EMPOWERING TRUE FILIPINO HEROES WITH HEALTHY NERVES

Now on its 3rd year, this year’s campaign is called “Helping True Heroes.” The campaign highlights the importance of nerve health and is designed to help the millions of silent sufferers who are true heroes in their families to take an active role in keeping their nerves in tip-top state.

Helping True Heroes launch

Held at the Market! Market! Activity Center, the whole-day Helping True Heroes launch event was headlined by activities and attractions that demonstrated the crucial role of healthy nerves in the lives of true Filipino heroes.

From free nerve health checks with medical experts, NeuroMove exercise demos, life-size functional art displays by renowned local artists Coco Torre and Jonel dela Cruz, to an impressive shadow play performance by international sensation El Gamma Penumbra, all served as wake-up calls and motivation for everyone to be more vigilant about nerve care.

Also present during the event and lending their voices to the Neuropathy Awareness Movement were singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla and actor-host Ryan Agoncillo. The two shared their experience with Neuropathy and urged people to care for their nerves the same way they would for other parts of their body.

Neuropathy or nerve damage potentially affects millions of people worldwide, every year. Early detection is key as under normal conditions, nerves repair naturally via regeneration. But after a certain time—when approximately 50% or more of nerve tissues are damaged—the nerve remains in a state of disrepair and any impairment becomes permanent. Experts call this stage the “point of no return.”

Early detection and diagnosis of Neuropathy is vital. For this reason, Neurobion, the worldwide leader in B-vitamins and the nerve care expert from Merck Inc. Philippines, continues its nationwide advocacy, the Neuropathy Awareness Movement.

“True heroes are everyday people who push their own boundaries and go the extra mile for the benefit of others,“ said Debbie Go, Head of Marketing for Merck Consumer Health. “At the heart of our campaign is raising awareness for nerve care and empowering these true Filipino heroes to keep on making ordinary acts, extraordinary with healthy nerves.”  

Understanding Neuropathy and who is at risk

Neuropathy affects 1 out of 3 people with progressing age and is common among people who have nutritional deficiencies e.g. vitamin B deficiency caused by special dietary habits (vegetarian, vegan); excessive smoking and drinking;  as well as chronic disease like diabetes.

Symptoms of Neuropathy can vary and include: numbness or loss of sensation (pamamanhid), muscle weakness (pangangalay), tingling/pins and needles (tusok-tusok), burning sensation (pag-iinit), and muscle cramps (pamumulikat).

Caring for the nerves is as easy as exercising regularly; eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein; getting at least eight hours of sleep every day; and limiting alcohol intake and cigarette smoking which are toxic to the nerves. Studies also show that healthy nerves can be achieved by taking B-complex vitamin supplements like Neurobion daily.

“I have been taking Neurobion for years now and it has done wonders to my nerves. I do not experience numbness in my hands which is a good thing because I love to cook for my family, and I also don’t experience cramps in my calves even after long hours of standing and performing on stage in high heels,” said Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Ryan Agoncillo also shared, “One of my greatest joys in life is spending quality time with my three kids, and having healthy nerves enables me to do just that. I regularly exercise and eat healthy, but sometimes, I still experience symptoms of neuropathy. Before, I couldn’t play with them as much as I wanted to because of the tingling and burning sensations I felt in my feet after a bike ride or a long day at work. When I started taking Neurobion, these symptoms no longer bother me and now I can even chase my kids around the house."

“Neurobion contains an optimum balance formulation of vitamins B1 (strengthens the nerves), B6 (improves transmission of nerve impulses) and B12 (protects and restores damaged nerves). It is clinically proven to nourish and regenerate the nerves, providing relief for people who suffer from peripheral nerve problems. With more than 50 years of heritage, Neurobion is trusted by doctors worldwide,” said Loy Dy Buncio, Brand Manager for Neurobion.

Neurobion calls for support from healthcare professionals, influencers, media, families and friends to help raise awareness for Neuropathy and encourage sufferers to get detected, diagnosed and treated without delay.

For more information on Neurobion and the Neuropathy Awareness Movement, visit www.facebook.com/NeurobionPH.