The World is a Much Bigger Place

By John Nnamchi, Canadian student at McGill University, graduating class of 2017

As the end of the semester approaches the pace by which the past year has gone by is remarkable. For some, it is the end of first year discoveries, for others, graduation and entry into the real world awaits. What may be more striking than the realization of yet another completed year, though, is the diversity of paths each and every one of us take immediately after this period: it is impossible to find any two classmates who led remotely similar lives this past summer. Take the most mundane example of two life science students, under-taking summer research in the same lab. I can guarantee that neither one’s experience will be remotely close in similarity. Expanding this thinking to all your peers dotted around different fields, the possible walks of life grow beyond control.

These realizations lead to a newfound awareness about the journeys of life: there are too many to count, too many follow, too many to conceive. I am writing this because such a level of thinking did not exist for me as a student still in high school. My world revolved around those I knew, and strangers didn’t exist. Yet, as I entered university, my student body grew from 300 to 6000 people and in my first year it seemed the amount of people to meet was endless. If six thousand students seemed like too many, imagine six billion. So if asked what the greatest thing to have taken out during one’s time in university, it is the awareness that the world is a lot bigger than it seems.

Visting Vientiane

Laos (officially known as Lao People's Democratic Republic) is a landlocked country in the middle of the Indochinese peninsula of mainland Southeast Asia. Laos is surrounded by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The capital city is Vientiane. Other large cities include Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Pakse. Like Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos was a French colony and it also was affected by the Vietnam war in the 1970s.

Vientiane is the largest city in Laos with an estimated population of 760,000 (2015). Vientiane is situated along the Mekong River. It has two seasons, tropical wet (monsoon season) between April and October and dry between November to March. Two or three days is enough time to see all of Vientiane. Some highlights of my visit to Vientiane were:

Patuxai : The most prominent landmark in Vientiane is the memorial monument Patuxai which began construction in 1957 and was completed in 1968. The design is like the Arc de Triomphe with additional Lao motifs including “Kinnari,” a mythical bird woman.

That Dam:
That Dam, in Lao means black stupa in Lao, is a large stupa located in the middle of the city. Many Laotians believe it is inhabited by a seven-headed nāga who tried to protect them from an invasion by the Siamese army in 1827.

Wat Mixai :
Wat Mixai is one of the many Buddhist temples along Setthathilath Road in downtown Vientiane.

Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) Museum and Centre :
COPE was formed in 1997 by agreement between the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR and a group of NGOs including POWER, World Vision and Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O). COPE provides Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survivors with the care and support they require, including orthotic and prosthetic devices, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. COPE is also a resource for skills development and training, upgrading clinical skills in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and P&O within the government rehabilitation services.

One place that had rave reviews that we didn’t have a chance to visit was Buddha Park. Buddha Park contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered amongst gardens and trees. The park is 28 km from Vientiane at the edge of the Mekong River.

Patuxai

 That Dam

 
That Dam

Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise
(COPE) Museum and Centre

ASK THE DENTIST – TEETH GRINDING

Written by The Specialist Dental Group ®

Q: My husband grinds his teeth at night and it is causing his jaw to ache. What should we do?

Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) can be caused by various reasons such as stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders (such as obstructive sleep apnea). Therefore, it is important for your husband to visit a dental specialist/dentist for a thorough examination to find out the cause, fix any existing damage done to the teeth and prevent it from worsening.

Depending on your husband’s condition, here are a few possible treatment options:

Medication – depending on the medication prescribed, it can help to relieve any pain and inflammation present or to relax the muscle and improve sleep.

Diet adjustments – change to a soft diet and cut food into bite size so as to reduce the amount of chewing required.

Mouthguards – custom made, fitted plastic mouth piece to wear over one’s teeth to protect tooth enamel from being damaged. It will also help to reduce jaw pain and protect the temporomandibular joint.

Botox – these injections help to relax the muscles at the jaw and provide tremendous relief from jaw soreness, headaches and other painful side effects of teeth grinding. Note: check with your dental specialists/dentists if they are certified to use Botox for treatment.

******************

Dr Ho Kok Sen is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group®. Dr Ho is a mentor, lecturer and examiner to students in the Graduate Diploma in Dental Implantology course at the National University of Singapore. Dr Ho is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Academy of Medicine Singapore. He has a special interest in dental implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting and complex extractions. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call (65) 6733 7883.

*****************
Specialist Dental Group ® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

Spectacular school art exhibition promotes global social and environmental issues

The bar has just been raised when it comes to school art exhibitions! World-famous organisation Elephant Parade recently pulled off a ground-breaking project with CIS, giving students a creative learning experience like no other.

As the first school to partner with Elephant Parade, CIS didn't take the responsibility lightly. Primary school students came together to produce an outstanding exhibition featuring canvas paintings of elephants painted by Kindergarten students, as well as a herd of over 1,000 replica elephants of different sizes created by Grade 1 to Grade 6 students - and even a full-size 3D elephant!

In addition to teamwork, the learning outcomes for students were vast. They ranged from using art as a medium to bring important issues to the public eye, to communicating with experts, and exposing children to important local and global social and environmental issues such as equal rights, deforestation and distribution of wealth.

Before painting images on the elephants, students identified an issue they were interested in and then talked to various primary sources to gain a better under-standing of the challenges each faced and
how they could take action to achieve meaningful change. Once they had developed an insight, professional artist Diana Francis together with CIS’s team of visual arts teachers, worked with them to simplify their ideas and portray them as images on an elephant.

The entire project took nine months to complete and is just the latest of several student art exhibitions CIS organises and opens up to the public each year. For dates on their next exhibition visit www.cis.edu.sg

CIS Tanjong Kantong Campus are Reader’s Cup Champions!

By Nadine Bailey
(TK Teacher-Librarian)

What is the first question in the library this year? “Ms. Nadine, when does Readers’ Cup start and what are we reading?!”

The buzz is growing again at the Canadian International School’s TK campus in hopes of a repeat of the 2015/6 school year, when much excitement was to be found in the TK library.  Students reading through a pile of books not once, not twice but up to 13 times! And then creating questions and quizzing each other. What was it all about? TK was determined to walk home with one of the Readers’ Cup prizes.  Readers’ Cup is an annual Singapore Inter-school reading competition where teams of six students compete in one of three divisions. To get onto one of the teams, students first had to get through the preliminary round in their school. The questions were in the form of an online socrative quiz, a paper quiz on each book and a long-form essay question on the book.

The hours of reading and hard work paid off when the TK team walked home with first prize in the older readers division. The  “Purple Page Eaters” team: Abigail Bilsand, Vedang Deshpande, Amy Deng, Aidan MacKay, Sonja Lee and Minji Kim, (with reserve player Jasmine Yu) beat 20 other teams from International Schools to come first in their division (and a team from the Lakeside campus also did extremely well, placing third in the same division). Not only did the winning team win the cup, a medal, and a subscription to Epic Books, but all our students in all our teams have won by reading extensively and intensively and it’s showing in the rise in their reading ability!

Ask the Dentist - Flossing

Q: Should we floss?

You’ve heard this constant refrain from your dentist: “Remember to floss your teeth”.

“What a nag,” you may snigger…..” What’s wrong with just brushing twice a day?”

Our advice is based on scientific fact: bacterial plaque causes gum disease and tooth decay, the two most common diseases in the world.

Bacterial plaque, left undisturbed along the margins between teeth and gums, causes inflammation in the gums. Evidence of long term inflammation are swollen gums that bleed easily.

In the areas that trap food, especially between the back teeth. When these bits of food are not removed,bacteria feed on them, releasing acids and causing tooth decay.

How do we remove all that harmful plaque?

Brushing works well on exposed tooth surfaces but a floss is needed to get rid of plaque and food debris between teeth. If gum disease has already left gaps between teeth, then special interdental brushes are recommended.

When left alone, plaque hardens into tartar. It can then only be removed through professional scaling.

Therefore, remember to see the dental professional twice a year and if you have any problems flossing or using interdental brushes, do not be shy to ask your dentist.


*****************
Dr Helena Lee is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®, Singapore. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer with the National University of Singapore. Dr Lee has a special interest in dental implants, gingival plastic surgery, and tissue grafting.

For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call (65) 6733 7883.

*****************
Specialist Dental Group ® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. 

Fear the Ageing Brain

By John Nnamchi,
Canadian student at McGill University, graduating class of 2017

An important time in a student’s university year is the arrival of the summer holidays and subsequent search for a summer job or internship. Lucky for me, I was given the amazing opportunity to go back to Singapore for a summer intership at Senescence Life Sciences (Senescence), a bio-technology firm founded by Dr. Shawn Watson, PhD, a fellow member of the Canadian community in Singapore.

Senescence’s research specializes in age elated cognitive decline: the natural degeneration of brain function with age and often a predecessor to the onset of dementia (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc.) in later years. For Dr. Watson, his journey started at the University of Calgary during his doctoral studies when he discovered a novel mechanism found to be responsible for brain aging. Seven years of dedicated research later, he developed enough understanding of how human brains age and he then moved to Singapore to found Senescence. Aside from offering scientifically proven products for your aging brain, they also publish important information regarding aging, its effect on your brain, and how one’s lifestyle can influence the rate of cognitive decline. For example, did you know the human brain starts to age as early as 20 years old, or that brain aging is a universal reality that no individual can avoid? Once I began working at Senescence, it became clear why aging and cognitive decline were among the top concerns of adults today.

Interning at Senescence allowed me to work within my field of study Bio-chemistry) while equipping me with invaluable administrative, entrepreneurial and commercial skills. It was the first time I was able to appreciate the real life applications and contextual value of what I was learning in class. In retrospect this is exactly what a student should get out of a summer job in order to generate the awareness and perspective needed to map out the right career path. On a final note, Dr. Watson showed how one could seamlessly bridge academia and industry in a mutually profitable way (profits from Senescence go back towards research in brain aging), and is the ideal example of an ambitious Canadian taking control of a tremendous opportunity. Returning back to McGill with a new approach and perception towards my academic studies, I raise my glass to Canadians all around the world who remind me that we as a country never cease to do amazing things.

Ask the Dentist: Teeth Whitening

Q: What do I need to know before getting my teeth whitened at a dental clinic?

A: The first thing you should know is that you are on the right track to achieve whiter teeth! In our experience, the most effective way to whiten teeth is done through a combination of in-clinic chairside whitening followed by at-home whitening.

It is also a safe way to whiten the shade of natural teeth as it neither weakens the enamel (unlike overzealous brushing with whitening toothpaste) nor makes your teeth more prone to cavities.

How much whiter will my teeth go?

It is important to understand that teeth whitening treatments produce different results for different people. Enamel that is more permeable tends to whiten more easily, but there isn’t a test that can be done beforehand to assess that.

Following up with the home kit allows further whitening and better results. As you can adjust the amount of contact time between the whitening gel and your teeth, you can achieve the degree of whitening desired. For instance, if you want your teeth to be even whiter, wear the whitening trays at home for a few more days.

Another thing to note is that if you have any pre-existing crowns and white fillings, these would not change its shade even after teeth whitening. Therefore, if you would like to replace a crown or white filling, it is advised for the replacement to be done two weeks after your whitening treatment.

How long does it last?

Teeth whitening generally lasts for six to nine months. The duration is largely dependent on what one eats and drinks which cause extrinsic staining of the teeth. Therefore, it is recommended for one to avoid food and drinks which has intense colouring for 24 hours after treatment (eg. tea, coffee, curry, soy sauce etc).

Are there any side effects?

A degree of tooth sensitivity, for up to 48 hours, can be expected after an in-clinic whitening treatment. This can be controlled by brushing with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. An anti-inflammatory painkiller can help if there is extreme sensitivity, but thankfully this is rare.

A brighter and whiter smile can make you look younger and be a great confidence booster. As long as it is done with the right whitening agent and methods, very good results can be achieved. Most importantly, we always encourage our patients to share their concerns with us, so that we can address them and ensure that their experience is as pleasant as it can be.

************************

Dr Steven Soo is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He was formerly a Clinical Lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute and Clinical Teacher at the GKT Dental Institute, both of which are affiliated with the University of London. Dr Soo has a special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.

For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com.

Phone: +65 6733 7883 

************

Specialist Dental Group ® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. 

Democracy At Its Finest

Daniel Lawrie, a Second year McGill student, ran for SSMU VP Internal, one of the many positions that went uncontested.

By John Nnamchi

The mid to late march period probably marks one of the most important and entertaining periods for the student body at McGill. This is the time when the inspired, eager, or downright brave individuals launch their campaigns for the numerous positions of the Student Society of McGill University (SSMU). Of course, representing the entire student body of twenty five thousand undergraduates is a prestigious honor, but historically, SSMU elections are notoriously famous for being extremely controversial.

Last year, competition got the better of the two presidential hopefuls when one candidate’s Facebook account was hacked, and his personal messages between his election team and peers exposed on his campaign page. The year before that, the president’s victory was invalidated, after the losing competitor successfully pushed an investigation claiming numerous infractions of campaign bylaws on the part of the winner. Given the claims were very disputable, a lawsuit then followed. Voters themselves contribute to the mess as well, where the bulk of problems actually begin as questions from the public easily snowball into endless debates. Safe space (November 2015 issue) is a popular topic, where many candidates who suggest improvements for safe space initiatives in their platforms, are bombarded with insults from the community. The huge publicity and lasting reputations can get the better of some, as it did with one girl who dropped out of the race, stating extreme psychological harm resulting from her scandalous campaign story. The saying goes, if you plan to run for student politics at McGill, expect the full, political experience: hence the bravery.

Perhaps this is why, out of the 7 SSMU positions available, around half of the candidates run un-contested. Do not be fooled by this seemingly easy win though: last year, a group of unhappy students ran a Vote NO campaign against the only running candidate for VP External, as they disagreed with his platform. Of the 25 000 undergraduates, are there really so few motivated and caring students willing to represent their student body? Or does the election history cause most to shy away in fear? Although the cause is a probable combination of the two, there is an obvious problem. Nonetheless, the campaign pages of this year’s hopefuls are up; let the show begin.

MYANMAR AS IT'S NEVER BEEN SEEN!

By  Heavens Portfolio
singaporeoffice@heavensportfolio.com    Phone: +65 6238 1718

The Grand Dame of the Ayeyarwady River, Belmond Road to Mandalay, will depart for it’s 20 Year Anniversary cruise on 1st October 2016. Marking two decades of exploring the magical rivers of Myanmar, the special four night, five day journey follows the route of the inaugural cruise from Bagan to Mandalay. With special thanks to the communities along the rivers that have generously welcomed Belmond’s guests for 20 years, five percent of the ticket price for this anniversary cruise will be donated to the Belmond Myanmar Foundation, to support the opening of a new hospital facility in Bagan.

The festivities begin with a traditional dance ceremony and cocktail reception on the banks of the river. For those with a head for heights, there is an additional option to choose a ride above the temples and pagodas with ‘Balloons over Bagan’ * or take a journey in a traditional horse and cart to visit the gilded Buddha statues.

At Taung Be village in Bagan, guests are invited to visit the free clinic where, Dr Hla Tun, the ship’s Doctor and inspirational leader of Belmond’s Myanmar Foundation, treats hundreds of patients in his free time – many travel great distances to receive his treatment.

Sailing aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay guests can relax and enjoy the hypnotic rhythms of the great Ayeyarwady river and the mesmerising views of golden stupas dotting the riverbanks; take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and enjoy alfresco dining in the newly launched Bar & Grill serving local cuisine on the ship’s teak Observation Deck – the largest open space on the river. For health and wellbeing, guests can check into the spa for a traditional Burmese massage or join a sunrise yoga session.

The cruise culminates in Mandalay, with the first ever ‘Belmond Road to Mandalay Rally’ that will see guests try their hand at traditional Burmese skills and activities including driving an Ox and Cart, rolling Cheroots (cigars) and learning a Burmese dance. A prize giving ceremony will take place at the Gala Anniversary Dinner served under the stars.

Belmond’s 20 Year Anniversary cruise prices start from US$ 5,640 per person including 2 nights at Belmond Governor’s Residence in a Deluxe Garden room including breakfast, transfers to the hotel and onwards to Belmond Road to Mandalay based on two sharing Deluxe Cabin.


www.belmond.com

*additional charges apply for Balloons over Bagan.

STEAMing into the future

By CIS Design teacher and STEAM ambassador Joe Sergi

What is STEAM?

STEAM stands for science, technology, entrepreneurship (or Engineering), arts and mathematics. It is a teaching approach which demonstrates how each of these disciplines are connected and closely aligned with what students will experience when they enter the workforce.

Many people think schools which integrate STEAM into their curriculum simply use ipads, interactive whiteboards and only teach science. STEAM is so much more than that! It’s not a subject, instead, it’s an engaging, hands-on, inquiry-based teaching framework that can be customised for all types of students and programmes.

Why is a STEAM so important?

STEAM provides an effective teaching framework for developing young learners with essential 21st century skills such as collaboration, research, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. We can’t be teaching our children there is a ‘bubble sheet answer’ for everything! Life isn’t like this. STEAM provides students with the opportunities to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives.

What does a STEAM teaching approach look like at CIS?

The approach is integrated across our curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, as well as in co-curricular programmes such as robotics, coding and lego leagues.

From Grade 1 onwards, students are exposed to STEAM experiences in our stimulating makerspace rooms. These are special areas filled with state-of-the art equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters, all designed to motivate students to experiment, build and invent!


To find out more information about CIS and its STEAM programme sign up for a fun family day out at their STEAM Fair on April 23 at www.cis.edu.sg/steamfairt www.cis.edu.sg/steamfair

Sharing CIS Expertise. CIS Open Minds Programme Goes Local

CIS Open Minds Coordinator, Christa Craats, is taking art appreciation to a new level at schools across Singapore. How? By mentoring representatives from not-for-profit organisation Art Outreach, on how to effectively design art programmes in local schools.

Ms. Craats’ partnership with Art Outreach began six years ago when officials from the organisation joined her on CIS Open Minds trips (innovative learning experiences where the classroom is moved into a variety of real-world settings) to the MRT North-East and Circle Lines. Officials were inspired by the way she used ‘visible thinking’ practices to help students appreciate the amazing art they saw during these trips.

Visible thinking practices teach students how to solve problems. It involves asking them questions that prompt them to think, inquire and find answers for themselves. Ms. Craats’ mentoring approach is based on theses practices. For many local schools implementing them will be a revolutionary shift in the way they teach art. This is mainly because their curriculum tends to cover a lot of content, with little room or time for inquiry.

Ms. Craats collaboration with Art Outreach has also been instrumental in building new partnerships within the community. In the near future, students from CIS’ Tanjong Katong campus and Tanjong Katong Primary School, will be coming together for joint art inquiry sessions. Not only will this help students from both schools learn about different ways to appreciate art, it will also give them the opportunity to make new friends from the local community.

What to do if teeth shift after braces

Q: I had metal braces when I was a teenager but I have not been wearing my retainers for many years. I am in my 30s now and I realise that my teeth has shifted. What should I do?

A: After any orthodontic treatment is completed, we always remind our patients that wearing retainers is a lifelong commitment. Teeth shift, and the retainers will help to hold teeth in their corrected positions after treatment. It is common for teeth to shift out of their newly aligned positions and relapse to their original positions if retainers are not worn.

Nonetheless, do not worry. With the help of a dentist trained in orthodontics, there are three ways to tackle this issue.

#1: Prevent the shift from worsening

If the shift is not drastic and is acceptable to you, visit a dentist to make new retainers so that your teeth can remain at their current alignment. This would prevent the problem from worsening.

#2: Realign the shift with fixed appliances

If you do not like the current alignment of your teeth, you may consider getting braces again to correct it. In the case that you find traditional metal braces too “eye-catching”, other fixed appliances to consider would be ceramic braces, self-ligating braces and lingual braces.

Ceramic braces are tooth-coloured. Although not completely invisible, they look more subtle and are less noticeable compared to metal braces. Similar to metal braces, they are affixed to the teeth and wires are used to connect the brackets.

Self-ligating braces do not use metal or wire ties, making them an aesthetically more pleasant alternative to metal braces. They are designed with a tiny gate to hold on to the archwires gently. Hence, treatment is more comfortable than metal braces. Adjustment appointment times are shortened and the duration of the treatment may also be reduced in certain cases.

Lingual braces are perhaps the truly “invisible” fixed appliance as they are attached to the internal surfaces of the teeth. With this, you can straighten your teeth without the braces showing. Similar to metal braces, teeth are shifted by customised brackets which gently apply pressure to the teeth.

#3: Realign the shift with removable appliances

If you prefer an appliance that is removable, I would recommend Invisalign®. Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of custom-made, clear and virtually-invisible aligners. As the aligners are removable, one can eat and drink freely and brush and floss normally, resulting in better oral hygiene. Since there are no wires and brackets, there would be less irritation of the soft oral tissues. The intervals between appointments with your dentist for adjustments are longer too.

Compared to fixed appliances, Invisalign would be the most subtle way of straightening teeth. I have a patient who shared that her family and colleagues did not notice she was wearing aligners until she told them several days later.

This time, no matter which option you decide on, remember to wear your retainers on a full-time basis for the first three to six months (after treatment). Eventually, you would be able to reduce that to only during night time. There is also the option of having fixed retainers. Your dentist would be the best person to advice on the actual retention plan that suits you most.

************

Dr May Ling Eide is a Dental Surgeon with Postgraduate training in Orthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialist training in orthodontics from the University of London, United Kingdom and is registered as an Orthodontist on the Specialist List of the General Dental Council in the United Kingdom. Dr Eide is accredited to provide treatment with Invisalign® and IncognitoTM lingual braces. 
For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com.
Phone: +65 6733 7883

  
************

Specialist Dental Group ® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

Next stop – Phuket

Tucked away in a quiet corner of this idyllic island, Cape Panwa has long been recognized as the most precious jewel in Phuket’s crown. Overlooking a secluded bay of pure white sands lapped by the turquoise Andaman Sea and boasting some of the region’s most exhilarating diving, the flawless scenery around Amatara Resort a& Wellness is just breathtaking.

The resort features 105 rooms and suites, each with its own private balcony and sea view. The lush resort also offers the finest gourmet cuisines in the resort’s six food and beverage outlets.

With the 2000-sqm Amatara Spa overlooking the endless seascape, and open to the ocean breezes, the resort is the first and only luxury destination resort spa in Phuket. The Amatara experience is one of total wellness and includes five all-inclusive programmes. The newly extended spa facilities include the world’s first Thai Hamam, a combination of Thai and Turkish Hamam treatments, with a Salt Relaxation Room for asthma and allergies, and Rhassoul Clay treatments for improving the health and vitality of the body and skin.

For those who wish to venture out of the resort, Phuket offers plenty of activities and cultural attractions. Limestone cliffs and clear emerald water make Phang Nga Bay and its near-neighbour James Bond Island – where 'The Man with the Golden Gun' was filmed – a must-see for all visitors to Phuket. There are about 30 Buddhist temples to visit; each with its own quirks. Wat Chalong, with its gilt statues of two revered monks, Wat Phra Thong with its half-buried Buddha statue and Wat Phra Nang Sang; complete with 3,000 year old Buddha heads are among the most spectacular. Eight of the finest golf courses in Thailand can also be found on the island and cater for all skills and abilities.

Inflate our Grades

By John Nnamchi
 
McGill, The University of Toronto (U of T) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are named as the top institutions in Canada that actively contend against the rest of the world’s best colleges. Within the country, the competition between the big three is always tough: 2016 QS university rankings put McGill, U of T and UBC in 24th, 34thand 50th respectively worldwide, but these numbers fluctuate yearly. Now, logically speaking if we are ranked equally amongst some Ivy League schools of the United States such as Duke (29th) and Columbia (22nd), one should assume a similar makeup of students achieving grades of equal caliber. Surprisingly, this assumption could not be further from the truth.

While most of the US ivy leagues boast GPA averages of about 3.3 (on a 4.00 scale), McGill maintains a mere 2.8, well below what is expected. While some may immediately call up the quality level of students as an obvious reason, countless others have performed extensive research to argue that the “problem” is in fact with McGill, not students. In general, it is said “McGill University has aggressively pursued a dual policy of zero grade inflation and rigorous academic standards” which translates to tough grading and little flexibility. These claims do indeed have some validity: while McGill’s average GPA has stagnated at roughly 2.8 for the past decades, The Economist reported the Ivy league school averages as having increased from 2.3 to 3.4 since 1955. This tendency for students achieving higher grades for work that would have received lower grades in the past forms the basis of grade inflation.

So are the top American schools actually enrolling increasingly smarter undergraduates, or are they taking desperate measures to maintain the most academically competitive student bodies in hopes of achieving higher popularity? Either way, even if students on exchange confirm the comparatively difficult academic standards at McGill, it is in our best interest to do as well as we can regardless. I am reminded every day of the talented students that attend this university, and undeniably, people here have so much more to offer, than just their GPAs.

Mouth Rinse

Q: I currently brush my teeth twice a day and floss once a day, is there still a need to use a mouth rinse? If I have to choose one, what type of mouth rinse should I use?

A: It always brings a smile to my face when patients practice good home care. Research has shown that plaque is the primary cause of gum inflammation and gum (periodontal) disease. Hence the mainstay of prevention of periodontal disease is plaque control, which is mainly achieved through mechanical methods. This means tooth brushing the smooth surfaces of the teeth, and flossing or using interdental brushes between teeth.

Normally, regular effective brushing and flossing is good enough; hence it is not absolutely essential to use a mouth rinse. At Specialist Dental Group, we always encourage patients to practice the rule of 2-2-2; brush your teeth for 2 times a day, for at least 2 minutes each and visit your dentist 2 times a year.

Nonetheless, we understand that some people may have difficulty brushing and flossing adequately, secondary to disease or disability. In such cases, a mouth rinse may be recommended. Mouth rinses act as vehicles for delivery of chemical agents. You should visit a dentist to find out whether a mouth rinse should be included into your home care routine. The dentist would then recommend the type of mouth rinse to use, based on your oral health needs.

Here is a list of some of the most common types of mouth rinses and their benefits/limitations.

Mouth rinses with fluoride

These contain fluoride to help prevent dental caries. Due to the fluoride content, they will also help in remineralizing and strengthening teeth. These mouth rinses are usually recommended for patients at a high caries risk e.g. patients with xerostomia, poor or limited dexterity, multiple exposed root surfaces or enamel defects.

Antiseptic mouth rinses

These are antiplaque agents that kill or inhibit bacterial plaque from proliferating. Different brands in the market contain different active ingredients e.g. chlorhexidine, essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride. These antiseptic mouth rinses have plaque-inhibitory actions and help to reduce gingivitis (gum inflammation). However chlorhexidine mouth rinses are usually recommended by dentists only for short-term use post-operatively. It may bring about altered taste sensation and teeth staining when used daily on a long term basis.

Herbal mouth rinses

Natural ingredients like aloe vera and plant extracts such as peppermint and tea tree oil have also been used in mouth rinses to help freshen breath and reduces gum inflammation. Unfortunately, there are few scientific data available on the beneficial effects on reducing plaque accumulation and gingivitis. Hence, more research is needed to validate the beneficial effects of these mouth rinses.

Desensitizing mouth rinses

These are oral rinses that contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride. Potassium nitrate numbs the nerves in teeth while sodium fluoride coats the tooth enamel to strengthen it. Both help to provide relief from the discomfort of teeth sensitivity. These mouth rinses can be used with desensitizing toothpastes to alleviate tooth sensitivity. However, results are often not immediate and it takes regular usage overtime to be effective.

Homemade rinses

A common home remedy can be made from a mixture of salt in warm water. It is helpful especially when one is suffering an oral infection or injury, before dental treatment is available. The salt water mixture draws water out from one’s oral tissues, washing out micro-organisms. However this only provides symptomatic relief and is not a cure for your oral condition, so do consult your dentist to fix the underlying problem.

Remember, a mouth rinse should only be used as a complement to one’s home care routine and not as a replacement to regular effective teeth brushing and flossing.

************************

Dr Daylene Leong is Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®, Singapore. She received her training in the specialty area of Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. Dr Leong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. She has a special interest in periodontal regeneration, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery and dental implants. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com. 





Specialist Dental Group ® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

A Place Called Home

As one excitedly returns from the Christmas Holiday breaks and is immediately forced into school mode, one of the hardest things a student may face, indeed, is waving goodbye to their family once again. At least for me, the ensuing long journey back to Montreal helps with moving on. Yet as I commence a fourth semester in Montreal, the ease by which I have settled back to life here hits me. Do I immediately miss home, the food, weather and more? yes – but adjusting back to Montreal mode here has become alarmingly simple. What one might call an emotional paradox, these contrasting feelings create an inherent dilemma in deciding where exactly I call home (if you have a child in college, try asking them a similar question).

Within this region, another group of people are experiencing similar, but more serious predicaments: they are the Syrian refugees making their way into the country. Some argue that because McGill students are, as a whole, part of a well-informed community that openly involves itself in the current events in Montreal, news spreads quickly. Hence with the influx of refugees came an explosion of volunteer opportunities from embracing them at the airport to organizing clothes drives to equip them for this winter. Although refugees are set to spread out around many areas of Canada, most McGill students unanimously stand in solidarity to support their integration into society. Already there are talks of cultural centers being implemented as well as efforts to teach English to Syrian residents via video chat.

Trudeau’s response to the refugee crisis is exemplary of some of his initiatives as the new PM, and it is safe to say his decisions so far have been influential towards the students around me. So amidst the dilemma for Montreal dwellers deciding where to call home, they still strive to make sure others truly in need find an easy answer to this question: Canada. 

CIS United: A Commitment to a World United in Peace

Diversity is a key feature of school life at CIS. Currently, we have students from over 70 countries with no one dominant nationality represented. Celebrating and supporting the uniqueness of each of these countries at CIS is important. We also educate our students to show tolerance, respect and collaboration with people from different countries, empowering them to become active promoters and champions of world peace.

With this in mind, our Lakeside community recently came together to celebrate one of the highlights in the CIS calendar: Uniting Nations Week. This popular extravaganza consisted of cultural performances choreographed by students from all corners of the globe, a food festival and the Parade of Nations, a celebration of our collective cultural pride.

Our food festival, which this year showcased delicacies from over 40 nations, encouraged students to take risks as they tried a new dish and learnt a little about that culture. There was also a charitable element to the festival as we worked together to give back to the local community with monetary and food donations going to the Singapore Food Bank.

The week concluded with a memorable finale, the Parade of Nations, which was streamed to family and friends around the globe. The entire student community enjoyed a musical performance by the Secondary Symphonic Band and neighbouring school Fuhua Secondary, a visit from an enormous red-capped crane (a symbol of peace and unity), and over 70 nations marching around the gym. The event was brought to a close with a speech by Head of School, Dr. Glenn Odland, reminding us of the week’s purpose: our commitment to a world united in peace.

Together, we are CIS.United!

New Year New You!

Started the year with too much feasting and too many options for fitness workouts?

Here's an illustration of some options according to your goals.

Step one - Set a goal. E.g. tone up.

Step two - Find a slot in the calendar. E.g. Squeeze in 30 mins every Saturday morning. 

Step three - Enjoy

Let's get started. Here's to the best fitness for the best you in 2016!

Enjoy different types of fitness plans for different types of mind and body expectations. "

"Disclamer: This is a list of suggestions. Please check with your doctor if you have any medical condition that requires specific attention.