Setting sights on a clearer future: Navigating the challenges of childhood Myopia

 

August is National Eye Health Awareness Month, and Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) is shining a focus on pediatric myopia, which has arisen as a major public health concern.

Myopia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a refractive error in which light rays entering the eye parallel to the optic axis are brought to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurred images.

I am myopic myself which means I am as blind as a bat or nearsighted. So I can relate well to this issue and I'm sure most of you will also be able to feel the same way especially if you're in your 40's. You see, when one gets older, we become nearsighted. 

 Dr. Kimberly Cotaoco, a Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus expert at Cardinal Santos, explains it as seeing close items clearly but distant objects fuzzy.

While myopia affects both adults and children, she emphasizes the importance of being diagnosed at an early age. “Due to their highly developing eyes, the progression of myopia in children can lead to long-term consequences such as lazy eye, strabismus, and a range of ocular diseases.”

Childhood myopia is becoming more common, impacting 85-90% of young people in some Asian countries. Dr. Cotaoco emphasizes the importance of genetics and environmental variables in the development of myopia. that children with myopic parents are more likely to develop it themselves. She also cites early gadget exposure, decreased outdoor time, and increasingly exacting academic expectations for children as contributors.

Early detection, lifelong medications and a nutritious diet can help save patients' hearts

 

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a hereditary ailment that can lead to heart disease, is no longer an unlivable condition or a death sentence in this day and age.

FH is a silent killer infiltrating our arteries, early detection and treatments will prevent the formation of heart disease, particularly coronary atherosclerosis, or a blocked artery caused by bad cholesterol accumulation. This can result in a heart attack.

Halt FH right on its tracks. Test yourself and your entire family. After being diagnosed with FH, there is still hope.

During the August 30, 2023, online Usapang Puso sa Puso forum, three health experts - Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Director Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, a cardiologist-lipidologist; Dr. Maria Concepcion Sison, a pediatric cardiologist; and Dr. Susan Sioksoan Cua, a pediatric endocrinologist - co-managed FH patients.

The US Family Heart Foundation observes September 24 as Familial Hypercholesterolemia Day, an event that the PHA and the Philippine Lipid & Atherosclerosis Society have adopted as an Advocacy to raise awareness about FH care in order to prevent complications.

James Reid, Gino Padilla & Gigi De Lana wow the Ilagueños at Mammangi Festival 2023

 

Mammangi Festival 2023 is a grand festival like no other replete with colorful, joyous thanksgiving activities for a good harvest of corn and honoring the corn farmers who have been the real foundation of the City of Ilagan’s economy through the years.

James Reid with the Bb. Ilagan candidates.

 

A grand comeback this year after a three-year hiatus due to the health pandemic, the 2023 edition which was also held in time for the city’s 11^th cityhood anniversary, featured various activities such as the showcase of agri-ecotourism booths by the city’s 91 barangays which were divided into 4 clusters, namely Centro Poblacion Cluster, Northeastern Cluster, San Antonio Cluster, and Western Cluster.

It was followed by the highly- anticipated Binibining Ilagan 2023 Grand Finals and Coronation Night held at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2021/Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 winner Beatrice Luigi Gomez who did a remarkable job as pageant host together with GMA talent Carlo “Kaloy” Tingcungco. Amid the sound and shouts from spectators rooting for their candidates, the night was livened up by a mini-concert by popular singer performer James Reid.

Singer Gino Padilla is joined by fans on the stage

Another exciting night for the Ilagueños was the Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan and Outstanding Ilagueños 2023 held at Ilagan Community Center. The night was capped by a modern dance competition with five contingents joining the merry-go-round. Singer-actress Geneva Cruz and the comedic duo of MC and Lassy provided entertainment and laughter throughout the program.

Finally, the festival’s highlight, the Mammangi Festival Street Dance and Showdown Competition was also held at the city’s massive Sports Complex. It was capped by a grand concert featuring Manila and local artists led by Celeste Legaspi, Dulce, Gino Padilla, and Gigi De Lana, together with the Whiplash Dance Company, Top 5 Choral Winners, and the Street Dance and Showdown winners.

Celeste Legaspi and Dulce (first row, 2^nd and 3^rd from left) joins the Ilagan Chorale and other performers. 

Another grand display, this time the fireworks, that could rival the beauty and excellence of international pyrotechnics, immediately followed.

Meaningful celebrations

Mammangi translates to corn farmer in Isabela’s local language which is Ibanag. The festival therefore is pushing for corn farming to further put the province’s hold as the Corn Capital of the Philippines.

Internet sensation Gigi de Lana happily receives a portrait of her drawn by PWD foot artist Mark Agcaoili after the night’s grand concert which had her for the finale.  

This year, the City of Ilagan put up its vision on a higher level with the tagline, “The Liveable City of Ilagan 2030: Adhikain ng Bawat Ilagueño.” To jumpstart this, Mayor Diaz and his team, together with Senator Mark Villar, formally launched the I-Corn Complex in Barangay Marana 1^st.

 

“From a struggling municipality back in 2016 we are now recognized as the best LGU (local government unit) in the entire Cagayan Valley Region. As such, we are in the forefront of economic progress." Diaz said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

The innovative facility, which is expected to be operational starting February 2024, aims to serve not just corn growers in the city but also the entire Isabela Province in the processing of their corn harvest. It will cater to the needs of the farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders. Its goal is to be a one-stop shop for all produce. 

Mammangi Eco-tourism Booths

A grand comeback this year after a three-year hiatus due to the health pandemic, the Mammangi Festival officially started with the opening ceremonies of Tienda Ilagan on August 1 featuring agri-ecotourism booths at the City of Ilagan Promenade followed by a Thanksgiving Mass at the city’s St. Ferdinand Parish Church on August 7. The festival was originally set in the last week of May 2023 but due to weather disturbances then it was rescheduled from August 1-13, 2023. 

The Agri Eco-Tourism Village offered visitors a close look at “Understanding the Liveable City of Ilagan 2030 Vision,” with each participant highlighting their products and services. The booths also serve as a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products, promote local trade, and invigorate the city's economy.

For Category A (Barangay booths), Western 1 was adjudged champion and won a cash prize of P100,000. Poblacion came in as first runner-up and pocketed P70,000. Chosen second runner-up was North Eastern 1 which got the P50,000 cash prize.

For the government agencies who joined (Category B), Iselco 2 was hailed the champ with a P50,000 cash prize followed by Isabela State Campus and Tesda which received P40,000 and P30,000, respectively. Meanwhile, all non-winning booths received a consolation prize of P10,000 each.

 

Binibining Ilagan 2023

The Monday festivity of August 7 was capped by the highly anticipated Binibining Ilagan 2023 Grand Finals and Coronation Night held at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 winner Beatrice Luigi Gomez and GMA talent Carlo “Kaloy” Tingcungco.

After a colorful presentation -- costume, swimsuit, gown and casual wear – and the grueling Q & A, a towering beauty from Marana 1st, Kristine Joy D. Guzman, 20, was proclaimed Binibining Ilagan 2023.

Her court included Bb. Turismo, Sining at Kultura Kristine Kay Bautista, 21, from Bliss Village; Bb. Agrikultura Justine Denielle Morillo, 22, from San Andres; 1st Runner Up Kris Chellsy Villar, 18, from Nagullian Sur; and 2nd Runner Up Frances Alteia Leaño, 21, from San Vicente.

 

Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan and Outstanding Ilagueños 2023

August 8 was another exciting night for the Ilagueños with the Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan and Outstanding Ilagueños 2023 held at Ilagan Community Center.

City Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, Vice-Mayor Kiryll S. Bello, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod officials led the awarding rites, which gathered representatives from the City of Ilagan’s 91 barangays. No less than Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano III and Vice Gov. Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III honored the awardees with their presence.

 

Street Dance and Showdown Competition

August 9 was a night to remember with the festival’s highlight, the Mammangi Festival Street Dance and Showdown Competition at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex.

Braving the scorching heat of the sun in the mid afternoon’s parade, and still dancing gleefully and gracefully in their colorful props and costumes bearing the corn harvest, NorthEastern 1 emerged as the champion followed by Poblacion 1 and San Antonio 1 each receiving P100,000, P70,000, and P50,000, respectively, as prizes.

Meanwhile, the showdown competition winners were as follows: NorthEastern 2, Poblacion 1, and  NorthEastern 1, receiving the same amount respectively, of the street dance contest.

Like the grandiose Bambanti Festival 2023 in January this year, the comeback Mammangi was executed under the expertise of Festival Consultant and Overall Director Nilo Agustin.

What a way to celebrate! Congratulations, the City of Ilagan for the grandiose twin celebrations. We look forward to the city’s robust development in the many Mammangi Festivals to come.

 

Come home to Regala SkyCity Hotel: HK's 2023 Best New Hotel

Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Look no further! Regala SkyCity Hotel, nestled in SKYCITY at Hong Kong International Airport, offers the perfect blend of convenience and luxury for all tourists. 

Recently awarded the Best New Hotel by TTG China Travel Awards 2023, it is just a 15-minute ride to the enchanting Hong Kong Disneyland and a mere 2-minute walk to the vibrant AsiaWorld-Expo, its location makes exploring the best of Hong Kong a breeze! 

The Regala SkyCity Hotel is a world-class four-star hotel located in SKYCITY, Chep Lap Kok. It provides access to shopping malls, convention centers, tourist attractions and all local amenities:

♦ Offers FREE shuttle service to Citygate outlet in Lantau for shopping trips

♦ Free shuttle service to/from Airport from 6 AM to 11:45 PM

♦ Directly connected to AsiaWorld-Expo and 11 SKIES 

(AsiaWorld-Expo is the usual venue for K-pop concerts and other international concerts, while the upcoming 11 SKIES is Hong Kong's largest hub for retail, dining, and entertainment.)

♦ A shuttle from Citygate and MTR ride away to Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360 

♦ A short ride away from the Hong Kong-Macau Mega Bridge, providing easy access to Macau

♦ Short walk from MTR station to the city

New Frozen Treats from Papa Diddi's to Beat the Heat

Ice Cream

I noticed how Filipinos love eating ice cream. Maybe because of our warm weather or my laid-back lifestyle, but nobody eats ice cream like we do! When you look around, you’ll discover delicious homemade ice cream which we refer to as “dirty ice cream." These ice cream aren't really 'dirty" but since they are peddled on the street, hence, it's called as such. Add a trip to one of my favorite frozen treat spots in Quezon City to your bucket list. 

Papa Diddi's Handcrafted Ice Cream

Treat your tastebuds to handmade artisanal gelato made with old-world traditions and recipes that have been passed down through the generations with Papa Diddi's. Don't forget to ask about their new flavors concocted by Sir Peter Paul Perez, the proprietor himself. He's such an ice cream fan that he created a brand of handcrafted ice cream using only the best local ingredients and carabao milk and named them after his late dad, a lawyer by profession who's fond to be called "Papa Diddi." 

Are you ready for a taste explosion that will transport you straight to dessert paradise? Look no further than the marvelous creation known as artisanal ice cream, Papa Diddi had just created Funfetti Ice Cream! Brace yourself for a whirlwind of delightful flavors and a carnival of colors that will leave you craving more.

Getting Back into Fitness After a Break

 At some point, we all take a break from our fitness routines. These breaks can be enforced by illness, pregnancy, or injury, or they simply occur because we’re too busy, we’ve fallen out of love with our exercise of choice, or we’ve got out of the habit. Whatever the reason for your break, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things again. Here are some tips to help you.

Get into a Routine That Works for You

Getting into and sticking to a fitness routine is often about building habits. So, before you start, create a routine that will work. Are you the sort of person who will get up at 6am for a workout? Or will you put it off and feel bad for the rest of the day? Will you swim after work, or will a drink with colleagues be too tempting?

Try to fit exercise into your lifestyle in a way that will be easy to stick to, whether this is a full workout once a week, and after-dinner walks the rest of the time or early morning yoga sessions.

2023 NATIONAL TRADE FAIR TO SHOWCASE SUSTAINABLE AND GREEN PRODUCTS

 

The 2023 Hybrid National Trade Fair is scheduled to take place at the Megatrade Halls at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from August 23 to 27, according to the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP). The occasion will highlight eco-friendly, green, and sustainable products.

“The 2023 Hybrid NTF is aimed at accelerating the development and production of products based on the principles of eco-friendly manufacturing and sustainable consumerism,” said BDTP Director Marievic Bonoan. “We believe that this event will be a great opportunity for MSMEs to showcase their sustainable products and services, and to connect with potential customers and partners.”

The five-day event, which was planned in cooperation with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, will include more than 250 micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) from the 16 regions of the nation. The exhibitors will provide and sell a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages. furniture and furnishings, wood, metal, and leather crafts, home furnishings, houseware, and clothing are examples of non-food items. manufactured from indigenous textiles, contemporary and conventional formal attire, environmentally responsible fashion accessories and wearables, gift collections, mementos, holiday décor, personal care, and health and wellness products.

Fairgoers will also be able to experience the various special settings and pavilions,

including:

 Philippine Sustainability Pavilion featuring Bamboo, Coconut, Natural Fibers,

and Grass

 Innovative Coconut-based Products Cluster

 Other Innovative Products Cluster

 The Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth

Project (RAPID) Special Setting

 KAPEtirya: Coffee Pavilion

 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Project Beneficiaries Special Cluster

 Philippine Green Living and Holiday Décor Pavilion

 #FlexPHridays Photo Corner

The Intriguing World of Lagers: Exploring the Different Styles and Flavors

 

Lagers have long been a popular beer type worldwide because of their crispness, clean taste, and refreshing features. Lagers, one of the most popular varieties of beer, provide a wide variety of styles and tastes to appeal to a wide range of palates. The world of lagers is full of interest and fascinating surprises, from pale lagers to dark, strong ones. 

In this post, we'll go into the interesting world of lagers, delving into their varieties, flavor characteristics, and breweries that make them. Prepare to go on an exciting adventure through the vast terrain of lagers, whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply curious about this beer style.

The History and Brewing Process of Lagers

Before delving into the many kinds and flavors of lagers, it's vital to understand their history and the distinct brewing technique that differentiates them. Lagers first appeared in the 19th century in Bavaria, Germany, when brewers developed the bottom fermentation process. Unlike ales, which ferment at higher temperatures with top-fermenting yeast, lagers ferment at lower temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast. 

Lagers are conditioned at lower temperatures for a lengthier period during fermentation, resulting in a clean and crisp taste profile. This procedure also helps to the smoothness and light body that are characteristics of lagers. Lagers demand patience and attention to precision throughout the brewing, making it an art form that brewers have refined over decades.

Popular Lager Styles and Their Characteristics

Lagers encompass a wide array of styles, each with its own distinct characteristics and flavor profiles. Let's explore some of the most popular lager styles:

Pale Lager

Pale lagers, such as the classic Pilsner, are known for their pale golden color, light to medium body, and crisp, balanced flavors. They typically feature a moderate hop bitterness, subtle malt sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish.

Amber Lager

Amber lagers, also known as Vienna lagers, exhibit a reddish-amber hue and a slightly richer malt profile. They offer a harmonious blend of toasty, caramel flavors with a clean, smooth finish.

Bock

Bocks are stronger and maltier lagers, often enjoyed during the cooler months. They can range from pale to dark in color and boast a robust, full-bodied character with notes of caramel, toast, and sometimes even a hint of fruitiness.

Exploring Lager Flavors and Food Pairings

Lagers offer a wide range of flavors that can complement various types of cuisine and enhance dining experiences. Let's take a closer look at the flavor profiles of lagers and some suggested food pairings:

Crisp and Refreshing

Pale lagers are known for their crisp, clean flavors that make them a perfect choice for casual gatherings and outdoor activities. They pair well with lighter dishes such as salads, seafood, grilled chicken, and fresh cheeses.

Malty and Toasty

Amber lagers and bocks with their malt-forward profiles and subtle caramel notes complement heartier dishes like roasted meats, sausages, burgers, and stews. The toasty flavors and medium-bodied nature of these lagers create a harmonious balance with savory and robust flavors.

Rich and Dark

Dunkels and bocks with their deep, rich flavors are fantastic companions for indulgent desserts like chocolate cake, caramel flan, or even a cheese plate with aged Gouda or cheddar. Their malt complexity and slightly sweet characteristics elevate the overall flavor experience.

Breweries and Craft Beers to Explore

The craft beer movement has brought forth a new wave of lagers, showcasing innovative flavors, and pushing the boundaries of traditional styles. Breweries around the world have embraced the art of crafting exceptional lagers that cater to the diverse tastes of beer enthusiasts.

At Thirst: Philippines’ First Online Liquor Marketplace, we celebrate the craft beer revolution by offering a curated selection of lagers from renowned breweries. With a wide variety of options available, you can explore different styles and flavors, discovering unique and delightful brews that capture the essence of lagers. From classic interpretations to experimental creations, Thirst provides a platform to discover and enjoy the world of lagers like never before.

The Continuing Allure of Lagers

Despite the ever-increasing variety of beer types, lagers continue to have a particular place in the hearts of beer fans worldwide. Because of their freshness, pure taste, and refreshing character, they are a popular option for various events. Lagers provide diverse experiences that appeal to beer enthusiasts worldwide, from sipping a light and refreshing pilsner on a sunny day to savoring a strong bock by a toasty fireplace. 

Lagers' attractiveness stems from their adaptability and approachability. They are accessible to both seasoned beer enthusiasts and those new to the craft beer world. Lagers' precise, balanced tastes make them an excellent choice for informal parties, social occasions, and everyday enjoyment. Lager will suit your taste if you're looking for a light, refreshing beer.

The craft beer movement has reinvigorated the lager category in recent years, with breweries innovating and pushing the boundaries of conventional types. This creativity has resulted in a broad spectrum of lagers with distinct tastes, ingredients, and brewing procedures. Craft brewers continue to capture beer fans with their inventiveness and enthusiasm, from fruit-infused lagers to barrel-aged varieties.

Conclusion

As the world of lagers evolves, it's an exciting time to explore the different styles and flavors that this beer category has to offer. Whether you're a fan of classic interpretations or eager to venture into the realm of experimental brews, there is a lager waiting to be discovered and savored.

Where and How to Use a Grease Trap

 

Every once in a while, there is a problem with a local sewer system that can be traced back to a restaurant that failed to make use of commercial waste oil disposal methods. What they may not realise is that there are steep fines for the culprits once water companies have determined which institutions are responsible and the quantities of fats, oils, grease (FOG) that they have permitted to enter the drainage system. This can also have a negative impact on a restaurant’s reputation. A grease trap may be the solution for your dining establishment. In this article, we will look at what it is and how it works, as well as general tips on managing sewage.

How a Grease Trap Works

To understand the problem, it is necessary to note that vegetable oil and animal fats (FOG elements) do not mix with water. Because the former is less dense than water, it tends to float on top of it. Restaurants dispose of larger quantities of FOG.

A commercial grease trap can be either manual or automatic. It works by trapping the FOG elements before they get to the drains. A grease trap decreases the water flow, allowing items to separate. The FOGs rise harmlessly to the top. Solid waste falls to the bottom layer and wastewater remains in the middle. Manual grease traps need to be cleaned by a qualified commercial waste company. Automatic traps dispose of FOG automatically and work on a preset schedule.

Why Get a Grease Trap?

There is no shortage of information on FOG disposal. Following the relevant legislation, such as Building Regulations, Document H, section 2.21, will prevent fines being imposed on the institution. The latter legislation states that if your premises connect to the main drainage system and you provide hot meals, you are required to install some means of separating FOG elements before they get into the drainage. While there are alternatives to a grease trap, this is a cost-effective and efficient way to deal with your FOG remnants. What is vital is that you comply with the regulations and do not permit FOG elements to enter the main drainage system. Here are a few more reasons for getting a grease trap.

Managing Sewage

As can be seen by looking at the need for grease traps, many restaurants and other organizations fail to comply with the requirements for safe sewage disposal. More and more companies are hiring a waste management service to cope with their sewage disposal needs, for example, Anderson's Waste Management deals with commercial waste collection Bristol and commercial waste disposal.

Commercial waste costs a business in the UK around £300 or more per annum. These expenses are made up of bin hire costs, landfill costs, and admin fees. The admin fee component is broken down into gate fees, charges for congestion, and a waste transfer licence. However, this is small compared to the fines charged for non-compliance. Adhere to the legislation and keep your restaurant on the right side of the law regarding waste disposal.

Popilush For Woman's All Body Shape

 Every woman needs to know her body to make good choices when buying the right clothes. Not having this basic knowledge can make your life difficult when choosing clothes that best model your body. Popilush has changed the way women exercise themselves,  as it serves everyone equally. It doesn't matter if you have an apple, triangle,  square or round body.

A built in shapewear dress, for example, can solve any imperfection that annoys you when looking in the mirror. A Popilush Shapewear will always be the assertive choice for all women to intensify their curves and show the world their best selves.

Have you figured out what your body type is yet? Know that some details can further enhance the effect of the shapewear dress. If you have an apple-shaped body, for example, you can invest in deep V necklines to elongate your silhouette and have a slimmer body. Don't worry, no matter what body type you had, shapewear serves the purpose. That's because he has the ability to draw his curves naturally. You don't need effort or magic formulas. Just wear the chosen shapewear and have the dream body in a matter of seconds.

There are many ways to use shapewear in your everyday life. A bodysuit can be worn underneath to create a new version of any outfit you already have in your closet. A modeling dress gives you a new, modern and practical model.  See more important tips in this article.

Is Social Media Bad For Your Mental Health?

 

Remember how happy you were when someone you liked told you they liked you or something you did? Today, a small blue thumbs-up symbol might elicit the same feel-good response.

It's no surprise that so many individuals are hopelessly addicted to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others. "It has been proven that social media 'likes' influence the part of our brain that deals with memory."

"Rewards," says Edgardo Juan Tolentino, MD, Chairman of the Neurological Sciences at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), the premier hospital in the Philippines. "The more 'likes' you have, the better." Dopamine, a hormone associated with happiness, is released." 

That's a lot of happy hormones for Filipinos. According to the revised study "Social Media Statistics in the Philippines," which is based on the Digital 2023 Global Overview Report, 84.45 million Filipinos (72.5% of the country's population!) spend an average of 3 hours and 43 minutes devoted to their preferred social media platforms.

According to respondents, the main motivation for using social media is to stay in touch with family and friends. But don't be surprised if they stay for their dopamine dose as well: 30% of total users are between the ages of 18 and 30. When between the ages of 18 and 24, when people desire attention, validation, and a sense of self. It's a difficult era to be alive in, with fake news, cyberbullying, and so on.

"It’s certainly a tough age to be at a time of fake news, cyberbullying, and love scams. “As great as social media is, it’s traced to depression, isolation, ruined reputations, financial debt, and lives lost of vulnerable individuals,” Dr. Tolentino points out.

“There’s nothing wrong about being appreciated through the number of likes, followers, and positive comments on your post. We all seek to be liked by others,” adds the MakatiMed health expert. “Problems arise when you hinge on people’s every opinion of you—and many of them aren’t even true. Few likes and many mean comments tend to make you wonder whether you are indeed likeable.”

Still, social media can benefit your mental health. “Just make sure you spend as much time offline, cultivating genuine relationships with family and friends in person,” Dr. Tolentino advises. “Have a solid sense of self, so that you are not defined by the number of likes or favorable comments. Learn to distinguish authentic, helpful sites over ones that spread false information, put you down, encourage self- doubt, or convince you to harm yourself or others. “Above all, before you want anybody to like you, you have to like yourself first.”

Here are ways social media can be good for you: 

It can introduce you to supportive communities.

You will feel accepted if you join the correct virtual community. It will applaud your achievements, root for you when you're down, and inspire you to make positive and long-term lifestyle changes."

It can be an outlet for creativity. Consider TikTok and Instagram, two extremely visual social media networks, to be your self-expression canvases. "Share your love for art, music, photography, baking, plants, travel, pets, and just about any other passion on these platforms," says Dr. Tolentino. "True friends will not only appreciate what you do, but they will also spread the word about your talent, which could lead to something good."

It can open you up to the world. Social media may connect you with groups that advocate for great causes. "Volunteerism makes you realize that your problems and concerns are minor in comparison to the struggles of others," Dr. Tolentino explains. "It takes you away from social media and puts you in situations where you can make a difference in people's lives." "Being useful to others is more satisfying than any Facebook 'like.'"