Articles
The Tradition of Gift-Giving at Christmas: A Story of Joy and Connection
The holiday season is here—a time filled with laughter, warmth, and, of course, the cherished tradition of gift-giving. But how did this custom become such an important part of Christmas? The origins of exchanging gifts during the holidays go back centuries, rooted in ancient traditions of generosity and celebration. In pre-Christian Europe, winter solstice festivals were a time for communities to come together and share food, drinks, and tokens of appreciation as they prepared for the colder months. These small gestures of kindness evolved into more formalized gift-giving as the holiday season grew in cultural importance. By the Victorian era,...
Navigating Life with Diabetes: Stories of Hope and Resilience for Newly Diagnosed Malaysians
Diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re newly diagnosed. However, with support, the right strategies, and real-life inspiration, managing diabetes becomes a journey toward better health rather than a burden. In Malaysia, where diabetes affects 15.6% of the adult population, many individuals are making strides in managing their condition through lifestyle changes, community support, and innovative programs.Ainaa Munirah Pang: A Chef’s Journey to Better HealthAt 27, Ainaa, a chef surrounded by sugary temptations, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Initially, balancing her career and managing her condition felt daunting. Ainaa joined the Glucerna Lifestyle Change Program (GLCP), a...
Understanding Stroke: Recognizing, Preventing, and Taking Action for World Stroke Day
Strokes impact millions of people worldwide, often without warning. Today, on World Stroke Day, we’re shedding light on this serious condition—its causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself and others.What is a Stroke?A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This disruption causes brain cells to begin dying within minutes, potentially leading to serious disabilities or death if not treated immediately.Recognizing a Stroke: The F.A.S.T. SignsThe faster a stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances for...
Breaking the Stigma: Personal Stories of Mental Health Journeys in Malaysia
World Mental Health Day is an important reminder of the ongoing conversation around mental health, especially in a diverse and vibrant country like Malaysia. To truly understand the impact of mental health issues, it’s essential to hear from those who have lived through these experiences. Here are the stories of three Malaysians who have bravely shared their journeys with mental health, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the hope they found.Nadia’s Journey: From Isolation to AdvocacyNadia, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Kuala Lumpur, began experiencing anxiety in her teenage years. Initially, she thought her feelings were just a...
World Heart Day: Your Heart, Our Priority – Tips for a Healthier Heart
Today, on World Heart Day, we at SM Health Care want to highlight the importance of keeping our hearts healthy. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of death globally, but many of these conditions can be prevented with the right lifestyle choices. As a healthcare brand, we are deeply committed to the well-being of your heart. But the care of your heart shouldn’t only be a focus on World Heart Day; it’s something we should all prioritize every day of the year. Your heart is at the center of your health, and small changes can make a...