Visitors touring the vendor booths. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Health fair raises awareness on ‘silent diseases’
By: James Kon
On: 08 September 2025
In: Borneo Bulletin > National
Forward head posture (FHP), a common yet often overlooked postural issue where the ears are positioned in front of the body’s midline, is becoming increasingly prevalent due to prolonged use of devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, as well as poor workspace ergonomics.
The condition can lead to jaw and neck pain, headaches, temporomandibular (jaw joint) disorders, mouth breathing and reduced oxygen intake, which in turn may affect productivity, morale and overall well-being at school and in the workplace.
The dangers of FHP were raised by Heads Up, Brunei!, a group of third-year dental students from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) during a Matcha and Wellness Day campaign at UBD’s Sports Complex yesterday.
The team comprised Mohammad Farhan bin Noor Razimi, Chloe Lai Xhue Yiing, Dayangku Elisya Amanina binti Dr Pengiran Md Bahrin, Awangku Abdul Qawi bin Pengiran Asmadi and Nur Azzuhaira binti Haji Abd Aziz.
Chloe Lai said, “Our campaign seeks to highlight that FHP is not a minor concern – it can affect breathing, energy levels, and even long-term health. Through initiatives like today’s Wellness Day, we aim to promote healthier habits through ergonomics, movement, and mindfulness.”
She added, “By incorporating matcha into our Wellness Day, we are reminded that wellness is not only about posture or fitness, but also about the small, mindful choices we make each day.”
Chloe also highlighted that the fundraising efforts from the campaign would support the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA), contributing to improving the lives of children and families assisted by the foundation. The event aimed to encourage self-identification of FHP among office workers and students, highlight the links between FHP and dento-facial complications, general health and musculoskeletal disorders, and promote management and prevention techniques.