health & wellness

31 May 2022

Stress vs Anxiety: Knowing Their Differences

Stress and anxiety may induce similar feelings, but did you know they are more different than you think? Let’s take a closer look.

29 April 2022

Types Of Movie Genres & How They Affect Your Health

We see movies as entertainment, but they're also more than that. Different types of movie genres could also play an effect on your health.

15 February 2022

Is COVID-19 anxiety ruining your sleep quality?

If you find it harder to get some shut eye during this COVID-19 pandemic, worry not – we have tips on how you can improve your quality of sleep.

05 April 2021

Why Self-Care is Important for Your Body, Mind and Soul

These days, we can be so busy that we tend to neglect ourselves which is harmful in the long term. To avoid that, we need to make some time for self-care.

02 January 2021

2020 Reflections: Creating Rainbows in a Storm by Nicol David

2020 was a hard year where the pandemic halted all the plans! With everything being so uncertain, read how Nicol David find ways to regain her balance emotionally and mentally.

07 February 2022

Trust Your Gut: What does Your Poop Say about Your Health

Poop is an indicator of how healthy your diet is? It can tell you what you’re eating in excess of and what your diet is lacking. Here are some things your body is telling you through your poop.

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.

15 September 2020

Regrowing Your Food Scraps

Buying fresh produce can feel expensive especially if you’re purchasing fruits or vegetables in their offseasons but did you know that there are actually many types of vegetables out there that you can regrow from scraps without a huge garden? This can be a great money saver and can also help you reduce the amount of food waste that you generate in your home.

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.

27 July 2020

Everything You Need To Know About The Danger Of Haze

Almost every year, a smoky haze blankets Southeast Asia, signaling the return of forest fires, pollution and a variety of health problems. For many in this region, grey skies and a lingering acrid smell are not unfamiliar, with some of the worst haze levels occurring in recent years. But what causes this phenomenon and how do we overcome it?

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.

18 March 2020

Vaccination Keeps You Safe, Keeps Me Safe

Influenza, measles, and hepatitis B are just a few of the many diseases that can be prevented by a vaccine. Vaccination is one of the most critical and non-optional medical treatment that every person should obtain. Find out some vaccination facts from Dr Loo Chee Yean here.

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.

15 October 2019

The Stigma Of Mental Health In Malaysia

Mental health is one of the biggest ailments to afflict ordinary Malaysians but the stigma associated with it still prevalent among the mainstream. Let’s take a look at some reasons why the stigma continues to this day.

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.

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.

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.

Finding the Sweet Spot of Work-Life Balance

The truth about work-life balance and how you can practice it in your life.

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!

Sensory Play and How it Helps Your Child Grow

How does your child’s development benefit from sensory play? Why does it have to be messy?

How to Supercharge Your Good Habits

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

The 6 positive returns of love on your mind and body

Infected by the love-bug? Here’s how falling and being in love can actually be healthy for you.

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!

10 August 2017

Urbanites and 4 common Health Issues

Are there elevated health risks for city dwellers? What are you prone to experiencing and how can you lower your risks?

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.

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?

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

17 October 2017

Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease: What You Need to Know & How You Can Help

26 July 2021

You Are What You Eat, Part 2

Sometimes the food that you eat might look like a particular organ, but did you know that it can benefit that organ as well? Let us explain.

19 July 2021

You Are What You Eat, Part 1 

Do you believe the myth that if a food looks like an organ, it helps nurture that particular organ? Well, it might not be a myth after all.

20 January 2021

Tofu-rrific Wonders: Tofu Health Benefits

As a vegan superfood and a common vegetarian alternative, tofu has risen in popularity over the years. In Malaysia, tofu is an affordable ingredient that is available in almost every supermarket. Let’s learn more about tofu and why it’s good for you.

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.

26 March 2020

Benefits of Spinach

The food you eat is either fighting the disease or feeding it. In the great pursuit of better health, spinach is considered a superfood, which has the ability to keep your body in a tip-top shape. Packed with nutrients and low in calories, this dark leafy green is great for the skin, hair and bones. Here’s more on why spinach is good for you.

11 January 2020

The Water Debate: Warm vs Cold

Have you ever noticed a difference in how you feel when you drink cold versus warm water? There’s a good chance that you probably have a preference for one or the other – but which is better?

17 December 2018

Delicious & Nutritious Sweet Potatoes

Starchy and sweet, sweet potatoes are not only delicious but are also packed with nutrients, making it a must-have ingredient.

Lemongrass, The Aromatic Healer

This tall tropical grass offers a whole lot more than just its subtle tangy lemony flavour and fragrance. Discover the many benefits of this Asian green wonder, lemongrass.

What is Ginger Good For?

The Cinnamon Cure

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

Eat Healthy, Travel Happy: Vietnam

Do you often eat your way through holidays? Balance feasting with healthy choices, and experience the positive changes eating well brings to your body!

4 Health Benefits From The Fragrant Pandan

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

Sugar, Friend or Foe?

Sirap limau, sambal manis, kuih talam – grew up with these sweet treats? Easily giving in to sugary temptations? Find out how it affects you in the long run.

The Many Benefits of Turmeric

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

Asia’s Secret High-Protein Foods

Think you can only get protein from meat and eggs? Think again!

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:

The Health Factor of Teas

Fancy a cup of tea? We take a look at the origins of this historical beverage and its effects on your health.

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!

Are Heaty and Cooling Foods a Myth?

What exactly are heaty and cooling foods? Is there science behind this age old belief?

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!

The Beginner’s Guide to #MealPrep

Meal prep or meal prepping is the weekly preparation of your future meals.

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?

7 Ways to Snack Healthy at Work

Having trouble ditching junk food in the office? Get started and try our simple tips on healthy snacking during work.

16 April 2018

Eat Healthy with Local Superfoods

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

5 Vital Importance of Breakfast and Simple Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing energy to last you through the morning. What are some other benefits of breakfast?

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.

13 February 2017

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Waistlines During Festive Seasons

Malaysians and food are pretty much inseparable. Our diverse food culture is made even better with the myriad of festivals that we celebrate throughout the year making it tough sometimes to regulate our well-intentioned plans to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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.

11 October 2021

Why Cycling is Good For You

Have you noticed that cycling has become more popular recently? Well, here are some reasons why you should start cycling! Grab a helmet, jump on that bike and let’s find out.

14 June 2021

The Mental and Physical Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an old but enjoyable art form that’s actually easily practised. It can be done almost anywhere and has a lot of benefits!

09 October 2020

Bouldering: Climb Your Way to Better Health

Exercise is all about engaging your muscles, and when it comes to activating and training a diverse range of muscles, few forms of exercises can rival climbing or bouldering. Here’s why.

15 March 2022

Staying Fit During Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of self-reflection and the time to appreciate what we have in life. While we take these precious moments to reflect on our past, keeping our health in check in the present is just as important. Follow Ain Ramli as she provides us some tips on how you can stay fit and healthy throughout the fasting month.

Beginner’s Workout Series: Muay Thai

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

DESK+EXERCISES = The Smart Way To Stay Active

Combat the effects of prolonged sitting with these desk-exercises!

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.

31 July 2017

Morning vs Evening Workouts: Which is Better?

Should you workout in the morning or in the evening? Find out which one fits you better and let's get moving!

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.

Cardio, Weights, Mobility, Full Body: What Are You Training For?

Remember when you made the New Year’s resolution to work out and be more active? Still planning on following through? If you’re having trouble even knowing where to begin, you’re not alone.

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.

30 November 2016

13 Family Friendly, Indoor & Outdoor Activities

Step aside, Disneyland. Who says you have to travel to an exotic destination or splurge to have the best family holiday? The Klang Valley is full of fantastic (and sometimes free) experiences for the family. You just need to know where to look!

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!

Workout Series: ZUMBA

Trying a new exercise can be a scary experience, especially if you don’t have any clue about it. For Arina, her first taste of Zumba was addictive!

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.

Beginners Workout Series: Aerial Yoga

Playful and challenging, Aerial Flow Yoga combines elements of vinyasa yoga and aerial dance, literally taking exercise to the air.

01 June 2021

Help! I am a casual contact - What does it mean?

Don’t be alarmed if you’ve been identified as a casual contact. Read this article to learn more about what it means and what to do in this situation.

02 March 2021

Ah-Chooo! Is it the flu?

Feeling a slight tickle in your throat? Maybe some body aches or feel a sudden fever? You could be coming down with the flu. But how did you get it? And how do you get better? Let’s find out more.

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.

18 April 2020

Good Hygiene Habits

While various measures can be implemented across the world to stop the spread of diseases, a lot of it also depends on us practicing good hygiene habits. Here are some other good hygiene habits that you can practice on a daily basis.

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.

Knowing Your Organs: Mr. Tummy

We often to take our stomach for granted. Being the first stop in our digestive tract, the stomach is vital in keeping our digestive system healthy and happy.

Knowing Your Organs: The Liver

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

Creating a Healthy Workplace For Yourself In 5 Steps

How does your workplace environment affect your health and overall well-being?

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.

11 September 2017

“Why Am I Always Hungry?” Understanding What Your Body is Really Saying

Do hunger pangs come creeping back quickly, despite eating a big meal two hours ago? Your body might be trying to tell you something.

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.

07 July 2017

Ways to Improve your Digestive Health

The secret to a healthy body may lie deep within, in the digestive system. Read on.

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.

18 March 2017

Tips For Your Newborn

After 37 to 42 weeks of harboring a new life, you are ready to meet the baby growing inside you. It's a time of healing for your body and of learning and growing with baby. This phase starts from the moment of birth to the time baby is three months old.

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

20 February 2017

Tips For Your First Trimester of Pregnancy

Congratulations, you're pregnant! Here are some of the changes your body will go through and which signs you should take note of:

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.

Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Causes & Ways to Prevent

As your kidney’s primary function is to filter blood, they are affected by the state of your blood and its contents. Most kidney failures are caused by damage to the blood vessels in the kidney. Among the factors that may damage the blood vessels are:

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.

10 January 2017

Quit Smoking: 8 Things You Can Do to Stop

Quitting your smoking habit takes more than your desire to stop, it also requires support from your community. Succeed in your quest to stop smoking. Here are 8 steps to help you stop your cigarette habit.

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?

Can Too Much Exercise Be Bad For Health?

There is no doubt that exercise is good for your health, but take caution, there is the danger of excessive exercising which can do more harm than good to your body.

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.

Breast Cancer

Cancer is a disease that doesn’t discriminate. According to Cancer Research Malaysia if you picked 19 women at random, chances are one person in the group will develop breast cancer at some point in their life.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?