WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ISSUE
Dearest Readers,
There’s something uniquely energizing about putting together a special edition, especially when we know it will be placed directly into the hands of our community during an event as meaningful as the U Health & Wellness Exposition.
This issue holds a mirror up to the many conversations happening across the region right now about what it means to be well, to be informed, and to take ownership of our health journeys. From science-backed stories to everyday wellness insights, we’ve packed these pages with both information and intention.
Our cover story, Clouded Judgment, dives into the growing prevalence of vaping and separates fact from trend, examining the chemicals, the health risks, and the myths shaping public perception. It’s a timely, necessary look at a habit that’s gaining traction, especially among youth.
We also spotlight some of the Caribbean’s most powerful superfoods, decode the marketing trap of greenwashing in wellness, and explore seasonal respiratory illnesses from a regional lens. From thoughtful expert columns to bold “Ten Things” lists, every article was selected to help you reflect, ask questions, and feel empowered.
What makes this issue even more special is that it represents where we’re going, not just as a magazine, but as a movement. We’re growing, connecting, and showing up in print, in person, and in purpose.
Till next time,
AMIRA CHENELLE MUNGAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ABOUT U
U – The Caribbean Health Digest is the first publication of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago dedicated to bringing a wholesome approach to health, lifestyle, and well-being related to Caribbean people.
Our quarterly digest was launched in 2008 and circulated throughout several Caribbean territories for over ten years. After that time, we took a brief interval to evaluate the best way to continue to impact the well-being and lives of our subscribers and readers.
Like any other industry, the magazine world has also felt the impact of digital technology. Years of extensive research reveal a reduction in print publications and a significant increase in online readership. Faster internet speeds, interactive content, online marketing opportunities and a more economical distribution medium are some of the considerations we have employed in making our move into the digital space.
U is produced with high production values meeting international standards. Our exceptional team consists of writers, journalists, and professionals in the medical spheres both locally and internationally, who bring their experience and keen insight into matters that each of us can relate to in one way or another.
The U Health & Wellness Exposition 2025:
A Bigger, Bolder, and More Impactful Experience!
We’re back with renewed energy and a stronger commitment to empowering individuals and communities with the latest in health knowledge, innovative practices, and cutting-edge healthcare technology. As we introduce another major event in 2025, we invite you to experience an exceptional exposition that not only informs but also inspires a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle.
The U Health & Wellness Exposition is a dynamic, interactive national event that brings together local and international health and wellness leaders, lifestyle solution providers, product innovators, health food retailers, public and private healthcare institutions, and leading educational organizations.
This two-day exposition is the only one of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago dedicated to health and wellness. It is designed to educate and empower people by creating awareness of traditional and non-traditional healthcare products and services.
If you’re interested in becoming an exhibitor, let’s discuss the many options that will create significant impact to your brand and connect you to your target audience.
The Youth Health & Wellness Forum 2025
Empowering Young Minds for a Healthier Future
Today’s youth faces unprecedented challenges from mental health struggles, substance abuse, and financial instability to the growing impact of climate change on their well-being. But with the right knowledge, tools, and support, they have the power to shape their future.
U Thrive is a dynamic, interactive, and empowering discussion designed to equip Caribbean youth with real-life solutions for a healthier, wealthier, and more sustainable future.
Our panelists will engage in a fast-paced, interactive discussion, tackling the most pressing wellness challenges facing Caribbean youth today.
Mental Health Expert
Navigating stress, anxiety, and the pressures of social media while building resilience.
Substance Abuse Advocate
A raw and real conversation on drugs, alcohol, and hidden addictions affecting youth.
Financial Literacy Coach
The smart money moves young people need to know, from side hustles to early financial planning.
Environmental Activist
How climate change and pollution impact health, and why youth voices are key in sustainability.
Thought Leader
A personal journey of overcoming challenges and achieving success, proving that resilience and smart choices lead to big wins.
ALL YOU CAN READ
You can now enjoy U The Caribbean Health Digest wherever you are in the world, for free. It’s packed full of fun and fascinating features about your health and overall wellness, with beautiful photography, all laid out in a clean and easy to read format. To see the magazine in all its glory, click below.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Clouded Judgement: The Unfiltered Truth about Vaping
The Downside of Hustle Culture: When doing more starts costing your health.
Greenwashing: Is your wellness routine as clean as it claims?
Fitness for Every Age: Move smarter, feel stronger at every stage of life.
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Doctor Dread: Understanding and overcoming medical fear.
The Endocannabinoid System: Understanding the science Behind mood regulation.
Paws and Effect: Pets offer more than just companionship they can actually improve your health!
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Genomic Medicine: How Genes Influence Preventative Care.
Silence to Solidarity: The Importance of Mental Health Advocacy in Shaping Communities.
Mindful Mom: Holistic Approach to Preparing for Pregnancy
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Function Fitness: Learn the principles behind this holistic approach to training for overall well-being.
Beyond Opioids: Addressing the opioid epidemic with alternatives to pain management.
Expressive art therapy: Building healthier environments one vaccine at a time.
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Hope, A Whisper of Possibility: the pivotal role of hope in navigating life's challenges.
Diet Sabotage: Prepare for the holidays with tips to keep you on track.
The Bittersweet Libation: the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and health.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Mindful Eating: A healthy body needs a healthy mind. This article guides us in making the best decisions for our diets.
Hoarding Disorder: Affecting 1 in 50 people globally, this behavioral disorder is characterized by the excessive accumulation of possessions. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and coping mechanisms.
The Value of a Second Opinion: When it comes to our health, a second opinion can be your wisest and most powerful decision. Here’s the U perspective.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Parents’ Guide To Adhd: Learn How To Help Your Kids Cope With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The Immune System: One Of The Most Important Systems For Our Body’s Protection.
The Science Of Internal Monologue: How Talking To Ourselves Can Be Useful To Us.
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Building While Burning: Learn how to lose weight and build muscle simultaneously.
Food Poisoning: The signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
The Social Shivers: A psychological guide to social anxiety.
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Hiking Your Way To Better Health: A Refreshing Way To Burn Calories.
Chronic Sinusitis: The Signs, Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Options.
Long Covid: Covid-19 Might Have After Effects. Here’s What To Know.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Digitally Enabled Care: The Future Of Medicine.
It's Good To Be Good! Altruism And Its Impact On Our Health.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Coping With Seasonal Depression.
Heart-healthy Living: The Lifestyle Your Heart Will Thank You For.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Dietary Supplements and why they may be needed with today’s dietary choices. Ageism: The impact of age stereotypes.
Addictive Behavior: An overview of behavioral addiction.
Holistic health: An approach that incorporates multidimensional aspects of wellness.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Ecotherapy: Nature's Impact on Health.
The Flexitarian Diet. New Year, New Diet? What it is and how it works. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The causes, symptoms, and the treatments.
The fascinating vitality of moving water. One of Trinidad's northern range Ecotherapy desination.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Acupuncture: What to expect during this Age - old practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
The Gut Microbiome: The trillions of helpful microorganisms living in our digestive tract.
Peewah or Peach Palm: A species of palm with some intriguing health benefits.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
To vaccinate or not? Facts that help you decide.
Adding mindfulness to your meditation. Take a mindful journey into the world of meditation.
Lemongrass or Fevergrass This plant is thousands of years old but still living up to its name.
Substance abuse and rehab. Understanding the first step toward recovery.
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Clean water. Yet, two billion people worldwide are denied this right daily.
Diabetes and its link to cardiovascular disease.
We think of epidemics as diseases that pass from person to person, with a sneeze or a cough.
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Erectile Dysfunction. No hard feelings.
Stress. We are talking about stress and the effects of stress on the body.
Vitamins & Men. Vitamins have proven to be beneficial and essential to health – especially for men.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Dementia: What it is, how to prevent it, and how you can help.
Turmeric: good for your taste buds. Looking to de-stress or increase your fitness?
Health and Fitness Holidays.
Root Canal: the route to pain relief.
Vertigo: the sensation that you are moving or spinning.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Dental Implants: Changing the face of dentistry!
What is “good” healthcare?
Parenting and wellness: Finding balance.
Corn: among one of the healthiest foods.
Swimming: water based exercises and your health.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
Is The Paleo Diet Right For Everyone? Fad diet or not early humans may have had the answer to good health and long life!
The Immune System: Sworn To Protect And Serve How do we keep our immune system intact?
Abi & U Introducing our newest feature, lifestyle Chef Abigail transforms local produce and ingredients into exquisite gourmet meals.
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Getting the Juice on Juicing: Juicing is healthy but is it more beneficial health-wise than eating fruits and vegetables.
Keeping Motivated During Your Fitness Drive. Easy steps on your journey towards healthy living.
Dasheen and Eddoes: These crops are nutritious, relatively inexpensive and available all year round.
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE
The Bittersweet Truth About Shisha: All I was doing was inhaling fruit-flavoured vapour, right?
Wrong! Worried about Your Child’s Weight? As a parent, you have the best opportunity to influence your child’s current and future diet.A Fig is not a Fig: Do you think what Trinbagonians call a fig is really a fig?
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Liposuction: the risks and benefits, is it a quick fix for weight loss?
Fitness Devices: Do they work? Congenital
Heart Disease: A Condition developed before you were born.
Chataigne or Breadnut: Not just good in Caribbean curries, but high in fibre.
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Sterilization: Are medical institutions doing enough to ensure their equipment are throughly sterilized?
Aromatherapy: Altering one's mood, Cognitive, Physiological or physical well-being.
Green Therapy: The Physiological and Physical effects of being in and interacting with natural environments.