Ask the Dentist - Gummy Smile

Q: Too much of my gum shows when I smile, is there any treatment for me?

A: Gummy smiles can be due to hyperactive lip muscles, which cause your upper lip to rise higher than normal when smiling, or it can be because of the way your jaw bone is developed.

Generally, there are two types of treatment for gummy smiles: non-surgical and surgical. For hyperactive lip muscles, a non-surgical method would be natural, purified protein injections. This is a 10min procedure that consists of a few tiny injections. It generally requires 3 days to take effect and lasts for about 4 months.

As for surgical treatment, crown lengthening can be done by a Periodontist to adjust excessive gum tissue and bone. In some cases, crown lengthening may be done together with crowns or veneers to achieve the ideal proportion of teeth to gums. After treatment, you will see more of your teeth and less of your gums when you smile. With good oral home care and regular professional cleaning by your dentist, the end result can last for years. If the gummy smile is caused by an excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth or vertical growth of upper jaw bone, then orthodontic treatment and/or jaw surgery may be required.

It is advised that you consult your dentist/dental specialist to know the root cause of your gummy smile so that the appropriate treatment can be advised. Depending on your condition, you may be referred to see an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Periodontist and/or Orthodontist.

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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.  He 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.
Tel: 6734 9393 | 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.

Choosing the right bilingual programme for your child

Chinese-English bilingual programmes offer children many benefits, yet deciding which one is best for your child can be challenging. Huali Xiong, Head of Chinese at Canadian International School (CIS) and author of the best selling Big Apple Chinese Programme, shares why CIS has been a popular choice for so many families.

Substantial experience

CIS’ Chinese-English bilingual programme was one of the first to be offered in Singapore by an international school making us one of the most trusted schools in the region to educate students in becoming fluent communicators in both languages.

Available from Kindergarten to grade 6

Our programme is available to students in junior kindergarten through to grade 6 and offered at both our Lakeside and Tanjong Katong campuses. It is fully aligned to the International Baccalaureate PYP and there are no limits on the number of classes available per grade (we currently have over 30 bilingual classes). We also have a specific pathway in place once the programme ends for students to maintain their high level of Chinese during Secondary School.

Experienced, native speaking teachers

All subjects are taught in each language by native speaking teachers. Students attend lessons in English one day and Chinese the next. One of the key benefits of this two-teacher model is that it compels students to communicate with their teachers in both languages, not just the one they feel most comfortable with.

Strong focus on learning Chinese culture

For all classes taught in Chinese, we try to integrate the Chinese culture into students’ learning where possible. This ensures our students are not just learning empty, meaningless symbols but also the correct forms of address, etiquette and behaviour.

To learn more about CIS’ Chinese-English bilingual programme visit www.cis.edu.sg/learning/bilingual-programme

Don’t let Reading Become a Pain in the Neck!

By Charlotte Manning, Registered Osteopath

We have recently seen a number of patients with neck pain that has been caused by poor reading posture. Pain can present as neck ache, pain in the shoulders or even possibly headaches that develop during or after reading. It is more likely to be around the end of the day.

If this sounds familiar consider the following:

• Ensure you have proper back support and aren’t slouching
• Hold your book out in front of you rather than laying it in your lap
• Don’t hold your book too close to your face, causing your eyes to strain
• Ensure you are using sufficient lighting 
• Sitting at a desk can be beneficial for posture

If your neck pain or headache aren’t going away, pop into one of our clinics and we can assess and treat that nagging pain.

Chickpea Crunch

Submitted by Expat Kitchen  (http://expat-kitchen.com)

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

2 tsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tsp curry powder
1 Butternut squash, peeled and cubed (can substitute with local/Japanese pumpkin)
4 cups of chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste

To garnish:

½ cup natural yogurt (optional)
Finely chopped coriander

Here’s what to do:

1.  Heat butter in a pot and cook  onions until glassy.
2.  Add curry powder cook for 1 minute.
3.  Add pumpkin and allow to sweat for 3 minutes.
4.  Add stock, allow to boil.
5.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until pumpkin is soft.
6.  Blend until smooth.
7.  Season with salt and pepper.
8.  To garnish: Swirl spoonful of yogurt and sprinkle coriander, serve immediately.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

2 tsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tsp curry powder
1 Butternut squash, peeled and cubed (can substitute with local/Japanese pumpkin)
4 cups of chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste

To garnish:

½ cup natural yogurt (optional)
Finely chopped coriander

Here’s what to do:

1. Heat butter in a pot and cook  onions until glassy.
2. Add curry powder cook for 1 minute.
3. Add pumpkin and allow to sweat for 3 minutes.
4. Add stock, allow to boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until pumpkin is soft.
6. Blend until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. To garnish: Swirl spoonful of yogurt and sprinkle coriander, serve immediately.

Pregnancy & Back Pain

Back pain in pregnancy is a common presentation we see in the clinic. It’s not just injured athletes and office workers who spend too much time at their desks that frequent our treatment rooms. Women experiencing spinal changes due to first, second and third trimester foetal development often come in need of help as they can’t turn to common medication to help with their pain.

The spine undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Your centre of gravity alters and different strains will travel through the back causing various muscle tensions and strains. Upper back ache is common in the first trimester and then the pain tends to shift to the lower back and the pelvis. Gentle yoga can help stretch tight muscles but if you are really suffering, go visit your local osteopath who can ease those tight muscles and improve the mobility of your spine.

The Cryptocurrency Explosion

By Franca Ciambella, Managing Director, Consilium Law Corporation and Lin Yingxin, Legal Associate

The spark that was the invention of Bitcoin in or around the year 2008 has caused a chain effect resulting in today’s explosion of cryptocurrencies in many parts of the world. Bitcoin itself is a cryptocurrency, which in essence refers to digital currencies that use encryption technology to perform the functions of a central bank. The revolutionary aspect of Bitcoin is its underlying technology, Blockchain. The Blockchain is a digital program consisting of a de-centralised public ledger of transactions. This means that the transactions made through Blockchain do not need to be regulated or managed by a central body.

Cryptocurrencies may be designed to be used in a specific market, such as for peer-to-peer lending of fiat currencies, or it may be intended to be used for goods and services in general, supplied by businesses that accept that particular cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies may be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currency on exchanges. Cryptocurrencies are typically launched through initial coin offerings (“ICO”), whereby the organisation launching the cryptocurrency sells their crypto-currency in exchange for other crypto-currencies or fiat currency, which would fund the organisation’s further business plans, such as the development of its technology.

Although cryptocurrencies are not regulated by a central body, it is important to be aware of the positions of the governments and the kind of regulations that apply to cryptocurrencies in the various jurisdictions. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) has stated that the offer or issue of digital tokens, such as cryptocurrencies, in Singapore will be regulated by the MAS if the digital tokens constitute products regulated under the Securities and Futures Act (Cap. 289) (“SFA”). Hence, legal advice has to be sought in order to determine whether a cryptocurrency falls under the purview of the SFA, as well as how to re-structure the cryptocurrency to comply with the SFA, where applicable. The launch of a cryptocurrency will typically require the drafting of legal documentation such as terms and conditions of the issuance and acquisition of the cryptocurrency. In this explosion of cryptocurrencies, the legal system should be seen as a useful tool in the frontlines of technology advancement.

Fit Bit: Just how “Sweet” are We?

By Jessica Gan

1 in 9 Singaporeans have diabetes.

Working out can help increase insulin action and keep blood sugars in check. Let's aim to "sweat" out the "sweet" stuffs!

Suggested fit tips to keep in mind, to reduce risk of diabetes:

• Aim for 30 minutes of exercise 5 times per week. They need not be high intensive ones. Jogging, brisk walk works well too.
  
• Incorporate strength training two times per week. Muscle mass is crucial to maintaining sugar levels.
  
• CEven active chores like housework, walking the dog, running after kids are useful too.

A good start is to keep mindful of the above.


We can also opt for "kopi siu dai" for the local coffee lovers. Enjoy!

Ask the Dentist: Post Root Canal Treatment

Q: How do I care for my tooth which has undergone root canal treatment?

Although root canal treatment (RCT) has been completed, the tooth is not fully restored yet and is considered fragile. Hence, here are some important steps you can take:

Avoid using that tooth

This prevents the temporary crown or filling from dislodging and the tooth from fracturing. When a crown or filling dislodges, it may result in recontamination (reinfection) and the RCT to fail. Furthermore, if the tooth fractures, the patient may have to go through re-RCT or the tooth may be irreparable. Therefore, avoid using the treated tooth as much as possible, especially when it comes to hard or crunchy food.

Continue with proper oral routine

Our teeth and gums still require regular brushing and flossing. Brush the treated area gently in a circular motion. When flossing, do it slowly. If you find it difficult to floss the treated tooth, let go one end of your floss and pull it out. Inform your Endodontist if you face any difficulty flossing.

Go for your follow-up appointment

It is of utmost importance to return to see your Endodontist/Prosthodontist at the appointed time for the final restoration of your treated tooth. Based on your needs, your Endodontist will advise if a dental crown or filling is required.

If you experience any prolonged severe pain, swelling or uneven bite before your follow-up appointment, do contact your Endodontist as well.

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Dr Irene Sim is a Dental Specialist in Endodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularisation, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management. (65) 6734 9393 | 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.

Building Cultural Bridges through Cross-Border Story Writing

Recently three remarkable CIS secondary school students were inspired to reach out and connect with a group of students from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, through the co-writing and illustrating of a bilingual (Khmer/English) picture book.

“The purpose of our initiative was to come together and learn as much as we possibly could from one another and our respective cultures, and how we could explore what we love to do together,” explains CIS student Megan Wright.

The group worked on the project throughout the past school year. They collaborated and shared ideas through Skype calls and housing their work in a shared Google doc, which allowed them to edit and provide feedback to each other. They also enlisted other CIS students to help write the stories and create the artwork to accompany each page.

“Collaborating with the students (from Cambodia) and members of Open Book (small NGO library in Phnom Penh) was really eye opening,” says CIS student Mechelle Wu, “we were able to develop international-mindedness through sharing our different ideas and perspectives.”

“As students, the best way in which we can use our education is to apply what we’ve learnt in a way that fosters progress and builds positive relationships,”adds Megan. “I think that’s a large part of the purpose of our collaboration with the literature club in Phnom Penh. We love working with them and learning from them, and writing about the values that, as young people,
we share.”

The main theme throughout the book is to show that despite the different cultures, children living in Singapore and Cambodia share many similarities. Each page is a fun, colourful and humorous look at the life of an average child living in Singapore and Phnom Penh.

A few translations are still in progress but afterwards the students then plan to get the book published. We will let you know as soon as a copy is available!

CIS Receives WWF Eco School Award

CIS Secondary School was delighted to recently receive its first award from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Singapore for efforts by its student-led club Green Machine to improve the sustainability of the school. 

The silver award they received was the second highest award possible. As a WWF eco school, CIS now joins thousands of schools around the world making a difference by conserving natural resources.

Projects that helped the students receive this award were wide ranging and involved the entire school. They included new recycling and reusing initiatives, developing a rooftop garden and composting programme, encouraging their fellow peers to make meat reduction pledges and creating an eco-committee made up of teachers, students, parents, Sodexo and the school administration. 

“Participating in the WWF School’s Programme was a fantastic experience for our students,” said Michael Broadhead, CIS Chemistry teacher and Green Machine sponsor. “Not only did it provide them with a better understanding of environmental issues through real-life, hands-on experiences, but it also generated greater student empowerment and integration amongst the entire school community.”

Next year the students are hoping to apply for the highest award, the prestigious Green Flag award. Initiatives they will be introducing to achieve this include Green & Healthy Monday to reduce meat consumption, recycling segregation improvement, waste prevention strategies, carbon footprint reduction and expanding food production in the garden. Good luck students! We’re looking forward to reading all about it in MLT! 

For more stories about CIS and their student achievements visit www.cis.edu.sg/mosaic

Ask the Dentist: Scaling & Polishing

Q: Will visiting the dentist too often for scaling & polishing “thin” the teeth?

A: During a regular dental visit for your six monthly checkup, professional cleaning (scaling & polishing) is done to ensure that plaque (sticky, harmful bacteria) and tartar (plaque that has accumulated and hardened over time) is being removed from your teeth. As tartar cannot be removed by regular toothbrushing, a thorough scaling & polishing session will help to prevent excessive plaque buildup and gum disease.

There is a misconception that one’s teeth have “thinned” as the plaque/tartar that once surrounded the tooth has been removed. Gaps that were once filled would be visible.

Patients can also be reassured that throughout the treatment, none of the dental instruments used would erode patient’s teeth enamel or cause it to thin.

A scaler is used to gently remove the necessary and water is then used to wash it away. At our clinic, this dental instrument has a small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration to loosen any hardened tartar. It is more efficient in removing tartar as compared to a normal dental scaler and curette and is also more comfortable for patients.

After scaling is completed, polishing is done to remove any extrinsic stains and restore your teeth to their natural colour.

With that, remember to visit your dentist twice a year (every six months) for good oral health. Scaling & polishing will not “thin” the teeth, but neglect certainly would. 

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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. www.specialistdentalgroup.com |6734 9393

Singapore, Another New Beginning!

by Laura Colter

July 1, 2016; after what seemed like a long night of fireworks to celebrate Canada’s 149th birthday; leaving behind 27 years of what we knew as home including more than 40 members of our family; and 24 hours of travel time, we arrived in Singapore, feeling lost, alone and reluctant to start all over again. Although our furniture and belongings filled the condominium which we now call home, there was a sense of emptiness and fear as to what this new beginning will bring upon us. We had one long month to learn and explore all the places and things which now makes us feel at ease. The memory of all the times we experienced navigation issues along East Coast Road, brings a faint smile. Although these memories seem afar, we have just been in this country for 445 days and we’ve had our share of amazing experiences, including all the wonderful food, cultural variations and great stories to carry for the rest of our lives and that of our children. Coming from a vast multicultural community in Toronto, Canada and being amidst people of many different nationalities, I must say life in Singapore is quite an experience on its own. This experience was further enhanced by the enrolment of our children at the CIS (Canadian International School). We must admit that the choice of school and the neighbourhood were promising factors and facilitated greatly in the adjustment process. The school community, including staff, parents and fellow classmates were very welcoming and gave us all a sense of belonging. The open doors policy was inviting and gave us a chance as parents to be at ease with our children’s education system. What further personally engaged me was the opportunity to be a Room Parent which I think is a great way to integrate parents into the school community and engage them in school activities and events. This was a means of connecting with the students, teachers and parents further making way for a great social platform. Although, I am not yet too familiar with Singapore, I know it well enough to call it our second home. We now have friends from many different nationalities and countries and I feel that this friendship will continue for years to come. As much as we miss having the four seasons, making snow angels, snow days, raking all the fall leaves looking forward to a new beginning every spring, and enjoy hot summers on the beach, we love Singapore and all that it has to offer. We love biking down East Coast Park on a hot sunny day and are suddenly hit with a downpour, the outdoor pools that lack heavy chlorine odour, not having to bundle up to go out and all the outdoors that we have to enjoy though out the year. This has truly turned out to be an adventure and experience that is unforgettable.

Fit Bit: Getting Serious with the Pilates Full Roll Up

By Jessica Gan

This movement can be easy for some but the fittest ones may also find it challenging.

What is “full roll up”?

It looks like a sit up but it is not. It is one of the classic pilates workout. Start by laying on the mat.

How do you do it?

• Inhale and feel your rib cage expand. Arms reach towards sky.
• Exhale and slowly peel your spine off the mat. Passing through imprint (spine very close flat on mat). Until your spine rolls over and arms touch the toes.
• Inhale.
• Exhale and keep the “c curve” and roll spine through flexion. 

How does it benefit you?

Strengthen your core.

What is a wrong way to do it?

Using momentum and rushing through without making the imprint. Jerking motions should be avoided.

It has been said that 1 roll up equals 6 sit ups.

Enjoy your way to fab abs!.


More tips email: jessica.gan@alumni.utoronto.ca

Under One Roof

Welcome back fellow CAS members. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a collection of award-winning restaurants at Robinsons The Heeren. Established favourites, L’Entrecôte, & Made Burger Bistro and Sabio Tapas Bar join Angela May Food Chapters at the Glasshouse. Located at 260 Orchard Road, the two-story block is the street’s largest terrace designed for all-day alfresco dining. I sampled a selection of food from all four establishments and found everything to be very tasty. Standout dishes include L’Entrecôte’s Steak Frites, Sabio’s Grilled Octopus, and Angela May’s healthy laksa burger from & Made.

Glasshouse is open from Sunday to Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to midnight, and on Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Phone +65 6681 7440 for reservations.

Enjoy!

Raise your “Fitness Bar” Home Tips on Barre Pilates

By Jessica Gan

T-bar position

• Stand straight, lean your body forward to an incline.
• Square your hips. 
• Feet right under the hips. 
• Body parallel to floor. 
• Extend other leg straight out.
• Hold, core tight, keep breathing. Count to 60.

CIS’ respected outdoor learning programme in the spotlight during Outdoor Classroom Day.

By Angela Henderson, Principal, CIS Tanjong Katong Campus

Outdoor learning plays an integral part of a student’s education at CIS. No matter the age or subject, we aim to extend lessons into the outdoors whenever there is the opportunity for students to learn in a purposeful manner. On May 18, we invited friends from the wider CIS community to come and experience first hand our renowned approach during Outdoor Classroom Day at our Tanjong Campus.

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global initiative designed to inspire and celebrate outdoor learning and play. Throughout the morning on May 18, our kindergarten and primary school students together with thousands of other schools around the world, participated in a wide variety of engaging outdoor educational activities.

Classes for our youngest learners included exploring math concepts like volume, weight and size in our mud kitchen. Meanwhile our older students learnt about math fractions using nature (e.g. create a plant where ¾ of the leaves are green) and plant biology (such as stem and leaves) through drawing and observation.

The benefits our students gained from these outdoor learning experiences were tremendous. Amongst other things, outdoor learning sharpens brain development, creativity, teamwork and social and gross motor skills. It also helps generate a greater awareness of the environment and create memorable and authentic learning experiences (if you think back to your most memorable childhood experiences, I bet most of them were outside!).

Unfortunately however, modern day distractions and limited exposure to natural environments in residential areas especially here in Singapore, mean many children lose out on these opportunities. At CIS we are committed to turning the trend around; we have designed our programme so that all our students from Kindergarten right through to Grade 12, have every chance to enjoy the benefits.

For more information about CIS’ outdoor learning programme visit www.cis.edu.sg/learning/outdoor-learning

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Q: I have replaced my natural teeth with dental implants, do I have to brush still?

A: Yes. Dental implants are made of titanium and the material itself is not susceptible to dental decay. However, this is not the case for the gums that surround the dental implant supported crown/bridge/denture. Similar to natural tooth, bacteria can build up on the base of the implant, below the gum line. Bacteria can irritate the gums and cause it to be inflamed. If undetected or uncontrolled early, the gums and bone structure will be destroyed permanently.

There are 2 types of peri-implant diseases. Peri-implant mucositis is inflammation confined to the gum tissue without any bone loss. This, if untreated, can lead to peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease involving destruction of the gums and bone. This reduces the support for the dental implant, causing it to fail eventually. Signs of peri-implant disease are similar to that of gum disease, i.e. red, bleeding, tender gums. Sometimes you may even notice a gum swelling or pus expressed from the implant site.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to continue with diligent and thorough oral care routines. That means brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes each, floss daily and visit your dentist or periodontist 2 times a year. If you have a dental implant supported removable denture, the denture and implants should be cleaned separately. The removable denture is to be left out of the mouth in a glass of water while you’re sleeping. Dental implants should be checked routinely as part of a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.

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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 dental implants, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery and periodontal regeneration. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com.

Fit Bit: Knee Pain

Do you have knee pain and are you not able to do cardio to burn fat?

It is true that cardio activities burn fat around the tummy. So what happens if you have a knee injury and get frustrated with not being able to jump, run, skip?

Here are some activities (or examples of Workouts) to tone the core. When performed with
intensity, you will also sweat buckets! Best of all, it helps to engage the transverse abdominals a lot more than just simple cardio. It also increases the mind body connection.

Meanwhile, sit tight and take deep breaths...

By Jessica Gan

Earth Shattering Truth About Runs

With the number of marathons and runs gaining traction in Singapore, attracting thousands of runners each race, how many of us actually take heel to reflect on the impact these events have on the environment? Raise your hand if you are guilty of taking the runner’s kit for granted. Apart from photo opportunity, how many other times does one actually use the commemorative items? In addition the expanding consumption  of goods, sales of running related items such as apparel, hydration packs and compression wear, has also increased over the years.

Marathons and runs not only contribute to the increase in consumerism, they cause a lot of waste too. If you have stepped foot at the frontline of a run, you will notice the amount of unsolicited plastic bottles, paper cups and flyers everywhere. As such, organisers of events such as the recent Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2017 gives back by utilising sustainability tools to power the event, apart from promoting environmental efforts through issuing functional race pack  to the participants and  encouraged them to refill water via the  BPA-free bottles provided. That’s not all, one of the highlights of the run was the Eco-Carnival which was open to public so family and friends can have fun in a sustainable manner. There were green workshops to try our hand at eco-friendly crafts and upcycling activities.This was also where Green Living gave away microgreens (seeds) in launching their #GrowYourOwnGreens campaign which encourages the community to grow their own produce.

Green Living, Singapore’s first complete eco  lifestyle event happening from 22 – 24 September 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands, focuses on promoting green consumerism through learning, experiencing and adopting green lifestyle  that minimizes the negative impact of our consumption to the environment to enable responsible economic development. As there is much satisfaction in harvesting one’s own greens, encourages renewable agricultural resources and reduces carbon footprint, we would like to invite you to drop by Green Living’s next roadshow at BCA’s Big Day Out  (22-25 2017 June at Bedok Town Square) to collect your very own #GrowYourOwnGreens start kit to kick start your green journey. Snap a photo of your greens and hash tag #GreenLiving2017 & #GrowYourOwnGreens and stand to win prizes. Green Living is a 3-day comprehensive one-stop platform for promoting a green lifestyle where the community gets to experience an eco-friendly lifestyle where one can learn from green champions and get a glimpse of how life may be like in a greener and more sustainable Singapore. For more information, do visit www.green-living.com

Sevens Hit Fever Pitch @ CIS

With all the excitement following Canada’s win in the recent Singapore Rugby 7s tournament, CIS was thrilled to be part of the pre-tournament hype.

On the Tuesday afternoon prior to the tournament, CIS students were lucky enough to witness the New Zealand 7s team train in our gym with autograph hunters at the ready for a famous ‘selfie’ with their favourite players. All the fans were in awe of the skill level displayed and delighted that many of the activities the team practised were similar to those they do during their PE classes!

A few days following the Kiwi team visit, our rugby academy members and a number of other lucky secondary school students, were treated to a talk by Rob Vickerman (former England rugby captain turned TV presenter). His speech was extremely inspirational as he related playing sports to being successful in academic studies and life. Everyone was completely absorbed - you could have heard a pin drop in the theatre! Afterwards, we presented Rob with a CIS rugby jersey which he was wearing proudly when he left the Atrium.

These recent elite athlete visits are just some of the ways we encourage our students to stay healthy and play sport. All our students also have two compulsory PE classes a week and from Grade 4 onwards, the opportunity to play in over 14 competitive team and individual sports including rugby, swimming, netball, basketball, volleyball,
badminton and golf.

By Dean Monaghan, Head of Sports

Ask the Dentist - Extra Teeth

Q: My teenage daughter has an extra tooth growing between her upper two front teeth, does it need to be removed?

Extra tooth (also known as supernumerary tooth) that is found in between the upper two front teeth is called mesiodens. It is the most common type of supernumerary tooth. The cause of mesiodens is not fully understood although genetic factor is associated to play a role in the formation. This extra tooth can cause delayed or abnormal eruption of the two front teeth.

Therefore, it is recommended that you bring your daughter to see a dentist in order to find out if the extra tooth is a cause for concern. Whether an extraction is required, it depends on various factors:

• Eruption – has it erupted or is it affecting the growth of other the two front teeth?

• Appearance – does it look relatively normal compared to neighbouring teeth? Is the shape and size of the teeth normal? Is it growing in the same direction as other teeth?

• Alignment – has it caused the two front teeth to be crooked, rotated or have a gap in between?

In cases where mesiodens affects adjacent teeth, it is generally better to have it removed. If extraction is not required, periodic dental check-ups is advised to ensure that any future changes (cystic formation or damage to adjacent teeth) can be detected promptly.

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Dr Debbie Hong is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training from the National University of Singapore. Dr Hong was the Recipient for the Silver Jubilee Award by NUS Dental Society for her outstanding performance. Dr Hong has a special interest in dental implants, jaw surgery and complex extractions. 

For more information, please visit http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com

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Ask the Dentist - Receding Gums

Q: I suspect I have receding gums, what should I do to prevent it from worsening?

A: Receding gums is a condition that exposes the roots of teeth and occurs in both young and old. Various causes include aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, crooked teeth, poorly done fillings, poor oral hygiene, gum disease or genetics. Exposed roots cause sensitivity, often perceived as pain.

Gum disease starts quietly without pain. It progresses slowly, over many years. It is best to have regular checks to ensure that gum disease does not progress to the advanced stage. By then, bone loss and exposed roots will be irreparable.

You could visit a Periodontist (gum specialist) to find out the root cause of receding gums and if treatment is required. In certain cases, gum grafting may still be possible to help cover the exposed roots.

In addition to treatment, adopt daily habits that do not aggravate gum recession:

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles – change yours every 3 to 4 months even when the bristles are not frayed.

• Brush gently and floss correctly.
• Reduce intake of acidic food and drinks – if you must consume them, then rinse your mouth with water from time to time to "wash" the acids away.
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist how this can be treated.

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Dr Helena Lee is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®, 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.


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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.

STEAM Education: Empowering Students to Find Success in the 21st Century

STEAM at CIS stands for science, technology, entrepreneurship, arts and maths. This interdisciplinary teaching approach, which is taking the academic world by storm, encourages students to think about the connections between these five key disciplines through creative thinking, problem-solving, iteration and inquiry.

STEAM plays an integral part of our school curriculum and is integrated across the entire school. Our approach is student-led and hands-on. We focus on activities where students have the opportunity to make connections and solve real-life, authentic problems. This not only helps them to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives, but also keeps them motivated and excited to learn more.

During each STEAM project, our students are required to collaborate with their classmates, research, problem solve and think creatively and critically. One of the most rewarding parts of STEAM is observing students apply their knowledge and onvert their ideas into a reality, especially when they see their efforts lead to an actual product that has genuine value to real people. Witnessing them then actively share their discoveries, designs and techniques with their fellow peers is also great.

The strong interest and enthusiasm for our STEAM programme is spreading. Currently, we have students engaged in several different STEAM activities. For example, our youngest learners are developing early math skills through water measurement activities in our Outdoor Discovery Centre's mud kitchen, while older learners are applying science, technology, art and math knowledge in their creation of a special bench for our Kindergarten students to sit on when they take their shoes off.

To learn more about our STEAM programme and have a fun family day at our STEAM Fair on April 22, please sign up at www.cis.edu.sg/STEAMFAIR

Quick Getaway - Tempat Senang

 Article and photos by Kimberly Norman

Do you need a short relaxing break that doesn't cost a bomb? The answer just might be a spa day in Batam, Indonesia. Tempat Senang is a spa in Batam, Indonesia that is easily accessible as a day ferry trip from Singapore. It is a lovely Indonesian inspired spa with Indonesian/ Balinese décor. I tried it out a few weeks ago, and was pleasantly surprised.

Treatments

There are many different treatments to choose from including: several different massages (Indonesian massages, Balinese massage, bamboo massage, shiatsu massage, sports message), several different facials (algae, seaweed, snail!), foot reflexology, hair spa (hair conditioning treatments), scrubs and wraps. The spa therapists are very professional and the spa facilities are clean and modern.


Half-Day (3-hour) spa packages are available, where you can mix and match three different categories of spa treatments from their spa menu with up to one body massage treatment (e.g. 1 x massage + 1 x body scrub + 1 x hot compress).

There is also a Full-Day (6-hour) spa package available, where you can mix and match six different categories of spa treatments from their spa menu with up to two body massage treatments (e.g. 2 x massage + 1 x body scrub + 1 x facial + 1 x hot compress + 1 x hair spa). A spa lunch is included with the full-day session.

All their spa rooms are designed as couples/group rooms so you or your friends/significant other can enjoy your spa session together.

Hotel

The spa has a few specially appointed hotel rooms. There are also a few small pools around the spa compound for optimal relaxation. I didn't stay at the hotel but have friends that have and they enjoyed their stay.

 


Lunch

The spa has a lovely dining area and the full-day spa packages includes a delicious Indonesian lunch (you have a few choices depending on what's on offer that day) or you can also order from a menu which includes Western and spa food. Alcohol is also available for purchase. We brought a bottle of champagne to Batam and the spa chilled it for us for our return ferry ride back to Singapore!

Booking and Payment

Advanced booking is a must as it's a very popular place. Tempat Senang takes credit cards (with a fee) or cash including Singapore dollars and Indonesian Rupiah. The ferry ride is one hour from Singapore and it departs from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. For the full day package, take the 8:20 am ferry and return on the 5:10 pm ferry (this will get you into Singapore at 7:10 pm). Ferries need to be booked separately: http://www.batamfast.com/home/index.ashx (Harbourfront to
Sekupang return). Please note that Canadians do not need a visa for Indonesia.

For more information please visit: https://tempatsenang.com/

Democracy at its Finest

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

The Student Society of McGill University (SSMU) has once again lived up to its notorious image as a tumultuous organization full of controversy in both its election period and actions of those who were elected. While previous years involved the hacking of a candidate's Facebook account, the distribution of personal messages, ad the president's victory being invalidated, a this year's events tops the leaderboard of utter madness.

The tension began when Igor Sadikov – an Arts Representative to SSMU and member of the SSMU Board of Directors (BoD) – posted a tweet reading "punch a zionist today". Student outrage and condemnations of inciting violence aside, SSMU only agreed to impeach Sadikov after McGill Principle Suzanne Fortier formally demanded that SSMU release a public statement demanding Sadikov's resignation. The anger amongst the student body due to SSMU's inaction to impeach was only multiplied when one week later, SSMU's VP External David Aird was bombarded with allegations of sexual assault from a group multiple female students. This time SSMU took no delay in forcing Aird to resign, but this does not seem to appease the student body in any way. The situation gets worse. The smeared reputation of its innocent members due to the actions of an irresponsible few has caused intense psychological distress amongst its executives. SSMU's president Ben Ger later resigned from his position stating "deeply personal reasons" while another executive wishes to do the same but fears doing so would incriminate himself.

As if this was not enough, controversy plagues this year's election period too. When VP External candidate was asked by the McGill Daily on his thoughts about the set of events that transpired, he laughingly responded "don't get caught". As you can imagine, social media tore Noah apart, and he was shamefully forced to withdraw from the race. Within a mere span of three weeks, SSMU has triggered a massive hysteria among the student body in both controversy and large-scale uproar. While many saw hope in this new incoming election, a technicality in the voting system forced SSMU to recall all votes that were cast on day 1. It seems that 2017 is not a good year for SSMU whatsoever.

Ask the Dentist - Braces

Q: How do I know if my child needs to wear braces?

A: There are a few signs that indicate the need for braces, they include:

• Crowding:

  insufficient space for all the teeth in the mouth results in crooked teeth. This makes it difficult for toothbrushing and flossing to be done effectively, hence plaque accumulates and the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease increases.

• Overbite:

  ue to hereditary reasons or misalignment in the jaw, the upper front teeth protrudes much further than the lower teeth. This increases the risk of trauma to the front teeth.

• Underbite:

  when the lower teeth or jaw protrudes in front of the upper teeth, it causes an imbalanced facial appearance and the child may experience difficulty in biting and chewing.

• Openbite:

  when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch, it may result in difficulty in biting and hinder speech. This can be caused by digit-sucking habits or imbalance of growth of the facial skeleton.

• Crossbite:

  when the upper tooth is behind the lower opposing tooth, it may damage both teeth and gums and can promote asymmetric jaw growth.

It is recommended that you bring your child to an orthodontist for a thorough examination in order to know if any orthodontic treatment is required.

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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.

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

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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.

It’s All About Innovation These Days

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

The quest towards fostering innovation and implementing technological solutions has endeared an ever-growing number of institutions of higher education across the globe, including McGill University. The trend has led to efforts ranging from university start-up competitions, to awards supporting innovative projects, to collaborative think tanks. At McGill however, most of these efforts have been conceived and deployed by members of university faculty. The resulting generation gap hinders them in understanding the true needs of McGill’s student body. Furthermore due to administrative reasons and convenience, universities still adopt a top-down approach when it comes to identifying and integrating potentially innovative solutions for the student body. This leads to a slow implementation process, possible outdated solutions, and poor student adoption rates.

“The amount of useless and out of date applications for McGill students is substantial” a McGill student quotes. Thus, while this means the conception and development of innovative solutions should stem from the student body, such ad-hoc initiatives do not possess the administrative, financial, and technological resources that current top-down organizations possess. It is the reason why countless useful and innovative solutions attempted by student initiated project groups fail.

The Memory Project

CIS Secondary School Visual Arts students recently participated in a global initiative called the Memory Project to help make a small change in the lives of less fortunate children in Colombia.

The Memory Project invites art teachers and their students to create portraits of children that face neglect, abuse, loss of parents, violence, or extreme poverty. The aim is to help these children through the creation of their portraits, to feel valued and important, and to know that many people care about their well being. For the art students, the initiative offers them a great opportunity to creatively practice kindness and global awareness.

CIS visual arts students were connected with a school in a remote village in Colombia. We received 25 photos of their 4 year-old students and every Wednesday, over the course of 9 weeks, reproduced these photos through drawings and paintings. Once all the portraits were complete, we then mailed them to the Memory Project's head office in Chicago. From there, they were shipped to the
school where volunteers from a local university dressed up as superheroes and hand-delivered the portraits to each student.

Watching a video of the children's happiness when they received their portraits was very rewarding. Our students were thrilled that their simple gesture which they had lots of fun doing, was able to touch the children's lives and make them feel so special. The reaction also inspired them (and their peers!) to participate in several other service-led activities in Singapore and globally. We look forward to telling you about these in the next edition!

Penang – Malaysia

By Gemma Dean, teacher at CIS

Penang is a small island off the North coast of Malaysia. A hop, skip and jump away from Singapore and a perfect place to get away for the weekend. This was the first family vacation with our baby and we were excited to explore Penang. We were booked in for a one night stay at the beautiful Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O) situated in Georgetown, a UNSECO World Heritage Site. This hotel is a unique, historical building which is in keeping with the surrounding area and traditions. On arrival we were greeted by helpful, friendly staff, fresh cool lemon grass scented towels and a delicious cocktail. The hotel upgraded our room as it was our first family vacation. We explored the facilities of the hotel and found a relaxing pool area and quaint traditional English style pub bar, serving delicious drinks and yummy food to match. There is plenty to check out in the surrounding area, including street art, local markets and a variety of architecture. 
 
The remainder of our getaway was spent at the E&O sister resort Lone Pines situated at Batu Ferringhi beach. We received the same treatment as the E&O hotel on arrival with friendly staff and cocktails. The hotel was situated on the beach with magnificent views and many watersports to choose from. There is a night market right outside the hotel which stretches along the street starting around 7pm, which my husband explored one night, this was not a place to try and navigate the stroller through. Penang was quite easy to get around with a baby and the people were extremely friendly and helpful. We all felt very relaxed after our mini break away to Penang, well worth the visit.