Gen Z Pinoys have more mind health conditions than the rest of the world’s youth

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AXA Mind Health Index reveals more than half of Gen Z in Asia

are suffering from poor mental health, affecting their professional lives

According to a study by leading insurance provider AXA, the Filipino respondents in the 18- to 24-year-old bracket that admitted going through bouts of depression and anxiety were higher than global numbers. In the Philippines, responses for depression kick in at 35% (vs. 27% globally) while anxiety is at 16% (12% globally). While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on mind health across society, the latest findings from the annual AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 has revealed that Gen Z (aged 18-24) appears to be taking the brunt of the impact, with more than half of Gen Z globally (54%) and in Asia (51%) experiencing poor mental health. The Survey identifies specific challenges they face in today’s workplace, while also highlighting the need for employers to explore tailored support to address a potential surge in turnover in young talent.

The research found that Gen Z have the highest proportion of those struggling (associated with emotional stress and psychosocial impairment) at 18% globally and 14% in Asia, more than any other age group. Globally, only 13% of young people aged 18-24 are flourishing at the pinnacle of mind health, with the proportion being 15% in Asia, both the lowest across all age groups. This makes 18-24 the only age group globally that has more people struggling than flourishing.

Gen Z show greater ability to work under stress, though most likely to resign

In Asia’s workplaces, the survey reveals that Gen Z talent are affected by several key challenges that pose a potential threat to their mind health. These include uncertainty about the future (69% vs 59% globally), struggling to separate work life and non-work life (49% vs 39% globally), finding it hard to keep up with the pace of change at work (47% vs 38% globally), and a lack of job-skill fit (14% vs 9% globally). This last factor has a very strong correlation with mental wellbeing, as those that have the right job skill fit are 2.5 times more likely to perform their best according to the research.

The results also show that the 18-24 age group in Asia has the highest percentage of people who intend to resign in the next 12 months (21%). Yet the survey found a clear indication that those in the 18-24 age group who are flourishing are less likely to resign, with the rate being only 16%, highlighting the importance of effectively enabling positive mental health in supporting employee retention.

Workplace mental health support plays a vital role in overall mental wellbeing

Support for mental health in the workplace has risen up the agenda during the pandemic. The research also reveals that in Asia, companies that provide mind health support are 2.5 times more likely to have employees that are flourishing. In particular, while 1 in 4 Gen Z employees who feel they are getting good mind health support at work are flourishing, the rate is only 1 in 100 among those that do not see such support, which is the biggest difference among all age groups. This indicates mind health support in the workplace also has the greatest impact on the mental wellbeing of Gen Z, making this group a priority target for such solutions.

Gordon Watson, CEO of AXA Asia and Africa said, “While mind health has rightly attracted greater attention in the wake of the pandemic’s disruption on our lives, these findings emphasise that the next generation of talent across Asia are facing severe challenges. Companies need to examine how they can make a tangible difference with support relevant to the needs of their Gen Z employees, not only to help with productivity and retention, but to tackle this urgent issue affecting societies across the region.”

Bernardo Serrano Lopez, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer, adds, “While we see a considerable improvement in mind health globally, this does not mean that we can just sit back and simply let things run its course. The insights from this study helps organizational leaders and people managers steer their initiatives to better benefit our employees’ physical and mental health. At AXA, we take pride in consistently supporting programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. And we take these learnings to continue evolving our programs to better suit our employees’ needs and to further our vision to become a company where they are #FitToFlourish.”

Overall people in Asia are getting mentally healthier, believe that stigma is declining

Despite this concern, the research found that the proportion of people flourishing in Asia[1] climbed from 19% to 22%, with Asia seeing a bigger rise than the global average. By contrast, the proportion of those struggling in Asia fell to 12%, a year-on-year decrease of 2%. This speaks to improving mental wellbeing across the board. In addition, 36% of respondents globally agree that stigma related to mental health is declining, compared to 31% last year.

The findings show that 25% of people globally are flourishing, with Thailand (37%), a new entrant this year, topping the list and Italy (18%) showing the lowest level. A closer look at Asian countries and territories in the survey finds that the Philippines had the largest proportion globally of people getting by, at 39%, followed by Hong Kong at 37%. Across the region, the largest proportion of languishing and struggling were both in Japan, at 31% and 14% respectively.

Access the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 at axafittoflourish.com.

[1] Asia year-on-year comparison only relates to Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan.

Why Every Woman Needs a Partner in Health

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Women play an essential role in society. Studies have shown that women make better leaders, bring about higher returns to economies, and improve the lives of people in communities.

Photo by partystock (Freepik)

Women’s position in society means it is important to prioritize and understand their health. They face a variety of health issues, with cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death for women around the world. According to The Lancet, 35% of deaths in women worldwide are caused by cardiovascular disease.

Women are also at risk for cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization revealed that it accounted for 10 million deaths in 2020 or the equivalent of nearly one in six deaths.

Breast cancer is the most common of its kind in the Philippines and the world. It is the majority type of cancer that affects Filipino women at 31%. Additionally, it is the third most fatal type of cancer in the Philippines, just behind lung and liver cancer. Global figures are just as alarming: the disease is the most common cause of cancer death in women.

Lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer

“The risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular issues and cancer can be prevented. While some factors cannot be avoided, such as family history or age, taking care of one’s health through preventive measures can lower the risk of heart issues and cancer. As always, it is important to consult a health professional when making lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Gia Sison, Head of Wellness Center at Makati Medical Center, a mental health advocate, and a breast cancer survivor.

A key way to prevent NCDs is to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can lead to conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. A diet filled with fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes such as lentils and beans can fight malnutrition, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer.

It’s important to pair a healthy diet with regular exercise. Aside from helping maintain a healthy weight, at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Women are also advised to not indulge in vices such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Tobacco contains chemicals that damage the heart and blood vessels. Even those who do not partake can be at risk due to secondhand smoke. Meanwhile, higher consumption of alcohol increases the chances of breast cancer.

Lastly, it’s important to get regular health screenings. These can help women understand their bodies better and see if they need to take action. For example, they can screen their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, or get tested for diabetes 2. Women are encouraged to do a breast self-exam at least once a month and to consult a doctor when a lump is detected.

The Philippine Commission on Women also stated in the past, “Women’s health directly affects the health and welfare of families, communities, and even the economy. Thus, in our every stride to pursue national development, promoting women and girls’ health must be prioritized.”

“We must all take part in promoting health literacy by being proactive in learning and sharing the right health information, supporting bills and reforms that push for women’s health, and aiding different health services and programs that are comprehensive, culture-sensitive, and gender-responsive,” Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, PCW Executive Director reiterates.

A partner in health and wellness

Just recently, Watsons Philippines launched the “Dare To Be” campaign to encourage young women to go beyond stereotypes and stand with other women to discover the best version of themselves. The campaign is aimed at supporting BRAVEHER, BOLDHER and STRONGHER Women in a cause of gender equality that embraces women from all walks of life. This includes striving to become every woman’s partner in taking care of their health so they continue to look good, do good, and feel great.

The leading global brand in health and beauty empowers women with the best quality and widely-available health, wellness, and personal care products at an affordable price. These include vitamins and supplements, which can be taken with a doctor’s recommendation, and over-the-counter and prescription medication.

Watsons is also home to health monitors and medical implements and equipment to stay strong and able-bodied.

Women can visit Watsons’ network of over 1,000 stores in the Philippines, all offering expert care with its in-store pharmacists, specialists, and staff. They may also visit the website or download the App to order medicine, vitamins, and supplements. To get health tips tailored-fit to their health need, they can access the Watsons Health Hub to chat with licensed physicians and Watsons pharmacists for professional advice.

“We have proven time and again that women are strong individuals who can bravely face all the challenges that come their way. Watsons empowers them with the best health and wellness solutions available so they can continue to be amazing in everything they do, whether it’s at home, in the workplace, or society,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Customer Director.

About Watsons

Watsons is part of the Health and Beauty Store chain of A.S Watson, the largest health, beauty, cosmetics, and perfumery retailer in the world. Today, Watsons H&B Asia is the leading health and beauty chain in the continent with successful operations in 13 markets. In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines' leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas).

Today, Watsons operates 1000+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 250,000 customers per day. Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1,000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.

Top 5 tips to keep your body and mind energetic while on-the-go

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Health trends come and go, but the emphasis on staying healthy while on-the-go remains, especially with our modern lifestyles. With the rise of social media, countless fitness fads and diets have cropped up in online articles, viral posts and trending videos. And with the alarming health concerns that arose due to the pandemic, the attitude towards taking care of one’s health has become more proactive – incorporating fun activities to health and wellness routines without compromising current lifestyles.

Without exerting too much effort, you can still be healthy and ready to pursue your goals and aspirations in life, especially with the help of food supplements made from natural substances that can boost your energy and immunity while you’re on-the-go. Achieving your personal and wellness goals can be simplified with these five recommendations.

Eat right for you

Eating nutritious food and having balanced serving sizes might be a challenge with food delivery apps always available at our beck and call and new restaurants popping out left and right. There’s no denying that it can be tempting to order food or eat out because of all the New Year promos and discounts. As part of your New Year’s resolution, you can manage your diet and eat healthy, while also not compromising your happiness and appetite.

Do not restrict yourself from eating, but be better at choosing food with the proper amount of calories and nutrients. Meal planning and recipe apps can help support your goal of eating right by planning your meals ahead and keeping track of your calories and diet. APL GO lozenges can also help support your digestion with its Multi-Spectrum (MLS) drops that help maintain your healthy gut microbiome and digestive processes. With proper exercise and a healthy diet, this may also support your already normal gastrointestinal wellbeing and feeling of vitality and renewal - allowing you to have that added support on your journey to eating healthy.

Exercise can be fun

Exercising doesn’t require great feats of strength, speed or agility. There are various alternatives to intense workouts that emerged since staying at home became the norm like sit-down chair exercises, online aerobics sessions, and the like. Doing activities you enjoy like walking your beloved pets or a friendly game of badminton with friends can be considered workouts too, as long as you get your body up and moving. As long as you manage to get 150 hours of moderate physical activity in a week, then you’ll be able to stay in shape.

And with all the activities you have planned, your body needs support in order to keep up. APL GO’s Get Strength (GTS) supports the body’s vitality and endurance while Grow (GRW) drops maintain the body’s natural alert and active immune responses. Perfect to keep you up on your feet all day long.

Get enough sleep

Having enough sleep can improve a person’s health substantially, helping our bodies and minds function properly for the day to come. With all of the activities we try to fit in a day, sleeping is a must to regain the strength we lost and replenish our energy. Do yourself a favor and try to have a good night's sleep whenever you can.

To be able to sleep well, you also have to let your mind and body relax. APL GO’s Relax (RLX) can help take the load off and give you the rest you deserve. RLX drops support your body’s ability to achieve relaxation and mental calmness, perfect for aiding in your sleep.

Exercise your brain

As they say, the mind is the most powerful tool in a person’s body because it has the power to affect the physical status and emotional well-being of an individual. Which is why, aside from exercising your body, you also need to exercise your brain. Puzzles and games can help keep your mind sharp as you shift to problem-solving mode, while reading books, listening to podcasts, or even jamming along on your favorite songs can help your brain make new connections between topics and themes that you care about.

APL GO’s Brainy (BRN) can help support your cognitive abilities, active concentration and focus. BRN drops have essential nutrients that support your established cognitive clarity for learning, thinking, managing mental stress, and alertness.

Spend time with your loved ones

Time flies, so spend it with the people you love the most, doing things that you enjoy - eating your favorite food, retelling memorable stories, hanging out and having fun.

To state the obvious, all these activities require an active and healthy body. Support your body’s daily activities by taking APL GO’s Power (PWR) drops, which comes in lemon flavor for men and apricot flavor for women. This helps maintain vitality for active lifestyles while maintaining your mood balance during times of occasional stress.

APL GO’s delicious candy-like supplements can help support you as you live your life on-the-go, especially as we enter a new year. Enjoy the important moments in life without uncertainties about your wellbeing. With proper diet and exercise and additional support from APL GO, you can manage your lifestyle and achieve your health and wellness goals on-the-go.

For more information on APL GO and its products, visit ph.aplgo.co

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About APL GO

APL GO is a global multilevel network marketing company that specializes in health, wellness and beauty products powered by Acumullit SA technology. APL GO strives to help people achieve their health and wellness goals as they live their lives on the go through our innovative products made from whole food botanical ingredients composed of plants, fruits and herbs. Our tasty APL GO lozenges are passionately made to provide maximum benefits for the body’s immune system which aim to boost natural immune responses, vitality, stamina and strength, digestive processes, natural mental calmness and relaxation, and easy breathing, among others.

foodpanda supports Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign on Breast Cancer Awareness

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Here’s how you can participate in this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Avon and foodpanda.

About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2019, Filipina women were even more vulnerable as it was estimated that the Philippines has the highest prevalence of the disease in Asia, and ninth highest in the world. The following year, breast cancer was still one of the top 2 most common among Filipino women with majority diagnosed at advanced stages.

This is why every year during October, the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month with global beauty brand Avon as one of top supporters of the cause to encourage more people to know more about this disease and be more proactive in regular self-checks that can help detect preliminary symptoms.

This year, Avon continues this worthy cause with a global campaign encouraging everyone to discover what’s #NormalForMe and by extension, inviting partner brands, including leading online quick commerce platform foodpanda, to raise awareness and raise funds on behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society. The campaign also encourages women to normalize regularly checking their breast for any changes that could potentially cause breast cancer.

“We are grateful to Avon for reaching out to us and trusting us to become one of their brand partners to promote this advocacy. We are more than happy to offer our support, even in the simplest way, to reach more audiences and raise awareness,” says Daniel Marogy, foodpanda Philippines Managing Director.

“For the last 30 years, we’ve committed to this cause to raise funds and awareness to help more women to join the initiative to battle breast cancer not just for themselves, but also for their loved ones,” shares Avon Head of Communications for Philippines & APAC, Marion Limlengco. “This is why we’ll always push for everyone to know the signs, know the risks, and know how to take action because early detection will help save lives.”

Pink it up with foodpanda

foodpanda is offering a special and exclusive discount for every checkout from their app starting October 15 to 31, 2022 using the code “AVONFP50”.

A portion of the amount of every order will be donated to Avon’s partner beneficiary, the Philippine Cancer Society, who is also offering consultation should you spot a lump or need more help in screening your breasts and pecs.

Apart from this, Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign has also prepared activities to raise funds on the campaign which include donation drives, free clinical breast examinations and dedicated fundraising products from Avon.

Download the foodpanda app now and support Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign.  For more information about this campaign, please visit bit.ly/avonbreastcancerpromise. Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and shop your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon Representative.  

About Avon 

Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis.  Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group.  Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.

 

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Fighting Obesity: Kickstart Your Family’s Journey Towards Healthier Diets, Habits with an HMO Plan

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Globally, obesity has been a growing concern among adults and children. By 2030, individuals with obesity might reach more than one billion worldwide, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2022.

This number is not far-fetched. In the Philippines alone, a recent study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) noted that there are currently at least 27 million overweight and obese Filipinos.

But what causes this condition? While various factors contribute to obesity, the primary causes include having a sedentary lifestyle and consuming foods with a large amount of salt and calories. People who experience this condition might also experience musculoskeletal issues, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer said the Department of Health (DOH).

How an HMO plan helps with healthier diets, habits

To prevent or treat obesity, an individual must start adopting an active lifestyle paired with a more nutritious food selection consisting of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, among others. It is also complemented by reducing the consumption of food rich in calories and salt.

However, as easy as it seems, this is a challenge for people living with obesity because this condition dramatically affects their way of life. Experts believe that it changes a person’s appetite, hormone balance, feeling of fullness, digestion, and many more, which is why fighting obesity would need help from medical professionals who can guide you and your family towards healthier diets and habits.

To provide appropriate care and reduce healthcare costs, MediCard, a leading Health and Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the Philippines, has Individual and Family plans that you can avail for yourself and your family, which start at PhP10,739 annually. Benefits include health management and counseling on health habits and diets to help your family’s journey in living a healthy lifestyle while preventing or managing obesity.

It also has family hospitalization (in-patient) services and outpatient care. For instance, conditional to a member’s diagnosis and plan, it covers X-ray and laboratory examinations, operating and recovery room expenses, and services of MediCard specialists, including anesthesiologists, internists, surgeons, and many more.

For outpatient care, this plan allows members to access different physicians in MediCard free-standing clinics and MediCard-accredited clinics or hospitals in the country. Depending on a member’s coverage, this can include regular consultations, specialist referrals, and laboratory or diagnostic examinations prescribed by a MediCard physician.

In addition, MediCard’s Individual and Family plans cover routine immunization, annual physical examination (APE), counseling on family planning, preventive healthcare services at any MediCard free-standing clinic, complete blood count, Pap smear for women above 40 years old, and dental care services from any accredited dental clinic.

MediCard is the first and leading HMO founded and managed by doctors. Over the years, it has provided the most comprehensive and innovative healthcare programs and fitness activities to help people achieve healthier lives.

To learn more about MediCard Philippines, visit its website at https://www.medicardphils.com/.

  

 

mWell launches the country’s first health app wellness tracker via the nationwide Zumba® Fitfest Tour

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Continuously breaking new grounds in digital healthcare, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell, the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app, is partnering with the country’s top Zumba masters to launch the mWellness Score via the mWell Fitfest Tour Zumba challenge that kicked off in Cebu.

mWellness Score is a personal in-app health tracker which measures the amounts of exercise, light activity, sedentary behavior and sleep everyday using data-driven methods.

The mWell Fitfest Tour is led by celebrity dance diva, choreographer, and top Zumba instructor Ms. Regine Tolentino. Through it, Zumba communities around the country will get the first crack at mWellness Score via the nationwide Zumba challenge that kicked off in Cebu last Oct. 7 where hundreds of participants danced the weekend away in the Dance Workout 3.0 Marathon held at the Insular Square in Mandaue City.

The workout series continues in Mandaue, Bohol, Pampanga, Marikina, Las Pinas and Quezon City. Zumba enthusiasts may join the event for free, dance their way to a healthier lifestyle and get the chance to bring home gift vouchers, shirts, and smartwatches. All they have to do is download the mWell app, start using the mWellness Score feature and flex their scores on their social media pages.

“I’m really excited to partner with mWell for this event. You won’t feel like it’s a dreaded workout. Just dress up, feel beautiful and empowered as you move to the music. You’ll burn a ton of calories too! It will be a blast. By monitoring my mWellness Score as I teach Zumba, I can easily stay fit and healthy, lower the risk of getting sick and be more productive,” she adds.

In support of the fitness campaign, MPIC’s Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer and wellness enthusiast Ms. Chaye Cabal-Revilla says, “Zumba is a happy pill. It’s a fun and easy way to be healthy and beat stress at work. In our spare time, we even have Zumba breaks in the office. And with the mWellness Score, you can track your performance versus other mWell app users. This feature also helps monitor step count, physical activity, and sleep.”

Through the mWellness Score, mWell mobile app users can easily access a handy guide to developing a healthy lifestyle for long-term health, without having to spend on extra gadgets or wearables.

Designed for those who lead a busy life, the mWellness Score enables app users to be in control of their health, reach their fitness goals and make informed lifestyle choices to prevent chronic diseases. No need for a drastic lifestyle change. All it takes are a few tweaks to make space for physical activity and adequate sleep regularly. To make the path to fitness more exciting, mWell users can set personalized goals, or interact with others on the app, making wellness organically part of their lifestyle. They can get their daily mWellness Score for free by simply clicking on the Wellness icon on the app.

This latest innovation from mWell comes on the heels of National mWellness Day, the biggest nationwide digital medical mission. The fastest-growing health app which provides doctor consultations and serves as a wellness guide, has earlier won Best Initiative in Technological Innovation in The Asset ESG Corporate Awards--one of the world’s leading and longest-running honors in the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) space.

Aside from the mWellness Score, mWell has also made available customized fitness and nutrition programs developed by Olympians and exercise physiologists as well as calorie-controlled recipes created by dietitians and nutritionists.

Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.

ABOUT mWell

mWell, is the health technology platform developed by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation that offers telemedicine, health and wellness programs, e-commerce, among others, in an integrated, tech-based healthcare digital ecosystem. Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the leading infrastructure investment company in the Philippines with investments in various infrastructure assets including healthcare. As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to work towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

Sleep specialist: Make your bed a sanctuary only for sleep and sex— sleep expert WFH bedroom set-up triggers sleeplessness

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As Filipinos climb up the charts as the 4th most sleep-deprived people in the world, a sleep specialist advised that one of the "cures" could be making your bed a sanctuary only for sleep, rest, and sex. This is amid the current work-from-home (WFH) set-up where many people have converted their bedrooms as their temporary workstations.

Dr. Debbie Bernardo, neurologist and sleep specialist, emphasized that removing all work activities and their gadgets is one important way by which Filipinos could revert back to healthy sleeping habits.

In a webinar hosted by business community Bounce Back PH and health and wellness company Wellspring Philippines, she pointed out that sleeplessness could lead to depression, anxiety, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and breast and prostate cancer.

Sleep expert Dr. Debbie Bernardo (bottom row, left most) led the discussion on the why's and how's of surviving an era of sleeplessness. The webinar hosted by Bounce Back Ph also had Wellspring CEO Casey Ching (upper row, third from left); “Mommy” Vanna Reyes, a resident mom of Madiskarte Moms PH (upper row, middle); Mark Darwin Balaswit, Top Dog Copywriter PH’s freelance writer (upper row, left most); Bounce Back Philippines CEO Nicco Viray and Bounce Back PH COO Bianca Angeles (bottom row, middle and right most respectively).

Tips for the sleep-deprived

Dr. Bernardo added, “People are not aware of their insufficient sleep so they don’t make it a priority in their schedules.” What can help them distinguish their personal and workspaces is transforming the bedroom into a “sanctuary for sleep and sex only. It has to have a comfortable, chilly room temperature and slow relaxing music. Ambient lights must be replaced by night mode, and all other electronic gadgets must be turned off at least an hour before snoozing off. Go to the bedroom only when you want to sleep.”

For her part, Casey Ching, COO of health and wellness company Wellspring, anxiety in their family was the cause of their sleeplessness.

“Our anxiety level was high especially during the pandemic we were concerned about the senior members of the family and the babies and we were also constantly thinking about our businesses so we suffered from bouts of anxiety and sleeplessness,” Ching said. This led them to look for something that would provide them relief and created the Wellspring melatonin gummies.

“We were the first to use Wellspring melatonin gummies and we continue to do so when the need arises. These gummies have helped relieve us of our anxieties and sleep deprivation.”

Discipline and mindset change

Ching shares with sleep-challenged Filipinos the lessons learned during her bouts with chronic sleep inefficiency: “When we lack sleep, we tend to not function optimally. Because you are stressed, you wake up not well- rested---and that hampers productivity generally.”

In bringing the FDA-approved melatonin gummy to the country, she saw that it addressed the sleep problems of “young adults who suffer from anxiety, mommies, and freelancers who have to do the extra hustle to make a living.” She described Wellspring melatonin gummies as “not sleeping pills, but they are there to relax you. Melatonin for example is produced by the body and has now been developed and manufactured in vitamin form. It can alleviate fatigue and let you sleep naturally and deeply.”

Regardless of their parenthood stage, mothers of all kinds---stay-at-home moms, single moms, working moms, and entrepreneurial moms---tend to be sleep-deprived. “Mommy “Vanna Reyes, a resident mom of Madiskarte Moms PH, one of the biggest mommy communities in the Philippines, pointed out that sleeplessness can also affect personal ties, not just work: “You can struggle in your relationship with friends. I have to be more attentive to my children. Alone time with your significant other is important; intimacy can decrease if it is set aside and is often overlooked because of the loaded responsibilities and worries.”

Starting sleep habits early

Balaswit recommended a drastic change in mindset to acquire good sleep: “Filipinos wear this badge of honor for sleeplessness but it needs to stop. Why not do something about it and consider alternative solutions like Wellspring melatonin gummies, exercising, and eating healthy?”

Dr. Bernardo clarified that the recommended minimum hours for adults are still seven. Less hours of sleep, especially in mid-life, “can contribute to dementia in the future. Start as soon as possible in improving your sleep.”

Reyes agreed about developing sleep habits as early as possible, this time for the younger generation. “Let your kids know that sleep is very important in their lives. I collect their gadgets before they sleep. When it’s light’s off, it’s light’s off.” She also tells her kids, “You can succeed in life if you have a good foundation in sleep.”

The devoted wife and mother of three also finds that melatonin relaxes her more and makes her “willing to fight the day with a more agreeable mindset.”

The fun way to take your vitamins

Ching believes that “many people nowadays opt to take gummies because they’re easier to swallow, and taste better.” Aside from melatonin, Wellspring gummies contain other ingredients with added benefits such as vitamin B6 and Passiflora extract.

Ching added that Wellspring is the only brand in the market today to have three variants of their melatonin gummy products. These are the Melatonin Sleep Aid Gummies with passion fruit extract to help relax promote calm before bedtime, Wellspring Nighttime with Collagen and Hyaluronic acid for better sleep and glowing skin, and Extra Snooze Extra Strength Melatonin with L-theanine and Lemon Balm gummies for an added dose of relaxation for that extra good night’s sleep.

Dr. Bernardo expressed hope that others, especially the sleep-deprived, will help her spread “the gospel of sleep. A good night’s sleep is essential for good health.”

PH’s fastest-growing app sets the record for the biggest nationwide online medical mission

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mWell unites hundreds of doctor-volunteers, mental health experts,
and health-conscious Filipinos on National mWellness Day

Last August 27-28, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (PSE: MPI) mWell, the Philippines’ fastest-growing health app, made history by gathering hundreds of doctors, medical specialists, and mental health experts to give free online consultation and sound medical advice to patients and health-conscious Filipinos from all over the country.

National mWellness Day, mounted for the 2nd time since its inception in 2021, has achieved a milestone in its mission to bring quality healthcare to more Filipinos nationwide in the new normal by providing free online consultation to hundreds of patients from all over the country through the mWell PH app.

The two-day advocacy event was helmed by hundreds of family doctors and specialists from Metro Manila, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga who donated their time to provide consultation via the mWell app, while mental health advocates from MindNation and Makati Medical Center Wellness Center gave on-call services for free mental health counselling.

Dr. Reymark Calma congratulated mWell for the event which allowed him to feel the true spirit of volunteerism while fellow volunteer, Dr. Mark Calban said, “It was such an inspiring experience serving the medical needs of patients not only from Metro Manila but from different provinces.” Expressing her appreciation for the support she received, Dr. Mae Doctolero, said, “The responsive tech team and operations support made everything so easy.”

A record number of patients, including celebrities, Metro Manila-based journalists and regional influencers were able to consult for free. After the consultation, they also received free e-prescription, medical certificates, lab referrals and vouchers.

Despite hectic schedules, doctors and mental health experts from all over the country willingly donated their time and expertise to provide free consultation via the mWell app.

Hundreds of patients from across the country were able to consult for free via the user-friendly mWell PH app.

Patients expressed gratitude for the free consultation. They found the doctors to be very kind and approachable. “The consultation flow is good and clear,” said one of the patients while another writes, “This is the best teleconsultation I have experienced.” An mWell user who had a consultation with the dermatologist gave this feedback: “My doctor is amazing. She was on time and provided me with all the support.” A mom whose daughter had fever was so thankful that they were able to consult a pediatrician for free. She said: “Laking tulong para sa mga nanay na tulad ko. Ang daling gamitin at ang bait ng duktor. Buti na lang may mWell app!”

mWell partners, including the country’s top insurance companies – PhilCare and Generali gave their full support for the advocacy along with Makati Medical Center Foundation, MPIC Foundation, Unilab, MedExpress, 24 Alkaline-C and PiCur antioxidant.

Advocacy leads: Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla and MPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan.

At the same time, mWell provided free consultation to residents of Barangay Lumutan, a remote community in General Nakar, Quezon through mWell OnTheGo, a portable digital clinic. The mWell OnTheGo bag was filled with a tablet and a phone preloaded with the mWell PH app containing a health pass code for free online consultation. Foldable solar panels, battery, and Smart pocket wifi were also donated to enable the residents to consult anytime.

National mWellness Day is in support of the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare. MPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan says, “Filipinos now have better access to healthcare through mWell’s integrated digital healthcare ecosystem with a wide and sustainable network of medical experts and services.”

For Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, sustainability is the backbone of the work done across the group. Cabal-Revilla says, “Being able to serve Filipinos nationwide is at the heart of what we do in mWell. That’s why we dedicated two days working with volunteer docs and partners to provide consultation for free. As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to work towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.”

mWell OnTheGo empowered Dumagats in Brgy Lumutan, General Nakar, Quezon to consult online for free using the mWell PH app.

Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.

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ABOUT mWell

mWell, is the health technology platform developed by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation that offers telemedicine, health and wellness programs, e-commerce, among others, in an integrated, tech-based healthcare digital ecosystem. Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the leading infrastructure investment company in the Philippines with investments in various infrastructure assets including healthcare.