the Philippines

In the Philippines, there are adequate provisions in the Philippine Revised Penal Code
for medical malpractice that would protect patients against medical negligence and
incompetence from erring or criminal physicians. On top of this, the Republic Act #9173
or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 has also been passed by Congress to guarantee
the delivery of basic health services through adequate and competent nursing
personnel in the country.

Pros

• Prices
Prices of medical procedures are very cost-effective.
• Well trained medical staff
Medical staff are trained to international standards, and many doctors are trained
in Western countries.
 • Language
English is widely spoken among the medical staff, and by the general public.
• Several top quality hospitals
Hospitals catering to health tourism have state-of-the-art facilities.
• Low cost accomodations
5-star hotel room accommodation are available at very affordable prices
• A vacation destination
There are several choice vacation destinations in the Philippines that are perfect
for fast and relaxing recovery after a medical procedure

Cons

• General quality of healthcare not as high as other destinations

There are clear differences in the levels of quality and offered healthcare
services between private health institutions and public health providers. Good
medical tourism packages are offered mostly in private institutions and are not
available in public hospitals or clinics.

• Long flights
Flight times from the US, Canada and Europe are long and may not be
conducive for patients with certain medical conditions

Types of Medical Tourism

International Medical Tourism can be further divided into two types:

1. Inbound Medical Tourism

2. Outbound Medical Tourism

A Brief History of Medical Tourism

As early as 5000 years ago, constant streams of medical travelers and spiritual
students flocked in certain places to seek the benefits of these alternative-healing
methods.

People have traveled abroad for medical treatment for centuries. The practice itself
can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. During the Georgian and Victorian eras in
England, many people traveled abroad to spa towns for hot springs, baths, and other
health treatments.

WELLNESS
The act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and
mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you're thriving.

The active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic
health.

Wellness is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is not a passive or static
state but rather a dynamic and conscious development of the whole self. Wellness is
associated with intentions, choices, and actions leading toward an optimal state of well-
being so that instead of surviving, you're thriving.

Wellness is not a passive or static state but rather an “active pursuit” that is associated
with intentions, choices and actions as we work toward an optimal state of health and
wellbeing. Second, wellness is linked to holistic health—that is, it extends beyond physical
health and incorporates many different dimensions that should work in harmony.

Wellness is an individual pursuit—we have self-responsibility for our own choices,

behaviors and lifestyles—but it is also significantly influenced by the physical, social and
cultural environments in which we live.

Wellness is often confused with terms such as health, wellbeing and happiness. While
there are common elements among them, wellness is distinguished by not referring to a
static state of being (i.e., being happy, in good health, or a state of wellbeing). Rather,
wellness is associated with an active process of being aware and making choices that
lead toward an outcome of optimal holistic health and wellbeing.
WELNESS PERSON DEFINED
Personal wellness means being physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
healthy.

A healthy lifestyle helps balance all these aspects to achieve wellness.

Your decisions and choices will impact both your short-term and long-term wellness.

Wellness Is Multidimensional. Wellness is about more than just physical health.

Most models of wellness include at least six to 12 dimensions:

• Physical: Nourishing a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.

• Mental: Engaging the world through learning, problem-solving, creativity,
etc.
• Emotional: Being aware of, accepting and expressing our feelings, and
understanding the feelings of others.
• Spiritual: Searching for meaning and higher purpose in human existence.
• Social: Connecting and engaging with others and our communities in
meaningful ways.
• Environmental: Fostering positive interrelationships between planetary
health and human actions, choices and wellbeing.
7 Aspects of Wellness
Wellness is commonly viewed as having seven dimensions:

mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and vocational

These dimensions are interdependent and influence each other. When one dimension
of our well-being is out of balance, the other dimensions are affected.

To strive for wellness is to take a proactive approach by learning how to be well in each
dimension and taking action to build wellness-affirming habits, routines, and coping
strategies.

7 Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness is commonly viewed as having seven dimensions: mental, physical,

social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and vocational, as follows:

1. Mental Wellness
Mental wellness includes all aspects of mental health, emotional state and well-being,
as well as how they interact. In turn, your mental wellness influences how you think,
feel, and behave in your daily life. Mental wellness affects each dimension in turn and
includes coping with the normal difficulties of life.

Topics may include anxiety, mood, emotions, stress management, self-care, suicide
prevention, and supporting others with lived experience.

Strategies to enhance your mental wellness:

• Practice mindfulness: the mental state achieved by focusing your awareness on

the present moment, instead of mentally rehashing the past or imagining the
future.
• Use relaxation and self-care strategies that work for you.
• Seek support from family, friends, community, and/or a professional.
• Exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep.
• Express feelings and emotions effectively, and practice positive self-talk.
 • Attend any of the weekly mental health workshops to learn about different
aspects of mental health and how to cope with stress and adversity.
• Know where to turn in times of crisis.

Utilize the following campus resources to enhance your mental wellness:

• Access the Student Wellness Centre for counselling and other mental health
services, available to all students.
• Attend wellness workshops such as “Helping a Friend With their Mental Health”
or “Getting More Sleep for your Mental Health.”
• Participate in free events for students focused on building positive mental health,
etc.

2. Physical Wellness

Physical wellness includes a variety of healthy behaviours including exercise, proper

nutrition, healthy sleeping, sexual health and substance use.

Physical wellness involves learning about disease and harm prevention, and developing
healthy habits that will enable to you to live a longer, happier life.

Topics may include active living, substance use, healthy habits and routines, nutrition,
healthy sleep, and sexual health.

Strategies to enhance your physical wellness:

• Make regular exercise a part of your life, aiming to get at least 150 minutes of
moderate aerobic activity every week.
• Eat more fresh food options, instead of processed food, including 5-10 servings
of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Take a break while studying to go for a brief walk.
• Educate yourself on the risks of all substances, including alcohol and cannabis.
• Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night).
• Practice waking up at the same time each day to promote good sleep habits,
prevent fatigue, and increase mental functioning.
• Avoid smoking, including tobacco and vaping.
• Replace sugary drinks like juices and sport drinks with water.
Utilize the following campus resources to enhance your physical wellness:

• Access the Student Wellness Centre for medical services

• Get active and involved through Athletics and Recreation.
• Participate in intramurals.

3. Social wellness

Social wellness is how we interact with our community and those around us. It includes
healthy relationships, consent, communication skills and support systems. It is also
about building a support system of family, friends, peers, and professionals.

Topics may include healthy transitions, isolation, consent and healthy relationships,
communication skills, and adjustment to change.

Strategies to enhance your social wellness:

• Balance social and personal time.

• Be open-minded to new experiences and people.
• Observe others and ask questions to gain a better understanding of unfamiliar
cultures and customs.
• Seek out opportunities and be willing to meet new people and do new things (e.g.
join a club or organization, play a team sport, volunteers, etc.).
• Understand how consent plays a role in all aspects of your social life, with sexual
partners interacting with new friends, with peers, and more.
• Volunteer on campus or in the community.
• Participate in cross-cultural social events
•
• Utilize the following campus resources to enhance your social wellness:

• Participate in group exercise classes

• Join clubs and associations or start your own club!
• Volunteer on campus activities
 Differences Between Men and Women

People in relationships often have strong expectations that their partner will be just like
they are: exhibit the same attitudes, values, perceptions and behaviors.

However, we know that you will not change your partner’s attitudes and behaviors
unless they themselves are motivated to do so.

You are even less likely to change their basic gender characteristics. So it is very
important to educate yourself as to the basic gender differences which exist between
men and women.

Males are reared differently than females since birth up to their Teen-age years.

MEN

• A man’s sense of self is defined through his ability to achieve results, through
success and accomplishment. Achieve goals and prove his competence and feel
good about himself.
• To feel good about himself, men must achieve goals by themselves.
• For men, doing things by themselves is a symbol of efficiency, power and
competence.
• In general, men are more interested in objects and things rather than people and
feelings.
• Men rarely talk about their problems unless they are seeking “expert” advice;
asking for help when you can do something yourself is a sign of weakness.
• Men are more aggressive than women; more combative and territorial.
• Men’s self esteem is more career-related.
• Men feel devastated by failure and financial setbacks; they tend to obsess about
money much more than women
• Men hate to ask for information because it shows they are a failure.

WOMEN:

• Women value love, communication, beauty and relationships.

• A woman’s sense of self is defined through their feelings and the quality of their
relationships. They spend much time supporting, nurturing and helping each
other. They experience fulfillment through sharing and relating.
• Personal expression, in clothes and feelings, is very important. Communication is
important. Talking, sharing and relating is how a woman feels good about herself.
• For women, offering help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength; it is a
sign of caring to give support.
• Women are very concerned about issues relating to physical attractiveness;
changes in this area can be as difficult for women as changes in a man’s
financial status.
• When men are preoccupied with work or money, women interpret it as rejection.

4. OTHER DIFFERENCES

• Men are more logical, analytical, rational.

• Women are more intuitive, holistic, creative, integrative.
• Men have a much more difficult time relating to their own feelings, and may feel
very threatened by the expression of feelings in their presence. This may cause
them to react by withdrawing or attempting to control the situation through a
display of control and/or power.
• Men are actually more vulnerable and dependent on relationships than women
are and are more devastated by the ending, since they have fewer friends and
sources of emotional support.
• Men are more at ease with their own angry feelings than women are.
• Women are in touch with a much wider range of feelings than men, and the
intensity of those feelings is usually much greater for women than men. As a
result of this, many man perceive that women’s feelings appear to change
quickly; men may find this irrational and difficult to understand.
• Men tend to be more functional in approaching problem-solving; women are
aesthetically-oriented in addition to being functional.
• Women tend to be much more sensitive to sounds and smells than men are; and
women as such tend to place a greater emphasis on “atmosphere”.
•
5. CONFLICTS WHICH ARISE DUE TO BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN
AND WOMEN

• The most frequent complain men have about women: Women are always trying
to change them.
• The most frequent complaint women have about men: Men don’t listen.
• Women want empathy, yet men usually offer solutions.
• When a woman tries to change or improve or correct or give advice to a man,
men hear that they are being told that they aren’t competent or don’t know how to
do something or that they can’t do something on their own.
• Men often feel responsible or to blame for women’s problems.
• Men always assume women want advice and solutions to problems, that that is
the best way to be helpful and to show love; women often just want someone to
sincerely listen to them.
• Housework: men avoid it, try to get others to do it at all costs, feel demeaned by
doing it. For women, cleanliness of house is a manifestation of warm, homey
nest. Men and women have different thresholds for cleanliness and dirt.
• Men often try to change a woman’s mood when she is upset by offering solutions
to her problems, which she interprets as discounting and invalidating her
feelings.
 • Women try to change men’s behavior by offering unsolicited advice and criticism
and becoming a home-improvement committee.

6. HOW TO WORK WITH THESE DIFFERENCES

• When women are upset, it is not the time to offer solutions, though that may be
appropriate at a future time when she is calmed down.
• A man appreciates advice and criticism when it is requested. Men want to make
improvements when they feel they are being approached as a solution to a
problem rather than as the problem itself.
• Men have great needs for status and independence (emphasis on separate and
different); women have needs for intimacy and connection (emphasis on close
and same).
• Women need to receive caring, understanding, respect, devotion, validation, and
reassurance.
• Women are motivated when they feel special or cherished.
• Men need to receive trust, acceptance, appreciation, admiration, approval,
encouragement.
• Men are motivated when they feel needed. A man’s deepest fear is that he is
not good enough or not competent enough, though he may never express this.

7. SUMMARY

• There are major, significant differences between men and women.

• The differences are different, NOT better or worse. Do not judge the
differences. Do not try to change the differences. Do not try to make them go
away.
• These are generalizations! Individual differences exist; we all have some of these
qualities.
• To get along, you MUST accept, expect and respect these differences.
• Be sure to remember these differences when communicating about anything
important, when expressing care and concern, and when solving conflicts.
A male’s orientation toward life tends to be outward.

• Explorative. Every boy and every man is on a quest. He discovers his identity “out
there” in the world where he senses his larger purpose and destiny lie.
• Determined to “deliver the goods.” A man places great stock in knowing that he
has what it takes to complete the quest and accomplish the task at hand.
• Needs to know what’s next. Unlike a woman, he isn’t inclined to “cuddle,” to
“savor” meaningful experiences, or to “linger” in the moment. Generally speaking,
he’s anxious to move on to the next thing.
• Opportunistic. To put it another way, the male is a doer; and in the final analysis,
his feelings about what he’s doing or his reasons for doing it are less important to
him than the urge and the opportunity to get it done.
 • Takes chances. To seize and make the most of his opportunities, a boy or a man
must be willing to take chances. Accordingly, a propensity to run a certain degree
of risk is fundamental to the male character.
• Initiator. All of this presumes a certain willingness and ability to “take the bull by
the horns” and make things happen. It also suggests that leadership, while not
necessarily an exclusively male prerogative, is nevertheless more deeply rooted
in the nature of men and boys.
• Active and aggressive. There’s an obvious connection between initiation and
active aggression. In light of this, it’s interesting to note that the male brain is two-
and-a-half times larger and more vital in the center devoted to aggression and
action than the female brain.
• Competitive and dominant. Men want the best and will expend incredible energy
toward getting it.

A woman’s perspective tends to be more inwardly directed.

• “Confidently enticing.” Unlike the male, who must go out into the world to find
his destiny, the woman possesses her future within herself. She has a hidden but
deep confidence in this.
• Values intimacy above action. A woman cares more about being than doing,
and she finds the reason for her being in relationship.
• Wisely (selectively) receptive. Though she values relationships above all else, a
woman does not enter into them indiscriminately. She chooses slowly and receives
wisely.
• Seeks security. Because her orientation is inward, toward relationships,
nurturing, and “nesting,” the female of the species puts a premium on safety and
security. To a far greater extent than the male, she values qualities like
“dependability” and “trustworthiness” in a potential mate.
• Prefers modesty. A confident woman knows that she possesses something very
precious and valuable – the power of her femininity – and she is driven by an
innate desire to protect it. Modesty is fundamental to her nature.
• Caring. The female is more naturally inclined to respond to the distressed, the
needy, or the hurting with immediate compassion and care.
• Uses words. Men talk to communicate information or ideas. Women talk to
communicate feelings and thoughts. As a result, women tend to use more words
than men.
• Desires equity and submission. A woman wants to be a man’s equal, but an
equal of a very special kind. At a deep and fundamental level she has a strong
desire to be led, protected, and cared for.
• Wields “soft power” which shapes humanity. Women have the ability to wield
great and subtle influence in marriage and domestic relationships.
• Connecting. The female is wired to connect with others on many different levels.
 4. Financial Wellness

Financial wellness is how our finances contribute to our overall wellness. It is the
healthy relationship between your goals and your financial obligations. When someone
is struggling financially, all aspects of their wellness are affected.

The Root Cause causes atre not the lack of money but the following:

1. Lack of Knowledge
2. Lack of Discipline
3. Lack of Proper Guidance from Experts

Topics may include building a budget, meal planning, and healthy living on a budget.

Behaviors that make people poor:

1. Shopping now, pulubi later

2. Magarbong Kasal now, Pulubi later
3. Yabang now, pulubi later
4. Upgrade now, pulubi later
5. Ayaw Magbaon now, pulubi later
6. Party now, pulubi later
7. Asiong Aksaya now, pulubi later
8. Travel Now, Pulubi Later
9. Kape-kape now, pulubi later
10. Pasalubong now, pulubi later
11. Bonggang date now, pulubi later
12. Utang now, pulubi later
13. Pa=beauty now, pulubi later
14. Credit Cared now, pulubi later
15. Pagpautang now, pulubi later
16. Gadgets now, pulubi later
17. Celebrate now, pulubi later
18. Walang bank account now, pulubi later
19. Kain sa labas now, pulubi later
20. Takaw-tingin now, pulubi later
21. Tambay now, pulubi later

Strategies to enhance your financial wellness:

• Use cash instead of debit or credit to avoid spending more than you anticipate.
 • Practice self-care that does not cost a lot of money (hiking, potlucks, games
nights, etc.).
• Save money by cooking your own meals, less eating out.
• Create a weekly budget for things like food, entertainment, and money to put
away.
• Make use of scholarships and grant applications.

Utilize the following campus resources to enhance your financial wellness:

• Check out the options for financial aid on campus.

• Look in to scholarships, awards, and bursaries available to students.
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ctice living life on a budget.
• Gain a part-time job.
5. Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness, which is also known as emotional health or emotional wellbeing,
is a person's ability to handle their emotions and the varied experiences they encounter
in life.

The National Center For Emotional Wellness defines emotional wellness as "an
awareness, understanding and acceptance of our feelings, and our ability to
manage effectively through challenges and change."

How Emotional Wellness Affects Your Life

Relationships

When we interact with others, it's important that we understand our own perspectives
about different issues. Sometimes we disagree with other people, and to keep

relationships happy and healthy, we need to be able to have disagreements in a calm

and appropriate manner.

If you aren't able to deal with your emotions well, it's difficult to deal with those of others.

The state of emotional wellness impacts our relationships whether they are personal or
professional. In order to best connect with and relate to others, the more emotionally
healthy we are, the more support and care we can offer those we love and
respect.\

The Impact of Poor Emotional Wellness

There are many ways that not being able to work through life in a positive emotional
state can lead to worse outcomes, particularly because a negative emotional state is a
stressful one. Here are some examples:

• Lower immunity: stress weakens the immune system.1

• Hypertension: long-term stress worsens blood pressure.2
• Increased illness: stress worsens everything from heart issues to psychiatric
problems.3
• Relationship issues
• Difficulties at work
• Trouble concentrating

Benefits of Strong Emotional Wellness

As much as poor emotional health can make for major problems in your life, having
strong emotional wellness can help you thrive. These are some of the many benefits of
having good emotional wellbeing:

• Your relationships with others can be at their best.

• Reducing stress reduces illness and increases immunity.4
• Positivity promotes productivity, helping you accomplish more in life.

Optimize Emotional Wellness through…

Practice of Mindfulness…

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment. Rather than living on autopilot,
mindfulness encourages us to really take part in our lives, and it can improve both
physical and emotional wellbeing. You can practice mindfulness doing everything
from running to eating.

How to Become More Mindful in Your Everyday Life

Connect and Communicate With Others

Emotional wellness is about being connected to and able to deal with your own
emotions, but so much of our emotional lives are lived with those we know and love.

Make a point of intentionally talking about your feelings with others, which can lead to
you understanding them. Ask others about their feelings, so that you have the
opportunity to experience different perspectives.

Try connecting with people outside your own demographics so that you have a better
sense of life experiences besides your own. There are countless benefits to connecting
and communicating with others, with increased emotional health being just one.

Manage Stress

Managing stress is key to staying emotionally and physically healthy. When starting a
stress management practice, try different activities to see which fit you best and make
you feel happier. You can do a simple meditation with the help of a YouTube video or
an app, go for a walk, take a bath, or practice deep breathing.

Take Care of Your Physical Wellbeing

We often think of our physical and emotional selves separately, but as you have seen
here, the two are highly connected. By improving your physical wellness, you'll see
benefits emotionally, too.
Performing activities that increase your endorphins, which are one of the feel-good
chemicals our bodies produce, is an easy way to increase your emotional wellness.
Endorphins can be increased through everything from dancing to laughing.

Work Towards a Balanced Life

Work-life balance is something we talk about a lot as a society. That's because people
started noticing that when they worked too much, they didn't have time for personal
relationships, relaxation, or fun.

In order to be at your best emotionally, you'll want to cultivate a balance between work
and play. Setting aside designated time to do recreational activities and creating firm
boundaries around work hours are two simple ways to help improve this balance.

Invest in Sleep

Your sleep habits and behaviors are known as sleep hygiene. The better you sleep, the
better your chances of feeling good when you're awake. Improve your sleep hygiene
through practices such as a designated bedtime, limiting caffeine later in the day, and
not overeating before bed.
 6. Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness involves our set of beliefs, principles, and values that help give
direction to our lives. It is seeking meaning and purpose in our every day lives, which
ultimately encourages wellness.

Topics may include compassion, morals, values, spirituality, meditation, beliefs,

gratitude, self-understanding, and being at peace with nature.

Strategies to enhance your spiritual wellness:

• Grow your relationships with others by spending quality time with loved ones.
• Connect with nature – go for a walk in nature and practice mindfulness.
• Take time for quiet reflection or prayer.
• Explore faith services in the local community.
• Have an open discussion about values with friends, partner, or family members.
• Choose hobbies or activities that allow you to explore meaning and purpose.

Utilize the following campus resources to enhance your spiritual wellness:

• Attend a wellness workshop focusing on values, strengths, and confidence

• Enhance your spiritual knowledge, ask questions, or perform research through
the Multi-Faith Support team.
• Attend cultural programming and information through the Indigenous Student
Centre.

7. Vocational Wellness

Vocational wellness involves preparing and using our skills and talents in order to gain
purpose, happiness and a fulfilled life. Vocational wellness is about expanding
knowledge and focuses on self-development and self-discovery. It is also about seeking
opportunities that are personally meaningful and rewarding for you, based on your
values, interests, and beliefs.

Topics may include goal setting, time management, academics, study habits, skills, and
interests.

Strategies to enhance your vocational wellness:

 • Gain a variety of experiences to expand your learning.
• Manage your time to maintain your wellness and life balance.
• Get to know what strategies work for you, and recognize where you need
assistance.
• Access resources to enhance your academic goals
• Volunteer in new experiences to narrow down what your interests are and what
type of work you want to be doing.
• Try not to compare your path to others; everyone’s path is different.

Utilize the following campus resources to enhance your vocational wellness:

• Gain new experiences and skills by volunteering on campus.

• Attend academic-related skill-building workshops through the Teaching and
Learning office.
• Learn wellness skills while enhancing your resume.
• Take advantage of all the free services of the Career Center including
workshops, job preparation coaching, and career advising.
• Access skill-building workshops and support including study skills, math support,
and writing development.
• Build an enriching co-curricular experiences.
• Reach your full academic potential despite a temporary or permanent disability

8. Environmental Wellness

Environmental wellness is how your environment positively affects your wellness. It

includes incorporating nature in your life to feel a sense of peace and wellness.

Topics may include sustainable wellness, nature/forest therapy, and the impact of your
surroundings on your wellness.

Strategies to enhance your environmental wellness:

• Walk, ride a bike, or take the bus whenever you can instead of driving a car.
• Eat locally produced food.
• Engage in healthy physical activity in nature when you can by walking in parks,
going for hikes, studying outside, etc.
 • Protect yourself from environmental hazards such as loud noise, pollution,
second hand smoke, and ultraviolet radiation.
• Walk or run in a park or on nature trails instead of on a treadmill.
• Maintain a clean and organized living space.

Utilize the following campus resources to enhance your environmental wellness:

• Attend the Wellness workshop, “Living Environmentally Well.”

• Educate yourself on sustainability by attending events related to wellness
• View the sustainable programs and services available on campus.
• View the alternative transportation options available on campus and in the
community.

HISTORY OF WELLNESS

Wellness is a modern word with ancient roots. The key tenets of wellness as both
preventive and holistic can be traced back to ancient civilizations from the East (India,
China) to the West (Greece, Rome). In 19th-century Europe and the United States, a
variety of intellectual, religious and medical movements developed in parallel with
conventional medicine. With their focus on holistic and natural approaches, self-healing
and preventive care, these movements have provided a firm foundation for wellness
today. Wellness-focused and holistic modalities have gained more visibility since the
1960s/1970s under the writings and thought leadership of an informal network of US
physicians and thinkers (such as Halbert Dunn, Jack Travis, Don Ardell, Bill Hettler, and
others). As these have evolved, proliferated, and gone mainstream, they have informed
the healthy-living, self-help, self-care, fitness, nutrition, diet and spiritual practices that
have become a flourishing wellness movement in the 21st century.

Wellness Is Multidimensional. Wellness is about more than just physical health.

Most models of wellness include at least six dimensions (and sometimes up to 9

or 12):
• Physical: Nourishing a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.
• Mental: Engaging the world through learning, problem-solving, creativity,
etc.
• Emotional: Being aware of, accepting and expressing our feelings, and
understanding the feelings of others.
• Spiritual: Searching for meaning and higher purpose in human existence.
• Social: Connecting and engaging with others and our communities in
meaningful ways.
• Environmental: Fostering positive interrelationships between planetary
health and human actions, choices and wellbeing.