Health and Wellness

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.

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.

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.

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.

TEDx talk at Ismaili Centre shines light on tuberculosis, an infectious threat to learn from
TEDx talk at Ismaili Centre shines light on tuberculosis, an infectious threat to learn from
28 April 2020

In his address at TEDxOudMetha, held at the Ismaili Centre Dubai weeks before widespread social distancing was implemented, Dr Salmaan Keshavjee, Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University and Director of the Harvard Medical School’s Centre for Global Health Delivery, discussed how many other diseases, beyond Covid-19, continue to affect peoples’ quality of life and cause untimely death, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and even curable infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB).

The most important thing we can do is acknowledge our feelings as they arise, rather than ignore our emotions or push them aside.
The most important thing we can do is acknowledge our feelings as they arise, rather than ignore our emotions or push them aside.
Caring for your mental health
Caring for your mental health
8 April 2020

As Covid-19 continues to impact communities around the world and fundamentally change how we live our everyday lives, many of us are experiencing a toll on our mental health. Especially during times of uncertainty, it’s important to focus on our mental and emotional well-being in order to navigate these difficult circumstances in a healthy way. Here are some strategies to try in the weeks and months to come.

In this miniature from a 17th century Ottoman manuscript of the Canon of medicine by Avicenna, a physician prepares medicine for the treatment of patient.
In this miniature from a 17th century Ottoman manuscript of the Canon of medicine by Avicenna, a physician prepares medicine for the treatment of patient.
The development of medicine in Muslim societies
The development of medicine in Muslim societies
6 April 2020

In contributing to the development of human knowledge, historic Muslim societies laid the foundations of modern science and medicine. Throughout history, Muslim doctors and nurses pushed the boundaries of medical science, and established hospitals and clinics. Today, and especially at the current time, the modern world is indebted to these figures and institutions.

Webinar: The different faces of COVID-19 - Caring for our elders
19 March 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe affecting virtually all aspects of our lives. The Aga Khan Health Board for Canada organised this webinar, discussing the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on various facets of our lives.

The logo designed for the Adopt a Senior initiative depicts a carer helping a senior citizen, housed inside a bubble of safety.
The logo designed for the Adopt a Senior initiative depicts a carer helping a senior citizen, housed inside a bubble of safety.
Adopt a Senior
Adopt a Senior
18 March 2020

The Ismaili is pleased to launch the Adopt a Senior initiative, a way for members of the Jamat to be matched with senior citizens who could benefit from support and assistance during this time of isolation and uncertainty.

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