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Wednesday, April 24, 2024
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School Holiday Kids’ Adventure Activities

  • BY LAND

KF1 Karting Circuit
1 Turf Club Avenue
kf1karting.com
Great for true racing fans, KF1’s track was designed by a renowned F1 track designer and features the only dual directional track in the world. The track alternates between novice, advanced and professional kart races. When my son and I showed up for our session, the pros were having a go and we got a vicarious thrill as they zoomed by at speeds of up to 100kph. Our more sedate novice karts reached 30kph, which still provided plenty of torque on hairpin turns. We left humbled by the demands of the sport and eager for another race. Good for older tweens and teens as drivers must be at least 140cm tall. Sessions start at $35.

The Karting Arena
200 Turf Club Road 01-01B
thekartingarena.com
This carting circuit uses electric go-karts. They’re easier to handle with a faster acceleration, allowing younger drivers to experience a taste of racing. Simulators let young drivers get a few practice rounds before heading out on the track. You can race other drivers or focus on your personal best. Ages 9 and up. Sessions start at $40.

Skyline Luge Sentosa
45 Siloso Beach Walk
skylineluge.com
This award-winning attraction is perfect for a family outing. Riding the low-slung luge carts, with handle bar controlled braking, is safe enough for children six and older but was loads of fun (even for my jaded teenager). Skyline Luge’s motto is “once is never enough” which was certainly true for my family. Three Luge rides are $27, though family discounts bring the cost average down.

  • BY SEA

Changi Sailing Club
32 Netheravon Road
csc.org.sg
If your speed demon is more interested in water than land, why not introduce them to sailing? The Changi Sailing Club offers a four-day program (held over two weekends) that teaches kids 7-13 the basics of sailing, including knots, capsize recovery, rigging and basic boat handling on Optimist sailing dinghies, affectionately known as “bathtubs”. Your sailor will receive an Opti-Junior Certification at the end of the course. $256.80 for members $363.80 for non-members.

RHIB Boat Rides
2 Keppel Bay Marina Vista at Keppel Bay
Book through klook.com/en-SG or theyachtclub.sg/rhib-adventure-boat-rides
If water adventures are your jam, but you’d prefer someone captained the boat at fast speed, then a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) ride might be just the thing. You can explore the southern islands in these “military-style” boats, cruise by Labrador park or get a unique view of the big guns and canons of Sentosa. Fast, yet stable, RHIB rides start at $70.

Wild Wild Wet
1 Pasir Ris Close
wildwildwet.com
For water adventures without a boat, why not try Wild Wild Wet? With rides that range from mild to extreme, this water park was rated Top 5 in Asia. For the thrill seekers in your family, be sure to check out the Torpedo, a 6-story free fall that propels you to speeds of up to 70kmh with hair-raising twists and turns. $24 for a day pass.

  • BY AIR

Mega Adventure
10A Silso Beach Walk
sg.megaadventure.com
If not by land or by sea, what about air? Let your kids fly on the longest zip-line on the island and reach speeds of up to 60kph. Mega Adventure has a zip line, ropes course and bungy trampolines. The minimum weight to ride solo is 30kg, but children lighter than 30kg can ride tandem with an adult. From $55.

Forest Adventure
Bedok Reservoir
forestadventure.com.sg
Forest Adventure is a multi-level ropes course set on the banks of the Bedok Reservoir. Riding the Big Zip, a 300-metre zip line over the water, comes with every ropes course purchase, but can also be purchased separately. The ropes courses have age and height restrictions, with the Kids Course designed for ages 5-9, the Junior Course for kids 10-14, and the Grand Course for anyone 1.45m or taller. $25 for the Big Zip, or $39.50 for Kid’s Course (includes Big Zip).

iFly Singapore
43 Siloso Beach Walk 01-01
iflysingapore.com
iFly mimics the experience of falling from 12,000 to 3,000 feet. The experience will take about 1.5 hours, which includes a briefing, suiting up in a flight suit, and training. For ages seven and up and all ability levels. From $66.

Bungy
30 Siloso Beach
ajhackett.com/sentosa/
For those truly ready to push their personal limits, test your mettle on Sentosa’s AJ Hackett 47-metre bungy jump platform. With nothing between you and the ground except the bungy cord between your legs, find out if you have what it takes to fling yourself into thin air. Jumpers must weigh at least 40kg and those under 18 will need parental consent. From $88.

 

Check out other fun kids activities!

One-Pot Roast Chicken

Serves 6

This quick-and-easy, one-pot wonder is featured in chef Roshini Dharmapala’s Sunday Roast cooking class. She transforms the juices from the cooked chicken into a delicious gravy at the end. This dish always hits the spot!

INGREDIENTS

1 large chicken, about 1.8 kg

Salt, as needed

Ground black pepper, as needed

1 lemon, cut into halves

50g butter, softened

2 tsp dried mixed herbs

750g potatoes,

peeled and cut into quarters

500g carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

2 tbsp olive oil

300ml chicken stock

1 tsp yeast extract (Marmite)

100g green peas

 METHOD

Preheat the oven to 220ºC (425°F).

Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season well with salt and pepper. Place the lemon halves into the cavity of the chicken and rub the butter and dried mixed herbs all over the skin. Place in a roasting pan. Place the potatoes and carrots around the chicken and drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables.

Roast for 45–60 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Check by piercing the thigh with the tip of a sharp knife. The juices should run clear. Alternatively, a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 76°C (170°F).

Transfer the chicken to a cooling rack and cover it loosely with a sheet of aluminium foil. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes. In the meantime, pour the chicken stock and yeast extract into the roasting pan with the roasted vegetables and return to the oven to roast for another 10 minutes.

Remove the roasting pan from the oven and add the green peas. Stir to mix and heat the peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the roast chicken.

Reprinted with permission from COOK: Food to Share ($40), available through bakerandcook.biz/collections/cookbooks

 

 

 

Spotlight On: ANZA Click Photography

Love taking photos? Join the ANZA Click Photography group and learn from a community of like-minded snappers. This social and friendly group is great for beginners, amateur enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in photography.

The group welcomes new photographers, regardless of experience or equipment and many members use their camera phone. Gain access to constructive feedback, plus tips and techniques to improve your photography skills and produce beautiful shots.

Click members share their images in their closed Facebook group and in the pages of ANZA magazine. They also host regular photography project themes and head out on photo walks around Singapore’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Lately they have explored Black & White heritage houses in Seletar, ventured into the wetlands, captured the modern sculptures and architecture of Marina Bay, the colour of Chinatown, and more.

Here’s a small sample of the beautiful images the group has captured recently! 

Photo: Karen Green
Photo: Karen Green
Photo: Quett Lai
Photo: Quett Lai
Photo: Quett Lai
Photo: Nancy Paddison
Photo: Nancy Paddison
Photo: Thim Yee
Photo: Thim Yee
Photo: Quett Lai
Photo: Quett Lai

Skin Cancer Protection in Singapore

As most of us are likely to be hanging around Singapore for the mid-year break, it’s a good time to draw attention to the important of skin cancer awareness.

I completed my medical training in Australia, so it was of upmost importance for a GP to be fully attentive to changes in moles and skin cancer. Two thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. In Singapore, skin cancer ranks 6th most common cancer and is increasing in frequency.

The Rise of Tanning

In the 1920s, Coco Chanel introduced the now alarming concept of “healthy tanning”. Various tanning oils were used during the golden age of the tan in the 60s-80’s, leading to the Bridget Bardot South of France golden tan look. Since then, unfortunately we have seen a five time increase of melanoma – a sun related skin cancer derived from moles. Many Australians got on board with the risks of skin cancer early with the effective ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ ad campaigns – but it is worth noting that repeated exposure to UV rays is still considered the most important risk factor in developing skin cancer.

In Singapore, we live near the equator, which puts the sun directly overhead for most of the year. The UV Index is an international standard of measurement of the level of UV radiation. It ranges from 0 to 11+ (low to extreme). In Singapore we average around  6 to 9 on the UV Index. It has been known to reach ‘extreme’ levels at 15.

Risks and types of skin cancer

Skin cancer risks are determined by your skin type (the fairer you are, the higher the risk), family history, the number of moles you have (unfortunately the more moles, the higher the risk) and the degree of sun exposure throughout your life.

Over 80% of skin cancers are considered preventable by reducing UV radiation exposure. Melanomas can spread quickly and are responsible for up to 90% of skin cancer dealths.  The positive news is that if detected and treated early, they have a 95% survival rate at 5 years.

Other common skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

Some types of SCCs can arise from Human Papillomavirus infection and genital warts. Some chronic skin conditions can develop into a non-melanoma skin cancer (lichen sclerosus, lupus, tuberculosis).

What can you do to protect yourself?

  • Quit smoking – smoking is a risk factor for SCCs
  • Minimise ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and tanning beds
  • Ensure you have adequate sun protection before your outdoor activities
  • Choose a sunscreen that is broad spectrum – anti UVA and anti UVB
  • The SPF index depends on your skin type. The fairer you are, the higher the SPF index but it is not necessary to choose an SPF over 50. Well applied SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB versus 99% with SPF 100.
  • Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out
  • Always apply sunscreen before any insect repellent
  • Watch for changes in your moles or skin texture that do not seem to heal well – potential skin cancer can present as a progressive lump, nodule, ulcer and may bleed
  • Pay particularly attention to moles or skin lesions that are difficult to see – back of legs, back, between toes, behind ears, scalp
  • Have regular skin checks with a trained professional. Depending on your risk factors, skin checks can be as often as every three months!
  • Check your vitamin D levels. A low vitamin D level has been shown to increase your risk of skin cancer.
  • Consider getting the full HPV vaccine series

When caught and treated early, skin cancers are highly curable. In the early stages of skin cancer development, you’re the one with the best chance to spot changes…but remember you cannot see all your skin (when was the last time you saw the tops of your ears or upper back?)! Please check your skin and if you have any concerns and do visit your GP who can quickly assess all your skin.

Dr Valerie Druon is a French speaking Australian family physician who has been caring for the international community of Singapore for over 9 years. In addition to her General Practice medical degrees she also holds a Graduate Diploma of Family Practice Dermatology.

Osler Health International
Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green,
# B1-27, The Star Vista, 138617

www.osler-health.com

 

Review: The Brewing Ground

The Brewing Ground

#01-24, The Yards,406 Joo Chiat Pl, 428084

thebrewingground.sg

Looking for a bright, friendly café with excellent coffee and a solid brunch menu? Leading the charge of new east side F&B openings, The Brewing Ground offers outdoor seating and a leafy setting in The Yards – the site of the old Telok Kurau Primary School, which is now home to arts, dance and fitness studios. This tranquil hideaway also features a beautiful heritage kapok tree. On my first visit I order the generous granola bowl ($12) with fresh fruits and berries, thick Greek yogurt, nuts and a drizzle of honey. On the second, the Burrata and Tomato Tartine calls my name – toasted sourdough piled with marinated cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, almond flakes, basil and balsamic glaze. On my third and most recent visit, it was time to try the perfectly cooked scrambled eggs and sourdough, with a side of whole avocado and thick cut maple bacon. Seriously yummy.
For those looking for lunch options, the café also serves more substantial mains like the wagyu beef cheeseburger ($25), crabmeat tagliatelle ($26) and fish and chips ($22) and befitting its name, a handful of creative cocktails and craft beers.

VERDICT: A lovely quiet spot for easties looking to get a coffee and brunch fix.

** You can get your Brewing fix via self-collection/takeaway and islandwide delivery via Deliveroo, Air Asia food and Oddle. All items are available everyday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Visit https://thebrewingground.sg/delivery for more information.

Choosing Maid Insurance in Singapore

  •  Sponsored Content 

Looking to hire a helper in Singapore? You’ll need to secure a maid insurance plan for your Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) to meet the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements. For timely COVID-19 coverage, however, you’ll have to complement the basic plan with a top-up health insurance plan. The experts at Pacific Prime Singapore offer tips on choosing the right maid insurance in Singapore.

What is maid insurance in Singapore?

Maid insurance protects you from unexpected expenses related to your helper’s work and non-work-related accidents. You can secure maid insurance in Singapore through maid agencies, insurers, and agents/brokers.

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements

Maid insurance is mandatory in Singapore, which offers the below coverage:

  • SGD $60,000 per year for personal accident coverage.
  • SGD $15,000 per year for hospitalisation coverage, covering inpatient care, day surgery expenses, and other medical expenses sustained by your FDW’s accident.

If your maid isn’t a Malaysian citizen, you must also buy a SGD $5,000 security bond, which is available at any bank or insurance company.

How much does maid insurance cost?

The cost of maid insurance in Singapore is based on the duration of the policy. You have a choice between a 14-month and a 26-month insurance term policy. Expect to pay between SGD $180 to SGD $360 for a 14-month plan, and SGD $230 to SGD $460 for a 26-month plan. Naturally, this price will also fluctuate depending on your insurer and any additional benefits you add to the plan.

What do the maid health insurance plans cover and exclude?

See below for a few examples of common inclusions and exclusions found in maid insurance. For more details and tips, check out this useful guide to finding maid insurance in Singapore.

Coverage

  • Emergency, surgical, or hospitalisation expenses.
  • Third-party liabilities caused by the maid.
  • Theft that is perpetrated by your maid.

Exclusions

  • Outpatient care. This is any medical consultation and/or treatment that doesn’t require overnight hospitalisation.
  • Pre-existing health conditions. This is any medical condition the maid has before you secured the maid insurance plan.

Secure health insurance in Singapore today! Our friends at Pacific Prime Singapore are happy to help you compare plans to find one that best balances your needs and budget. Get a free quote now with their online quotation tool. For personalised advice, speak to their team of insurance experts.

AFL Update

Whether you’re a seasoned player or have never touched a football in your life, everyone is welcome to play Aussie Rules Football with the ANZA Wombats and Wombettes AFL teams.

The usual doldrums of pre-season running and half-hearted attempts at dieting and drinking less have now been replaced by actual footy, and the guys and girls couldn’t be happier!


Before we got to kicking footies, the club participated in a 6-week pre-season campaign that included body analysis scans from our network of F45 sponsor gyms (Aljunied, Amoy Street, River Valley, Siglap and Tiong Bahru), boxing with Spartans Boxing Club, running time trials, a 100km cycle around Sentosa and even a trip to an indoor Ninja obstacle course.


While there are no matches on the horizon with the current COVID-19 restrictions, training is in full-swing to keep up the fitness and the competitive and social aspects that make a footy club great.


At the time of writing, we’re limited to groups of 5, but contact is permitted. This allows for bigger and better drills and more competitive action within groups – the opportunity to tackle being perhaps the only way certain Bats and Bettes get near the footy…


For now, we encourage everyone to come down for a kick, do some fitness work, and get to know the players. It’s a great culture to be around, and whether you’re elite, beginner or somewhere in between, you’ll get a lot out of it.

TRAINING DETAILS:
To sign up for the ANZA Singapore Wombats or Wombettes, go to anza.org.sg/sports/wombats-afl, email info@anza.org.sg or whatsapp Ben via 83504798.

Best Dining in Deals!

 

1-At-Home

1-Group, the crew behind Wildseed, Monti, Botanico, Chopsuey, 1-V:U, and more, have set up 1-At-Home, featuring a luscious array of dine-in options. Go fancy with signature dining, order up bartender curated cocktails, enjoy brunch in bed, dinner party packs, chef-curated noshboxes and meal bundles, or boost your afternoon cuppa with yummy pâtisserie boxes of brownies and other bakes. https://www.1-at-home.com/

 

Experience fine dining at home with Restaurant JAG

There’s no need to give up fine dining while you’re spending more time at home. Chef Jeremy Gillon and Anant from Michelin star French eatery, Restaurant JAG are once again offering a special takeaway and delivery menu. The menu changes weekly, but for $160 you can expect an exquisite six-course degustation menu and a curated wine list. Email Anant at anant@restaurantjag.com or WhatsApp him at 98792307  to place your order.

 

CARNE Singapore

CARNE Singapore, is the first international outpost of three Michelin star chef Mauro Colagreco’s innovative Argentine burger chain. During Phase 2, Carne is offering their range of burgers, milkshakes, and new range of family sized combo feasts, with free islandwide delivery. They’re also offering 15% off self-collection if you quote: PICKUP15. https://carneburgers.oddle.me/en_SG/?mc_cid=1d56d070d6&mc_eid=1db1955b07

Feel like drinking? We hear you. Boutique bottle-o Temple Cellars is offering 24/7 delivery until June 13. Get your hands on their craft selection of beers, ciders, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages at any time of the day, as long as you fulfil minimum delivery order. Shop their range online at www.templecellars.com

 

Say cheers with Kingdom of Belgian’s take home offerings

Enjoy hearty European flavours from the comfort of your home with Kingdom of Belgian’s (KOB) newest takeaway menu. A selection of dishes ranges from the traditional Boulet Liegeois, to Sausage and Stoemp, Beef Lasagna and marinated meats, alongside desserts like the famous Liege Waffle. Pair with KOB’s excellent selection of Belgian beers. For takeaway orders, please contact +65 6634 0500 and check out the menu at https://www.kob.com.sg/

 

The Old Man Singapore home editions

Fans of The Old Man Singapore can continue to enjoy the bar’s award-winning cocktails while they stay home and stay safe. As an added bonus, loyal customers will be rewarded with a round of cocktails on the house when they bring their bottles back to the bar once business resumes. For more information and the full menu, please visit and place your orders via https://www.theoldmansg.com/takeaway-menus or call The Old Man at +65 6909 5505

 

Pasta Bar’s ready-to-cook Pasta Kits

Love handmade, artisan pasta? Keong Saik’s Pasta Bar is offering their full menu for island-wide delivery, and a return to their popular ready-to-cook Pasta Kits. From antipasti to desserts, enjoy the full and authentic Italian experience without leaving your home. Enjoy 15% off on your first order with a minimum order of $50 with the discount code: LOVEPASTA https://pastabar.oddle.me/en_SG

 

Spotlight On: ANZA Scouts

ANZA Scouts are all about fun, adventure and learning. This dynamic scouting program  encourages boys and girls aged 5-18 to learn new skills, explore Singapore’s great outdoors and develop confidence and leadership qualities. The ANZA Scout group is affiliated with the Singapore Scouts Association and Scouts Australia. The programs are run by enthusiastic parent volunteers and children are grouped into Venturers (15-18), Scouts (11-14), Cubs (7-10) and Joeys (5-7).

In April, the ANZA Scouts enjoyed a full-day camp out. Venturers, Scouts, Cubs and Joeys spent the day at Sarimbun Scout Camp pitching tents, constructing shelters, building bonfires, cooking and learning lots of other important life skills from their Scout leaders. These enjoyable, challenging activities give Scouts the opportunity to make new friends, work with others, and develop independence.

Other activities the ANZA Scouts have done over the past year including cooking, beach clean ups, bowling, park exploration, visits to nature reserves and more.

Scouts has also remained active online during CB and Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) with activities like Making a Mini Planetarium, Baking and Step Challenges.

Find out more at anza.org.sg/groups/scouts

All Your Vaccine Questions Answered

Why are fully vaccinated people still getting COVID-19?

While the vaccine provides protection from COVID-19, it is still not 100%. The efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine is 95% and Moderna 94%. That means it is still possible to contract COVID-19 after completing both vaccinations.

While it’s easy to panic when we hear people contracting Covid after vaccinations, it’s important to remember that infection rates post-vaccine are compatible with vaccine efficacy and are to be expected.

In one study conducted by the Centre for Disease control in America, researchers analysed infections in 78 Chicago nursing homes with nearly 15,000 vaccinated residents and staff. They found 22 infections in fully vaccinated individuals. Fourteen were asymptomatic and five had only mild symptoms.

Will we need a top-up?

A potential long-term solution to variants could be to have booster shots against COVID-19 every few years, to increase immunity against the disease.

Are there vaccines which will cover new strains?

At present there are no vaccines that cover against the variants, as clinical trials are continuing. Variants are not always a negative thing – many viruses mutate to adapt to the host, and they can become more transmissible, but less potent. Hopefully COVID-19 will behave like almost all other viruses.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that if any of the current vaccines prove to be less effective against one or more variants, it is possible to change the composition of the vaccines to protect against these variants.

Remember: prior vaccinated or infected persons will be protected to a considerable extent against variants.

Does getting the vaccine mean I won’t get very sick if I catch Covid?

Studies published by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in America in mid-April show that when infections do occur, symptoms tend to be non-existent or mild. Also, vaccinated individuals who become infected have lower viral loads than unvaccinated people – this means they are less likely to transmit the virus. As the WHO says: “We are all safe only if everyone is safe”.

Will I need a vaccine to travel or attend large scale events?

While some countries, such as Israel have adopted this a “green light” vaccine passport to attend events such as concerts, Singapore has yet to announce any similar measures. However, you may have noticed that the Trace Together app now records your vaccination status.

Vaccine Passport initiatives vary from country to country. The US has no plans for a national vaccine passport but recently annouced that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. The European Union is developing a digital green certificate that would enable it’s vaccinated citizens or those recently recovered from COVID-19 to travel freely among its nations.

The International Air Travel Association, advocating for about 290 airlines worldwide, is testing its IATA Travel Pass app. This shows vaccination status and COVID-19 results. In April, Etihad Airways was the first airline to trial the app. At stage there is no worldwide travel passport.

What’s the difference between Moderna and Pfizer?

The two vaccines currently in use in Singapore are both developed using new mRNA technology which injects snippets of COVID-19’s genetic material (not the whole virus) into the human body to create an immune response. mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell and therefore does not affect our DNA.

The vaccines differ in efficacy – Moderna at 94% and Pfizer at 95%. Moderna can be stored at a lower temperature for a longer period of time and is approved for 16 years old and up while Pfizer is approved for 18 years and up. They both require two doses: Pfizer is 21 days apart and Moderna is 28 days apart.

Both have the same side effects. These vary – some report no side effects, while others experience chills, headache, pain, fatigue and/or redness at injection site, all of which generally resolve within a day or two of rest and with medication like Panadol. Keep hydrated and rest is our advice.

What’s the story in Australia and NZ?

New Zealand started their vaccination schedule in March and aim to complete by the third quarter of 2021. So far, New Zealand is on track with its predicted rollout and as of the 27 April just over 230,000 people have been vaccinated. Australia has not been so successful; they have revised their vaccination timeline twice and at the current daily vaccination dose it will take 30 months to administer the required 45m doses. They have currently administered 3.2 million doses.

What stage are Singapore at in its vaccine program?

Singapore’s vaccination program has been hailed as efficient and well organised. As of 18 May 1,852,684 have been given a first dose, 1,284,646 are fully vaccinated and 3,137,330 doses have been given. The 40-44 age group have been called up and the Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said in Parliament in April: “If all goes well, we will complete the vaccination programme as scheduled by the end of the year.”

The interval between the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be extended to between six and eight weeks, up from the current three to four weeks – meaning more people will be able to get protection from the first dose.

What about kids?

In Singapore, the Pfizer vaccine has been authorised by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to be used for children between 12 and 15 years old, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on 18 May.

Is it worth signing up if it is not your age group?

Yes! This information is valuable for the government to plan their vaccination rollout. Sign up at vaccine.gov.sg

Check in with the team at IMC at imc-healthcare.com

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