Is it just aging or something that needs more attention? The caring hands behind our success may now be in pain
By Jemimah Mapa
A doctor’s hands can bring healing. An engineer’s hands can help build homes. A teacher's hands can help shape futures. And the hands of parents and mentors guide, support, and lift us up in times of need and through life’s biggest milestones.
But over time, these hands may begin to experience various painful problems such as tingling, numbness, and pain due to aging but could signal something more serious. In the Philippines, nearly one in every four elderly aged over 40 (18.9 percent)1 are suffering from peripheral neuropathy (PN). It refers to damage to the peripheral nervous system that causes numbness, tingling, or a prickling-needle sensation, weakness, and even burning pain, which usually starts in the hands and feet.
Some of the early signs of nerve damage can be subtle such as frequently closing fists, stretching arms, or massaging hands. Because it starts slowly, the symptoms feel mild at first, and because many parents choose to stay silent rather than complain, many live with discomfort for years before seeking help believing it’s something they simply must endure. Today, up to 80% of peripheral neuropathy is undiagnosed, leaving many without the care they may need.
The lack of awareness regarding these symptoms may lead to a staggering 5-year delay in the 2 diagnosis and treatment of PN. According to Dr. Elaine Cheeay Cunanan (Consultant Internist and Endocrinologist, University of Santo Tomas Hospital Espana, Manila), "Left unaddressed, nerve damage can reach a stage where recovery becomes difficult. But when identified early, it can be managed with treatment and quality of life can be significantly improved." The people who helped shaped our lives deserve the same care they once gave us. Looking after their health is one way of honoring the parents, teachers, mentors, and loved ones whose hands nurtured, believed in, and supported us throughout our journey.
To encourage Filipinos to recognize the early signs of nerve damage and give back to those who first cared for them, vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) launched the “Care for the Hands that Care” campaign through a touching short film, highlighting that those who cared for you over the years deserve the same care in return.
Creative Visualization
Source: IQVIA's Philippine Medical Data Index (PDMI) Report prescriptions covering A11D - VITAMIN B1 & COMBINATION MAT March 2026 reprinted with permission
"This campaign is very close to my heart, and is a simple but powerful reminder that our parents may never tell us when they’re hurting, but maybe it’s time we start noticing. Because the hands that once held ours deserve to keep feeling life’s most important moments - holding a grandchild for the first time, a father-daughter moment, a 50th wedding anniversary, and so many more. These are the moments their hands deserve to truly feel," P&G Health General Manager Vidya Murthy proudly shared.
Vidya Murthy, Health General Manager of Procter & Gamble (P&G) during the launch of “Care for the Hands that Care” campaign
For those experiencing symptoms of nerve damage, Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) provides a way to support nerve health. It contains vitamins B1, B6, and B12, a group of essential neurotropic B vitamins that help nourish and support the nervous system.2 Together, these vitamins play a key role in maintaining healthy nerve function and supporting nerve recovery, along with proper diet and exercise.3 By supporting their nerve health, individuals can help improve the overall well-being and day-to-day activities of those who have always been there for them.
Return the care and kindness your loved ones once gave you by staying attentive to early signs and ensuring they receive regular check-ups. To help families take action, Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) has introduced a quick nerve health check—a simple, easy-to-use tool designed to help identify early signs of nerve damage - the Neurometer Tool freely available for use in the Philippines. Access Neurometer here: bit.ly/handsthatcare.
Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) has also partnered with 200 Mercury Drug stores nationwide to hold Nerve Screenings throughout June and July. Inquire with the designated health ambassadors and pharmacists on your symptoms and learn more about how Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) can help.
Through Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion), individuals can support their loved ones’ nerve health and protect the hands that made a difference in their lives.
For more information about the product, visit Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) on its official website and social media pages. Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) is available in leading pharmacies and stores nationwide.
Sources:
1. Saldana J, et al. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2024; 40(6), 977–987.
3. Calderón-Ospina, C. A., & Nava-Mesa, M. O. (2020). B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 26(1), 5-13.
ASC Reference Code: P0202P062626N