TOPIC

Wellness

Latest news and features on wellness, including diet, mental health trends, exercise, fitness, medicine and diseases.

Black mould is a chronic health hazard that thrives in humid climates such as Hong Kong’s. Experts share how to rid your home of harmful particles that can cause coughs, allergic reactions and even cancer. Photo: Shutterstock

Environment

Are mould and toxins in your home making you ill? How to reduce health risks

Mould thrives in humid climates, and certain furniture can introduce particles that can cause coughs and even cancer. Here’s how to stay safe.

24 May 2026 - 11:15AM

How to Lose Weight

How GLP-1s are more than just weight-loss wonders – but not without risk

23 May 2026 - 7:33AM

Art

Soft Hours: artist Juno Shen’s Song dynasty teahouse for today’s New Yorkers

22 May 2026 - 12:00PM

Art

The Hong Kong initiatives using art to improve physical and mental health

McColl innovatively combines baking and art, while the Hong Kong Cancer Fund has used art therapy to support patients and their families.

21 May 2026 - 2:52PM

Workshops like Eleanor McColl’s Bake & Create can leave participants feeling calmer, lighter and even healed. Photo: Handout

What to do in Hong Kong

Wet weekend? Here are 5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong from May 22-24

Dance at a Latin carnival, visit PMQ’s new reading space, go forest bathing, enjoy a night of beer and games or see the new Star Wars film.

21 May 2026 - 10:53AMvideocam

Mental health

‘Extremely fulfilling’: Doing housework can declutter your home and your mind

The chores most of us find tedious provide mental health benefits, say psychologists and a Zen monk, who explain how and share cleaning tips.

21 May 2026 - 7:15AM

How to age well

This mother of 3 who runs a restaurant also wins gruelling trail races. How?

Hongkonger Petronella Harlin balances tough endurance races with a demanding front-of-house hospitality role and raising three kids under 10.

20 May 2026 - 11:40AM

Petronella jogs along Tung Street in Sheung Wan. 06MAY26 SCMP / Elson Li

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

How to recover after a Hyrox race, according to experts

From what to eat in the first 2 hours, to contrast therapy, compression and sleep optimisation, here’s how to recover after a gruelling Hyrox race.

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Cancer

4 things you need to know about when and how often to get a mammogram

Breast cancer screening advice is conflicted and confusing, but new research and technology should help women find the ideal timing.

19 May 2026 - 11:15AM

Dementia

Being optimistic can lower dementia risk by 15%, Harvard study finds

Experts explain why optimism is beneficial for brain health and how to cultivate a more positive mindset.

18 May 2026 - 7:15AM

A Harvard University study found that people with higher optimism scores were less likely to develop dementia. One way to become more optimistic is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Photo: Shutterstock

Thailand

Face forward: why Thailand is the next big thing in beauty trends

The T-beauty industry is growing by 5 per cent each year and is estimated to be worth over US$10 billion by 2030.

17 May 2026 - 1:37PMvideocam

Shoppers look at beauty products at a store in Bangkok. Photo: AFP

Artificial intelligence

Want help getting yoga poses right? AI-powered app analyses your photos

The Yogi.live platform combines AI-powered analysis with a vast library of resources. So where does that leave teachers?

17 May 2026 - 12:15PM

Africa

Congo Ebola outbreak: constant burials as death toll reaches 80

Congo has experience in managing Ebola outbreaks but often faces logistical challenges to get expertise and supplies to affected regions.

16 May 2026 - 8:09PM

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

How Hyrox helped these 4 racers find work-life balance

Hybrid fitness training has allowed these athletes to master work-life balance and thrive – physically, mentally and in their relationships.

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Gordon Chan aims to compete in Hyrox with his children. Photo: Handout

Japan

Japan’s ‘ibasho’ sense of belonging helps disaster survivors heal, study finds

Research into the 2011 earthquake and tsunami shows fostering social connection and purpose helps survivors rebuild and staves off dementia.

16 May 2026 - 12:00PM

A family retrieve belongings from their destroyed home in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan, on April 10, 2011. Photo: EPA

Mental health

The difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress and how to beat the harmful kind

Clinical psychologists explain the two types of stress and how to calm ourselves with methods like nerve stimulation and analogue hobbies.

16 May 2026 - 7:15AM

What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this rainy weekend, May 15-17

Check out the Affordable Art Fair, enjoy pickleball and Pilates to the sounds of Justin Bieber or get into the spirit at the Hong Kong Whisky Festival.

14 May 2026 - 4:15PMvideocam

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

Athletes and spectators are combining fitness challenges with exploring new cities across Asia, boosting hotel demand for specific wellness amenities.

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Hyrox taps into a larger tourism trend of travel increasingly centred around passions and personal goals. Photo: Jocelyn Tam

Soho House

Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

Soho House’s Tokyo outpost brings luxury accommodation, rooftop pool views, a Taschen bookshop and a distinctly Japanese-Western sensibility.

23 May 2026 - 6:07AM

Health & Fitness

No membership required: Hong Kong parks are this coach’s gym of choice

Ash Ayonote’s outdoor fitness classes in Hong Kong public spaces unite generations of families, boost longevity and build community.

13 May 2026 - 11:00AM

Mental health

Letters | It’s OK to open up to an AI bot – just don’t stop there

Readers discuss ensuring AI is but a bridge to effective mental health support, Thailand’s termination of its MOU with Cambodia, and the future of warfare.

10 May 2026 - 11:30AM

In Hong Kong, AI assistance is now the sixth most common option among those seeking help. Photo: AP

How to age well

Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong

The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.

11 May 2026 - 5:20PM

Lawrence Tse leads a class outside the tea museum in Hong Kong Park.
Photo: Lawrence Tse

Wealth: Healthcare

Unlocking your genetic code: the potential health benefits of DNA sequencing

Genome sequencing analysis helps identify potential risks and facilitate ‘precision living’ to minimise those risks.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

How to age well

This fit former bodybuilder thought pole would be easy. He was wrong

Hong Kong-born LA resident Ray Kayan found that gym strength means little on the fitness pole, an activity he finds ‘empowering’.

9 May 2026 - 7:29AMvideocam

Wealth: Healthcare

Future-proofing: how longevity medicine is reshaping health prospects

With people living longer and fewer children being born to support older generations, can preventive longevity medicine help provide a more secure and healthy future?

Supported by

Standard Chartered

As more of us expect to live for many years after we stop working, there is a growing need to consider how we will live those extra years in sound physical, mental and financial health. Photo: Getty Images

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

Hyrox races are taking Asia by storm, redefining fitness culture

The rise of the hybrid format is fuelled by its community-driven races, accessible indoor fitness structure, and strategic partnerships.

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Hyrox training has really taken off across Asia, leading a dramatic shift from traditional gym memberships to community-led, event-based fitness experiences.
Photo: Hyatt

Fashion

4 luxury pyjama sets for cosy nights in, from Ralph Lauren to LoveShackFancy

From Olivia von Halle’s Italian-print silk satin to LoveShackFancy’s pima cotton, these jammie sets will make bedtime feel truly indulgent.

8 May 2026 - 11:00AM

Wealth: Healthcare

Resort-based genetic testing might be medical tourism’s next frontier

Humansa and Chi Longevity are working with resorts like The Chedi Andermatt and the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, while The Lanserhof has its own resorts.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Wellness

Are mould and toxins in your home making you ill? How to reduce health risks

Mould thrives in humid climates, and certain furniture can introduce particles that can cause coughs and even cancer. Here’s how to stay safe.

How GLP-1s are more than just weight-loss wonders – but not without risk

Soft Hours: artist Juno Shen’s Song dynasty teahouse for today’s New Yorkers

The Hong Kong initiatives using art to improve physical and mental health

McColl innovatively combines baking and art, while the Hong Kong Cancer Fund has used art therapy to support patients and their families.

Wet weekend? Here are 5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong from May 22-24

Dance at a Latin carnival, visit PMQ’s new reading space, go forest bathing, enjoy a night of beer and games or see the new Star Wars film.

‘Extremely fulfilling’: Doing housework can declutter your home and your mind

The chores most of us find tedious provide mental health benefits, say psychologists and a Zen monk, who explain how and share cleaning tips.

This mother of 3 who runs a restaurant also wins gruelling trail races. How?

Hongkonger Petronella Harlin balances tough endurance races with a demanding front-of-house hospitality role and raising three kids under 10.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How to recover after a Hyrox race, according to experts

From what to eat in the first 2 hours, to contrast therapy, compression and sleep optimisation, here’s how to recover after a gruelling Hyrox race.

4 things you need to know about when and how often to get a mammogram

Breast cancer screening advice is conflicted and confusing, but new research and technology should help women find the ideal timing.

Being optimistic can lower dementia risk by 15%, Harvard study finds

Experts explain why optimism is beneficial for brain health and how to cultivate a more positive mindset.

Face forward: why Thailand is the next big thing in beauty trends

The T-beauty industry is growing by 5 per cent each year and is estimated to be worth over US$10 billion by 2030.

Want help getting yoga poses right? AI-powered app analyses your photos

The Yogi.live platform combines AI-powered analysis with a vast library of resources. So where does that leave teachers?

Congo Ebola outbreak: constant burials as death toll reaches 80

Congo has experience in managing Ebola outbreaks but often faces logistical challenges to get expertise and supplies to affected regions.

How Hyrox helped these 4 racers find work-life balance

Hybrid fitness training has allowed these athletes to master work-life balance and thrive – physically, mentally and in their relationships.

Japan’s ‘ibasho’ sense of belonging helps disaster survivors heal, study finds

Research into the 2011 earthquake and tsunami shows fostering social connection and purpose helps survivors rebuild and staves off dementia.

The difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress and how to beat the harmful kind

Clinical psychologists explain the two types of stress and how to calm ourselves with methods like nerve stimulation and analogue hobbies.

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this rainy weekend, May 15-17

Check out the Affordable Art Fair, enjoy pickleball and Pilates to the sounds of Justin Bieber or get into the spirit at the Hong Kong Whisky Festival.

Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

Athletes and spectators are combining fitness challenges with exploring new cities across Asia, boosting hotel demand for specific wellness amenities.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

Soho House’s Tokyo outpost brings luxury accommodation, rooftop pool views, a Taschen bookshop and a distinctly Japanese-Western sensibility.

No membership required: Hong Kong parks are this coach’s gym of choice

Ash Ayonote’s outdoor fitness classes in Hong Kong public spaces unite generations of families, boost longevity and build community.

Letters | It’s OK to open up to an AI bot – just don’t stop there

Readers discuss ensuring AI is but a bridge to effective mental health support, Thailand’s termination of its MOU with Cambodia, and the future of warfare.

Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong

The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.

Unlocking your genetic code: the potential health benefits of DNA sequencing

Genome sequencing analysis helps identify potential risks and facilitate ‘precision living’ to minimise those risks.

This fit former bodybuilder thought pole would be easy. He was wrong

Hong Kong-born LA resident Ray Kayan found that gym strength means little on the fitness pole, an activity he finds ‘empowering’.

Future-proofing: how longevity medicine is reshaping health prospects

With people living longer and fewer children being born to support older generations, can preventive longevity medicine help provide a more secure and healthy future?

Hyrox races are taking Asia by storm, redefining fitness culture

The rise of the hybrid format is fuelled by its community-driven races, accessible indoor fitness structure, and strategic partnerships.

4 luxury pyjama sets for cosy nights in, from Ralph Lauren to LoveShackFancy

From Olivia von Halle’s Italian-print silk satin to LoveShackFancy’s pima cotton, these jammie sets will make bedtime feel truly indulgent.

Resort-based genetic testing might be medical tourism’s next frontier

Humansa and Chi Longevity are working with resorts like The Chedi Andermatt and the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, while The Lanserhof has its own resorts.

How to recover after a Hyrox race, according to experts

Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood