MANY FILIPINOS RECOGNIZE that health is wealth, but this, unfortunately, does not translate into action. According to Watsons Insights on Shoppers Experience, a global research study on 10,000 individuals aged 15 to 60 from 11 countries including the Philippines, 鈥66% Filipinos believe that they have good knowledge on health鈥 but then again, 57% of them do not regularly exercise.
So why do people neglect their health despite the acknowledgment that health is vital? According to Krista Tan of Watsons Philippines marketing department, there are many reasons people falter when it comes to their wellness, including being too tired to exercise due to a hectic work schedule, doing household chores and homework, being too busy, and getting stuck in traffic.
But people can turn these factors to their advantage by tweaking their mind-set and time management. Viki Encarnacion, Watsons marketing director, said: 鈥淪mall steps such as drinking more water, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, taking deep breaths in between e-mails, walking more often, and even smiling can go a long way for our well-being.鈥 Barni Alejandro-Rennebeck, guest chef at the event and coauthor of The Sexy Chef, added that the key is keeping a schedule for workouts (scientific studies say committing to seven minutes of exercise everyday is a start) and choosing more colorful food, especially vegetables and fruits, over fried and fast food.
In line with this, Watsons launched its #GetActive Campaign on May 23 with the goal of promoting not only diet and exercise but taking vitamins. Until June 28, consumers can buy their preferred vitamins and other health products at Watsons with discounts of up to 20% for a minimum single P500 receipt. The promo is exclusive to SM Advantage, SM Prestige, PRiMO, and BDO Rewards cardholders. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman
