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

03 May 2021

What To Snack On If You Have Diabetes?

Choosing healthy snacks can be difficult when you have diabetes. Here are some healthy and tasty options for you.

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.

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!

30 July 2020

Rasam, A Wonderful Soup Of Spices

Authentic traditional food not only remains as a testament to long lasting culture and tradition, they are also tried and tested recipes passed down from generations packed with loads of healthy benefits. Rasam is one such food that has captured the attention of many for being a tasty treat and dense concentration of nutrition. Here's why you need to make Rasam a regular part of your diet.

09 January 2020

Eat Healthy, Sleep Better

Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your overall health. While there are many ways to promote good sleep, your diet can also influence the quality of your sleep. Here’s a list of food and drinks that can help you sleep better.

06 November 2019

Boost Your Mood With Food

Have you ever found yourself to be so hungry that you’re actually seething in anger? Well that’s what it’s like to be hangry. The only way to quell a hangry person is to fill up his/her tummy. But did you know that certain kinds of food can boost your happiness levels greatly even when you’re not hangry? Here’s some food that’s guaranteed to boost your mood!

Sandwiches with an Asian Twist

Bored of the ordinary cheese, egg and mayo sandwiches? Add a little Asian fire and flavour with these quick and easy local twists.

What is Ginger Good For?

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.

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!

Coconut – A Tropical Super Fruit!

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

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.

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.

Asia’s Secret High-Protein Foods

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

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.

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.

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.

Are Heaty and Cooling Foods a Myth?

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

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?

The Beginner’s Guide to #MealPrep

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

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

08 May 2020

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?