Kaleidoscope of Cultures

By Nick Sharp, Grade 12 Student - Canadian International School

On Saturday, 15 February, the Canadian International School (CIS) held its annual Carnival. I’ve been attending CIS since Grade 8 and the Carnival has always been one of my favourite events. This was my 7th year and it was better than ever. I have always loved the rides and candy floss, but this year was really special. As a lifelong guitar lover I have joined a number of different bands with school friends, and this year one of our bands had the chance to perform at the Carnival. The experience was unforgettable. I’ll be graduating in May, but the memory of performing in front of family and friends will remain with me for a long time.

Is it wise to remove wisdom teeth?

Contributed by Specialist Dental Group® 

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are usually the last set of permanent teeth to develop. Most people would have four wisdom teeth, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. These teeth usually develop between the ages of 16-21, although it may erupt at a later stage for some people.

Every patient is unique, but generally, we will advise the removal of wisdom teeth when there are some changes in the mouth, such as:

• Pain
• Infection
• Tooth Decay
• Gum Disease

The condition of our mouth constantly changes, so wisdom teeth that are not removed may still pose a potential problem later on. Impacted wisdom teeth, specifically, are frequent food traps and breeding grounds for bacteria. Thus, maintaining their cleanliness is difficult and infection is very common.

The younger one is, the easier the removal of the wisdom teeth, as the bone is more elastic and the roots are shorter. With proper management, the procedure is smooth and seldom causes any significant swelling or discomfort afterwards.

Regular dental visits are important so your dentist can evaluate not just your wisdom teeth, but also your overall oral health to help you prevent and manage dental disease and achieve optimal oral health.

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Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883

Diving in my back yard

By Terry Booth / Photo by Terry Booth & Brian Hood

For 12 years, diving was made convenient to me with weekend trips up to Tioman, the Anambas Islands or into the South China Sea. In the off season, half day excursions to Singapore’s Southern Islands sated my diving appetite. However my back yard is now Anilao, the birthplace of Philippines diving. A mere 1.5 hour drive South of Manila takes you to a string of backpackers’ lodges, guest houses and hotels along the Mabini Peninsula. The gateway to Anilao caters for all budgets.

As we gear up, we observe bancas gliding across the calm azure sea, taking eager occupants to their chosen destinations, the vast selection of dive sites on offer suitable for all levels of experience.

Once the water’s surface is broken, the reefs’ kaleidoscopic colours saturates ones senses, it’s iridescent hues filling the seascape. Infinite nooks and crannies hide marine treasures; nudi branches of varying shades and texture, ponderous pufferfish and shy seahorses. Lugubrious turtles forage for food. A spiny devil fish, with a face only a mother could love, scurries across the sea bed searching for sanctuary. A pair of ornate ghost pipe fish dance harmoniously in the gentle currents.

And as the weekend draws to a close, I retrace my steps back to the metropolis of Manila knowing that I will soon return. After all, I was diving in my backyard. 

Hosiery in Singapore

By Jo Clary Maughan, AICI FLC, Leading Image Consultant
F3 Image

Oh my… the very thought of donning a pair of nylons/stockings/hosiery/tights – in this climate is enough to make you shudder! In fact, due to Singapore’s humid climate, it’s one of the few places in the world you can often get away without wearing stockings at all.

If you hold a professional position or are attending a special event however, you may be forced to wear them. If this is the case, keep the following tips in mind: 

1.   The best colour choice is a neutral shade. Always opt for    stockings that are one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone.

2.   If you must wear stockings for an after-hours event, leave home with bare legs and carry a pair of stockings in a
plastic Ziploc bag in your handbag. Once you reach your destination, you can then put them on. The plastic bag
saves them from snagging on anything in your purse and you’ll stay cool until you’ve reached an air-Conditioned
environment.

3.   Never wear stockings with a reinforced toe with open-toed shoes.

4.   Never wear stockings with strappy sandals.

5.   Never wear light coloured shoes with dark stockings.

6.   If possible, buy stockings with Lycra or Microfiber in the mix for a lighter, smoother appearance. Lycra and
       Microfiber blend well with Nylon and there is no sagging at the ankles.

Stick to these tips and you will find nylons easier to select and wear.