Reigning Mister Posture Philippines JP Guerrero helps University of Makati students get their free posture screening./ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — Many people are still not familiar with the “World Spine Day” celebration every Oct. 16, and reigning Mister Posture Philippines JP Guerrero shared his thoughts on the significance of such an occasion.
“We need to celebrate this day, Spine Day is important. Nowadays, health is very important,” he told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the World Spine Day educational symposium held at the University of Makati in Makati City on Oct. 13.
“We are still facing a pandemic right now, and we need to boost our immune system with the help of natural healthcare, such as chiropractic,” Guerrero continued.
This year’s theme is “Every Spine Counts,” and he took a literal approach in showing its significance. “Men and women have veins connected to our different organs, which really counts. Because if we miss a [vertebra], it really matters,” he explained. Vertebrae are the interlocked individual bones forming the spine.
One simple step to ensure proper spine health is avoiding slouching when watching television, Guerrero noted. “Personally, I used to do that, before we were taught by our doctor now. I complained about pain on my backbone, and he asked how I sit every day,” he shared.
“If we feel something on our backs, or we notice that our shoulders are not properly aligned, you need to have your spines checked,” Guerrero added.
Guerrero himself helped facilitate the free posture screening at the symposium, where the university’s students, faculty members, and staff members got free spine assessment to determine their condition.
The symposium also discussed the introduction of a pioneering six-year chiropractic degree program, the first in the country, at the University of Makati.
It was developed by Dr. Phillip Ebral, an Australia-based chiropractic program curator, with the collaboration of Dr. Michael Tetrault, founder of the Chiropractic Diplomatic Corps.
Mabuhay Health Public Relations Manager Jedaver Pancho Opingo also declared that the Mister and Miss Posture Philippines pageant is already accepting applicants for its second edition next year. EDV