To celebrate Earth Month our wonderful ANZA Action team have been hard at work making a difference. Below are some interesting facts and top tips to keep us all on track. To keep up-to-date with ANZA Action’s Earth Month activities head to their Facebook page here.
Masking Up During COVID
Use reusable masks when safe to do so and dispose of used masks thoroughly and thoughtfully. Masks have overtaken plastic bags to become one of the most common types of litter blighting our streets and parks, if left discarded they will quickly reach our oceans having a huge impact on sea life.
Did you know that more than 100 million single-use surgical masks are thrown away each week?
Do a clean up of your local area.
We all know the beaches need our help, but what about your local area? Singapore employs around 58,000 people to clean up after us each day.
Why don’t you walk around your neighbourhood or local park and clean up the rubbish you see there? Prevent the rubbish from ending up in our waterways, help our local wildlife and also save those cleaners some hard work.
This is something you can do with limited equipment and effort. But if you feel too self-conscious (plenty of us do), then join the group One Planet (Singapore), set up by ANZA member, Georgia Mor, who organises regular clean ups around town.
When we work together, we can create a truly clean and litter-free Singapore.
Return your trays!
We all love a good hawker meal, but do you return your food trays when you are finished?
Returning your trays and used crockery, wipes and tissues to tray return stations helps to promote better hygiene and cleanliness in hawker centres. It will help keep pests away and also reduce the transmission of disease.
Celebrate world water day!
World water day was on March 22nd. And while it is hard to believe on some days, water is a scarce resource in Singapore.
To help the public translate knowledge to practice, PUB (Singapore’s National Water Agency) has rebranded its water-saving tips under the mnemonic W-A-T-E-R.
WASH clothes on full load
ALWAYS use half-flush when possible
TURN off shower when soaping
ENSURE the tap is off when brushing teeth
RINSE vegetables in a container
What are you doing to protect this vital resource?
ANZA Action is ANZA’s community affairs arm. We support charities in Singapore, through various fundraising and volunteering activities. It’s a way to give back to our adopted home and integrate into the local community. Find out more here.
We are all keen to visit our loved ones back in Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, the recent talk about Singapore and Australia opening a travel bubble in the middle of the year is welcome news. We asked Dr Valerie Druon, from Osler Health International, to help explain what is currently required before stepping onto the airplane.
1. What is the current Pre-Departure Testing (PDT) process?
Travellers entering Australia and New Zealand are required to provide evidence of a negative Covid 19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result to the airline at the time of check-in at the departure point.
Travellers need to complete the Australian Travel Declaration 72 hours before departure to Australia.
You will need to check with the Australian High Commission for any other mandatory travel declarations, valid visas and probable permission requirement to enter Australian States and Territories.
2. How long before I fly to Australia/ New Zealand do I need to get the tests done?
The Covid-19 PCR test must be taken within 72 hours from the scheduled departure time.
3. How do I share my COVID-19 test results with authorities?
All departing travelers having their PCR Pre-Departure Testing (PDT) in Singapore will receive a digital health certificate. They then need to authenticate and endorse the digital test certificate via https://www.notarise.gov.sg before travel. This ensures that the result and certificate is issued and authenticated by the Ministry of Health (i.e. it is issued by an approved clinic/lab and has not been tampered with).
The notarised digital PDT certificate is then ready for airline check-in and immigration authorities. It sounds a little laborious – but the systems are in place to make this process smooth!
4. How is the COVID-19 test undertaken?
The Covid 19 PCR test is a nasopharyngeal swab test. A trained professional like a nurse or a doctor will take a swab sample usually from the nose and/or throat of the traveller.
5. What will a ‘safe travel bubble’ mean? Do we still need to do a PDT?
A safe travel bubble means that an agreement is in place with another country like Singapore to travel to Australia/NZ provided the traveller has not been in a COVID-19 outbreak location in the last 14 days. Although both Australia and Singapore are currently discussing the possibility of a safe travel bubble, a PDT will still be needed.
6. Do I still need to undertake a PDT if I am vaccinated?
Yes, you will still need a PDT even if you receive the full Covid -19 vaccination. This is because whilst there is evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing symptomatic disease, the vaccinations are not 100% full proof and the extent of their ability in preventing transmission of the infection to others is still being studied.
7. Will children receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
To date, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is recommended for people over the age of 16 years. The Moderna vaccine will be recommended for people over the age of 18 until further safety data becomes available for these subgroups.
8. Do children need to have a PDT? What about infants under 6 months?
For Australia, all travelers 5 years of age or older are required to have a PDT before departure from the foreign country (including Singapore). This means that infants under 6 months and children under 5 years of age will not require a PDT.
For New Zealand, children under 2 years of age (24 months) do not need to take a pre-departure test. Children over the age of 2 (24 months) will need evidence of a negative pre-departure test.
9. What safety measures would you recommend for the airport and plane?
Masks must be worn at all times at international airports and on flights. Safe distancing should be observed as much as possible especially when boarding aircrafts, within the plane, at immigration points and baggage claim areas. Avoid unnecessary movement during the flight and congregating at toilet points. Practice regular and frequent hand sanitising and hand washing with soap and water. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth particularly after contact with high traffic surfaces.
The information on the requirements to fly into New Zealand and Australia are fluid. This information is correct as of as of 24 March 2021 and may be subjected to change. Osler Health International is an appointed COVID-19 test clinic and can provide ‘Fit-to-Fly’ PDT certificates quickly and digitally to help get you and the family on the airplane.
Dr Valerie Druon is an Australian family GP based at Osler Health Star Vista.
T: 6339 2727 | www.osler-health.com
Heard this term before? STEAM or perhaps STEM? At the Canadian International School (CIS), STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Arts and Mathematics. It is not a subject but a schoolwide programme. An engaging, hands-on interdisciplinary framework to help students develop important real-world skills like problem solving and critical thinking to be successful in the 21st century workforce.
Solving real problems
CIS engages its students in hands-on, minds-on STEAM activities where they are encouraged to make connections between the five STEAM disciplines and solve real-life authentic problems. This not only helps their students to think critically and solve problems from multiple perspectives, it also keeps them motivated and excited to learn more.
Stimulating makerspaces
From Grade 1 onwards, CIS students are exposed to STEAM experiences in their stimulating makerspace rooms. These are part lab, part shop, part conference room, designed to foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration and design thinking. Students build and work on projects together using equipment that is both traditional (such as woodworking machinery and sewing machines) and cutting edge (such as MakerBot 3D printers, GCC laser engravers and cutting machines).
STEAM in action
Lots of exciting and innovative projects are constantly happening across CIS. At the moment, grade 1 students are learning about forces and motion by designing and building their own movable toy, while grade 6 students are creating models using 3D computer software to study the math and science behind natural phenomena on earth.
At each stage of their projects, the students are collaborating with their classmates, researching, problem solving, testing and thinking creatively and critically. They understand none of the challenges they face can be solved through one discipline alone, nor that there is a bubble sheet answer for everything. Instead, they need to think creatively and approach problems from multiple perspectives!
Equipped for success
A STEAM education at CIS has something to offer every student. It is a hands-on, inquiry based approach that provides each student with a set of crucial skills designed to give them a competitive edge for tomorrow’s job market, no matter what their chosen field is.
Want to learn more?
Sign up for CIS’ free virtual STEAM workshops to enjoy some fun hands-on STEAM activities for the whole family. There are four activities to choose from: create a drawbot, build a molecule mode, code a robot or design a cardboard sculpture. Which STEAM activity will you choose?
Rishi Sunak’s Budget this year was a Budget of two halves. His Budget Speech on 3rd March, only his second as Chancellor, set out a broad 5-year plan combining short term economic stimulus with medium term fiscal tightening. The Treasury had previously announced that the usual clutch of Consultation Documents that are normally published on Budget Day would only be released on 23rd March, which, we felt, may have portended some major changes in the tax system.
Just as with Budget 2020, this Budget was entirely dominated by the financial impact of Covid-19. The Government has borrowed GBP 408bn so far to fund Covid relief alone, and the National Debt is set to peak at 97.1% of GDP in 2023/24. Mr Sunak described repaying this debt as a ‘generational task’. In the meantime, the Government will continue to do ‘whatever it takes’ to protect jobs and businesses. Unemployment has risen, but only to a fairly modest 6.5% with 1.8m fewer people being out of work than would otherwise have been the case. The Office for Budget Responsibility is now anticipating a swifter and more sustained recovery, with the economy expected to return to pre-Covid levels by mid-2022, six months earlier than planned.
We are not remotely out of the woods yet, and the Chancellor is charting a three-stage course over the next 5 years. From the Covid response and relief which has dominated policy-making since early 2020, he is now moving to a generous package of stimulus measures to 31st March 2023. Then, using a jump-started economy as a basis, he will focus upon debt repayment through increased taxation. Over the longer term, the aim is to fund debt repayment through taxation, the fruits of economic growth and, potentially also, a touch of inflation.
The headline stimulus announcements from the Budget Day speech:
Extension of Stamp Duty relief on the first GBP 500,000 paid towards residential property to 30th June, followed by a reduction to GBP 250,000 before returning to pre-Covid levels of GBP 125,000 from 1st October 2021
Extension of Social Investment Tax Relief to at least 5th April 2023
Introduction of 8 Freeports aimed at local regeneration, enjoying enhanced Capital Allowances for business investment, 100% Stamp Duty and Business Rates relief and Employer National Insurance relief until 2026
An unprecedented ‘super deduction’ of 130% of the value of qualifying business investment between 1st April 2021 – 31st March 2023, and a 50% first year allowance on special assets
A generous enhancement to the corporate loss relief rules to allow an unlimited carry back of losses to generate prior year Corporation Tax refunds
The concessional VAT rate of 5% for hospitality and tourism businesses is extended to 30th September, and Business Rates relief for similar businesses is extended to 30th June 2021
The headline announcements to generate additional tax revenues for debt repayment are:
Headline Corporation Tax rate is to be increased from 19% to 25% from 1st April 2023, but with lower effective rates starting from 19% to apply to businesses with profits of less than GBP 250,000
Diverted Profits Tax on affected businesses will rise from 25% to 31%
On 6th April 2021, the Income Tax Personal Allowance will rise to GBP 12,570 and the Basic Rate Threshold to GBP 37,700. Both will then be frozen until 5th April 2026
The Annual Exempt Amount for Capital Gains Tax will remain unchanged to 5th April 2026
The Lifetime Allowance for UK Pension Rights will remain fixed at GBP 1,073,100 until 5th April 2026
The Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Band of GBP 325,000 will also remain fixed until 5th April 2026
Consultation Day did not, thankfully, result in an overhaul of the Inheritance Tax system, pegging Capital Gains Tax rates to Income Tax or indeed the introduction of a one-off Wealth Tax, which had been the subject of much speculation. Instead, the Treasury has opted for a more reserved series of measures. The following are noteworthy:
Timely Payment: The Treasury has called for evidence on a means of bringing the calculation and payment of tax (where there is no withholding at source) closer to the point where the income or gain arises – effectively as ‘pay as you go’ arrangement, rather than needing to wait for Self-Assessment payment deadlines.
Making Tax Digital: The Government has confirmed that Making Tax Digital (a tax filing system which replaces Self-Assessment) will apply to landlords from 6th April 2023.
Raising the Standard of Tax Advice: A Consultation has commenced about how to ensure that professional tax advice is of the highest standard and redress mechanisms where that proves not to be the case – a development we do, of course, welcome.
Tackling Non-Compliance and International Tax Debt: The Government will be publishing a raft of additional measures aimed at taxpayers who are not compliant with their obligations, promoters of tax schemes which fail and mechanisms for enforcing the collection of foreign tax debt.
Residential Property Developer Tax: A new tax will be introduced in 2022 to be levied on the largest developers of residential property in the UK. Time will only tell whether this will be passed onto property purchasers.
Overall, the combined cumulative tax revenue raised by the measures announced in the Budget Speech over the five-year period to 5th April 2026 is GBP 68.975bn; or a mere 17% of the present level of Covid-19 related borrowing. Further measures will certainly be needed in due course, but for the moment the Chancellor appears to be taking the view that it will, indeed, require a generational commitment to repay the debt.
What should I do now?
For British Expatriates and those with assets or pensions in the UK, the Budget and Consultation Day announcements leave us with an obvious call to action. Select Investors invites all British Chamber members to a confidential no-obligation meeting with our Head of Tax, Martin Rimmer to discuss the impact of these announcements on your own tax, succession and wealth plans – and to make them better. Contact martin.rimmer@sjpp.asia to book your appointment.
ANZA’s walking group, the Kill-o-Metres, get out and about on various week days and evenings, in groups of eight, to enjoy the delights of Singapore. Groups venture into a variety of locations around the island including quiet neighbourhoods, coastal parks, nature reserves and around popular scenic destinations, often stopping to catch up and compare photos over a coffee afterwards.
Here are some pictures of their recent fantastic adventures. If you would like to join the ANZA Walking Group or find our more, click here.
Love trying inventive new bars in Singapore? Transport yourself back to 1925 Paris with Atlas Bar’s inventive and delicious new cocktail menu, La Grande Nation.
Arriving at ATLAS Bar to taste test their hotly anticipated new cocktail menu, Le Grande Nation, inspired by the arts décoratifs movement in early 20th century Paris, one gets the distinct feeling this will be a cut above your usual drinks list.
Ascending to the private lounge overlooking the vast, grandiose main room, it’s clear why Atlas is known Singapore’s best cocktail bar. I’m asked to take out my headphones and listen along as a debonair (fictional) journalist named Cecil Beaumont takes me on a journey through Art Deco Paris in the 1920’s, as he completes an assignment on the art, architecture, jewellery and design of the time. Each cocktail we taste, matches with an audio recording of Cecil’s adventures – a fun and immersive way to experience this exceptional bar, which is a trip back to a more refined, genteel era.
Vendome Spritz
Atlas Cocktail List
In the opening chapter, à la Réception, inspired by master glassmaker René Jules Lalique, we sip the Vendôme Spritz ($23) made with Japanese gin, triple citrus cordial, dry vermouth, grapefruit and rosemary tonic. It’s a refreshing, citrusy drink, with a herbal scent. Style Moderne features the talented graphic artist A.M. Cassandre, which invites us to try the A.M.’s Alliance ($27), blended with Oloroso sherry, Italian bitter, and a chilli tincture. It’s a refined ruby drink, with a smoky, spicy kick. Best for those who like savoury cocktails.
A.M’s AllianceThe Musician
In the Ouvert Toute La Nuit chapter The Musician ($24) is served in honour of the sensual, provocative paintings of Tamara de Lempicka. It’s a heady concoction of cognac, coconut cream, mint, cacao, and chocolate bitters, with subtle mint chocolate notes. Each chapter features a non-alcoholic drink, my favourite being the highly sippable Key in Hand ($16) a tangy, savoury sip, with spiced non-alcohol spirit, sour plum, and tomato water alkali.
Atlas Bar Menu
The modern European menu at ATLAS almost rivals the extensive drinks list. To accompany our drinks, we tuck into a selection of moreish small bites, including delicately flavoured Oyster’s Mignonette with a squeeze of lemon ($38), a cheesy, rich mini Croque Monsieur with ‘fancy’ Spanish cheese and pickled shallots ($18), a spicy toasted Chorizo Sandwich, with pickled capsicum, rocket, and gherkin mayo ($24) and a Fried Cauliflower dish with paprika aioli and pickles ($18).
Best Gin Bar in Singapore and the World!
ATLAS is one of the world’s leading gin destinations, so you simply can’t leave here without ordering a G&T. Choose from more than 1300 gins from all corners of the globe, including modern craft gins, Australian gins, and classic, aged London dry gins.
Did you Know? ATLAS recently won World’s Best Cocktail Menu in Tales of the Cocktails Spirited Awards, 2020. Book ahead at atlasbar.sg
Karin Rysgaard lives here with daughter, Sophie (18); helper Sheron; ‘little old blind rescue dog’ Ginger and cat Athena.
The unassuming front entry to Karin Rysgaard’s double storey terrace home gives no clues to the hidden treasure that lies inside. Located in the quiet Eastern suburb of Kembangan, Karin’s leafy front garden opens into a relaxed, island-inspired space, with tribal tones and enviable pieces collected from around the world. Beautiful, carefully selected homewares (many sourced from Island Living) offer contrasting textures and tones. Think hand-stitched fabrics, sustainable rattan, teak furniture, weaved baskets, polished copper, carved stone, and soothing shades of sea blue and green in the printed wallpaper, paint colours and artwork.
The Co Founder and Creative Director of Island Living and Founder and Head Designer of Cocoon Styling, Karin has a deep understanding of what makes a home work – from the flow of her open kitchen, to inviting, airy bedrooms, oversized timber dining tables, and the outdoor room of her enviable shaded terrace. It’s this area that encapsulates Karin’s style best– the raised plunge pool, cushion strewn day bed, and relaxed sitting area invites sundowners with friends and Sunday lunches.
Why did you choose this house?
We decided to move to the East Coast six years ago as my daughter was attending the nearby Overseas Family School. I had several friends on the east, and they all loved living over this way so thought we’d give it a try. The result, we love it! I can’t imagine not living on the east anymore, it has a real community feel.
Where else have you lived?
Prior to this home, we lived in a fantastic large bungalow on 7000sqf of land in the Thomson Rd area. Being a keen gardener and qualified horticulturist, this was a wonderful property to get my hands dirty. As my original business here, Cocoon Styling, grew, I had limited time to give such a property the attention it deserved, so we decided to make the change to the east.
What changes have you made?
I took over the property in a very run-down state. I negotiated a good deal on the rent and a long lease. This gave me an opportunity to extensively renovate the home. I completely gutted and remodelled both bathrooms, and added a rented pool from Hayward Pools. We replaced all the interior ceilings, and opened a wall in the kitchen to allow flow through ventilation. As result we don’t require any air con in the ground floor kitchen, living and dining spaces. We’ve also repainted, added gorgeous subtle palm printed wallpaper, and created full privacy around the pool and across the front of the house with palms and foliage.
What appeals to you about the neighbourhood?
The MRT is just down the road, which has been great for my daughter to get to and from school and visit friends. Kembangan is an older area and very quiet, so being able to park right at my front door is a bonus.
What are your favourite local haunts?
I love training at the F45 studio in nearby Siglap. We also go to Baker & Cook in Opera Estate for delicious weekend breakfasts, and the new P.S Cafe on the East Coast has been a real treat. I’m also really looking forward to Little Farms opening their new outlet in the east soon too. I never get tired of wandering around funky Joo Chiat, browsing new little boutiques, and seeing the old shophouses.
What is this home’s history?
It’s owned by a lovely elderly Singaporean gentleman who lives a few doors up the street. I believe it was built in the 1960’s and was the first landed property he purchased after selling his HBD. He told me he’s had very good luck living with his family in this home. Let’s hope his good luck rubs off on us!
What’s something unusual about your home?
The front of the house is completely covered with plants, creating privacy, and when people enter, they have no idea what’s inside. I often get comments like; “Wow this is so great, and so much more spacious than it looks from the front”. That I used the inside driveway to add a plunge pool is also surprise for visitors.
What is your favourite space?
Hanging out the front on the daybed or cooking in our large open plan kitchen – we love to entertain, hosting lots of Sunday lunches and dinner parties.
What are your most prized pieces?
The first real piece of art I bought myself a few years ago is a stunning oil on canvas called ‘Spring Feeling’, by an artist and friend Sandrine Capdouze. Sandrine was a client several years ago; Cocoon Styling renovated her property and we got to know each other quite well. When Sandine held her first exhibition I saw the piece and fell in love with it immediately.
The other piece I love is a sculpture I found on a buying trip in Indonesia when sourcing for Island Living. This gorgeous solid copper Ballerina is just stunning. We only get a couple in at a time into Island Living but they always sell out fast.
What is your personal decorating style?
My personal style changes all the time, but right now it’s quite sleek and simple, with elements from nature and layering of textures in neutral tones. I’m also going through a bit of a tribal faze and adding touches of black here and there within the home.
I’m a very tidy person, so each piece is carefully selected, with a place in mind.
I try very hard not to over clutter and often put things away in storage while I try something different. Owning a furniture and homewares store certainly has its advantages, but it’s also very tempting to keep buying more things.
What’s most important to you in a home?
That my daughter feels comfortable. I think I have achieved this, as over the years I’ve hosted many large parties with a house full of teenagers. Also, as we love to entertain, making everyone feel special when they visit us is my top priority.
Where did you get the bulk of your furniture?
Island Living of course! I also have several large cabinets that are second hand and I’ve painted and repainted over the years. I’m a huge believer in upcycling where you can; older homes often lack storage, so these rescued pieces are a real help in the storage department.
What is your work/home life balance?
When you own a business there is always something to do. I have been through stages over the years where burn out has been an issue but I’m making better decisions in managing this. I’m certainly not complaining however, as there are so many small businesses struggling currently and having a business that is expanding and growing at the rate Island Living is, is certainly a blessing indeed.
What brought you to Singapore?
I came to Singapore 15 years ago with my daughters’ father’s job, we decided to go our separate ways very amicably after the first year here. He has since moved away from Singapore. I then saw a gap in the market for expat renters needing help with styling their properties and making their stay in Singapore feel more like home. This business grew as I connected with a local contractor, and we have worked together for 10 years on many clients.
How did Island Living get started?
In November 2018 I got a text unexpectedly from a client I had worked with a few years before. She mentioned she had a friend and neighbour, Denise Vrontos, who had imported a small selection of products from Indonesia and was looking to sell them. She thought my clients might be interested. Denise sent me some images and we started chatting. I was in the middle of some large projects, so taking on anything new late in the year was not my top priority, but I had this strong feeling that somehow, I needed to connect with her. Over the next couple of months, we continued to chat on the phone, brainstorming ideas as to how we could team up, using her great skills from years of PR management and my design knowledge to bring together a range of products for Singapore. We finally met in person in January 2019 and Island Living was born. We cannot believe how far we have come and grown in two short years.
Why do I have allergies in Singapore but not in my home country?
Yes, it is a thing! Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances that exist in your environment either indoors or outdoors. These substances are known as allergens. As each environment has different allergens, you may have allergic symptoms in one environment but not another. Living in a humid climate causes allergens such as dust mites and mould to thrive. In addition, you may find that certain pollens unique to Singapore will cause allergic symptoms. The reverse is of course also true. I have many patients who are symptom-free in Singapore but will experience a flare-up of their allergies on return to their home country.
Could you be allergic to the outdoors?
Yes, absolutely. Any substance that you inhale can potentially be an allergen. The most common are pollen from trees, grass and weeds that are airbourne at different times of the year.
Is the allergy inside my house? Am I allergic to air con? Dust mites? Mould?
It depends on the allergens present in your home. Dust mites are one of the most common causes of allergies and can be found even in the cleanest of homes! Air con units can harbour mould, as can walls, ceilings and home furnishings. Cockroaches can cause allergies, as can animal dander.
What if I don’t know what I’m allergic too?
Getting a test is simple and can identify what’s causing your allergy. It’s best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can advise whether or not your symptoms are due to an allergy or another condition.
How do I get an allergy skin prick or blood test in Singapore?
Individual allergens can be tested for with a skin prick or blood test. A skin prick test involves a diluted allergen being pricked or scratched into the skin surface. The advantage is that the results can be seen almost immediately. A blood test requires one blood draw and can be done while a patient is taking an antihistamine, (antihistamines need to be stopped before a skin prick test as they interfere with the results). There is a slight delay in receiving the result.
What about immunotherapy?
A long-term but lengthy therapy is desensitisation with immunotherapy. This exposes the patient to small doses of the substance they are allergic to. The dose given is too small to provoke an allergic reaction, but large enough to teach your immune system not to overreact. Immunotherapy can be administered by injection or sublingually, where drops, spray or a tablet is placed under your tongue. Treatment can take between 3 – 5 years.
Immunotherapy is often reserved for more severe allergies, such as anaphylaxis to a bee sting, or severe allergic rhinitis to pollen, dust mites or animals. Treatments are supervised by specialist clinics and though they may not ‘cure’ the allergy, they can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
What are the treatments for allergies?
Avoidance of identified allergens is the mainstay of treatment, but this is not always possible. Here are some other treatment options:
Non-drowsy antihistamines can be taken on a long-term basis. These can be in the form of eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis or a tablet for allergic symptoms.
Intranasal saline washes can relieve mild symptoms.
Nasal sprays containing steroids help reduce inflammation in the nose and can be used daily or intermittently for seasonal allergies. A nasal spray containing both an antihistamine and steroid is now available and more convenient for some patients.
How do I get rid of dust mites in my home?
Aside from regular cleaning, there are several ways you can reduce the dust mite burden in your home.
Use dust mite free covers for your pillow, duvet and mattress.
Remove carpets and rugs from bedrooms and try to reduce soft furnishings, such as decorative pillows, and wash these frequently.
Install blinds rather than curtains.
High temperature professional steaming of carpets and curtains can kill dust mites.
Using a dehumidifier will reduce humidity in your home environment, minimise the dust mites load and prevent mould build up.
Using a HEPA filter can trap airborne allergens, such as dust mites as well as animal dander and mould spores.
For children, try to keep soft toys to a minimum. If this is unavoidable – then from time to time place them in the freezer, in a bag, for 24 hours followed by a wash at 60°C to kill the dust mites.
Dr Sundus Hussain-Morgan is a UK trained GP at IMC’s Katong Branch. As a ‘third culture kid’ herself, she understands the positive experience as well as challenges that face the expat community.
Looking for an Easter holiday activity for your soccer playing kids? ANZA Soccer is running a four-day kids soccer camp from 5-8 April. The camp is open to all ANZA members (aimed at younger players and girls) and will be run by our professional coaches. Groups of eight will work with a dedicated coach on skills development, fitness and small sides games.
If your child is not already a participant in ANZA Soccer, it’s a great way to get an introduction to our well-regarded programme and train with ANZA’s professional coaches who provide camps, additional skills training and mid-week training sessions.
The camp will be held in compliance with our Training Session COVID-19 Protocols. We will need the help of parents to assist in implementing our Training Session Protocols. Non-volunteers may be asked to leave the area to comply with limits on participant numbers and safe-distancing rules.
Planning is underway for mid-year camps. Look out for more details soon!
ANZA April Soccer Camp
Dates: 5 April – 8 April (4 days)
Times: 8:30 – 10:30am
Age Groups: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, U10s & Matildas (Junior and Senior)
ANZA Action kicked off their Earth Month with a beach clean up
Environmental Action in Singapore
ANZA Action has kicked off a month of environmental action in support of Earth Day on 22 April. The annual event is celebrated around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. ANZA Action will dedicate March 22-April 22 as a month to bring awareness to the ANZA community of the small things we can do that make a difference to Mother Earth.
The group met up on Coney Island to do a beach clean-up on 22 March, collecting many bags of rubbish and plastic. “As Earth Day approaches, I would like to challenge all ANZA Action members to do something for Mother Earth each and every day for a month,” says ANZA Action’s Louise Jones. “Every day this month I will give you an idea on how to do just that. Today we basked in nature enjoying Coney Island with great people while ‘earning our place on this planet’”.
For green tips and to join ANZA Action’s Earth month activities, head to their Facebook group or web page
About ANZA Action:
ANZA Action is the community affairs arm for ANZA in Singapore. We support charities in Singapore through fundraising and connect ANZA members with volunteering activities. Involvement in ANZA Action is a way of giving back to our adopted communities as well as experiencing a different side of life here in Singapore.
To join and to be part of the ANZA Action volunteers please email info@anza.org.sg
