Health and Wellness
The health benefits of consuming whole grains
22 April 2021
Grains are a basic food in households around the world and can be broken down into two categories: whole grains and refined grains. Unlike the refined grain, the whole grain kernel or the seed has all three parts intact: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Each one of these parts offer health promoting benefits. The bran, which is the outermost layer, contains the fibre, B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants. The germ is the centre most part of the seed and it is loaded with healthy fats, vitamin E, B vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The endosperm is the innermost layer that holds the carbohydrates, protein, and small amounts of B vitamins.
When LinkedIn gives you lemons
20 April 2021
If scrolling through social media sites such as LinkedIn makes you feel overwhelmed or unaccomplished in comparison to others — you're not alone.
Striving towards healthy living
6 April 2021
Healthy living is a difficult state to achieve at the best of times. How can we create and sustain good health, whilst facing an unprecedented public health challenge which has left a trail of economic and social upheaval?
One year on: How did we cope?
10 March 2021
Last March, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a global pandemic. After 12 months of mixed emotions and disruption to our lives, what have we learned, and where do we go from here?
Testing and vaccines: The experts guiding AKDN’s Covid-19 response
10 March 2021
On 21 March 2020, as nation after nation succumbed to the largest lockdowns of our time, Mawlana Hazar Imam issued a directive to establish a Covid-19 Global Task Force and Steering Committee to coordinate the Jamati and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Outstanding women leaders set example in public health
6 March 2021
Nine Ismaili nurses and midwives have been honoured in the World Health Organization’s 100 Outstanding Nurses and Midwives list, in recognition of their vital role in providing health services. Throughout their careers, they have worked to promote women’s health and empowerment in their respective regions and beyond.
Pandemic perseverance: Pursuing your dreams during Covid-19
26 February 2021
I always saw the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as a daunting exam; nevertheless, the fact that so many students would be taking it with me physically gave me some sense of moral support, even if that support was coming from strangers.
Five tips for coping with financial stress
23 February 2021
Many aspects of our daily lives can cause stress and coping with these stresses is an important element of maintaining our mental wellbeing. One of the leading causes of stress is financial circumstance. Many people are dealing with job loss, increasing debt, and unexpected expenses, especially during this time of uncertainty. Here are five tips to assist you in coping with financial stresses.
Overcoming stigma: A journey towards mental wellbeing
18 January 2021
The phrase, Log kya kahenge meaning ‘what will people say,’ highlights a mindset within South Asian communities about the way people act, hold expectations, or even choose to participate in programs. This mindset has also been a contributing roadblock for many people when talking about and seeking out mental health support.
Screaming in Silence
10 October 2020
In February of this year, before the global pandemic emerged, an audience of 289 gathered at Westwinds Jamatkhana in Calgary, Alberta to learn about mental health and suicide prevention in youth through a dramatic performance entitled Screaming in Silence. National and local institutional leadership and family units consisting of multiple generations were in attendance.
The Genetics of Mental Health
10 October 2020
During the pandemic, mental health has come to the forefront of many discussions, not only because of the effects of the virus on the body, but because of additional factors such as changes in daily life, job stress, stay at home orders, and reductions in social interactions within and outside the Jamat. A silver lining of the virus is the growing awareness and more frequent conversations around the topic of mental health.
Talk, because it’s important!
9 October 2020
The Covid-19 outbreak has not only drastically affected healthcare systems, major economies, social interactions, education, and almost every aspect of normal human life, but has also brought about unexpected, unprecedented, and rather sudden changes in our lives, which most of us were probably not ready for. On World Mental Health Day, 10 October, we find out how to deal with these circumstances and strive towards healthy minds and healthy lives.
