Health and Wellness

As the spring season approaches, there is light at the end of the tunnel in our journey towards normalcy.
As the spring season approaches, there is light at the end of the tunnel in our journey towards normalcy.
One year on: How did we cope?
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?

The recent recognition of outstanding Ismaili nurses is a testament to their service, especially after a particularly challenging year for healthcare workers.
The recent recognition of outstanding Ismaili nurses is a testament to their service, especially after a particularly challenging year for healthcare workers.
Outstanding women leaders set example in public health
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
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
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
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
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.

Studies on major depression have been pivotal in uncovering the contributions of genetics and environmental factors to its development.
Studies on major depression have been pivotal in uncovering the contributions of genetics and environmental factors to its development.
The Genetics of Mental Health
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.

Actively taking out some time in the day or the week to practice self-care is known to boost mood, build resilience, and add to overall well-being.
Actively taking out some time in the day or the week to practice self-care is known to boost mood, build resilience, and add to overall well-being.
How can I take care of my mental health?
How can I take care of my mental health?
9 October 2020

The Covid-19 crisis has only added to our pre-existing stresses and worries. With new lifestyle changes, unusual working environments, and restrictions on social interactions, the pandemic has caught us off guard and unprepared. Although many of us are adjusting to a new normal, it is quite natural to feel overwhelmed and experience burnout. What can we do to help? Here are some tips to try out.

Mental health isn’t just the absence of mental illness. It extends to a more holistic spectrum of emotional and social well-being.
Mental health isn’t just the absence of mental illness. It extends to a more holistic spectrum of emotional and social well-being.
Talk, because it’s important!
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.

Pandemic highlights the importance of mental wellness
Pandemic highlights the importance of mental wellness
3 August 2020

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 36 per cent of Americans say coronavirus is having a serious impact on their mental health. This means that in every group of three friends, at least one could be at risk of developing a mental health condition.

Dr Karim Damji with Dr Sheila Marco, who graduated as a glaucoma specialist from the University of Nairobi and now works at AKUH Nairobi and the University of Nairobi.
Dr Karim Damji with Dr Sheila Marco, who graduated as a glaucoma specialist from the University of Nairobi and now works at AKUH Nairobi and the University of Nairobi.
Canadian Jamat works to improve healthcare systems around the world
Canadian Jamat works to improve healthcare systems around the world
14 July 2020

Mawlana Hazar Imam has frequently commented on the value of sharing our time and knowledge with Jamats around the world and with the communities in which they live. Canadian Ismaili health professionals have taken that message to heart, having a long history of partnering with the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to improve the quality of life of people around the world.

Rahim Bhimani uses the industrial laser cutting machine in his basement to create thousands of face shields for healthcare workers.
Rahim Bhimani uses the industrial laser cutting machine in his basement to create thousands of face shields for healthcare workers.
Ismaili designer makes face shields for health workers
Ismaili designer makes face shields for health workers
28 April 2020

In mid-March, as Covid-19 arrived in Canada amidst fear and panic, Rahim Bhimani began talking with his peers in Toronto, discussing possible ways they could help to serve health care workers in the local area and beyond.

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