Caring For Our Community: Raising $1,300 For Aware

All students studying the IBDP at CIS are required to complete a CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) project. The objective of the project is to enable students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience.

One recently celebrated project was grade 12 student Nia raising money and awareness for the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) - a gender equality advocacy group in Singapore that supports victims of all forms of sexual violence.

Nia selected AWARE as as it is an amazing non-profit organisation that aligns to her vision and motivations. After discussing the range of fund-raising options with AWARE and Ms Rebecca Hosick (her IB CAS coordinator), Nia decided to design a t-shirt that her peers could purchase. By having everyone wear this shirt on campus, students demonstrated that as a community, we stand behind AWARE and their stand against sexual violence.

“This wasn’t about having them (students) wear a t-shirt for a day. I wanted to do something that would bring people together and discuss a very serious issue. So I got in touch with AWARE and asked them to send a representative to CIS to share what the organisation does, and how they utilise the funds we raised,” explained Nia.

Nia’s incredible efforts raised $1,300 for AWARE. We are extremely proud of her achievement and also definitely more AWARE of sexual violence and the need for zero tolerance.

Ask the Dentist: Bad Breath

Q: What treatment is available for bad breath?

A: Halitosis, which is commonly known as bad breath, is caused by various reasons. In order to treat it, we must first identify the main cause.

Temporary bad breath is generally caused by lifestyle habits such as food and drinks consumption and can be controlled by watching your diet, in addition to proper oral hygiene routines.

On the other hand, persistent bad breath has a wider range of contributing factors such as:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Periodontal or gum disease
• Localized dental problems such as infection, cracked fillings or dentures
• Dry mouth condition (xerostomia) due to hormonal changes or medication
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, digestive issues, ear or nose infections or some types of cancer

If it is due to the first three factors, dental procedures such as professional scaling & polishing, periodontal scaling, fixing of cracked fillings or cleaning of dentures would be required. For xerostomia, treatment that focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing cavities would be done.

In order to determine the appropriate treatment, you are recommended to visit your dentist or Periodontist (gum specialist) so that he/she can conduct a thorough examination of your dental condition.

Dr Helena Lee is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group^®, Singapore. She received her specialty training from the University of London. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore and member of Society of Periodontology, Singapore. Dr Lee has a special interest in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease, gingival plastic surgery, soft and hard tissue grafting and dental implants. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com | 6733 7883

Almond Apricot Teacake

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 170g butter at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2½ cups chopped apricots
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

Here’s what to do:

1. Preheat pen to 180˚C. Grease and line a 9” cake tin.
2. In a bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add eggs, one at a time, while mixer is running. Finally, add the vanilla extract.
4. Add in flour mixture, one cup at a time.
5. Divide the dough into 2 portions. Press one into the cake pan. Spread apricot slices over the pressed dough. Break the rest of the dough into rough chunks and drop over the fruit. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and some extra sugar.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes before slicing.

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10% off Basic, Intermediate and Baking Helper Cooking Courses & Focus Classes. Quote CAS10

when booking.

Fit Bit: Cardio & Isometric Toning

By Jessica Gan

Last month we talked about how spot targeting, more specifically, keep doing exercises targeting at the tummy area, may not necessarily burn fat there.

Although spot fat reduction is most likely to be ineffective at burning fat in specific body parts, targeting troublesome areas by toning the underlying muscle can have beneficial results.

While you can’t necessarily choose where to lose the fats, you can choose where you want to look more toned.

Example of a “non-spot reduction tummy” moves include:

• Cardio - Tummy Tone
• Stand staggered
• Back foot slightly pointed 
• Lean fwd to an incline
• Bring knee to chest
• Cardio amrap 1 minute each

Important: Keep knees soft

Isometric - Tummy & Legs Tone

• Lean back against wall
• 90 degrees legs to floor
• 1 minute

Important: No Gap. Legs 90 degrees

Wall sit looks like a leg exercise but it also engages the core when you hold the isometric position long enough.

But first, remember to do warm up and definitely include some HiiT cardio moves in combination of the toning exercises.  Finally, do  maintain a healthy diet throughout the summer. I know it is hard but it is worth it!

Have a great summer and see you in good shape when you are back!

Disclaimer: Always check with your medical professional prior to new exercise regime.

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