5 Most Affordable Dental Clinics In Singapore

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” – Martin Charnin

Despite being a nerve-wrecking affair, going to the dentist on a regular basis is recommended by experts. Here is a list of the places you can visit for dental check-up, oral maintenance, and more.

#1: NTUC HEALTH DENTICARE

Formerly known as Unity Denticare, NTUC Health Denticare has a rich history of being a household name for affordable dental services. This institution is a part of the NTUC Health, Singapore’s largest healthcare cooperative, since 1971. NTUC Health Denticare has eighteen dental clinics and two mobile dental clinics. Find a branch that is most convenient for you.

Consultation costs about S$25 to S$35. While scaling and polishing costs about S$50 to S$110. Subsidies are available if you carry Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, or CHAS cards.

Locations: 18 clinics islandwide

#2: Q & M DENTAL GROUP SINGAPORE

One of the most widespread dental brands in Singapore is Q & M Dental Group. With over seventy dental clinics across the country and a pool of more than two-hundred dentists and specialists, you will be able to find a branch near to you.

Consultation costs about S$21.40 and consultation with specialists starts costs about S$37.45. This price can go up. Scaling and polishing start from S$74.90. Thus, your total bill can be at least S$96.30. Subsidies are available if you carry Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, or CHAS cards.

Locations: Click here

#3: PKWY DENTAL PRACTICE

The PKWY Dental Practice used to be called the Parkway Dental Practice. PKWY Dental Practice is located at the heart of Orchard. Despite being surrounded by overpriced dental clinics, it offers a friendlier price for nearby residents.

A consultation including scaling and polishing costs about S$80 to S$160. If you are a first-time client, you can avail the S$88 package that includes consultation, scaling, polishing, and x-ray.

Location: 9 Scotts Road, #12-02 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210

#4: AZURE DENTAL

Create a pleasant and stress-free dental experience with your beloved kids at Azure Dental. It is a child-friendly dental clinic equipped with booster seats for children to sit comfortably. There is also a free all-you-can-drink coffee and tea in the waiting area. This is ideal for parents who are waiting for their children’s appointments to be over.

Consultation starts at S$32. While scaling and polishing services range from S$96 to S$160.

Location: 781 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269759

#5: SINGHEALTH AND NHG POLYCLINICS

If you are looking for a dental option for regular check-up and oral maintenance, search no further than the neighborhood polyclinic. Neighborhood polyclinics offer subsidized dental treatment and care. Both SingHealth and National Healthcare Group polyclinics have dental services, and it is easy to make an appointment online.

Consultation fees range between S$14.10 to S$27 for Singaporean citizens. Children and elderly pay S$8.25 to S$16.80. Lastly, emergency dental consultation fees are up to S$31.20 for Singaporean citizens. Children and elderly pay about S$28.20 for emergency dental consultation.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

These are the specific prices:

SingHealth
Singaporean adults: S$16 to S$28.60
Children and elderly: S$8.25 to S$14.90

NHG
Singaporean adults: S$16.50 to S$27.80
Children and elderly: S$10.60 to S$16.80

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

COVID-19 Self-Test Kits Will Be Sold At 3 Pharmacies From June 16

Key Highlights

  • The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has granted interim authorization for four Antigen Rapid Test (ART) self-test kits.
  • These self-test kits will be available from June 16 at Guardian, Watsons, and Unity pharmacies.
  • Sales will be initially limited to 10 self-test kits per person.

In line with Singapore’s strategy to increase the rate of testing and to quickly detect COVID-19 cases, self-administered test kits will go on sale from June 16. These self-test kits will be helpful for front-liners who want to test themselves frequently or for individuals who are concerned about being infected.

The four Antigen Rapid Test (ART) self-test kits include the Abbott PanBio COVID-19 Antigen Self-test, SD Biosensor SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal, QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, and SD Biosensor Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Home Test.

These self-test kits can be used by consumers to detect active SARS-CoV-2 infection in nasal swab samples. ARTs can generally achieve a sensitivity of about 80% for cases with higher viral loads and a specificity range of 97-100%. Since these self-test kits are meant to be used by consumers (i.e., even without training), they can be bought without a physician’s prescription.

WHERE TO BUY

The self-test kits will be available at selected Guardian, Unity, and Watsons outlets islandwide. More retail locations will soon carry the self-test kits. This will be done in a progressive fashion.

A recent interview of a Dairy Farm Group spokesperson stated that the Abbott PanBioTM COVID-19 Antigen Self-test and the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test will be available at selected Guardian outlets. All 79 Guardian stores with an in-store pharmacy will carry the COVID-19 self-test kits including the Guardian store at the Giant outlet in Suntec City.

THE COST OF PURCHASE

A spokesperson for Watsons stressed that it would adhere to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) recommended guidelines for the selling price of the self-test kits. Thus, the price range is from S$10 to S$13 per self-test kit. Prices will depend on the size of the pack purchased.

To ensure that there will be “adequate supplies for all”, the Health Ministry’s Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said that sales will initially be limited to 10 self-test kits per person.

HOW IT WORKS

Start by collecting your nasal sample using the swabs provided in the self-test kits. Then, prepare the nasal sample with the extraction buffer tube provided. Once your sample is ready, you should examine the test device and read the results. Do not worry about the waiting time! The Health Ministry said that these ART self-test kits produce results in less than 20 minutes.

Please carefully read the instructions that come with these kits to get valid results. Consumers who test negative on their self-test kits should continue to adhere to the prevailing safe management measures.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

While those who test positive on their self-test kits should immediately approach a Swab and Send Home Public Health Preparedness Clinic (SASH PHPC). SASH PHPC will conduct a confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. You are required to self-isolate until you get a negative PCR test result.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

6 Ways To Practice Self-Care On A Tight Budget

Looking for ways to prioritize your physical and mental health is paramount during these times. It is easy to think that self-care means giving yourself expensive experiences or tools, but self-care can be free or low-cost. So long as you are more intentional with your choices, you will be able to tap into what your body truly craves for.

#1: PLAN A NATURE WALK

Research has shown that nature helps us cope with stress and pain. We are genetically wired to find natural elements such as plants and water engrossing. Being absorbed with the beauty of natural sceneries can distract us from discomfort and pain.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Nature can help slow down the internal rush that affects our feelings, especially when you are inside your home for too long. Planning a nature walk may help you with that. Get up close and personal with nature by embarking one of the walking or cycling trails in the parks, gardens, and park connectors.

#2: TRY AT-HOME WORKOUTS

Several gyms and fitness studios have postponed their operations last month due to the spike in community cases. When this happens, you can explore different at-home workouts. You can either take online group classes in your favorite fitness center or search thru YouTube and Instagram for free workout videos.

It might take more self-discipline to become your own motivator, but you will have the flexibility to workout whenever you want.

#3: EXAMINE YOUR HABITS

Examine your current and old habits. Evaluate whether these are healthy for you or not. Think about the long-term effects of each habit too. A simple shift in your routine can offer the same pleasure as a new purchase.

For instance, you habitually frequent the nearby Starbucks every morning. Upon evaluating this habit, you realized that you will be able to save more money if you made your own coffee at home. You switched to having your own coffee ritual and enjoyed it a lot.

Bringing awareness into your habits will enable you to see whether you are paying for something that you do not love or need anymore.

#4: MEET WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Self-care does not mean being completely self-sufficient. Instead, staying connected with the people you love will help reduce the loneliness you are feeling from being indoors for a long period of time. Stay connected with your loved ones by hosting Zoom/Skype hangouts or by creating a group chat.

Reintegrating yourself in your community after all the pandemic restrictions can help remind you that leaning on others for support is self-care. Best of all? It does not have to cost anything.

#5: PRACTICE MEDITATION

Many studies have highlighted the benefits of meditation. It helps improve focus, concentration, memory, and reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as medication can be added to your holistic self-care.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Try breathing deeply as you follow through a guided meditation video online. You can also download free meditation apps like Calm and Headspace.

#6: SAVE MONEY

You read that right! Apart from working out in your own home or practicing relaxation techniques, you can take care of yourself by saving money. Financial struggles affect our physical and mental health. Not having enough money can affect your ability to pay for important health procedures or nutritious food.

Cushion the stress of financial woes by sticking to your budget and saving money. Sticking to your budget feels better than impulsively purchasing beyond your means.

Read More...

7 Exercises You Can Do At Home While In Quarantine

As new COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the country, the World Health Organization has urged individuals to stay healthy while in self-quarantine. In Singapore, all fitness centers and stadiums have been closed. Running outdoors does not require wearing a mask. However, walking outside of your house does.

Staying at home for prolonged periods of time can pose a significant challenge for remaining physically active. Do not succumb to the negative health effects of sedentary behavior! Exercise at home!

#1: JUMP ROPE

There is a reason why boxers incorporate the classic jump rope to their training. It improves a range of skills such as balance, stamina, endurance, and coordination. Not to mention, this lightweight and tangle-resistant rope is adjustable for different heights.

#2: MEDICINE BALL

While I will not require you to spend a huge amount of money on a full set of medicine balls, you may invest in one or two of them. Medicine balls are about the size of a Basketball, but can weigh from 2 to 30 pounds. Use these weighted balls to support your ab exercises. Ultimately, it is fantastic for building your upper-body power. Try throwing it against the wall or to a partner.

#3: CARDIO WORKOUT

For only 7 minutes, you will be able to compete a full-body workout using the free app called Seven. According to the website: “Seven’s workouts are based on scientific studies to provide the maximum benefit in the shortest time possible.” Tailor-made workouts target your goal areas to make sure you get the most out of your training.

#4: RESISTANCE BANDS

Resistance bands are cheap, convenient, and light. They retail for about S$3.90 at Decathlon. Toss a couple of resistance bands in your drawer to enjoy the 20 to 50 pounds of resistance in aid of your strength training. Research about the poses that you can do with it.

#5: 3-MOVE CARDIO CHALLENGE

Created by Eisinger, this 3-Move Cardio Workout for beginners will help you get your day started. It consists of the skater, three-point toe touch, and flutter kick. If you are starting out, try each move for 30 seconds with a pause of 30 seconds in between. You may increase the length of each move as you get the hang of these exercises.

Full workout here.

#6: PILATES

My mother is a Pilates instructor. She believes that a Pilates workout is helpful for your core and glutes muscles. Small and controlled movements are essential to hone specific muscles. Complete the 10-minute Pilates workout once or twice a week.

Full workout here.

#7: YOGA

I am a firm believer of the benefits of rhythmic breathing with a series of flowing movements. This practice is called Yoga. Empty your mind as you focus on the physical aspects of this discipline. Moreover, you will be able to enhance your flexibility and balance. Since I cannot practice Hot Yoga anymore, I delight myself with a couple of Yoga exercises found in YouTube. Choose a video length and a difficulty level that you are most comfortable in.

Start small with EkhartYoga:


You are now looking to the future with hope and expectations. What better investment could you make than with your own health?

Read More...

5 Juice Recipes That Can Help Boost Your Immune System

Health is wealth! During these challenging times, your immune system is currently active. This means that you have to get a daily dose of vitamins and minerals to keep its performance into a maximum.

The following juice recipes are packed with essential nutrients to help you fight off common colds and flu.

#1: THE IMMUNITY-BOOSTING JUICE

Round up two peeled grapefruits, two cups of mango, an inch of ginger, four carrots, 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric, and a pinch of ground cayenne. Put all these in a food processor or a blender to create your juice. Then, drink up!

Let me discuss the benefits of these ingredients. Firstly, grapefruits are loaded with Vitamin C that aids in proper immune system functioning. Mangoes are loaded with Vitamin C and A as well as Bromelain. Bromelain helps reduce swelling and pain in the nose.

Thirdly, ginger helps to clear your sinuses and promotes healthy sweating as it contains plenty of antioxidants. Both turmeric and cayenne has anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that supports the body’s mucus membrane.

Image and Recipe Credits: thewanderlustkitchen.com/immune-boost-juice

#2: THE INFECTION-LOWERING JUICE

One of surefire ways to know what goes inside your body is to make it yourself. A frugal infection-lowering juice that you can make is a Tomato juice. The best part is that you do not have to own a juicer or a blender to make one.

Simply crush the tomato to make a puree and strain its seeds. If you want to add spice, you can add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of ground cayenne. Tomatoes are rich in Folate, which helps lower your risk of infection. It also has Vitamin C and A.

#3: THE CITRUS EXPLOSION

Imbibe the summer spirit by creating the citrus explosion. For this recipe, you will need two oranges, one grapefruit, and half a lemon. Peel the citrus fruits and cut these into quarters. Juice all the fruits in a blender and mix it well. It is best served chilled.

Image and Recipe Credits: theblackpeppercorn.com/citrus-explosion-juice

Oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C has antioxidant and other properties that help protect your cells from substances that causes damage. If you have Vitamin C deficiency, you may experience delayed wound healing or inability to properly fight infections. Thus, it is important to monitor your intake of Vitamin C.

4: THE STRAWBERRY AND MANGO MOCKTAIL

Let us add a twist to juicing by creating a fruity mocktail. As mentioned above, mangoes are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Let us add strawberries in the mix! Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, and Folate. Creating this mocktail enables you to improve your immune system and to help prevent cancer.

You will need to gather these ingredients for this recipe:

1 Mango
½ cup Orange juice
2 tablespoons Honey
10 Strawberries
2 tablespoons Lime juice
Ice cubes
Sparkling water
Mint (optional)

Then, follow the procedure found in soberjulie.com.

#5: THE SORE-RELIVING JUICE

Muscle soreness is a common symptom of flu and is also among the symptoms stated by COVID-19 patients. Watermelon is a fruit that can help relieve muscle soreness and boost your immune system. The notable nutrients found in watermelon include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Zinc. The heavy water content found in watermelon makes it easier to juice.

Purchase a small watermelon and a small lime. Blend the watermelon until it is totally pulverized. As an optional step, you may squeeze a small lime into the mixture. Lastly, blend it for a few seconds.

Image and Recipe Credits: cookieandkate.com/watermelon-juice

Enjoy your healthy, affordable, and delicious juices!

Read More...