Category Archives: Beauty & Health

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Can Low-FODMAP diets help patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is one of the most common gastro-intestinal disorders, affecting 10% -15% of the population worldwide. But what is IBS? 

IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and involves a disturbance in the intestinal or bowel motor function and sensation. While the cause for IBS is not completely found, genetic disposition, infection especially in the intestine and traumatic life experiences that cause chronic stress are factors may play a role.

People with IBS have symptoms ranging from bloating to abdominal pain  It is usually triggered by diet, stress, changes in gut bacteria and poor sleep. The symptoms change over time. Sometimes it reduces or disappears and there may be periods where it flares up. Bowel movement will also vary accordingly.

The effect of diet on IBS varies from person to person. The food consumed might worsen the IBS in some people. Certain foods are known to stimulate gut reactions in general, and in those with IBS eating too much of these might worsen symptoms. That is why a research team in Monash University Australia developed the Low-FODMAP diet to help reduce symptoms of IBS. 

In Australia, the Low-FODMAP diet has been accepted as the primary strategy for managing IBS in patients. The Australian team found that a short-chain of carbohydrates called FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) caused problems for people with IBS. 

These carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and they quickly get fermented by the bacteria that is in the gut. These bacteria produce gas which is a major contributor to IBS symptoms. 

By reducing FODMAP in the diet of patients with IBS, studies found that there was improvement in gut health and a reduction in symptoms of IBS. The low FODMAP diet is flexible and can be tailored to meet an individual’s lifestyle and preferences. Following the low FODMAP approach does not cure IBS, but allows successful drug-free management of symptoms through diet in many patients.  

Monash University also has a Low FODMAP Diet app which provides users with easy access to recommended foods that should be eaten and those which should be avoided at every meal. The app is directly from the research team who developed FODMAP. The app also has an easy guide on which foods have high and low FODMAPs as well over 80 low-FODMAP recipes. 

It is important to know that the application  of a low-FODMAP diet requires expert guidance from a dietician or a nutritionist trained in IBS. Low-FODMAP diets involve restricting FODMAPs for 6 to 8 weeks and then slowly introducing small amounts of Low-FODMAPs. 

This diet is not a lifetime diet and the progress will be monitored by a dietician who will advise you on when and which foods need to be slowly introduced back into your diet. The Low-FODMAP diet is a process and not just a list of foods, therefore expert guidance is required throughout your journey.

This article has been researched, compiled and written by the team at Asia Fitness Today; Sneha Ramesh – Intern, Monash University (Sunway campus), Syuhada Adam – Editorial consultant, Nikki Yeo & Jasmine Low – Director/Producer.

Asia Fitness Today has embarked on MISSION 2030 — to halve NCD rates in the Asia Pacific region by 2030. If we could ask if you could please share this article on social media or with someone you know and care about so we can perpetuate this ripples of awareness in the community. It begins with a whisper, a drop in the ocean and slowly, change can happen. It begins with us. Learn more: www.move8.org.

References: 
Beauty & Health, Kid's Health, Men's Health, Wellness, Women's Health

Top 5 Best Healthcare Centres in Selangor, Malaysia

As Malaysia prepares for its lockdown due to the novel coronavirus, or COVID19, those in the Selangor state of the country can look to these five healthcare centres for their health needs. The following article is written by Muhammad Afiq Dinie bin Nor Arzaimi at Tourism Selangor.

“The goal of real healthcare reform must be high-quality and universal coverage in a cost-effective way”. Every hospital plays a very important role in caring for every patient who comes for treatment. Therefore, we would like to recommend to you the Top 5 Best Healthcare Centres here in Selangor, Malaysia.

1. KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital

KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital is conveniently located in an upscale area of Kuala Lumpur that has become a center for expatriates and young urban executives. KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital is part of the KPJ Healthcare Group, one of the leading private healthcare providers in the region with more than 29 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Local and international patients most commonly visit this hospital to seek treatment in the department of Cardiology, Bariatric Surgery, Oncology, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Orthopaedic and Paediatric & Neonatology and also for general health screening.

2. Sunway Specialist Centre Damansara

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

Sunway Specialist Centre Damansara (SSCD) focuses on delivering outpatient specialist consultation and day surgery services. SSCD is a subsidiary of Sunway Medical Centre (SunMed), one of the largest private healthcare providers in Malaysia. Both SSCD and SunMed is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, supported by a team of caring and experienced healthcare professionals including medical consultants, allied health staff and dedicated nurses. 

3. The Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

The Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital (THONEH) was established in 1986 by the late Yang Amat Berhormat (YAB) Tun Hussein Onn, the third Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Chairman of the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) (1975 – 1990). For more than 30 years, Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital has built a strong reputation as a centre of excellence providing quality specialised eye healthcare with expertise in a comprehensive range of sub-specialties by using the latest technology which can offer the most advanced medical treatments in its field. 

4. Avisena Specialist Hospital

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

Avisena Specialist Hospital is located just 15 minutes away from Subang Airport, in the capital city of Selangor with a driving distance of 35 minutes to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The hospital was officiated by the current Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj and was graced by Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. Also present at the launch was YAB Tuan Amirudin Shari, Menteri Besar of Selangor. Avisena Specialist Hospital is a fast-growing healthcare group in Shah Alam offering a combined spectrum of primary care, specialist services and health wellness programs to serve healthcare needs of our community, local and international customers.

5. Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Rimau

Image provided by Tourism Selangor

Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Rimau is a multi-specialty hospital located in Shah Alam and within reach of the communities in Subang Jaya, Klang and surrounding neighborhoods. Columbia Asia Hospital is staffed with highly skilled doctors and nurses with a vast range of up-to-date facilities and services. The Bukit Rimau hospital also covers an array of medical specialties such as Cardiology, Orthopaedic, Rheumatology, Sports Injury Medicine, Paediatrics, General Surgery, Radiology and Urology. 

Each hospital requires highly skilled panel doctors in a variety of medical field and speciality. It is important that hospitals and healthcare providers are able to attend to and treat patients with utmost dedication and proper care.

Beauty & Health, Kid's Health, Men's Health, Wellness, Women's Health

Ayurvedic home remedies by CGH Earth Wellness in conjunction with World Sleep Day

Today, Friday 13 March, is World Sleep Day. It is an annual event intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep. Studies have found that Malaysians are amongst the world’s worst sleepers.

Now, some of you may think that you don’t need sleep or that you can catch up with sleep later due to numerous reasons. One of them may be because of that deadline you have to meet. Or, for new parents, the numerous wake up times your new arrival has at night is wreaking havoc with your sleep.

According to a national sleep survey done by Nielsen Malaysia in 2018, nine in 10 Malaysians suffer from one or more sleep problems. Nearly half of them reported that they wake up in the middle of the night, while just under a third say they feel tired and unrested in the morning, feel sleepy or have fallen asleep during the day.

For many, treating the cause of these conditions is vital and here is where CGH Earth Wellness, the brand behind a collection of leading luxury Ayurvedic hospitals in beautiful Kerala, India, believes that the ancient practice of Ayurveda could provide a helping hand when it comes to restoring the quality of your sleep. 

Below are some tips from our friends at CGH Earth Wellness.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies by CGH Earth Wellness 

In Ayurveda, sleep disorders are called Alpa nidra and insomnia is known as Anidra. According to Ayurveda, the doshas responsible for this disease are Tarpak Kapha, Sadhak Pitta or Prana Vata. 

Insomnia due to lack of proper nutrition Tarpak Kapha is a sub-dosha of Kapha (water). It nourishes the brain cells and facilitates a good night’s sleep. Imbalance of this dosha causes poor nourishment of brain cells, leading to insomnia. This happens to those who are deprived by circumstances and few due to food faddism. 

Tips: 

● Take carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods at night before 8:00 PM 

● Drink fat-rich milk with nutmeg and jaggery or sugar before bedtime. 

Insomnia in workaholics Sadhak Pitta is a sub-dosha of Pitta (fire) and is located in the heart. It controls one’s emotions, desires, decisiveness, and spirituality. An imbalance in Sadhak Pitta makes a person demanding and a workaholic, thereby leading to situations that may cause a lack of sleep. 

Tips: 

● Drink ash gourd or sugar cane juice after dinner. 

● Take 5 soaked almonds at bedtime. 

● Drink 100 ml of lukewarm almond milk at bedtime 

Insomnia due to anxiety and stress Prana Vata is a sub-dosha of Vata (air). It is linked to insomnia, anxiety, and conditions such as depression. As Prana Vata makes the nervous system sensitive, a sensitive nervous system coupled with an aggravated Prana Vata leads to insomnia. 

Tips: 

● Wash your legs with warm water and massage your feet with butter. 

● Make a paste of milk and butter and apply that paste over your bregma (crown of the head) and feet. 

Beauty & Health, Wellness, Women's Health

Let’s talk endometriosis and mental health – don’t suffer in silence

  • One in ten women suffer from the condition which can take up to 7 years to diagnose
  • Endometriosis can affect mental and lead to depression and anxiety

Did you know that endometriosis is one of the hardest conditions to diagnose? There is no specific screening for the condition, and different women suffer from it in many different ways.

Endometriosis refers to a medical condition where tissues that normally lines the inside of the uterus – the endometrium – grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe pain during one’s menstrual period. 

This March is endometriosis awareness month and Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) is highlighting the importance of women taking care of their physical and mental health by getting the necessary medical care and support required. 

Signs of endometriosis

Endometriosis affects one out of ten women worldwide. The condition can take up to 7 years to diagnose, with 68% of young girls and women being misdiagnosed and 30-50% of women at risk of infertility. Those who suffer from endometriosis will experience symptoms in different ways. Symptoms include:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Painful periods
  • Heavy flow of menstrual blood 
  • Pain during sexual intercourse 

A key topic that is not often discussed is how the physical pain endured can lead to mental health issues. As endometriosis is not easily diagnosed, patients are unable to express what they are going through clearly and accurately, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Social stigma surrounding the condition is a further deterrent, causing patients to isolate themselves as they do not feel understood or heard. This then prevents them from seeking the necessary help to treat the condition.

Be a pillar of support to lessen psychological impact

SMCV’s resident Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist, Dr. Wong Yen Shi emphasises the importance of seeking help not just from medical specialists, but also from support groups.

SMCV’s Resident Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist, Dr. Wong Yen Shi emphasises the importance of seeking help not just from medical specialists, but also from support groups.

“Although the first and most important step to take is to treat the pain, it is also crucial for the patient to receive support from their family members, partners and friends. The psychological impact of such a debilitating disease should be addressed and not taken lightly as it can affect their social function. Decline in quality of life, negative emotions, stress, anxiety or depression may occur as a result of the pain that they go through,” Dr. Wong stresses. 

Such hindrances may cause women to be a recurring absentee from work or school, and even face frequent hospitalisation from the pain – about 82% of women are unable to carry out their day-to-day activities because of endometriosis and its effects. 

Dr. Wong notes that there are many ways in which one can show their support for the patient. It begins with understanding endometriosis – its symptoms, treatment, the side effects of medication as well as how it impacts the patient’s life. 

“One can simply show their support by keeping in touch and checking on the patient and asking how they can help. Be observant to the signs that the patient exhibits when they are going through the pain. Take notes and remember them for the future and be understanding when they are unable to attend to social events as they may be going through chronic fatigue. They may tend to isolate themselves as they feel like a burden, so they may appreciate you reaching out,” she adds. 

Seek professional help

Patients should also join support groups and seek professional help if they are going through any emotional distress as a result of suffering from endometriosis. Professionals and specialists are at hand to discuss the best way in which the patient can manage their challenges and cope better. The more patients talk about their pain, the more their experiences will normalise. 

Ending the social stigma surrounding endometriosis is a shared responsibility for all. Let’s work together to enable more women to come forth about their struggles, and in return aid others who are going through the same battles. 

AFT Features, AFTNews, Beauty & Health, Features Singapore, Fitness, Men's Health, Wellness, Women's Health

A moment with Will Skinner, CEO of UFIT Singapore

The CEO of UFIT looks so young you may mistake him for an inexperienced person trying to make it in the fitness industry. However, Will Skinner has more experience than you and I combined. This former professional rugby player brings over his years of rugby experience into the commercial aspect of fitness. Of this, he says “I feel like I never made a switch.”

“Yes, I was in the office a little more, but I was still involved with something I love, and so always want to do my best and expect the best from others,” he added.

He says that there is a lot that can be learned from sports and business, and he doesn’t think his approach to business is any different from during his sports days. “I’m sure all the guys I work with get fed up with me using sporting analogies day-to-day – whether it be recruiting and growing a team or academy like Alex Ferguson or developing our own culture like the All Blacks – sport-to-business synergies and comparisons are endless. If it makes me think I’m managing Manchester United or the All Blacks then I’m happy, too.”

Physical Exercise

The main gym at UFIT Club Street

As for physical exercise, he says “Physical exercise is highly important as part of a wider approach to general health, but it’s also equally important to get the balance right. We encourage everybody to also look at their nutritional journey and that is why we have a team of nutritionists on-hand at every (UFIT) Hub to get you on track. Whether you need advice on weight loss, clinical nutrition or sports nutrition, this type of holistic view of looking at fitness will enable you to ignite that fire and take you to the next level.

However, if you are new or hesitant to begin exercising, don’t despair. Will says that UFIT understands your struggles. All you have to do is to take the first step to go to UFIT and they will help you. “We have the ability and skill to support and guide you and to make that journey fun, so that you want to stick to it and keep coming back for more,” he says.

It may sound dubious to some but don’t let that stop you from getting healthier and fitter as UFIT is systematic and starts from the very basic.

The Approach

Step into UFIT Club Street Hub to begin your transformation journey

UFIT’s approach is not strictly focused on fitness alone but on one’s overall health. They believe that everyone is unique and therefore requires a unique approach accordingly to their needs. It is safe to say that UFIT is not your typical one-size-fits-all gym, but rather one that offers a full end-to-end service.

“Everybody starts with a health consultation with the Hub Manager. This is an in-depth analysis of their body composition and identifies various health metrics to highlight any imbalances in their body and discrepancies in lifestyle. With this data, we are able to suggest an appropriate fitness and wellness plan as we have the best information to plan this person’s journey. Our holistic approach allows us to determine whether we need to take them back to a position of health and/or fitness or to take them to that next level if they are an elite athlete and have the ability to dedicate themselves to a sports performance lifestyle.

Our clients also undertake mobility tests at their first session with a trainer or therapist and this helps to identify imbalances that might impede their progress or that we have to be mindful of.

Everything we do is bespoke and enables us to test and track a person’s progress whatever stage of the journey they are at.”

Injuries

Now, if you have had prior injuries UFIT would be able to assist you too and it is something that Will Skinner knows a lot about as it was a neck injury that put him into early retirement from professional rugby.

“Rehabilitation and recovery have always been a part of our services. Our trainers are highly qualified and take this approach very seriously with regards to ensuring everybody performs exercises correctly, takes time to recover and gets the right level of professional support when needed. We opened our first dedicated Physiotherapy Clinic at Raffles Quay in 2016, went on to open one-north UFIT Clinic in 2017, and Orchard UFIT Clinic in 2018. This allowed us to build a team of the absolute best Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Sports Massage, Pilates and Rehab specialists in Singapore, on hand at all times to help recharge our clients.

The three new Hub destinations are also carefully structured so that Physio and Rehab services are fully integrated into our offering, with Club Street having nine dedicated treatment rooms within the same building as our fitness studios. Therapists and Trainers share patient notes and can easily refer clients back and forth between teams, using our bespoke UFIT Online Coaching Platform, for the best care they can provide,” says Will.

The male changing room at UFIT Club Street

Founded in 2011, UFIT was set up to deliver a higher level of personal training than what was available in Singapore at the time. Starting with one gym at Amoy Street, it quickly expanded to become the country’s largest independently owned fitness community. The business is multi-award winning and offers Personal Training, indoor and outdoor Group Training, Physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation related services, and Nutrition alongside its other businesses, Youth Academy, Retreats, Education and Corporate Performance.

Recently, the fitness centre celebrated a decade by opening its new integrated Hub at Club Street, Singapore.

AFTNews, Beauty & Health, Men's Health, Mental Health, Wellness, Women's Health

A Solution for Stress

In the wake of World Mental Health Day, on 10 October 2019, the global event will have many of us reflecting on the status of our own emotional wellbeing. As our lives become increasingly hectic, and the pressures of modern life often seem overwhelming, it’s no surprise that the levels of stress, anxiety and depression are skyrocketing. In fact, mixed anxiety and depression is now the most common mental disorder in Britain* and the World Health Organization (WHO) has cited that “if we don’t act urgently, by 2030 depression will be the leading illness globally.” 

Whilst counseling, CBT, talking therapies and of course drug interventions play an important role in helping to alleviate anxiety and depression, often these treatments simply tackle or control the symptoms of poor mental health. For many, treating the cause of these conditions is vital and that’s where the ancient practice of Ayurveda could provide a helping hand in restoring your wellbeing. 

CGH Earth Wellness, the brand behind a collection of leading luxury Ayurvedic hospitals in beautiful Kerala, India believes that the curative approach of Ayurveda could offer a solution when it comes to tackling the cause of modern-day stressors that significantly impact our mental health. 

There are three body constitution within the Ayurvedic Principles: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

In the Ayurvedic principles, the body constitution or bio-energies are classified as below, the disturbance in these results in peculiar symptoms. Poor mental wellbeing comes in three forms depending on the underlying cause of an imbalance in one or more bio-energies, therefore the treatment course is unique to each individual: 

  • Vata – stemming from the colon, vata-type is categorized by feelings of fear, anxiety, nervousness and insomnia 
  • Pitta – arising from the intestine, pitta-type is more dangerous and is associated with feelings of anger, fear of failure or losing control. This format is also vulnerable to seasonal-affective disorder 
  • Kapha – coming from the stomach and associated with a feeling of heaviness, drowsiness, weight gain and a general sluggishness. 

In all three cases, these enter the general circulation and lodge in the nervous system, interfering with its functioning. 

To counterbalance this impaired function, CGH Earth Wellness recommend Manashanthi Chikitsa – a treatment that literally means mental peace and seeks to tackle stress management with a view to relieve the ill-effects that come from the burden of mental strain, insomnia, lack of concentration, fatigue, and headaches. 

The treatment course for Manashanti chikitsa follows the 3 stages: Poorvakarma – preparatory phase, Shodana – cleansing or eliminating phase and finally, Samana which is the corrective and rejuvenation phase. 

  1. Poorvakarma 

During the first stage, the body is prepared for removing toxins through Snehanam (internal and external oleation), followed by Swedanam (therapeutic sweating)

2. Shodana 

Once the body is prepared, the doctor will determine the cleansing or panchakrma treatment based on each individual’s body constitution and the root cause of their medical condition. These two stages of treatment will ensure that the imbalances in the doshas (body constitution) are stabilized

3. Samana 

The third and final stage of treatment where the body is slowly brought out of the intense cleansing and elimination stage by giving corrective medicines and moderate therapeutic treatments, appropriate diet and yoga asanas to correct and rejuvenate the body 

Every treatment at CGH Earth Wellness is personalized

Every treatment at CGH Earth is adapted and personalized to adopt a holistic healing approach tailored to each individual. According to Ayurvedic principles, treating conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression requires intervention that considers the crucial totality of our overall well- being. 

Across its various retreats, CGH Earth offers the peace and quiet you need to reset your mental wellbeing and thrive, whether you choose to revitalize your health in Kerala, the home of Ayurveda, within the stunning 200-year-old palace setting of Kalari Kovilakom, alongside the gentle caress of the Paravur backwaters at Kalari Rasayana or beside the beach waves at SwaSwara’s villas in Gokarna, near Goa. No matter which destination you choose, you can enjoy uninterrupted rest in the abode that resonates best with your inner voice.

AFT Features, AFTNews, Beauty & Health, Men's Health, Travel & Wellness, Wellness, Women's Health

Fight Obesity At Its Core with CGH Earth Wellness

As the pace of the modern lifestyle continues to pick up speed, most people rely on making unhealthier lifestyle and dietary choices as a way to destress. Unfortunately, this has witnessed detrimental consequences on the health of the global population. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 650 million adults above the age of 18 were obese in 2016. In light of World Obesity Day happening on 11 October, join CGH Earth Wellness on a journey back to the simplicity and purity of ancient Indian lifestyles to fight weight management issues and improve overall well-being. 

Holistic Healing

Just as the onset of obesity is triggered by the accumulation of numerous undesirable lifestyle habits, the success of its treatment stems from making strategic changes to various aspects of one’s lifestyle. At CGH Earth Wellness, ancient Indian practices provide the foundation to undergo effective weight loss by heightening mental, physical and spiritual well-being. 

CGH Earth Wellness adopts a holistic healing approach tailored to each individual

With a plethora of treatment possibilities available to combat obesity, CGH Earth Wellness adopts a holistic healing approach tailored to each individual. According to Ayurvedic principles, treating conditions such as obesity requires intervention that considers the crucial totality of our overall well-being. At NABH-accredited Kalari Kovilakom and Kalari Rasayana, consult certified Vaidyas (Sanskrit word meaning “physician”) for an extensive examination of your body to understand your Doshas, or body constitution. Dr. Jouhar, Vaidya at Kalari Kovilakom, shares, “The three Doshas – Vatha, Pitha and Kapha are of equal importance in the aetiology of obesity. The first step in addressing obesity is hence to balance the Doshas. Dosha imbalance stems from the accumulation of toxins in the body and can be reversed once such impurities are removed from the body’s systems.” 

Through a systematic programme that takes place over 14 to 28 days, manage obesity with treatments such as Udwarthanam – a massage designed to remove adipose fat and Vasthies – a medicated enema to improve metabolism. Such processes eliminate excess cellulite deposits and utilise fats effectively, helping to purify the body and prevent diseases for better wellness. 

CGH Earth’s Ayurveda Meal Preparation

Across all CGH Earth wellness centres, a salubrious food philosophy permeates the gastronomic experience delivered to guests. Using fresh, ingredients and produce from local village farmers engaging in good agricultural practices, meal preparation focuses on helping each individual attain a healthy weight as prescribed by the doctors based on the reason behind their weight gain. The culinary team works in tandem with the healing ethos, remaining fiercely dedicated to nourishing the individual’s body and soul with needed goodness and vitality. 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Testament to the adage, the school of Ayurveda speaks of establishing a deep connection with the self to be better attuned to body signals and rebalance the Doshas to nip obesity in the bud. 

Get in touch with your inner self at SwaSwara, a sanctuary to nurture your Prakruti, the innermost nature of an individual. Located on the serene Om Beach in Gokarana, SwaSwara believes that the combination of yoga and meditation strengthens the body while embracing the inner self, allows the body and mind to converge in a harmonious equilibrium for a deep understanding of the self. 

At Prakriti Shakti, a clinic of natural living or naturopathy, obesity treatments are about both eliminating the root cause and engaging in preventive cure. By integrating the five elements into healing in the form of energy medicine, art therapy, yoga and meditation and more, the doctors in naturopathy healing work on the ‘doctor is the teacher’ philosophy – helping you awaken the innate healing force to repair and rejuvenate your mind and body. For lasting results, guests are advised to incorporate the prescribed personal schedule into their daily lives, one that involves yoga, dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes curated based on each individual’s mental and physical health. 

Rest and Recharge

Dining space at CGH Earth Kovilakom

Beyond taking a holistic approach towards the treatment and prevention of obesity, getting ample rest remains the key to slowing down the growth of rising obesity rates worldwide. With consistent sleep cycles lasting between seven to nine hours each night, the human body is placed under the perfect conditions to restore one’s mental and physical health. 

CGH Earth Wellness firmly believes that the quality of rest is dependent on one’s environment. Across its various retreats, CGH Earth offers the peace and quiet you deserve in your escapade from the hustle of urban living. Be it the gentle caress of the Paravur backwaters at Kalari Rasayana, the pure and unpolluted hills of Panchalimedu that house Prakriti Shakti 2,500 feet above sea-level, or the privacy within the walls of SwaSwara’s villas, enjoy uninterrupted rest in the abode that resonates best with your inner voice. 

AFTNews, Beauty & Health, Corporate Wellness, Fitness Getaways, Wellness

Hong Kong’s Most Influential Wellness and Fitness Leaders to Gather at the Asia Fitness & Wellness Summit

Asia’s only business network for the fitness and wellness industry, FIT Summit, will connect business leaders from across Asia on 25 September at the Mira Hotel, Hong Kong.

The exclusive thought leadership and business development conference will bring together 225 leaders from fitness and wellness brands to meet one another and the corporate wellness community to discuss topics like growth strategy, emerging business trends, new markets, future investment and collaboration.

The Asia Fitness & Wellness Summit will share insights and perspective from 30 leading businessmen and women across the fitness and wellness ecosystem. Confirmed speakers include:

Adam Sedlack, Co-Founder & President, UFC Gym
Andrea Lomas, Group Head, Spa, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Christy Cao, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Powerhouse Gym
Danny Yeung, Co-Founder & CEO, Prenetics Group
Heather Thomas Shalabi, Founder, Flex Studio
John Gillman, Head, Health Solutions (APAC), Fitbit
Knattapisit Krutkrongchai, Chief Marketing Officer, AIA Hong Kong and Macau
Laurie Mias, Founder & CEO, REVĪVŌ Wellness Resorts
Mignonne Chen, Vice President and Head of Wellness, J.P Morgan
Rey Bolivar, COO, Will’s Group
Scott Montgomery, Founder and CEO, WellteQ
Sean Tan, Director, True Fitness / True Yoga / TFX

AFTNews, Beauty & Health

Keepland Designed by Eight Inc. Launches in Beijing

Experience design firm Eight Inc. has designed a flagship gym experience for digital fitness startup, Keep.

Following a period of rapid growth, Keep recognized the needs of its 185 million maturing users were evolving. With Keepland, Eight Inc. has imagined an exciting, active world where the physical and digital combine to form a mono-channel experience. This experience offers users seamless new ways to follow expert fitness guidance and connect face-to-face with like-minded users.

China’s sports and fitness market was worth $216 billion in 2016 and by 2025 should exceed $725 billion

“The future of commerce is not omnichannel but mono-channel. The omnichannel approach is old news. Today we are not thinking in physical and digital, it should be a holistic mono-channel experience.” – Tim Kobe, Founder and CEO, Eight Inc.

The fitness economy in China is on track for a boom with app creators running to take the lead. China’s sports and fitness market was worth $216 billion in 2016 and by 2025 should exceed $725 billion, according to a report published by The Economist and sponsored by the Chinese sportswear giant Anta Sports.

The Keepland experience is focused around two materially and visually distinct zones – Community and Workout

Located at landmark Qianmen development Beijing Fun, the Keepland experience is focused around two materially and visually distinct zones—Community and Workout. Inside the atmospheric, LED-lit Workout zone, users can follow the coach’s moves closely on multiple screens. Results are later relayed into the Community Zone, where friends can discuss performance over a refreshment as they relax post-workout. By hosting a range of workshops and meet-ups, this flexible zone allows Keep’s online community to further extend and develop offline.

“Keepland perfectly complements the digital app that has made Keep so successful, making for a complete fitness experience with a strong social aspect. In bringing together data, technology, content, brand and the physical environment, it offers Keep’s community of like-minded individuals a seamless way to take their passion to the next level.” – Alan Lin, Managing Director for China, Eight Inc.

With a rapid rollout across China anticipated, Eight Inc. has taken a modular approach to all wall panels, fixtures and furniture that can scale and adapt to different sizes of environment. The firm has also used architecture, materials and wall graphics to reflect and amplify the Keep brand culture throughout.

Keepland fully integrates Keep’s digital capabilities into the physical environment

Keepland fully integrates Keep’s digital capabilities into the physical environment. Users browse and sign up for classes using the digital app. On arrival, they are met not at the traditional desk, but at a sign-in wall where they scan a QR code before collecting their heart-rate monitor. After their workout, they can connect and follow each other’s results on the app, as well as on Keepland’s multiple screens.

Since it launched in 2015, Keep’s digital app has galvanized an active community of 185m users around the idea that ‘self-discipline creates true freedom’, providing them with a hub where they can connect and express themselves online. The company’s rapid growth has seen it become a major influencer and contributor to the rising awareness of life quality in China.

Eight Inc. is a global creative collective that specializes in designing innovative, integrated human experiences. Its 200+ business creatives and strategic designers collaborate across 11 studios, 7 time zones, and 3 continents. The firm celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Beauty & Health, Men's Health, Wellness, Women's Health

DNA fitness testing across four continents

An article in New York Times in 2018 described a novel benefit for employees introduced by Levi Strauss & Company in San Francisco: free genetic screening to assess their hereditary risks for certain cancers and high cholesterol.  Its CEO Chip Bergh wanted to reduce the company’s employee health care costs – naturally, any CEO would! So he hoped for a positive response from his employees.  In the article, it states that other companies in the US like Nvidia, Salesforce, SAP, Slack, Stripe, Snap and Visa have offered the genetic screenings as an employee benefit. The company they used was US-based Color Genomics, a start-up that has quickly become a leader in employee genetic screening and counseling.

Hong Kong / Singapore

Meanwhile over in Hong Kong, Bloomberg article delves into a test subject from Hong Kong – David Leung who took a genetic test that came free with an insurance policy and has since followed a diet plan inspired by his DNA report. Prenetics Inc analysed Mr Leung’s genes and has sold more than 100,000 DNA testing kits in 2018 and aims to double sales volumes this year as it starts marketing directly to consumers as well as through insurers. Its executive officer Danny Yeung said that they want to “democratise genetic testing.” Leung’s genetic analysis and diet recommendations were provided in a 44-page report with an additional feature of an app that enabled him to interact with a health coach.

Prenetics seem to have outdone itself with a new brand, Circle DNA – claiming it as THE WORLD’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE DNA TEST at USD189.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPD2NChDoeY#action=share

Moving down towards the equator in Southeast Asia is Singapore-based Imagene Labs that markets itself as a DNA-based beauty and wellness company that creates customised solutions based on individuals’ unique genetic traits. Its Managing Director Wong Mun Yew says, the company’s sales strategy is to forge partnerships with spa and fitness chains.

Australia

Further down under in Australia, we found myDNA. Founded in 2007 by leading Clinical Geneticist, Associate Professor Leslie Sheffield, myDNA aims to unlock the power of personal genomics for everyday consumers. May 2019 marks the month that this Aussie company has stepped into the United States of America and will be launching two main products for that market; Nutrition & Fitness (MSRP USD99) provides personalised Nutrition, Fitness and Caffeine Reports. Vitamins (MSRP USD89) identifies 12 genes that help determine a person’s need for nine different vitamins and minerals.

Making nutrition personal in the USA

Personalised nutrition is forecasted to be worth $US11.5 billion by 2025 worldwide (2018 Axiom Market Research report). An article by the Australian Financial Review spoke to Dr Michael Fenech, founding president of the Asia-Pacific Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics Organisation who co-authored a paper evaluating scientific evidence for genotype-based, personalised, dietary advice. Basically, eating right for your gene-type. He gave an example about obesity. An area where our responses to food differ and where, potentially, nutrigenomics could help us lose a few kilos. “Multiple genes, including the FTO gene, are involved in metabolism and weight control and a personalised diet may increase the chance of a dieter’s success,” he says.

DNA testing disclaimers

When customers sign up, swab and send their DNA to the respective DNA testing providers, they need to know that their data may be shared with research partners of those DNA testing labs. Also, that they need to be prepared for unexpected surprises from the results of their DNA tests.

Is DNA testing a means to gather data to prolong life span?

Did you know, that search engine giant Google’s founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin have such great interest in researching to extend life span that they setup Calico, a research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies to increase our understanding of the biology that controls lifespan. Their interest was reported in an article in the Australian Financial Review, which shares, “Brin inherited a gene that predisposes him to Parkinson’s disease, and Page has nerve damage that affected his vocal cords.” I found this intriguing that the world’s largest Internet search engine company has made its mark in DNA Testing via AncestryDNA, a provider known for ethnicity genetics testing from only USD59. Besides providing the world with free internet, perhaps this could be the start of a life lengthening elixir.

This article has been compiled from various sources gathered from published articles, written and edited by Jasmine Low, co-founder Asia Fitness Today. No payment has been derived from this piece and is not an advertorial nor endorsement. Thoughts expressed are the author’s own.