Author: Marie Chen

(Source: Brainhub) A concussion is a type of injury to the brain. It is also known as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). It can be caused by many different ways, including a bump, blow, or jolt to the head and/or the body, which causes the brain to move suddenly and rapidly inside the skull. The sudden movement can cause damage to brain tissues, and even cause chemical imbalance within the brain that can affect brain and nerve cell functions. Even though concussions are not life-threatening and may be described as ‘mild’ by medical providers, there can be serious consequences after…

Brandon “The Truth” Vera is a Filipino-American mixed martial artist and 3 times ONE Championship Heavyweight World Champion. In 2016, he relocated to Manila, Philippines, where he owns his own branch of Alliance Training Center, developing the next generation of martial artists in his ancestral homeland. Here’s what he has to say to friends and fans from the Philippines tuning in to MCA!

With the novel SARS-Coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupting many aspects of life for people around the world, it has major impacts on both physical and mental health of the population. For instance, COVID-19 measures may lead to unhealthy behaviours such as less physical activity, increased screen time and hence a more sedentary lifestyle. Even elite athletes are not spared. With COVID-19 measures generally restricting operation of sports facilities, it has greatly affected athlete training and virtually halted all formal participation in competitive athletics for an extended duration of time. Research has shown that some elite athletes have the psychological resilience to…

In an exclusive interview with Medical Channel Asia, Brandon Vera (also known by his stage name as ‘The Truth’), former MMA Heavyweight World Champion, shares about how he stays in fighting shape; and advises how we can stay motivated and healthy through the pandemic. For him, the key was to surround himself with like-minded people who are as passionate about fitness as himself, to help him stay on the right track.  Brandon stresses the importance of daily activity in maintaining our health throughout the pandemic. Making plans for exercise and holding ourselves responsible to the written reminders help us to…

Often people place all the emphasis on the physical capabilities of an athlete, when in fact, the mental skills they possess had a hand in their success as well.  Aung La N Sang “The Burmese Python”, Former 2-division MMA World Champion, agrees fully. He shares his own experience on how mental skills have been relevant to him through his career, from getting into the correct mental space before his professional fights, to dealing with losses and disappointment.  Edgar Tham from SportPsych Consulting, Singapore, chimes in with his experience. As a Sports and Performance Psychologist, he works closely with professional athletes…