Decoding your family health history: A key to a healthier future

Health isn’t just about how we live today—it’s about understanding where we come from, recognizing potential risks, and taking the right steps to protect our future. One of the most powerful tools for staying ahead of potential health challenges is knowing your family health history. 

According to Dr. Alvin Francisco (“Doc Alvin”), a social media personality and medical expert, understanding your family’s medical background is essential in ensuring not just a longer life, but a healthier one. “Lifestyle choices often play a significant role in the development, progression, and management of many serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even mental health disorders, but genetics can increase susceptibility to these conditions. Knowing your family history allows you to be proactive—whether through lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, or preventive care,” he explains. 

Why your family's health history matters 

Your family’s medical history can reveal important patterns of inherited conditions. While factors like diet, lifestyle, and environment play a role, genetics can also contribute to your health outcomes.

For instance, if heart disease is common in your family, early awareness can push you to make heart-healthy choices—such as improving your diet, exercising regularly, and scheduling early screenings. Similarly, if breast cancer has affected close relatives, you might consider genetic testing or more frequent mammograms to catch potential concerns early. 

“It’s not about fear, but about being prepared,” Doc Alvin adds. “Knowing your risks allows you to take control of your health before problems arise.” 

Beyond prevention: Ensuring you can recover 

While prevention is key, the reality is that illnesses can still happen—and being prepared means not just preventing them, but also ensuring you have the financial means to get treatment when the unexpected occurs.

This is where AXA Health Max Elite comes in. More than just a critical illness plan, it serves as a financial safety net, offering protection for over 150 critical conditions. Whether you’re dealing with an early diagnosis, the recovery process, or even a recurrence of illness, Health Max Elite is designed to support you at every stage of your health journey. 

“Having a solid health plan means you don’t just worry about preventing illness—you also make sure you’re equipped to handle it if it comes,” says Doc Alvin. “Medical costs can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want to think about during a health crisis is how to pay for treatment.” 

Superior protection for the mind and body 

One of the standout features of AXA Health Max Elite is its coverage for selected mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—conditions that can be hereditary in nature. 

“Many people don’t realize that mental health conditions can be hereditary,” Doc Alvin explains. “If you have a family history of certain disorders, it’s important to monitor your mental well-being and ensure you have access to proper treatment and support.” 

With mental health increasingly recognized as a vital part of overall well-being, having an insurance plan that can take care of it ensures that you and your loved ones are protected in every way possible. 

The right support for life’s most critical moments 

Health challenges are unpredictable, and the cost of treatment can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan that safeguards your health by making funds for treatment easily accessible without touching your hard-earned savings, ensuring your financial stability.

With AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, you’re not just investing in protection—you’re ensuring that whatever happens, you have the means to recover and move forward with confidence. By understanding your family’s health history and choosing the right insurance coverage, know you can take that powerful step toward securing your future. 

Want the best for your health and your family? Explore AXA Health Max Elite today and take control of your well-being before it’s too late. 

* * *

Editor’s Note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring and educational content created by PhilSTAR L!fe in collaboration with brands like AXA Philippines.