by Ferry Bayu | Apr 30, 2025 | Health and Wellness
“Get the heads up on tech neck!” – National Spinal Health Week is from 26 May to 1 June 2025.
With over 5.3 million Australians suffering from neck pain, including Tension Neck Syndrome—commonly referred to as ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck’—National Spinal Health Week aims to promote spinal health and prevent the prevalence of tech neck among Australians of all ages. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect joints, bones, muscles, and various body areas, including the neck. These disorders cost the Australian economy over $55 billion annually due to direct health expenses, lost productivity, and decreased quality of life.
Dr. Billy Chow, President of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), emphasized the growing significance of tech neck as a global public health issue. He stated that the anticipated rise in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) over the next two decades will significantly affect both the health of Australians and the economy. With over 34 million mobile phone connections and 95% of Australians accessing the internet via smartphones, the ACA’s annual National Spinal Health Week, scheduled from May 26 to June 1, 2025, aims to encourage Australians to change their mindsets and take proactive steps to improve their spinal health, thereby preventing the debilitating effects of tech neck.
Dr. Chow noted that while tech neck previously primarily affected seniors, the increasing use of smart devices has led to a rise in cervical spine disorders among younger patients in their 30s and 40s. This trend is now impacting all age groups, including children.
Research has demonstrated that using smartphones and computers can significantly influence the severity of pain in individuals suffering from tech neck. The most common symptoms, including neck and back pain, are closely linked to how long a device is used and the level of discomfort experienced. Tech neck, caused by poor posture and prolonged or improper use of digital devices, can lead to headaches, as well as pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over time, these issues may alter the natural curve of the cervical spine.
A recent study titled “The Association Between Mobile Phone Usage Duration, Neck Muscle Endurance, and Neck Pain Among University Students,” published in Nature on August 29, 2024, investigated the relationship between mobile phone use, duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain among university students.
“Although the study focused on mobile phone use among university students, it is important to note that almost 87% of Australians are regular smartphone users, and 75.5% use computers daily. Therefore, the findings may be applicable to the general population, especially young people who have grown up with smartphones and tablets,” said Dr. Chow. “While more research is needed to fully understand the implications of improper and excessive technology use on spinal health, it is essential for us to rethink how we use these devices, particularly for young people who often spend extended periods with their heads bent forward, looking at a smartphone.”
“When it comes to smartphones, we not only need to monitor how long we use our devices but also recognize that overuse and poor usage can negatively impact both our spinal health and mental well-being,” Dr. Chow emphasized. “The Australian Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends limiting recreational screen time to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to avoid bending the neck forward, changing posture frequently, and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck side to side.”
“Computer use is another significant cause of tech neck. While it is most common among office workers—75.5% of Australians aged 16 to 64 use computers daily—improper use and setup can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Whether using a laptop or a desktop at home, school, university, or work, it is crucial to take postural breaks every 30 minutes for movement and stretching, as well as to ensure workstations are ergonomically set up. This practice helps prevent tech neck, enhances productivity, and maintains overall spinal health and well-being.”
“During Spinal Health Week, we encourage all Australians to rethink how they use smartphones, tablets, and computers to help prevent ongoing head, neck, and upper back injuries that can hinder productivity at home, school, and work,” he added.
For those suffering from tech neck, it is important to note that while medications may provide temporary relief from neck and back pain, academic studies—including one from Sydney University—show that opioids are not effective for individuals with acute neck or back pain lasting up to 12 weeks and do not play a beneficial role in treatment. Research has demonstrated that starting treatment for tech neck promptly is vital to prevent further functional decline and reduce the risk of developing a chronic condition.
Effective treatment outcomes can be achieved by combining strengthening and stretching exercises, manual therapy, and postural correction.
“Every week, over 400,000 chiropractic healthcare consultations help create well-adjusted Australians, as ACA chiropractors play a crucial role in improving the spinal health of everyday Australians,” said Dr. Chow. “This Spinal Health Week, we invite Australians to join the movement to learn and share practical strategies that can help prevent tech neck, promote overall spinal health and well-being, and reduce the economic and personal burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),” Dr. Chow stated.
As a leader in musculoskeletal health, the ACA has invested over $2.3 million to advance research that supports evidence-based practices for chiropractic healthcare. They emphasize the importance of maintaining spinal health through their annual flagship campaign, National Spinal Health Week, which is Australia’s longest-running and award-winning health awareness initiative aimed at improving the spinal health of Australians of all ages.
Stay informed about tech neck by downloading ACA’s FREE resources, including the Avoiding Tech Neck Factsheets and Electronic Device Checklists for adults, parents, and students, the Ergonomic Checklist, and the Stand Corrected Stretching Poster, all of which are available for download at www.spinalhealthweek.org.au.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by Ferry Bayu | Jan 3, 2025 | Health and Wellness
GoGym is transforming fitness into a game, creating a fun and engaging environment where every member’s achievements are acknowledged and celebrated. This approach makes each workout feel like a victory in the journey toward a healthier, happier life.
By redefining fitness, GoGym turns workouts into a rewarding, game-like experience that encourages members to stay engaged and motivated. Maintaining motivation to get fit can be challenging, especially for newcomers to fitness.
To address this, GoGym is introducing elements of gamification, such as friendly challenges, progress rewards, and community milestones. These features aim to make every visit to the gym enjoyable and rewarding.
“Gamifying the gym experience is a natural progression to making fitness more accessible and easier for everyone,” says Kristoff Inocentes, Head of Sales & Marketing at GoGym, who is also an avid gamer.
“We want people to keep returning to our gyms,” Kristoff explains. “We want them to enjoy their experience as they work toward achieving their fitness goals. Gamers love completing quests, earning rewards, and leveling up, and that’s exactly what we want them to do with their fitness journey at GoGym.”
Through the GoGym app, members can set personalized goals, track their progress, and earn reward points for every completed workout and referral shared. These points can unlock exclusive rewards, including discounts on personal training, free merchandise, and more. It’s not just about lifting weights or burning calories; it’s about celebrating progress, building confidence, and staying excited about the fitness journey.
“Our goal is to create a fitness experience that people genuinely enjoy,” says Chief Product Officer Felicia Perez. “We understand that fitness can feel intimidating, so we designed GoGym to be welcoming, fun, and motivating. Gamifying the experience helps people stay engaged and view every session as an opportunity to level up.”
Challenges, Rewards, and a Supportive Community
Members are invited to take part in app-based challenges, from weekly workout targets to group milestones. With each completed session, they earn points that bring a sense of achievement and tangible rewards. These milestones and targets also give members some goals to strive for that will help them stay on the path to achieving their own personal fitness goals.
Community events and leaderboard challenges foster a sense of camaraderie and a bit of healthy competition, encouraging members to push their limits together. GoGym is not just a gym; it’s a community where progress is celebrated, effort is rewarded, and each member’s journey is valued.
Fitness Made Accessible and Fun
Gamifying fitness makes it fun, especially for those who may have felt out of place in traditional gyms. And who doesn’t like to have fun? GoGym’s approach turns exercise into a rewarding journey, offering a welcoming entry point for everyone, regardless of fitness level. It also helps maintain consistency as members keep coming back to continue progressing and earning rewards and achievements.
“We want to shift the focus from perfection to persistence,” adds Co-Founder and CEO, Andrew Phillips. “It’s about celebrating small victories, staying consistent, and making fitness something people look forward to.”
By turning fitness more into a game, GoGym has created a fun and engaging space where every member’s success is recognized and rewarded, making each workout a win in the journey toward a healthier, happier life.
To learn more, visit www.gogym.ph or download the GoGym app at the iOS App Store or at the Google Play Store.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 6, 2024 | Health and Wellness
An active lifestyle can be a great way to improve your mood, making you feel happier and more energized. If you’re just finding your groove in working out, there are exciting ways to get your steps in. You can even make the experience more amazing by capping it off with a multigrain snack such as Jack ‘n Jill Nova.
Recently, Jack ‘n Jill Nova hosted NOVAmazing Moves, a series of pop-up events that aim to make movement fun and accessible for everyone through various activities. The multi-gain snack brand aims to support people’s active lifestyles, encouraging them to move with no pressure.
Whether you’re a casual or experienced mover, you can start with these five activities at home:
Dance to your heart’s content
Signing up for a dance or Zumba class can be daunting at first, especially if you’re doing it alone. Once you get past the nerves, you’ll learn to follow the beat and move to your own rhythm. If you don’t want to join a class, no problem. You can always put on your favorite playlist or follow a dance workout video online in the comfort of your own home.
Hula hoop your worries away
Another fun activity that feels like play is hula hooping. This can be a great option if you want to improve your coordination and strengthen your core without the heavy lifting. It can also be a fun bonding activity with the kids in your household.
Biking continues to be a popular activity across multiple generations. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to ride a bike, now’s the time to do it. You can also sign up for indoor biking classes, where you can pedal to lively beats and meet new people.
Running clubs are all over social media these days. Running has grown from being an activity to increase stamina and stay in shape to a community-building effort.
Grab your friends and create your own mini-running club to get your steps in. After all, exercising with friends can be a fun time.
Jump rope can be a fun workout to try because it feels like you’re just playing outside. You can even elevate your experience by jumping to some hip music and learning trendy tricks. This was one of the interactive classes enjoyed by the attendees of the NOVAmazing Moves pop-ups where they learned the basics and a few fun tricks.
These are just some quick and simple activities that can bring activeness and movement to your lifestyle. You can easily make your own NOVAmazing day by treating yourself with a bag of Jack ‘n Jill Nova, which comes in Country Cheddar, Homestyle BBQ, and Sweet Chili flavors. Grab a bag of Jack ‘n Jill Nova at any supermarkets and convenience stores near you.
For more information and updates, don’t forget to like and follow Nova’s Facebook page.Jack ‘n Jill Nova is a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the maker of well-loved Pinoy snack and beverage products such as C2 Cool and Clean, Great Taste Coffee, Jack ‘n Jill Piatos, Nova, Maxx, Cloud 9, Magic Crackers, and many others.
To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines), and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 15, 2024 | Health and Wellness
Manila Prince Hotel proudly announces the grand opening of its brand-new Fitness Center, a modern facility located in the Lower Lobby of the hotel. The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, November 8, 2024.
The event was led by Atty. Joey Lina, the president of Manila Prince Hotel. He was joined by Elaine Santos, vice president for administration; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing; and Riza Shanti Lim, a renowned fitness expert and wellness advocate.
The Fitness Center reflects the hotel’s commitment to enhancing the experience of its guests. Although it is compact, it is equipped with modern technology and offers nearly 100 workouts and exercises suitable for all fitness levels. The facility features a variety of Life Fitness equipment, including an Abdominal Machine, Bench Press, Biceps Curls Machine, Chest Press Machine, Dumbbells, Fly Machine, Lat Pulldown Machine, Leg Extension Machine, Medicine Balls, Row/Rear Deltoid Machine, Shoulder Press Machine, Squat Rack, and Treadmills.
“Manila Prince Hotel has always been a symbol of hospitality. Our goal is to create a space where guests can achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being during their stay with us,” said Atty. Lina.
The Fitness Center operates daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and offers complimentary access for checked-in guests. It includes secure locker rooms with convenient changing facilities for added comfort. Guests can enjoy complimentary detox water and towels during their visit, ensuring a refreshing and enjoyable fitness experience.
We invite you to experience our new Fitness Center and take a step toward a healthier lifestyle during your stay at Manila Prince Hotel. For inquiries or to book your stay, please call +632 5328 2222 or email **@**********ce.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 16, 2024 | Health and Wellness
As a young lady going through this exciting journey of self-discovery and girlhood, you might often find yourself feeling lost or confused about many things – be it about relationships, consent, sex, contraception, and overall female reproductive health.
Don’t worry, you are not alone through all these! CHARMEE, one of the leading trusted feminine protection brands in the Philippines, can be your bestie and support system.
CHARMEE, together with Roots of Health, a highly respected reproductive health organization based in the Philippines, and an all-women team from the advertising agency Blackpencil Manila of the Leo Burnett Group celebrated girls through Project Roots where they learned correct information on sexual health, contraception, consent, and healthy relationships engagingly.
The project kicked off at Palawan High School, the second largest high school in the country, and was made more relatable and fun through interactive activities and colorful storytelling delivered through a surprising media – sanitary napkins!
Dear Diary
The activity opened with the female students being welcomed with the PAD-ibig Diary shelf that has a total of 24 diary designs and stories, all wrapped around CHARMEE feminine pads, open to the students to grab one for free.
Fun and visually appealing, these diaries contain “nakakakilig” stories with evidence-based scientific information, tackling important lessons on sexual education, spanning from busting common myths on reproduction and pregnancy to the basics of consent, healthy relationships, and communication.
To make it even more interesting and interactive, the activity included a dramatic reading by some of the school’s best actresses of some of the diary entries. The students were also encouraged to take selfies with the self-care mirrors scattered around the school gym.
Just Between Us Girls
Palawan High School female students joined the Project Roots kick off campaign
The fun learning sessions didn’t end there as a more in-depth talk with Roots of Health educators took place. The entertaining and engaging segment talked about the science behind what was “Chismis or Check” or true or false about sex and female health.
But even after the learning sessions concluded at Palawan National High School, empowering and supporting more than 5,000 female high school students continued. The PAD-ibig Diary shelf was placed in the school’s clinic, available for female students who need it.
Ensuring educational resources are readily available, murals in the girls’ toilets and by the clinic were also created as reminders. Roots of Health has also uploaded the PAD-ibig Diary stories online for easy viewing anytime. Not only that, but girls can also visit the organization’s Youth Clinics and regular TikTok Live Sessions called “Safe Magtanong Dito” where more questions can be asked and answered by credible educators.
Beyond the Feminine Pad
But this is just the beginning for CHARMEE! So many more young and adult women can watch out for the brand’s nationwide School Tour Activation in 2024, reaching girls from grades 7 to 12 (12 to 15 years old), and giving away sanitary napkin and pantyliner product samples. Aside from making sanitary pads accessible to young girls, this School Tour initiative also aims to educate the students on menstruation and proper menstrual hygiene practices through an educational flyer.
On top of these exciting events, CHARMEE will also launch digital educational campaigns about Menstrual Hygiene and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
From PAD-ibig Diaries to educational campaigns, CHARMEE will continue to reach its goal of empowering girls and becoming their dependable partner in their journey to womanhood.
To know more about CHARMEE, visit https://charmee.com.ph/ and follow their social media platforms:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 27, 2024 | Health and Wellness
A new survey commissioned by Encephalitis International, the peak global body for encephalitis, reveals that Filipino emergency medical professionals often overlook encephalitis, a life-threatening neurological condition characterized by brain inflammation, despite the presence of common symptoms.
Survey results showed that over half (54%) of local respondents did not consider infectious encephalitis and three-quarters (74%) did not consider autoimmune encephalitis as a diagnosis when presented with a list of accepted symptoms for each condition. The survey findings are released in line with World Encephalitis Day on February 22, 2024.
Moreover, despite encephalitis leading to death in up to 40% of cases, 66% of the respondents did not consider death as a potential patient outcome resulting from delayed recognition and treatment.
“In the wake of these alarming survey findings, it is clear that much more must be done to bridge the gap in encephalitis awareness and expertise. Encephalitis International is determined to increase this awareness among medical professionals through the development of globally accessible training programs that will provide the tools for them to better recognize and treat encephalitis. Of course, we cannot do this alone and will continue to work alongside international entities, such as the World Health Organization, to elevate encephalitis as a global health priority,” shared Dr. Ava Eason, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International.
The condition can happen to individuals of any age, sex, and ethnicity, with symptoms varying depending on the type. Symptoms of infectious encephalitis encompass altered consciousness, behavioral changes, fever, and headaches, while autoimmune encephalitis presents with memory issues, psychiatric symptoms, altered consciousness, and personality changes.
With the risk of death or permanent brain impairment when the disease strikes, first responders are essential in promptly considering encephalitis during health emergencies to mitigate the worst-case patient outcomes.
Misdiagnosis In Patients Leads to Worse Patient Outcomes
The survey results reveal the reality for encephalitis patients in the country. Roschelle Del Rosario, a caregiver based in Bulacan and mother to a 23-year-old patient named Alex, shared their struggle with his rapid symptom progression despite medical intervention. Initially experiencing insomnia, hallucinations, agitation, personality changes, appetite loss, and seizures, Alex was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, a second opinion in May 2023 revealed autoimmune encephalitis.
But the diagnosis was just the beginning. Alex’s health rapidly declined, leading to a four-and-a-half-month coma following the misdiagnosis. Roschelle highlighted the extensive research required into treatment options, which, due to limited local resources, is largely dependent on international organizations like Encephalitis International, which is committed to funding research that aims to advance recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition as well as rehabilitation and quality of life of all people affected and their families.
“Alex had his whole life ahead of him as a graduating college student and at the top of his class when his symptoms appeared. Today, he’s a fighter battling encephalitis. He’s overcome his comatose state and is even able to use his mobile phone again after losing his cognitive and motor skills due to the disease. Eight months into this journey, he still faces significant challenges like hallucinations and memory loss. Sometimes, you’ll talk to him, and the next second, he’ll ask who you are. It’s a tough road, but we still consider ourselves fortunate because, even though treating encephalitis in the country is difficult, we’ve found dedicated professionals who are willing to help and learn more about this disease so Alex can regain his health and have a chance at a normal life again,” shared Del Rosario.
Supporting Emergency Medical Professionals with Training for Diagnosis
Further survey results found that only (35%) a third of local emergency medical professionals surveyed strongly agreed that their training had given them the confidence to recognize encephalitis. More than three-quarters (79%) somewhat or strongly agreed that they would benefit from more training.
Dr. Ferron Ocampo
Dr. Ferron Ocampo, an Adult Neurology Fellow of the Philippine Neurological Association and an advocate for encephalitis awareness, recognizes the challenges regarding the lack of training in encephalitis recognition and management in the country due to its rarity. Priority in resource allocation, including education and training, is given to more common conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
However, Dr. Ocampo stresses the importance of advocating for encephalitis awareness because this condition needs immediate attention, as delayed diagnosis can lead to worsening of the patient’s condition and serious consequences if not treated promptly.
“Encephalitis is a neurological emergency that can have devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. However, not all medical professionals are aware of the symptoms and are confident in managing them. As we celebrate World Encephalitis Day, various international and local stakeholders should collaborate to prioritize providing training and resources to medical professionals worldwide in order to enhance encephalitis detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” Dr. Ocampo shared.
In line with this urgent need for education, Encephalitis International is launching its largest fundraiser yet, “Don’t Delay. Give Today.” This initiative aims to promote early recognition and treatment to prevent death and disability from encephalitis by developing accessible, accredited training modules to provide more robust information and training on encephalitis. Emergency medical professionals in the Philippines and globally can access training opportunities by signing up for free professional membership.
The activity opened with the female students being welcomed with the PAD-ibig Diary shelf that has a total of 24 diary designs and stories, all wrapped around CHARMEE feminine pads, open to the students to grab one for free.
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