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Wellness

Wellness
Latest news and features on wellness, including diet, mental health trends, exercise, fitness, medicine and diseases.
Giggles and laughter, even when forced, can boost heart health, immunity and mood. Photo: Shutterstock
Mental health

How laughter is good for your heart, immune system, pain – even if it’s fake

Studies show that laughter reduces stress, boosts immunity, heart health and even lowers pain – ‘it’s like you’ve taken pain medication’.

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Luxury travel

Private members’ clubs are adding rooms for the most discerning travellers

Disease

As weight-loss drugs reduce appetites, US restaurants cut portion sizes

Asia travel

6 of the best hotels in Chengdu from which to explore the city or mountains

Whether you’re going there for the pandas and city vibes, or the mountains and teahouses, these are the best places to check into in Chengdu.

The Shangri-La Chengdu stands by the city’s river. Photo: Handout
Medicine

No need for needles? US approves Wegovy pill for weight loss

Novo Nordisk’s daily medication offers an oral alternative to blockbuster injections, with a launch expected in early January.

How to age well

7 of the most popular health and wellness stories from 2025

Body transformations, scientific breakthroughs and weight-loss journeys are among your most-read health and wellness stories this year.

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India

Video | Laughter yoga best medicine for heart health

The practice combines breathing exercises and group laughter in sessions held worldwide.

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How to age well

Need to pass gas after eating? Why taking a short walk is so good for you

‘If you take 100 steps after each meal, you’ll live to 99,’ an ancient Chinese proverb says. Here is why a post-meal walk is so beneficial.

Asia travel

How this luxury Cambodian resort offers a yoga experience few others can match

Knai Bang Chatt, an eco-friendly seaside resort in Kep, left stressed-out Cathy Hilborn Feng feeling realigned from the inside out.

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How to age well

In top shape at 71, Singapore-based Swede helps people over 50 get stronger

Christer Ekberg started helping people keep fit after noticing that many people aged 50 and above gave up on fitness and physical strength.

All you need to keep fit are discipline and a floor to train on, says 71-year-old personal trainer Christer Ekberg. Photo: Joel Tam
Christmas

Read this before lighting those scented candles for Christmas

Candles, fireplaces, and incense and oil burners can add ambience and soothing scents – but they’re best enjoyed in moderation, experts say.

Throughout the year, many people use candles to add atmosphere and pleasant aromas to the home. Photo: Shutterstock
Healthy eating

How to avoid gaining weight this Christmas while still enjoying great food

Diet experts weigh in on healthy festive eating to avoid weight gain, from foods with nutritional ‘superpowers’ to alternatives to sugar.

Chinese culture

‘I have witnessed magic’: how horses help Hong Kong people with disabilities

Riding for the Disabled Association instructor Joelle Scott reveals some of the amazing ways equine therapy can help those with disabilities.

Asia travel

Review | A luxurious stay in Phuket at Trisara, away from the hustle and bustle

Phuket is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular beach destinations, but at Trisara, one doesn’t have to compromise on privacy and luxury.

The main pool at Trisara in Phuket overlooks a quiet and pristine beach. Photo: Handout
What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, December 19-21

Head to a Christmas market, buy restaurant dinnerware to help Tai Po Fire victims, watch Two Seasons, Two Strangers and more this weekend.

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Stanley Plaza Christmas Market in 2019. The annual event celebrates its 10th edition this year with “Merry Gingermas”, featuring 100 stalls selling everything from cheese to German food. Photo: courtesy of Stanley Plaza
Dating

New dating app is helping disabled and chronically ill people find love

Disabled and chronically ill people are often ghosted or rejected on mainstream dating apps. Dateability is evening the playing field.

How to age well

Why Hong Kong’s first pro female MMA fighter now battles for women’s health

Wellness entrepreneur Tricia Yap is helping reshape women’s health by focusing on areas like precision training and lifestyle medicine.

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Mainland China

Why retailers are beating a hasty retreat from mainland China

Hong Kong retailer Mannings will cease online operations from December 26 and close its physical stores after January 15.

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Mannings is one of Hong Kong’s largest health and beauty retailers. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Mental health

How to avoid financial stress this holiday season? Experts share tips

From budgeting to giving experiences, a therapist, finance app boss and retail guru share how to enjoy the holidays without racking up debt.

Singapore

‘It’s life’: ex-NBA star in Singapore for brain cancer treatment exudes hope

Jason Collins, who is seeking an experimental treatment, has progressed from being ‘basically a vegetable’ to taking a two-hour walk.

Dementia

Listening to music can lower dementia risk by nearly 40%, new study says

Research shows how listening to music can both lower dementia risk and improve cognitive areas like memory, attention and problem-solving.

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Want to boost brain health? A study suggests regular music listening may cut dementia risk by 39 per cent. Photo: Shutterstock
Trail running and hiking

She quit her corporate job to walk 5,700km alone across America

Jessica Guo became the first woman to hike a continuous route linking the Continental Divide Trail with the Great Divide Trail.

Jessica Guo quit her job to hike across America. Her trek ended on September 19, at the northern terminus of the Great Divide Trail, at the Kakwa Lake terminus marker for the 54th parallel in Kakwa Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. Photo: Jessica Guo
Mental health

How does humming help you reduce stress? Expert tips on yogic breathing

Humming stimulates the vagus nerve and has other health benefits, and is the base of the yogic breathing technique ‘humming bee breath’.

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What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, December 12-14

Watch Hong Kong Ballet’s The Nutcracker, head to a beach beer festival, donate and shop at a festive thrifting event and more this weekend.

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How to age well

How a nap helps you power through the day and why you should set your alarm

An afternoon catnap lasting from 10 to 30 minutes can leave you refreshed and recharged, and even strengthen your mental health over time.

The best time for a power nap is for 15 to 20 minutes after lunch, between 1pm and 2pm, one expert says. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Mental health support essential for all of society after Tai Po fire tragedy

With time, meaningful comfort and social connections will help frontline survivors and the city as a whole recover and find a path forward.

People embrace each other after identifying deceased relatives at Kwong Fuk Community Hall on November 27, after the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. Photo: Eugene Lee
Britain

Sophie Kinsella, Shopaholic author, dies at 55 from brain cancer

The celebrated British author wrote over 30 books, and leaves behind a legacy of humour and relatability.

Parenting: newborns to toddlers

Love your baby bump? How to get a bespoke pregnancy sculpture in Hong Kong

Samantha Waterhouse was not able to capture her own unique curves during pregnancy, so now she helps other mothers-to-be preserve theirs.

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