health & wellness

10 December 2020

Me Time is Not an Option, it is Mandatory

Me Time’ – we all know it is good for us, but often it is considered a luxury that we cannot afford. Find out more about its benefits and why it plays a crucial role in helping us live a more balanced life together with our Guest Writer – Nicol David!

10 October 2020

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health during the Pandemic

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has led to natural increases in stress, worry and anxiety for many people around the world. The uncertainty associated with the virus, the disruption to usual routines, and the economic instability can have significant impacts on your wellbeing and mental health. How can you better manage your mental health through these trying times? Here are some tips.

31 August 2020

Food Swap: 7 Healthier Food Choices

How to get more nutrition into your diet quickly? Sara Khong from the New Malaysian Kitchen has compiled seven easy swaps to your regular food to increase your nutrient intake.

05 August 2020

15 Minutes Lunch Break Workout

Lunchtime workouts are a great option if you have trouble squeezing workouts into your busy schedule. Not only can you get a great workout done in a short period of time, you'll boost your energy for the rest of the day! Get some tips from our fitness advisor, Ain Ramli.

14 May 2020

FOMO, and How to Beat It

What is FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) ? How did it come about? The movement restrictions that forced everyone to stay indoors has changed the social media landscape from parties, gatherings and fun outdoor activities to that of baking, working out and learning new hobbies. But you still feel like you’re missing out and falling behind. How do you overcome these unnecessary feelings?

02 May 2020

Scents That Can Do Wonders For Your Wellbeing

Our sense of smell is probably the most underrated sense of all the five senses. Unlike touch or taste, scents are directly correlated to your memory and can also do amazing things for our mind and body. From stress to headache relief, certain aromas have a way of making an impact.

03 December 2019

Can I Sleep for 5 More Minutes?

Sleep is a very important part of our lives. While we sleep, our brain catalogs information that we picked up during the day and heals our body. That being said, the fast-paced world we live in today is unforgiving in its ability to deprive us of sleep. Hence, we are now facing the rising problem of sleep debt where many of us who are sleep deprived during the week often try to make up for it on weekends or their free time. Unfortunately, this creates a wide-ranging and significant impact on our health.

02 November 2019

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health

The most important thing you can do for yourself is taking care of your health, and not just your physical health but also your mental health. Here are some quick and easy tips on how to take care of your mental health.

12 August 2019

10 Ways To Be More Positive

Everyone goes through struggles in their daily lives. It can get overwhelming at times but with these few steps, you can help yourself make the best out of each day. A positive thought a day can bring you a long way. Here's how you can keep your mood up through the tough times.

10 August 2018

Refresh, Recharge: 8 Healthy Hiking Destinations

Let’s explore some of Asia’s most scenic destinations that offer wellness of mind, body and spirit through both challenging and lesser-known trails.

Turn Your Home Into a Healthy Haven

Charity begins at home, and so does health! While we focus on our physical health, it’s time to focus on the health of our homes too.

5 Signs of Being Burnt Out

Have you been working exceptionally long hours, with massive workloads and putting enormous pressure on yourself? If yes, then you may be close to a burn out.

20 July 2018

Refresh, Recharge: 9 Nature Inspired Holidays for a Great Outdoor Vacation

Not only does a nature-centered vacation help rejuvenate your mind and soul, it helps you stay active at the same time.

24 September 2018

Refresh, Recharge: 5 Wellness Retreats for a Rejuvenating Getaway

Do you often feel exhausted after travelling to a new place? Try a yoga retreat instead!

Is Gaming More Beneficial or Harmful?

It’s time to pause and review if gaming is good for you.

How to Supercharge Your Good Habits

Small habits are the seeds to achieving big dreams. Here are actionable steps to getting started.

Workplace & Baby: What You Need to Know and Do

Having a baby will bring about changes to your life. How will it affect you in the workplace?

5 Reasons AIA Vitality Is the Health Programme You’ll Enjoy

Need that extra bit of motivation to keep yourself healthy? AIA Vitality can help with that!

Commuting Stress & How You Can Overcome It

Large crowds and unending traffic jams can make your daily commute the least pleasant part of your day. How can you overcome this?

7 Ways Vacations Help You Stay Healthy

If you, like many people, feel a tinge of guilt for going on a vacation or taking extended leave from work, hold that thought. Plenty of research carried out in the past years have shown that taking a break improves a person’s wellbeing.

29 October 2018

Managing Your Mental Health in 10 Steps

Find out how mental wellbeing is a result of a balanced mind, body and soul.

6 [Actionable] Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle

So much effort, so little time. Ditch the fad diets in favour of actionable, realistic ways of getting healthier. Choose healthy with AIA Vitality

01 October 2020

Easy Diabetic Friendly Lunch for Two

Do Indian Spiced Fish, Cucumber-Pineapple Salad, and brown rice for lunch sounds good to you? Check out this diabetic-friendly recipe that you can whip up quickly, created especially for us by Sara Khong from New Malaysian Kitchen.

31 August 2020

5 Practical Ways to Make Vege More Appealing to Kids!

It’s tough getting kids to eat their vegetables. Here are five practical and easy ways from Sara Khong from the New Malaysian Kitchen on how to make them eat more plants without kicking a fuss!

02 July 2020

1 Recipe, 3 Healthy Styles for Your Lunch

Avoid overeating and the crowd by packing your lunch to work. This Tuna-Potato Patty recipe created by New Malaysian Kitchen founder, Sara Khong, can turn into three different lunchboxes.

17 June 2020

A Healthier Alternative to Your Favourite Malaysian Dish - Rendang

Do you love to eat rendang but worry about its cholesterol content? We've made it healthier while retaining its flavour from various spices with a little help from our friend, Sara Khong from New Malaysian Kitchen.

12 April 2019

The Citrusy Wonders of Lime

Did you know that people have utilised the benefits of this citrus gem for thousands of years? Discover the amazing health benefits of lime!

Sweet Health Wonders of Bitter Melon

Just like its name suggest, bitter melons are one of the most bitter fruit-vegetables on this planet, but its health benefits are worth every chew.

The Cinnamon Cure

Deeply aromatic with a distinct warm and sweet taste, discover the many health benefits of this powerful spice.

Ingredient of the Month: Garlic

It may be small in size, but it’s big in benefits. Here’s how garlic helps to improve your health.

4 Health Benefits From The Fragrant Pandan

Beyond just an unassuming fragrant plant the pandan also packs a punch of goodness for you!

Coconut – A Tropical Super Fruit!

Coconut – the unassuming tropical fruit that packs a punch of health benefits with every single sip!

The Many Benefits of Turmeric

We take a look at the science behind Turmeric, an ancient spice of Asia.

How to make healthy eating choices while traveling in Thailand

How do you make healthy eating choices while traveling? Opt for these yummy and healthy meal options in Thailand.

Quick, Easy & Local: 6 Asian-Inspired Pasta Recipes

Why spend money buying imported ingredients to replicate recipes, when you can easily find local substitutes? Read more:

Localise Your Salad Ingredients!

Love salads, but want to incorporate more Malaysian fruits and vegetables? Here are some local salad ingredients for you to consider.

14 March 2017

Eat a rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables!

Feast on a plate of rainbow everyday. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it is also healthy for your body!

6 Reasons Why Asian Cuisine is Good For You

Asian cuisine and cooking help to promote better health and wellbeing. Here’s a few reasons why.

10 May 2018

Sweet & Savoury: Our Food Cravings & What They Mean

Why do we sometimes crave for a sweet treat or a savoury snack? It boils down to a normal habit, or your body needing more food. Read on!

22 August 2017

The Truth Behind Carbohydrates’ Bad Rap

One healthy eating “rule” we’ve always been taught is to avoid carbs, especially if you want to lose weight. How much truth is there to this?

20 July 2017

Festive Favourites: 10 Must-Have Raya Treats

Hari Raya is upon us once again! In anticipation of this much-awaited celebration, we highlight the top ten foods that can only mean Raya is here. What is your Raya must-have?

22 August 2017

The Truth Behind Carbohydrates’ Bad Rap

One healthy eating “rule” we’ve always been taught is to avoid carbs, especially if you want to lose weight. How much truth is there to this?

16 April 2018

Eat Healthy with Local Superfoods

What superfoods can you get locally in Malaysia that are cheap and easily available?

17 March 2017

Why You Need to Snack Before & After Your Workout

You could be missing out on some major gains by working out on an empty stomach and not refueling after a workout.

12 January 2017

The Beginner’s Guide to Eating Clean

Clean eating is always a popular topic, and with a multitude of information available online, it’s easy to get confused between what’s good for you and what’s not.

6 Power Juices To Boost Your Immunity and Detox Your System

Whether you had one too many nights out and needed a quick juice cleanse, or you need some extra fruit & vegetable goodness in your diet, a glass of juice may be what you need.

06 February 2017

Good Fat & Bad Fat

If you answered any of the above, you are right! All those food has fat in them. Fat is present in your diet, whether you realise it or not. It can come in the small amounts used in your stir-fried vegetables, the shortening used in your store-bought cookies, and in the salmon on your sushi.

Workout Series: Spin Class

Bored with running on a treadmill or lifting weights? Why not try spicing up your workout routine Spin Class?

Beginner’s Workout Series: Muay Thai

What’s it like being a girl in a Muay Thai class?

07 September 2017

Low Impact Workouts: Reaching Your Goals While Being Kind to Your Body

Want to achieve your dream body, but not sure whether you’re up for that high impact workout? Try a low impact workout instead!

14 August 2017

No Gym, No Problem: Alternate Ways Of Staying Fit

A gym membership is not the only way to maintain or start a healthy lifestyle. Check out how you can be fit without the gym.

Shorter Workout: How Does It Benefits You?

If you want to make the best of your workout, it’s not about how long you exercise, but rather how hard you exercise. Here’s why that’s the case.

5 Smart Ways to Stay Motivated To Exercise

Another evening rolls around, and you’re contemplating between getting up for a run or continuing your binge watching marathon. You choose to stay in the comforts of your home.

7 Rising Fitness Workouts of 2017

Have you made the resolution to get fit but dread the same old gym routine? Here are some exciting fitness trends to try in 2017. Aiming for a fit body in 2017? Here are 7 workout trends to try in 2017.

18 January 2017

Wearable Technology: Your New Gym Buddy

Wearable technology and fitness apps and devices meet in the form of fitness bands, designed to improve the quality of your health.

29 August 2017

Outdoor Activities That Put Fun in Exercising

Here are our three recommended outdoor activities that can help burn those calories while refreshing your senses.

17 July 2017

Easy Get Fit Ideas Without Leaving Home

Are you the sort that finds exercise a chore, especially with having to plan, wake up on time, leave work early, pack your gear and brave traffic to get to the gym? Wish you could find workouts to do at home using everyday household appliances? If you answered yes, then check out our list of low and high impact workouts you can do at home – even in your pajamas!

Get Physical: 6 Non-Fitness Bonuses of Exercise

You don’t just get muscle gain from exercising – you get these not-fitness results as well!

Beginners Workout Series: Boom – High Intensity Boxing

Want to know what it’s like when HIIT meets boxing? Get your adrenaline rushing with BOOM, a signature boxing class from Fitness First.

14 February 2018

6 Simple & Fun Exercises For You And Your BFF!

Time for you to sweat for your friendship through these 6 simple and fun exercises!

20 December 2020

What you need to know about high-blood pressure

Nearly one out of five Malaysians are living with high-blood pressure aka hypertension and do not know it. Without treatment, this medical condition could lead to kidney failure, stroke, blindness and heart attack in the long run.

27 July 2020

A Ticking Time Bomb Around The World: DENGUE

According to the Health Ministry of Malaysia, Malaysia is projected to record a higher number of dengue cases in the coming months after the disease showed an upward trend recently. While there’s still much attention fixed on the Covid-19 pandemic, health officials are also warning the public to be alert and mindful of the increase in dengue cases.

07 December 2018

Knowing Your Organs: The Heart

Your heart is an amazing organ, continuously pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body to sustain life.

How to Care For Your Vision

Whether it’s behind the wheel, in school, at home or at work, good vision is essential. Don’t take your eyesight for granted. Here’s how to care for your eyes.

Knowing Your Organs: The Liver

The second largest organ of the human body is also one of the most useful. Behold, the liver!

Skin Care 101

The largest organ of your body is also a delicate one. Here’s how to care for your skin and manage common skin conditions.

Hot or Cold Showers: What You Need To Know

Hot Showers vs Cold Showers: Which one is better? Discover the different effects and how they fit your needs.

Losing Your Head? Don't – Hair Loss Is Managable

Hair loss affects both men and women and causes not only physical change but emotional distress, too. Here’s what’s causing hair loss.

28 August 2017

10 Hours of Digital Devices & Its Effects on You

Digital devices are so common in our lives that we may fail to notice the effect they have on our health.

26 July 2017

5 Things to do Today for a Healthier Tomorrow

Investing in your health while you are young and able is like investing in your finances early in life: you get a head start to achieving your goals, and the returns are compounded in the future.

26 June 2017

Fact vs Fiction: The Truth Behind Common Health Myths

As children, we’ve all grown up with stories passed down to us by our elders to help us lead better, healthier lives. But just how many of these old wives’ tales bear any factual accuracy? We take a look at some of the common tales we’ve been told and the truth behind them.

7 Strange Symptoms That Might Mean You’re Not Feeling Well

Seemingly innocent behaviours, like snoring in your sleep or a habit of munching on ice, may not come across as something serious to you, but these could actually be indicators of underlying health issues. Here’s how simple habits and occurrences might turn out to be more than just that.

07 March 2017

Tips For Your Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Your little one will grow a lot bigger in the third trimester. You may experience more aches and swelling as you carry your growing baby around

28 February 2017

Tips For Your Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Welcome to your honeymoon period! Your second trimester from week 13 to week 28 is also known as the most comfortable stage in your pregnancy. Most symptoms from the first trimester would have disappeared at this time.

6 Healthy Habits to Prevent Hypertension

With easy access to tasty treats, fancy dessert places, coffee houses and the added stress factor of working long hours, it is easy to fall into an unhealthy lifestyle. Every little uninformed choice may lead toward the development of a very silent illness, hypertension.

28 June 2017

6 Things You Should Know About Healthcare in Malaysia

Healthcare in Malaysia, at first glance, may seem confusing to navigate in terms of choosing between public or private, finding the right doctor, and getting affordable care when you need treatment.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Your stomach discomfort or bloating after a heavy meal could be more than just gas – it could be a medical condition.

01 March 2017

Lung Cancer at a Glance

An abundance of information can be overwhelming. Have a look at our breakdown of the cues, stats and treatments to fight this cancer together.

Cervical Cancer: What You Need To Know

Cervical cancer affects women of all ages in Malaysia. How does HPV vaccination, PAP smear and regular check-ups work in early detection and prevention?

A Mantra On Moderation

Cancer is now the number three killer in Malaysia, behind respiratory and circulatory system diseases, according to a recent report by the Malaysian health ministry. While some cancer types are hereditary, most are not, and may have more to do with our lifestyle. How can you have it all, with moderation?

Is Your Child At Risk For Diabetes?

There’s a huge misconception that only adults are affected by diabetes. The truth is that this a common chronic childhood disease. Medical experts say that diabetes can occur in children at any age including toddlers and infants.

30 October 2017

Skinny Jeans & Testicular Cancer

One in ten men reports discomfort when wearing skinny jeans. Is there a clear link between this experience and the occurrence of testicular cancer?

Amazing Sleep Tips To Keep You Productive All Day

Meet Diandra, a 28-year old manager working for a consulting firm, mother to two cats and only sees her friends during birthdays.

How Do I Help and Support Someone With Mental Illness?

Caring for someone with mental health problems is a challenge that can be emotionally and physically demanding. Here is how to understand, recognise and help those suffering from mental illness.

24 September 2018

Refresh, Recharge: 5 Wellness Retreats for a Rejuvenating Getaway

Do you often feel exhausted after travelling to a new place? Try a yoga retreat instead!

Commuting Stress & How You Can Overcome It

Large crowds and unending traffic jams can make your daily commute the least pleasant part of your day. How can you overcome this?

Is Living in The City Affecting Your Mental Health?

Could rapid urbanisation be a cause for the uptick in mental health issues Malaysians are facing?