Health

Karen Chau, who is from Taiwan but has called Hong Kong home for the last decade, is pictured at a gym in the city’s Tin Hau neighbourhood. After losing 13kg in four months, she set up her charity Fit2Give to help church ministers and NGO workers on their fitness journey. Photo: Jonathan Wong

She lost 13kg in 4 months. Now she’s on a mission to help others get fit

After transforming her own health, Karen Chau started Fit2Give, a Hong Kong charity offering free training to church ministers and NGO staff.

18 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

The huge benefits of quitting alcohol, from weight loss to slowing ageing

17 Jan 2026 - 10:48PM

Hong Kong artist challenges labels surrounding disability in new show

15 Jan 2026 - 11:57AM

Singaporean pro boxer uses skills from the ring to dominate life’s other fights

Efasha Kamarudin credits boxing for helping her build self-confidence, tackle body-size hang-ups and bounce back from new motherhood blues.

14 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM

Efasha Kamarudin, known professionally as The Face, poses inside the ring at the Spartans Boxing Club in Singapore, where she trains.
Photo: Instagram/fash_theface — Efasha Kamarudin, known professionally as The Face, poses inside the ring at the Spartans Boxing Club in Singapore, where she trains. Photo: Instagram/fash_theface

At 52, she is stronger than ever. How strength training helps women in midlife

Strength training after 50 helps women counter bone loss post-menopause, build muscle and maintain a healthy weight.

13 Jan 2026 - 7:15PM

How mobility exercises can help you stay active and healthy as you age

Mobility exercises strengthen your muscles, increase your range of motion, and help you stay healthy in body and mind as you get older.

12 Jan 2026 - 7:45PMvideocam

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Singaporean dementia study links Alzheimer’s to clogged ‘brain drains’

Blocked glymphatic channels, part of the brain’s waste-cleaning network, could be an early Alzheimer’s marker, Singaporean researchers find.

12 Jan 2026 - 4:55PM

An elderly Asian woman with dementia is comforted by her daughter. A study of nearly 1,000 Singaporeans found that those showing early signs of Alzheimer’s tended to have “enlarged perivascular spaces”, or blocked glymphatic channels, the pathways through which cerebrospinal fluid washes away toxins from the brain. Photo: Shutterstock

This Chinese-Vietnamese plant-based influencer makes even haters love tofu

Wendy the Food Scientist is on a mission to make plant-based eating simple, healthy and satisfying – no ultra-processed ‘fake meat’ required.

11 Jan 2026 - 12:15PM

Explainer | It’s not you, it’s the weather: all about seasonal affective disorder

Beat the winter blues – and even summer SAD – with expert tips on light therapy, diet and mindfulness for better seasonal mental health.

11 Jan 2026 - 7:27AM

Why your gut microbiome is so important for health and how to protect it

Bacteria in the gut perform important jobs that help prevent disease, but how to best protect and improve yours? An expert weighs in.

10 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM

The gut microbiome performs all manner of important jobs, including breaking down fibre and starches, synthesising vitamins and amino acids such as vitamins B and K, and producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that help prevent disease. Photo: Shutterstock

The benefits of boredom, from more creativity to better cognitive function

Often seen negatively, boredom is crucial for creativity and growth – so stop turning to your phone when you feel it coming on, experts say.

10 Jan 2026 - 7:49AM

Feeling bored? Experts say boredom boosts creativity, resets your nervous system and helps you assess if you need a change in life. Boredom also allows time to rest the brain and eyes and helps nurture development in young brains. Photo: Shutterstock

Artificial intelligence

Dose of uncertainty: experts wary of AI health tech gadgets at CES trade show

Technology and health experts question the accuracy of these products and warn of data privacy issues.

8 Jan 2026 - 2:34PM

Not just a Dry January alternative, the rise of non-alcoholic beers

Non-alcoholic or zero beers are a growing section of the drinks market and for many represent a stepping stone towards greater sobriety.

7 Jan 2026 - 7:15PM

She broke Hong Kong powerlifting records. Now she’s battling bad health advice

Jaclyn Hei Tsang is on a mission to debunk online health myths and unfounded advice by setting the record straight on her Instagram page.

7 Jan 2026 - 4:43PM

Tsang in training in Stockholm, Sweden ahead of a competition in 2023.
Photo: instagram.com/jaclyn.tsang

At 82 and 70, married influencers show it’s never too late to go viral

Robert and May Leong have been posting online since 2022, with their quirky dance and comedy reels finding wide appeal.

5 Jan 2026 - 7:27PM

Silver social media stars May and Robert Leong help promote Australian bananas on National Banana Day in October, when bringing a banana to participating gyms gave you a free gym pass for the day. The married couple often share their quirky humour with their many followers on Instagram and TikTok. Photo: Instagram/robandmay

Can you achieve happiness? That depends on your philosophy

From the Ancient Greeks and Buddhists to Christian thinkers and positive psychologists, happiness has taken many forms.

3 Jan 2026 - 7:15PM

6 health and wellness tips for 2026 – keep things simple, sleep, move more

Experts reveal what simple health habits you should develop in 2026, from prioritising sleep to walking more to skipping wellness fads.

1 Jan 2026 - 4:15PM

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Hong Kong callisthenics athlete on the sport’s benefits for body and mind

Yau Ka-wing went from ‘nerd’ to ripped Hong Kong representative at contests in Asia and Europe. He shares why callisthenics is so accessible.

31 Dec 2025 - 11:54AM

Yau competes at the ISN competition in France in July. Photo: Yau Ka-wing

Too cold to sleep? Tips for a good night’s rest when the temperature drops

Stay warm in bed this winter with expert-approved tips on bedding, pyjamas and smart sleep solutions for cosy, uninterrupted nights.

30 Dec 2025 - 6:15PM

Experts’ tips on safeguarding your brain health – one is being social

Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular exercise and increasing your social interactions can help prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

29 Dec 2025 - 12:15PM

Why young people are turning to Gen Z and millennial Christian influencers

Christian influencers in the US are galvanising young people looking for meaning in a culture that lacks it, say those of faith.

27 Dec 2025 - 12:15PMvideocam

Christian podcaster Megan Ashley films her show In Totality at her home. She is one of many Christian influencers rapidly gaining followers on social media. Photo: AP

What are the secrets to a long and healthy life? A longevity expert reveals

Bill Gifford shares diet, exercise and lifestyle tips on how to live to 100 and older, like Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest person at 116.

27 Dec 2025 - 7:15AM

Longevity expert Bill Gifford climbs stairs with a heavy rucksack. Low fitness, in terms of strength and cardiovascular capacity, “is a massive, massive risk factor for early death and disability”, he says. Photo: Bill Gifford

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’.

24 Dec 2025 - 7:15PMvideocam

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

Some New York restaurants are offering smaller portions at lower prices to appeal to those on hunger-reducing GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

24 Dec 2025 - 4:15AM

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.

23 Dec 2025 - 12:45PM

Terri Cheong saw her weight fall 19kg from February to September, through strength training and a change in diet. Photo: Ultimate Performance

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