Project Dignity

Actively participating in meaningful activities with local, regional and global communities, is an integral part of a student’s education at Canadian International School. Through classroom investigations, community partnerships, and other service and leadership opportunities, our students develop a sense of empathy and learn the importance of giving back.

With this purpose in mind, our MYP design students recently participated in a project to design a set of stylish clothing protectors that elderly residents at St Luke’s Eldercare Centre would be happy to wear during mealtimes. Maintaining dignity and autonomy is something we often take for granted, but it can be a challenge for the elderly. Even something as simple as a clothing protector worn during mealtimes can represent a loss of dignity because it looks too “institutionalised”......

Students conducted research to understand clothing protectors across a range of markets, with a particular focus on those that were used in hotpot restaurants. They tested different fabrics to find options that were both water and stain-resistant. Many students had no prior experience working with textiles or using a sewing machine, so the project really pushed them to develop some new skills and understandings.

The collaboration was also a perfect opportunity for our design students to put the skills they’d acquired to practical use. They were encouraged to develop design thinking and to understand how to approach problems from a troubleshooting / exploratory perspective.

After the project was completed, students hosted an exhibition and invited Mr Edwin Lim from St Luke’s Eldercare Centre to view their creative solutions and provide his feedback. The response was really positive. St Luke’s residents mealtimes can now be a stylish affair for all to enjoy!

What are the possible causes of sensitive teeth?

Tooth sensitivity is a brief sensation of sharp pain experienced when the dentinal layer of a tooth is exposed to stimuli; typically thermal in nature.

Dentin is the yellowish layer found beneath the outermost white and hard enamel.

When the protective enamel layer is lost or when gum recedes, stimuli such as hot, cold, sticky or acidic food comes into contact with the inner layers of the tooth and a signal is sent to the nerves inside the tooth. This in turn sends a signal to the brain and pain is felt.

These are some of the conditions that might cause tooth sensitivity (most of them involve the loss of the protective layer and cause exposure of the inner layer).

• Tooth decay (cavities) and worn fillings

• Cracked tooth

• Gum disease and receding gums

• Worn tooth enamel

• Recent dental work

• Post teeth whitening procedure

With so many possible causes of tooth sensitivity, it is best to consult your dental specialist/dentist to identify the root cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be proposed. Depending on the cause, your dental specialist/dentist may suggest treatments such as:

• Root canal treatment

• Filling or crown

• Gum treatment and gum graft

• Use of desensitising toothpaste

• Use of fluoride gel

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

Gingerbread Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 75g butter
• 3 ½ tbsp golden syrup
• 60g soft light brown sugar
• 175g plain flour
• ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger

Here's what to do:

1. Add butter, golden syrup and light brown sugar to a pan. Stir on a low heat until sugar has dissolved.
2. Add flour, bicarbonate of soda and ginger to a mixing bowl then stir together. Make a well in the centre and pour in the sugar and butter mixture.
3. Stir together to form a dough (or use your hands).
4. Wrap in cling film and let chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Lay the dough between two sheets of baking parchment. Press dough lightly with a rolling pin. Give a quarter turn than repeat.
6. Give it a final quarter turn, then start to roll backwards and forwards, giving regular quarter turns. Until dough is roughly thickness of a $1 coin.
7. Using a biscuit cutter to cut out the shapes.
8. Bake at 190°C for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
9. The biscuits won't be firm but will harden when left to cool outside the oven.
10. Decorate with piped icing (optional).

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FitBit: How To Workout Whilst Working At The Office

By Jessica Gan

Do you work in an office and struggle to squeeze in exercises throughout the week?

Here are some “Deskercises” you can perform at the office desk to beat a sedentary work life.

Other tips that appear simple but often we do not do them:

• Whilst sitting at the desk, remove the contents in your pocket. The imbalance in shape can cause your spine to lean into one direction, subconsciously. You may be surprised to find your posture improve from this small change.
• Most offices have a nursing room. If required, ask HR for permission to use the room to do short exercises if you really cannot do the obvious ones at the desk.
• To relieve tension in the shoulders, do a shrug and bring your shoulders to the ears. Hold for 5 seconds and release. (Just make sure you do not do this in front of your boss when he/she asks you for your work KPIs!)

Enjoy!

More tips email Jessica at jessica.gan@alumni.utoronto.ca