“Just being surrounded by bountiful nature, rejuvenates and inspires us.“
– E.O. Wilson
Nature heals. Research showed that environments can increase or reduce our stress. What you are seeing, hearing, and feeling at any moment changes your physical and emotional well-being.
If you feel suffocated within the walls of your home, try visiting farms in Singapore. From vegetable farms to animal farms, we have you covered!
#1: HAY DIARIES
Since its inception in 1988, Hay Diaries has been the only goat farm in the country. Located within Lim Chu Kang, guests are free to explore the premises and to witness the goat milking session between 9:00 to 10:30 am.
Get close with the goats as you purchase the Alfalfa Hay (S$5 per packet) and feed the goats. End your goat farm experience by skimming through the souvenirs such as fresh goat’s milk and handmade soap.
Image Credits: Hay Diaries via facebook.com
Location: 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859 Website:haydairies.sg
#2: BOLLYWOOD VEGGIES
Home to the Poison Ivy Bistro, the Bollywood Veggies lets you travel back to simpler times. Their Bistro is a farm-to-table eatery where guests go for a quick lunch after visiting the nearby farm. Try their unique Blue Nasi Lemak, which is infused with blue pea flower.
After a hearty lunch, you can walk around the premises to enjoy the wide variety of plants. What’s more? They have a food museum with about twenty-four oil paintings that illustrate the relationship between food and human civilization.
Did you know that this place is a Guinness World Records holder? Witness the undeniable charm of various species of turtles and tortoises such as the Six-Legged Tortoise and the Pig Nose Flying Turtle. See and feel the spirit of the Sulcata Tortoise for luck, and the Thailand’s Golden Temple Turtle for wealth.
You will be given the chance to interact with these creatures by petting and feeding them. However, please do not lift them up as it can cause them stress. Tickets cost S$10 for children aged 3-6 and S$14 for those above 7 years old.
Image Credits: The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum via facebook.com
Note: Due to the Phase 2 Heightened alert, group entries will be limited to 5 people per group. Only fully vaccinated visitors will be allowed entry. Children under 12 years old need not be vaccinated.
Location: ORTO, 81 Lor Chencharu #01-16, Singapore 769198 Website:turtle-tortoise.com
#4: THE SUNDOWNER
Nestled within a once empty concrete rooftop, the Sundowner is an urban farm and lounge space which offers guests the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of organic farming and to indulge in farm-to-table goodies.
It is an oasis of green floating above the bustling cafes and bars of the Siglap restaurant belt. You can opt for the Rooftop Farm Experience to learn about organic farming as taught by a master gardener, to don a bee suit, and to get a sample of unifloral honey. This experience is priced at S$115 for adults and at S$85 for children.
Image Credits: The Sundowner via facebook.com
You can also make your own pizza with their 3-hour class. This activity is perfect for friends, families, and co-workers. Private Pizza-Making experience costs S$350, for two pax.
Do you identify yourself as a highly sensitive person (HSP)? HSPs are usually very reactive to their environment and can be affected by everything from noise to temperatures and even the texture of fabrics.
Scientifically known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), the trait causes HSPs to have an overactive nervous system which leads them to be:
Nervous by change
More stirred by emotions
Overburdened by crowds
Easily frightened by loud noises
Deeply induced by the arts, music, and movies
Concerned with things like tickling fabrics, intense lights, or powerful perfumes
For an HSP, the environment plays a massive role in getting your brain to prepare for shutdown. That is why designing a cosy sleep sanctuary can help your body to ease into slumber.
Bianca Acevedo, PhD, a researcher at the University of California, suggests HSPs inject a sense of home, familiarity, and security in their bedroom. It could mean hitting the sack with your furry buddy or as simple as keeping a picture of a loved one by the bedside.
HSPs can also consider making these physical adjustments:
Investing in a white noise machine
Switch to comfy pillows, bedsheets, and mattresses
Keeping sleeping spaces dark and cool, ideally around 18°C
#2: Use your intuition to find your sleep pattern
Image Credits: mariamitchell.com.au
According to Annie Miller, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) psychotherapist at DC Metro Sleep & Psychotherapy, every person’s sleeping habits are different.
Since HSPs are highly intuitive, use that to your advantage and find your sleeping pattern. Not everyone requires eight hours of sleep a day. Some can function even with six, so do not force your body to stick to the “norm”.
But if there is one tip to follow, Miller advises HSPs to have a fixed wake-up time. In other words, practise getting up at the exact same time every day.
#3: Develop stress-reducing routines throughout the day
HSPs can be highly stimulated as they go about their day. As such, it’s important to develop routines to reduce anxiety throughout the day.
Since most people know themselves best, figure out your triggers and implement habits around them to lessen their impact. Here are some routines you can try:
Heart disease is becoming more prevalent with the various health and lifestyle changes in the body. Singapore is one of the best countries to consider for a trained and certified cardiologist.
Cardiologists in Singapore are found in both private and public hospitals, with each having different costs, depending on the treatment. Cardiologists aim to diagnose and treat heart conditions and disorders. Severe cases are referred to cardiac surgeons, who consider the patient and check whether they are eligible for surgery.
But what causes heart disease?
Various factors cause heart diseases across people of all ages:
Lack of physical exercise
Inactivity can lead to heart disease as the body is not operational in a way that aids a healthy heart. A dormant lifestyle makes the arteries clog up with fat deposits which block the heart vessels.
Smoking
Smoking damages the arteries and leads to heart blockages, in addition it raised both cholesterol and blood pressure
High cholesterol
High cholesterol is part genetic and part lifestyle. High levels of LDL cholesterol enter the artery walls and lead to blockages, angina, heart attacks and strokes.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is mainly a lifestyle disease. It damages the arteries and leads to heart attack and stroke.
Costs of a cardiologist in Singapore
Patients seeking cardiologists in Singapore need to book appointments before reaching the country. Private hospitals do not require appointments to be booked months in advance. Public hospitals have a long waiting time for consultations, with some requiring the patient to wait upto six weeks to get a slot booked for consultation.
Cardiologists in private clinics cost roughly $200 to $500 for the first consultation. This is followed up by medications and subsequent consultations which can make the costs from $800 to $1200. Public hospitals can cost $250 to $400 depending on the qualification of the cardiologist.
Cardiology treatment in Singapore offers residents the option of subsidized care. The patient should however be a citizen of Singapore or a permanent resident, with a referral letter from a health officer.
What to consider when looking for a cardiologist in Singapore
When choosing the right cardiologist, you would want one with a fully equipped clinic, as they will be able to diagnose and treat the right ailment and offer specialized services. These clinics can offer specialized and comprehensive assessments for all cardiac conditions. A fully equipped clinic will consider the patient’s history for previous cardiac-related illnesses, and assist the cardiologist in deriving possible treatments and management options.
Cardiologist credentials
The cardiologists in Singapore undergo extensive training to ensure they are the best in their craft. As a result, cardiologists finish medical school and gain extensive experience that is widely sought after worldwide. Before booking a consultation with your cardiologist of choice, it is best to check on their certification levels. Checking their patient success rates is also vital in ensuring that you access the best cardiologist.
Location
Checking the location of the clinic is important. A clinic that is easily accessible and available for walk-ins or emergencies will be a much viable option for both foreigners and residents.
Convenience
Different cardiologists have their unique way of running their clinics. Some are available seven days a week and can be requested for emergency services on call, while others require prior booking and consultation. Patients who require diagnostic testing and screening are also given their results on the same day. It is important to consider these aspects before booking a specific cardiologist. Other cardiologists also offer same-day bookings which are extremely convenient for specialized and referral cases.
Adoption of the latest technology
The clinic needs to have the latest technology in place, with the cardiologist being able to incorporate modern technology into treatments. By using the latest technology advancements, the right treatment options are identified, with minimal turnaround time and maximum efficiency. The age of tele-consultation has enabled the influence of technology to influence the interaction between doctor and patient. Cardiologists are also embracing holistic cardiology care and services which combine the influence of modern medicine and holistic influences to give patients maximum health care. Clinics that engage with the patients before their arrival promise efficiency and a personalized healthcare system.
Personalized medical care
When seeking the right cardiologist, it is best to get one who is passionate about their patients and aims to give their patients the best personalized care available. A cardiologist who seeks to understand the patient’s needs and listen to their ailments will be in a better position to understand the minute details that define their condition. In doing so, the cardiologist can advise the patient on the right treatment plan according to their needs. The medical staff should also be friendly and receptive to the patient’s concerns and queries. This in turn assists the patient to open up and gain confidence, making them more receptive to treatment.
Payment plans
It is advisable to consider the payment plans for the cardiology treatment before booking an appointment. Foreigners are advised to call in advance and enquire whether their insurance plans will cover their treatment before booking an appointment and traveling to Singapore. This prevents disappointment and helps the patient prepare before their treatment. Residents of Singapore can also check their eligibility for insurance cover, to see the treatment areas that are covered.
Confidence can be a massive word for those with low self-esteem. “I don’t think I can do it” is probably an incredibly evocative sentence that urges your mind and body to take flight.
However, as much as we choose not to admit it, it’s impossible to run away from our fears forever. This is why it’s essential to learn how to transit from fear to confidence. Constantly worrying about not being able to do a task right can cripple one’s true abilities at work. That’s the last thing you want to do if you’re building your career!
To accurately weigh the cons of an action, you have to sit yourself down and think through the threats. Ask yourself what you consider to be the worst-case scenario.
For example, you may be keen on running for a new project at work but lack the confidence to give a presentation. You’re concerned with the reactions of people since you don’t identify yourself as a star presenter. Yes, you may stutter and have some inconsiderate colleagues laugh at you. But hey, that first step forward is commendable!
In all honesty, even if you were to get rejected for your proposal, it’s not a big deal. Take the feedback positively and wait for the next opportunity to recommend something. Always remember that no one wins in life all the time. But when you fall, learn how to stand right back up. When life throws you lemons, use them to make sweet lemonade.
Celebrate small wins
Image Credits: medium.com
We’re sure most of us have played e-games before. Whether on an app or website, have you realised that the first few levels are always the easiest?
This strategy used by game designers is incredibly genius because it’s their way to get you hooked on the game. First, your confidence is boosted from level one since they are absurdly easy to get past. As you get used to the game tools, they slowly get a little harder to navigate.
Using the same methodology, start with small goals that are easy to succeed. If you do not know where to start, speak with a trusted colleague or leader to set little assignments for yourself. When you succeed in those tasks, celebrate! Every small win is praiseworthy, and most importantly, they help build your confidence surely.
Confront your fears like a boss
Do you know that you can reduce anxiety by engaging in stressful activities? To get over your unease, you’ve got to confront your fears like a boss.
That is to say, if you’re afraid of teaching, put yourself in a situation where you have to teach. By doing so, your motivational system will find out that there is actually nothing to fear, and your panic will subside over time.
And, of course, practice makes perfect. Not everyone is born with a natural gift of a particular talent. While some may be charismatically good at public speaking, most people have to devote hours of practice before giving a speech.
Just like how the Chinese saying goes, “台上一分钟, 台下十年功”. If you’ve prepared extensively for that one minute of glory on stage, your effort and confidence will shine through eventually.
Budgeting is not that easy, especially for those who are low-income earners. It can be frustrating when most of your salary goes to your bills. This is why it’s important to know how to be financially responsible. Managing your money is the best way for you to survive and even gain the opportunity to invest in things that will improve your overall quality of life.
This includes investing in our parents’ care options. Indeed, aging can be a complicated process. There are seniors who live with or suffer from medical conditions that require special attention, support, and assistance from equipped facilities. In that case, being the children or the family members that look after them, it’s crucial for us to be financially prepared to help them live more comfortably and happily.
In this blog post, we’ll be giving you tips on how to be financially ready for your elderly parents’ care needs.
Why do you need to invest in senior care?
Saving up for your parents’ care options is important due to many reasons.
For instance, you don’t have enough time to care for them. Maybe you have a family of your own who needs looking after or you have a full-time job to tend to. Or, let’s say you can take care of them personally. However, you do not have the right care facilities in your home or your living environment is not the place for them to get better.
All these factors and so much more are to be considered for investing in senior care services.
There are plenty of senior care options made available such as Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite Care, and In-Home Care. All these are developments made to provide seniors with access to professional nursing care, assistance, and medical care.
How much does senior care cost?
Choosing the right care option for your aging parents can be overwhelming at the beginning. But the best thing you can do is to have them assessed to determine their level of need. Knowing which senior care is best for them will also help you figure out how much budget you will be needing.
To know how much, you need money you need to save up, you first need to know how much you are saving for. It’s important to be familiar with the costs of the various senior care options even when the possibility of availing them for your parents is still far away.
Remember, proper anticipation will lead to less frustration.
Here are the estimated costs of each senior care option:
Nursing homes: Nursing homes are clinic-like senior care facilities that provide professional nursing care 24/7. A higher level of assistance is needed by its care recipients. The rates of Nursing Homes may vary depending on whether your loved one needs only short-term or long-term care and if they’ll be staying in a shared room or private room.
General cost ranges from $1,200 to $3500 per month (if it’s a shared bedroom) and $4,000 to $6,500 per month (if it’s a private single-bedroom)
Assisted Living: Assisted Living facilities offer a wide range of services for the elderly who require less demanding care services. This includes assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), transportation, daily meals, planned activities, and many more.
General cost ranges from $2,300 to $4,500 depending on the services and facilities availed by the care recipient.
Independent Living: This is the optimal choice for seniors who want to make the most out of their retirement years and require only assistance with more complex day-to-day tasks such as housekeeping, laundry, and others.
General cost ranges from $1,900 to $4,100 depending on the services and facilities availed by the care recipient.
Memory Care: This facility focuses on providing care, treatment, and support to seniors that are living with dementia or other forms of memory impairment. There are various programs instituted to help reduce the progression of their diseases such as therapy and planned activities.
General cost ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the needs and facilities availed by the care recipient.
Respite Care: This care service is provided to the elderly whose own caregivers decide to take a much-needed break. This was established to help caregivers give importance to their physical and mental health as well.
General cost ranges from $100 to $150 per day.
In-home Care: This is personal care and assistance provided to seniors who desire to remain in their respective homes. Although this sets a more comfortable and familiar environment for them, it does not have the complete set of senior care amenities and features that you would commonly find in actual facilities.
The nationwide cost for this is around $22 per hour.
How to budget finances for senior care costs?
Senior care services may seem to be heavy on the pocket. However, that is the reality. Besides, these care services are a worthy investment (still depending on the care service provider of course) because they will help your aging parents enjoy a more comfortable, secure, and happy life—the kind of life that doesn’t end in suffering or experience further problems.
Here are valuable tips that you can follow to be financially ready for your parents’ care needs:
Discuss budgeting with your parents
Some aging adults refuse to believe that they’ll be needing long-term care, even the ones living with chronic illnesses. Some of them may be skeptical or just do not like the idea of moving into a facility surrounded by strangers. However, you have to make them understand how important this is to them and to you.
Team up with them in terms of budgeting. Surely, some of their budgets will also go into their care needs so it’s extremely essential for all of you to be in the know. This is to discipline them as well and prevent any overspending on unnecessary things.
Be organized. Create a monthly expense sheet.
List your expenses every month. Knowing where your money is going will help you track down every penny better. You wouldn’t end up scratching your head and wondering where a huge amount of your salary flew off to. This will also help you see your budget from a larger viewpoint, making it easier for you to control yourself and the way you spend. Also, teach this to your parents.
Choose insurance policies and plans wisely
Having life and health insurance is very important for every individual. This ensures that you don’t have to worry about expenses if you accidentally pass away or get severely ill. The insurance companies and the money you have invested in them will help you pay for the costs. However, it’s important to choose the right plan that will not be too costly for you. Insurance premiums can be paid for through various installment plans such as monthly, quarterly, or even semi-annually. Assess your cash flow and choose the plan which resonates most with you.
Turn to government subsidies, financial assistance, and schemes
The great thing about this is you and your family alone. The government extends a reaching hand towards the senior community and has implemented various subsidies and financial support towards low-income earners. Furthermore, senior care facilities also have in-house financial assistance that can help lessen the load of your spending. Keep yourself familiar with these programs so that you can apply on behalf of your aging parents.
Set a financial system
Again, learn how to be organized. Manage the inflow and outflow of your funds. As you receive your salary, properly disseminate them in the various bills you have to pay and set aside some of it for your savings and other investments, including your parents’ care needs. This will help you save up a huge budget that you can use to pay for the best kind of care for your parents.
