by | Apr 30, 2025 | Business
Tech Neck Time Bomb: Spinal Health Week Exposes Hidden Cost to Australians’ Health & Productivity
“Get the heads up on tech neck!” – National Spinal Health Week is 26 May to 1 June 2025
With over 5.3 million Australians suffering from neck pain including, Tension Neck Syndrome, a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) commonly known as ‘tech neck’ or‘text neck’, national Spinal Health Week (26 May to 1 June 2025) is dedicated to promoting spinal health and preventing the incidences of tech neck in Australians of all ages.
MSDs affect the joints, bones, muscles and multiple body areas (including the neck) and cost the Australian economy over $55 billion annually through direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life.
Dr Billy Chow, President of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) said, “With tech neck emerging as a growing global public health concern, together with the projected increase in MSDs over the next two decades, the health burden on Australians and our economy is and will continue to be significant.”
“With over 34 million mobile phone connections and 95% of Australians accessing the internet via a smartphone, the focus of ACA’s annual national Spinal Health Week(26 May to 1 June 2025) is on encouraging Australians to adjust their thinking and take proactive steps to improve their spinal health and avoid debilitating tech neck,” said Dr Chow.
“Once primarily experienced by seniors, with the advent of smart devices and wide-spread use of tablets and computers by people of all ages including children; we’re seeing a growing number of younger patients in their 30s and 40s suffering from cervical spine disorders due to incorrect use of technology devices,” he said.
Studies have shown smartphone and computer use can have a significant impact on pain severity among tech neck sufferers with the most prevalent symptoms of neck and back pain linked to the length of time spent using a device and the degree of discomfort experienced.
Caused by poor posture and the prolonged or incorrect use of digital devices, tech neck can lead to headaches, neck, shoulder and upper back pain that over time, can lead to changes to the natural curve of the cervical spine.
A recent study ‘The Association Between Mobile Phone Usage Duration, Neck Muscle Endurance, and Neck Pain Among University Students’ published in Nature (29.8.2024), examined the correlation between phone use, duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain in university students.
“Although the study focused on mobile phone use by university students, with almost 87% of Australians now regular smartphone users and 75.5% being daily computer users, it’s fair to consider the findings may be broadly applied to the population generally, particularly young people who’ve grown up using smartphones and tablets,” said Dr Chow.
“While more studies are needed to better understand the implications of incorrect and overuse of technology on spinal health; to help prevent tech neck, we need to re-think how we use devices particularly young people who spend prolonged periods with their head bent forward viewing a smartphone,” he said.
“When it comes to smartphones, not only must we monitor the length of time we use our devices, but we must be cognisant that overuse and the way we use them can negatively impact our spinal health as well as our mental health,” Dr Chow said.
“The ACA recommends limiting recreational screentime to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to prevent bending the neck forward, changing posture and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck from side-to-side.”
“Computer use is also a primary cause of tech neck. Although most common among office workers, with 75.5% of Australians aged 16 to 64 using computers daily, incorrect use and computer set up can lead to a range of MSDs.
“Whether using a laptop or a desktop at home, school, university or at work; it’s essential to take regular postural breaks every 30 minutes for movement and stretching and ensure workstations are set up ergonomically correct to help prevent tech neck, increase productivity and maintain overall spinal health and wellbeing,”
“During Spinal Health Week, we’re encouraging all Australians to adjust their thinking on how they use smartphones, tablets and computers to help prevent persistent, aggravated head, neck and upper back injuries which impact productivity at home, school and at work,” he said.
For sufferers of tech neck, while medications may offer temporary relief from neck and back pain, academic studies (including a Sydney University study) show opioids do not benefit people with acute neck or back pain (lasting up to 12 weeks) and have no positive role in treatment.
However, studies have shown that commencing treatment for tech neck promptly is crucial in preventing further functional decline and progression to a chronic condition. Effective treatment outcomes are achieved through a combination of 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 an important role in improving the spinal health of everyday Australians,” said Dr Chow.
“This Spinal Health Week, we’re inviting Australians to join the movement to learn and share practical strategies that can help prevent tech neck, promote overall spinal health ad wellbeing, and reduce the economic and personal burden of MSDs,” Dr Chow said.
As a leader in musculoskeletal health, ACA has invested over $2.3 million to advance research in building evidence-based practice for chiropractic healthcare and promotes the importance of maintaining spinal health through its annual flagship campaign, National Spinal Health Week – Australia’s longest running and award-winning health awareness campaign dedicated to improving the spinal health of Australians of all ages.
Get the heads up on tech neck and download ACA’s FREE Avoiding Tech Neck Factsheets and Electronic Device Checklistsfor Adults, Parents and Students, the Ergonomic Checklist, and the Stand Corrected Stretching Poster available to download from www.spinalhealthweek.org.au.
by | Apr 30, 2025 | Business
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART” and a Premium Partner of the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. As part of its participation in both pavilions, Glico held a press briefing on April 30 to share two key announcements: a newly obtained patent related to its “Cellular-care” research, and the development of “Rice soft candy” for the Expo 2025. At the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion”, Glico is presenting an exhibition focused on “Cellular-care”. The company has been accelerating research on aging prevention and has announced that it has obtained a patent for demonstrating the senescent cell–removing effect of Persian silk tree. In addition to the details of the research that led to the patent, the briefing also covered the story behind “Rice soft candy”, which is being distributed exclusively at the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”. This newsletter provides a summary of the press releases announced today.
① Accelerating Research on Aging Prevention
Glico demonstrates senescent cell removal by Persian silk tree and obtains patent —Discovered from Glico’s Library of 6,000 Curated Ingredients —
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. conducted research to identify ingredients that act on the causes of aging, selecting approximately 6,000 candidates from its curated ingredient library, with a focus on those suitable for food applications. As a result, Glico demonstrated that Persian silk tree removes senescent cells (senolysis*1), and has now obtained a Patent (Patent No. 7659690). This marks the first patent in Japan for the removal of senescent cells using Persian silk tree. Moving forward, the Glico Group will continue its research, including validation in humans, to further explore its potential in aging-related applications.
For more information, please visit https://www.glico.com/global/news/46993/.
② Each Piece Encapsulates the Gentle Essence of Rice and a Vision for the Future of Our Planet
Glico develops “Rice soft candy” using rice-derived ingredients To be distributed exclusively inside “EARTH MART” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai from the End of May
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Under the pavilion’s theme, “Thinking about the lives through eating”, Glico has developed “Rice soft candy” by applying the soft-candy-making technology it has cultivated since its founding—using rice, Japan’s staple food, as the key ingredient. “Rice soft candy” will be offered free of charge to pavilion visitors exclusively within “EARTH MART”, starting from the End of May. The Glico Group will continue to share the value of Japanese food culture with the world and offer new ideas that contribute to “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life”.
For more information, please visit https://www.glico.com/global/news/47011.
*1 Senolysis: Refers to the selective removal of senescent cells. The term is derived from seno (senescence) and lysis (destruction or breakdown).
[Notes of caution]
This document is an English translation of the Japanese original. In the event of any differences or inconsistencies between the Japanese and English versions, the Japanese language version shall take precedence.
by | Apr 30, 2025 | Business
The SEC has approved ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs, signaling a major shift in U.S. crypto regulation. Discover what this means for XRP, Ripple’s legal battle, and the future of spot ETFs.
In a major development for the cryptocurrency sector, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) has approved ProShares’ launch of XRP futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with trading set to begin on April 30, 2025.
This move is poised to reshape the landscape for XRP investors and highlights a broader shift in U.S. regulatory attitudes toward digital assets.
Understanding XRP and Ripple
XRP is a digital token created by Ripple Labs, a company focused on revolutionizing cross-border payments. Ripple’s network aims to connect international banks, enabling instant money transfers without the inefficiencies of traditional systems like SWIFT. XRP serves as a bridge currency within this network, offering rapid, low-cost transactions. A single cross-border transfer using XRP costs just a fraction of a cent, demonstrating its utility in real-world financial ecosystems.
Ripple’s ongoing legal battles with the SEC, which began in 2020, had cast a long shadow over XRP’s price. However, a more crypto-friendly political environment under President Donald Trump and recent developments hinting at a settlement have significantly improved sentiment around XRP.
What Are XRP Futures ETFs?
ProShares, already known for its Bitcoin Futures ETF (BITO), proposed three XRP-linked ETFs back in January 2025:
- Ultra XRP ETF (2x leveraged)
- Short XRP ETF (inverse -1x leveraged)
- UltraShort XRP ETF (inverse -2x leveraged)
These futures ETFs will track XRP prices based on the XRP Index, allowing investors to speculate on XRP’s price movements without owning the actual token. This differs from spot ETFs, which require the fund to hold the underlying asset itself.
The ETFs will invest in a combination of XRP futures contracts, swaps, and cash balances in money market instruments, including U.S. Treasuries. Importantly, this offers a regulated pathway for investors to engage with XRP price trends while reducing direct exposure risks.
Why This Approval Matters
The approval of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is a watershed moment for several reasons:
1. Regulatory Recognition: It marks increasing acceptance of XRP as a legitimate asset class within regulated U.S. financial markets.
2. Institutional Interest: The move could unlock substantial institutional capital, mirroring patterns observed after the introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
3. Market Sentiment: XRP prices have already reacted positively, surging over 6% to $2.28 in early trading on April 28, with daily trading volume soaring by more than 53%.
In contrast, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies saw price declines during the same period, highlighting XRP’s relative strength.
Ripple’s Legal Saga and Future Prospects
The backdrop of these developments is Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC. However, recent reports indicate that Ripple and the SEC have reached an agreement to settle the case. As part of the settlement:
- Ripple will pay $50 million of a previously escrowed $125 million penalty.
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The SEC will withdraw its appeal regarding the “Programmatic Sales of XRP” ruling.
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Judge Analisa Torres may lift the injunction on XRP sales to institutional investors.
If finalized, this settlement could remove a significant overhang on XRP and further boost its market credibility.
Broader Implications for XRP Spot ETFs
ProShares has also filed for a spot XRP ETF, which is currently pending SEC approval. A spot ETF would involve holding actual XRP tokens rather than futures contracts, offering a more direct exposure option to investors.
The precedent set by Brazil — where Hashdex recently launched the world’s first spot XRP ETF — suggests that once one major market opens the gates, others tend to follow. Betting platform Polymarket now places the odds of a U.S. XRP-spot ETF approval by December 2025 at 78%, up from 68% earlier this month.
Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst James Seyffart maintains high confidence in an eventual approval, predicting final decisions by October 2025.
XRP Price Outlook
Following the SEC’s announcement and broader market enthusiasm:
- Current Price: $2.2335
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Market Cap: $136 billion
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52-Week Range: $0.39 to $3.38
XRP is currently consolidating above key support levels near $2.10, with resistance around $2.22. A decisive breakout above $2.40 could set the stage for a retest of previous highs at $3.3999 and eventually its all-time high of $3.5505.
Still, downside risks remain, particularly if the Ripple-SEC settlement faces delays or if macroeconomic conditions worsen. A bearish scenario could see XRP retreat toward the $1.50 mark.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for XRP and Crypto Markets
The launch of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is more than just a new investment product, it signals the maturing of the crypto industry and growing mainstream acceptance of alternative digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
With Ripple nearing a possible resolution with the SEC, rising institutional interest, and the growing likelihood of spot ETF approvals, XRP is well-positioned for a significant evolution in 2025 and beyond. However, investors should remain cautious and monitor legal and regulatory developments closely.
by | Apr 29, 2025 | Business
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by | Apr 29, 2025 | Business
GUESS, the iconic international fashion brand founded in Los Angeles, is bringing an exhilarating experience to the streets of Sydney with its very first experiential double-decker bus campaign in Australia. Taking GUESS fashion onto Sydney streets, this must-see event will surely captivate Sydney fashion enthusiasts and passersby alike, offering an immersive, high-impact fashion experience like no other.
A GUESS branded double-decker bus featuring larger than life images of Georgina Rodriguez, Argentinian model and reality television personality dressed in a series of stunning GUESS ensembles. The campaign, shot by renowned photographer Nima Benati, perfectly captures the combination of Georgina’s dynamic personality and the vision of winter luxury, timeless femininity, and sophistication.
The GUESS double-decker bus will roll into Sydney’s vibrant city streets, transforming a standard retail hub into a moving work of art and retail experience. This exciting activation will be the ultimate destination for all shoppers to discover GUESS’s Winter collection in a dynamic, immersive environment throughout Sydney.
The bus will be transporting a hand-curated selection of this season’s essentials alongside the Georgina Rodriguez edit, including ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, footwear, fragrances and more. Customers will have the chance to preview the collection before some of the pieces make their way in-store and online.
The lower deck of the bus will be designed with sleek, modern styling, showcasing on-trend handbags, shoes, jewellery, home products and GUESS iconic fragrances. The upper deck will house a selection of stunning ready-to-wear and iconic pieces with Instagram-opportune try-on, the perfect backdrop for photo opportunity.
What to Expect:
Exclusive Collections: Discover GUESS’s latest fashion-forward limited-edition pieces.Interactive Collection Preview:See, touch and try-on the collection in an exciting and intimate way.Exciting Giveaways: Complimentary GUESS merchandise and exclusive offers.Rich Photo Opportunities: Step into vibrant and creative installations, perfect for your social media.
BRINGING GUESS TO YOU will be a retail highlight in Sydney offering people a fresh, fun, and interactive customer experience to view and try pieces from the collection. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado or simply looking for a new way to shop, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Activation Details:
Locations and dates:29thApril – Parramatta Centenary Square -11am – 4.00pm1stMay – Bondi Beach- 11am – 3.00pm3rdMay – Overseas Passenger Terminal- 11am – 4.00pm
This experiential retail event marks a milestone in GUESS’s commitment to creating immersive, memorable experiences for consumers and fans, and is the first of its kind in Australia.
Join us for this iconic moment in fashion and get ready to experience GUESS in an entirely new way.
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