Neuropathy Awareness for Good Health

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy, a disorder affecting nerves, is experienced by many people in the Philippines. Despite this high frequency, many men and women who have it are not even aware of their condition. In fact, nerve health is not a topic that many people actually think about.

The symptoms of nerve damage, or Neuropathy, are often nothing out of the ordinary. Numbness, muscle weakness, and pins and needles can be caused by other conditions as well. In fact, they are often attributed to more mundane causes, such as fatigue or wrong sleeping position. While these symptoms can indeed be linked to such causes, it is undeniable that Neuropathy is a possible cause.

Such symptoms are often thought of as so inconsequential that sufferers do not seek medical advice. Frequently, sufferers report minor discomfort or irritation at their symptoms and tend to ignore their persistence.

Other possible symptoms of Neuropathy include increased sensitivity to touch, sharp pains, extreme sensitivity to pain, a burning feeling, reduced sensitivity to pain, loss of sensation, and reduced sense of touch.

There are also a number of conditions in which nerve damage appears or can be a secondary complication. Causes and risk factors are multiple and include causes and conditions such as genetics (a family member suffers from Neuropathy), chronic diseases (like diabetes), environmental toxins (such as smoking), alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies (including B Vitamin deficiency), and even side effects of certain medications. This condition can be idiopathic (have no known cause).

Before symptoms get worse and lead to permanent nerve damage, it is of vital importance to consult a doctor immediately. Taking daily maintenance for nerve nourishment may also prevent nerve damage or Neuropathy.

Neuropathy Awareness

Merck Inc., the maker of Neurobion, understands just how serious and difficult nerve health issues can be, especially for the people who work hard every day to provide for the ones they care about. This holds true especially in the case of people who perform repetitive motions as part of their daily routine.

The act of daily commuting puts pressure on the hands and feet, and on the nerves.

With the traffic and the sheer number of commuters out there, commuting conditions are far from ideal for nerves. Crowded vehicles, jostling for position in a full train, standing in a moving bus – these can all take their toll on nerves after some time.

This is why Merck came up with its Neuropathy Awareness Campaign. This is in line with the company’s WE100 corporate vision of helping humankind live longer, fuller lives of quality and good health, and is intended to educate Filipinos on Neuropathy, its causes and common symptoms, and ways to prevent it from happening.

A Salute to True Heroes 

This campaign brings the spotlight onto the everyday True Heroes, the men and women who work hard daily to take care of the people they care about.

As Merck Inc.’s Head of Marketing Ming Arroyo-Cunanan put it, “The people who wake up extra early to commute, and then selflessly pour out all their time and energy just to provide for their families — these people are the True Heroes. To be able to work like this every day without complaint and hesitation is very admirable, more so, deserving of some kind of recognition.” 

Given the important role of these True Heroes in their families, they undoubtedly deserve recognition and care. These are part of the Neuropathy Awareness Campaign, in which people are urged to take care of their nerves so they can continue their important roles. Nerves deserve to be taken care of.

This comes amid the reality that, while damaged nerves repair naturally via regeneration, after a certain time (when approximately 50% or more of nerve tissue is damaged), the damage is permanent. This so-called “point of no return” makes early detection and diagnosis vital.  

The Neurobion Nerve Therapy Trip

In line with Neuropathy Awareness Month, Neurobion decided to give these True Heroes a trip that they wouldn’t expect but most definitely deserve.

Loy Juan Dy-Buncio, Neurobion Brand Manager, said “Neurobion wanted to do something that not only would spread awareness on nerve damage, but would also serve as a treat to those who are susceptible to it, and these are the working-class Filipinos.”  

And with that, the Nerve Therapy Trip was born.

Launched recently, the Nerve Therapy Trip will provide an upgraded bus ride that keeps passengers relaxed as they head to and from work.

 

Neuro Motion

The Nerve Therapy Trip will also teach them how to care for their nerves despite their busy lives with the Neuro Motion video, a collection of simple exercises that the regular person can perform on the way to work or even at the office. Video will be played during the Nerve Therapy Trip.

To experience the Nerve Therapy Trip for yourself, look for the Neurobion buses on the Alabang-Navotas route and vice versa for 25 days beginning August 7. Take a ride to #LoveYourNerves!