Ask The Experts: Wellness at Work with Dr Mia Holm of Adventist Medical Centre

Most of us can think of times where stress or late night deadline-crunching has left us feeling less than 100%. But can our careers have longer-term impacts on our overall health? With Taikoo Place’s Wellness Series shining a spotlight on our wellbeing at work throughout October and November, we chat to Dr Mia Holm, manager of the Lifestyle Management Centre at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, which operates the Adventist Medical Centre at Taikoo Place, to find out more about what we can all do to keep ourselves healthier.

Ambitious office executives can have it pretty tough when it comes to their wellbeing, with long working hours, lack of work-life balance and poor diet making it challenging to maintain healthy habits.

Dr Mia Holm sees these factors daily in her role. She explains, “After many years of working in corporate wellness, I’ve witnessed first-hand the impact of lifestyle choices on health. It is sad to see more and more young people having various chronic health problems in their 30s and 40s.”

But short of throwing in the towel and going off-grid, what can be done to ensure that we can grow our careers without diminishing our health? Dr Holm suggests incremental improvements. “Incorporate frequent movements into your day, such as using a standing desk, walking more and using stairs. Regular exercise not only strengthens muscles and bones, but also improves brain health and sleep quality.” Schedule your workouts when time is at a premium, exercise during your lunch break, she suggests. “Also, good health does play an important role in enhancing brain functionality, maintaining consistent energy levels, & promoting physical resilience. These qualities are crucial for effective leadership!” she says.

Throughout October and November 2023, Taikoo Place tenants can maximise their lunchtime exercise with a series of “Workout x Lunch” fitness workshops at some of the most in-demand classes in town, and the workshop even comes with a plant-forward grab-and-go lunch, making it easier than ever to make time to nourish both body and mind.

We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat”. But what if the working week sends your diet veering off-course? “Eat predominantly whole, plant-based foods that are rich in fibre and nutrient-dense,” Dr Holm advises, continuing, “A wholefood, plant-based diet has been scientifically proven to lower risks of many chronic diseases, strengthen immunity and increase lifespan.”

If you really can’t avoid lunch al-desko, then bring your own metal or glass container. “Researchers have indicated that specific compounds present in plastic [including takeout containers] have the ability to migrate into our food and drinks. Some of these chemicals have been associated with health problems such as metabolic disorder and reduced fertility.”

While making healthy changes can feel hard, the longer-term consequences of not doing so might be harder. Dr Holm says, “If you don’t prioritise your health when you are young, you might end up giving your hard-earned money to the doctors when you are old and spending your retirement years frequently visiting hospitals.” Her final piece of food for thought? “We all know money is important, but wealth is nothing without health.”

Find out more about lifestyle medicine consultations at Adventist Medical Center at Taikoo Place here.