Health

Heroes of the COVID-19 Crisis series

Published

5 years ago

December 29, 2020

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, cities around the world rapidly adapted to unprecedented challenges. Technological innovation was at the forefront of these efforts. In this week’s article we will talk about how a talented young individual, Shwetal Karade, from Maharashtra helped the community during the crisis.

Shwetal Karade, a tech and strategy professional based in Maharashtra India, addressed a critical issue faced by her home city— the shortage of oxygen cylinders, essential for treating severe cases of COVID-19. She developed and introduced a simple yet effective online portal, TheOxyMapper, to map the supply and demand of oxygen cylinders. The portal integrated data from local councils regarding registered keepers of oxygen cylinders, providing a foundational database of available supplies. By opening the portal to public submissions, Shwetal ensured that anyone and everyone who had oxygen cylinders could make their entry, thus accounting for maximum available resources. Consumers in need of oxygen cylinders could access the portal to see where supplies were available, facilitating quicker and more efficient access to these critical resources.

By providing a centralized source of information, the portal improved the visibility of oxygen cylinder availability across the city. The public could quickly find where oxygen cylinders were available, reducing the time spent searching for this essential item. Although the solution was temporary, it effectively bridged the gap until the regular supply chain was restored.

For her efforts, Shwetal was awarded with the Innovators For Society (IFS) award in 2020 by the Nagpur City Council. This award acknowledges individuals who made significant contributions to public welfare each year.

Technology and community spirit have been critical in navigating the pandemic in other parts of the country too. In Mumbai, an app called CoviHelp has been developed to provide real-time information on hospital bed availability and medical supplies. In Bengaluru, a team of engineers have created a low-cost ventilator that could be rapidly deployed to meet urgent healthcare needs. In Delhi, a community-driven initiative has established a digital platform to connect volunteers with those in need of food and essential supplies during lockdowns. I will cover some of these in the future articles in this series.

As we reflect on the challenges posed by COVID-19, the dedication and ingenuity of individuals like Shwetal and others around the world offer hope and inspiration for a safer future.

Health

Best Times to Take Whey Protein Isolate for Optimal Results

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

For anyone looking to build muscle, recover faster, or simply improve their overall nutrition, timing can make a big difference when it comes to protein intake. Whey protein isolate is one of the most efficient and bioavailable sources of protein available — easily absorbed by the body and ideal for supporting recovery and growth. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, knowing the best times to take it can help you make the most of its benefits. If you’re looking for a high-quality option, explore premium whey protein isolate in Australia to fuel your results.

1. Post-Workout: The Prime Time for Recovery

The period immediately after your workout is arguably the best time to consume whey protein isolate. During exercise, your muscles experience micro-tears and deplete their glycogen stores. Consuming whey protein isolate within 30 minutes post-training provides your body with fast-digesting amino acids, which help repair muscle tissue and stimulate protein synthesis.

Pairing your shake with a source of carbohydrates can further enhance recovery by replenishing glycogen stores and promoting better nutrient absorption.

2. First Thing in the Morning

After several hours of sleep, your body wakes up in a fasted state. Consuming whey protein isolate in the morning helps prevent muscle breakdown and kickstarts your metabolism for the day. It’s particularly useful if you don’t have time for a full breakfast or if you train early in the morning.

This quick, easily digestible protein gives your muscles a readily available source of amino acids to maintain muscle mass and energy levels throughout the morning.

3. Between Meals to Support Protein Intake

If you struggle to meet your daily protein goals through food alone, taking whey protein isolate between meals is a simple way to boost your intake. This is especially beneficial for those aiming to build lean muscle or lose fat while maintaining muscle mass.

A mid-morning or mid-afternoon shake helps stabilise blood sugar levels and reduces the temptation to reach for less nutritious snacks.

4. Before Bed (When Needed)

While casein protein is traditionally recommended for nighttime use due to its slow digestion, whey protein isolate can also be beneficial before bed in certain cases — particularly for those who train late in the evening or need additional daily protein intake.

Although it digests quickly, it still provides your muscles with amino acids to support repair and recovery during the early stages of sleep.

Optimising Your Protein Strategy

Ultimately, the best time to take whey protein isolate depends on your fitness goals, training schedule, and dietary habits. The most important thing is to ensure you’re consistently meeting your total daily protein needs. Whey protein isolate’s versatility makes it easy to integrate into your lifestyle — from breakfast smoothies to post-workout shakes.