Reader’s Digest Asia (English Edition)

No wonder Reader's Digest is the world's most widely read magazine. Hard-hitting, thought-provoking and entertaining, with unforgettable stories in each issue, RD is packed with features short enough to read in one sitting, but stimulating enough to keep you thinking for days. Every month millions of people get inspired, informed and entertained by its wide variety of stories about people, health, humour, adventures and world events, written by the best local and international journalists. All the stories are fact checked to the smallest details to ensure that readers get the most accurate and truthful stories, making Reader’s Digest the world’s most trusted magazine.

LETTERS • Reader’s Comments And Opinions

EDITOR’S NOTE • A Fresh New Focus

LUXURY JEWELLERY PRIZES TO WIN!

WIN A PILOT CAPLESS FOUNTAIN PEN

SOUR PUSS

Reader’s Digest Asia (English Edition) • Vol. 127 No. 734 December 2024/January 2025

Santa’s Helper

SMART ANIMALS • Know how to make themselves at home

Eye Health Epidemic • What’s behind the sharp increase in nearsightedness?

Switching To Water Flossing

News From The WORLD OF MEDICINE

“Life Is Great” • Tennis legend Roger Federer on the two years after retiring from professional sport

ENCOUNTERS THAT ENRICH • Volunteering can make a huge social impact – and not just for those on the receiving end

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

SIMMER DOWN • Eight compelling reasons your body wants you to dial back the stress in your life

LIFE’S LIKE THAT • Seeing The Funny Side

NEEDING A BREAK • Three examples of why you may need a holiday after a holiday

THE GREAT TWEET-OFF: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS EDITION • Tweeters greet 2025 with wisdom and hope.

SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

Anton, Friend Of All The World • In a tribute to his most unforgettable character, a literary great tells the story of cheerful Anton, who never had a job but was always busy

THE MYSTERY OF GOING UNDER • Anaesthetic is one of the world’s most widely used drugs – doctors now have a clearer understanding of how it works

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A GENERAL ANAESTHETIC • “If you’ve had past anaesthetic and recovered well that’s a pretty good sign you’ll do OK this time, too,” says Professor Myles. “But, if you’re coming up for a bigger operation, or you’re older than you were when you last had surgery, start preparing as if you were going to run a marathon,” he says.

Christmas Around The World • Different countries have developed their own Christmas traditions. Here are the most wonderful (or wonderfully weird)

LAUGHTER • The Best Medicine

MOTHER KNOWS BEST • You’ve heard of dad jokes. But what’s a mum joke?

TAXI SERVICE IN A WAR ZONE • As the Sudanese capital descended into chaos, two brave young men leaped into action

The Buzz About Bees

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK • Humour On The Job

When Christmas Parties Go Horribly Wrong

WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY? • Last year, police in British Columbia, Canada, fielded more than 2.3 million emergency calls. Here are the less-than-urgent reasons why some were made.

The Best Gift I Ever Received • Sometimes the simplest presents are the most meaningful. Here, RD readers reflect on the gifts they have never forgotten

An Experiment In Chemistry • Can you prove In your knowledge?

QUOTABLE QUOTES

The LUXURY THERAPY • Inside a Swiss health clinic that takes care to a whole other level

PUZZLES • Challenge yourself by solving these puzzles and mind stretchers, then check your answers on page 110.

FAMILY FUN

TRIVIA • Test Your General Knowledge

PUZZLE...