Fighting the Haze

Posted by Editor on Mar 24th, 2014 in Health | 0 comments

Fighting the haze is not easy because you cannot physically hold it. It is so destructive that when you inhale it, you will become ill and unhealthy. Singapore is suffering from the haze and to think it is not our fault. It is the actions of the other country that brought discomfort to all of us. We are all aware of the increased burning in Riau, Sumatra.

NEA (National Environment Agency) and MOH (Ministry of Health) warned Singaporeans that there will be a prolonged haze. Dr. Balakrishnan posted on February 11, 2014 about the prolonged haze. The comments of the minister came the same day APRIL (Asia Pacific Resources International Limited) warned about the lengthy haze season. APRIL is the second largest paper and pulp maker here in Asia.

If you remember, the worse bout with haze was last June 2013 where the PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) level hit 401. That was alarming. It caused many establishments to close for the fear of the effects. Since haze is threatening the country again, it is useful if people review the don’ts during haze. Here are some:

1. Stay Indoors. It is important that you stay indoors especially if you are advised. Do not push things because it will only harm you. Do not mind work because your life is more important.
2. Monitor the PSI. You should continuously monitor the bulletin or advisory of NEA about the PSI level. Every time you go out, make sure that you check the levels.
3. Do Not Open Your Windows. If haze is present, it is crucial not to open your windows. If you see any dents in your windows and doors, make sure to seal it so no haze can enter your house. Use air conditioners instead.
4. Use Air Purifiers. You have to make sure to remove the pollutants and other particles circulating around your house. You can do this by purchasing air purifier of ionizers.
5. Drink Plenty of Water. If you are afraid of absorbing any toxins, you should drink lots of water. When you drink lots of water, your body will flush out the toxins.
6. Eat Well. You have to stay healthy to fight the disease that comes along with haze. You have to strengthen your immunity. You need to eat Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega 3 rich foods.
7. Cover Your Nose. Do not go outside if haze is present but if it can’t be helped, you have to cover your nose with masks. Do not forget your masks.

The air we breathe should be clean and safe. If it carries something that can threaten the lives of people with respiratory and heart diseases, everyone should join together to stop the haze.

Maintaining Windows

Posted by Editor on Mar 1st, 2014 in Safety and Security | 0 comments

On December 12, 2013, BCA (Building and Construction Authority) notified the public that the cases of falling windows from condominium residences have diminished. According to BCA, the cases of falling windows are the lowest in 5 years. BCA said that in the first 11 months of 2013, there were about forty cases of falling windows. This is smaller compared to the sixty seven cases the previous year. The main reason for falling windows is the corrosion of the aluminium rivets in the window panels.

Thankfully, no one was hurt by falling windows this year. All homeowners are encouraged by the BCA to alter their aluminium rivets to stainless steels. If they fail to alter their window rivets, they will be fined of not more than S$5,000 and/or not more than 6 months in jail. If you do not want to be charged, you should follow the alteration guidelines and observe proper window maintenance. Window maintenance includes:

Cleaning

The basic thing that you need to do is clean your windows. It is not enough to clean the glass. You have to consider other parts of the window like the hinges, track and sliding shoes as often as you can. The dirt can compromise the quality of the said parts.

Lubricating

If you notice that your windows are stiff, it is time to apply lubricants or grease. Do not forget the pivoting points and other moveable parts. It should be lubricated or greased at least twice a year. When you put lubricant or grease, open and close your windows several times so it will be smooth.

Checking

Apart from checking and lubricating the moveable parts of the window, you should also check the glass panes. You have to see to it that there are no cracks or loose panels. If you notice that something is missing and you think that it can compromise the integrity of the windows, you should consider repair.

Repairing

It is best to leave the repairs to the experts. When you notice something different, you should call a certified window contractor. If you get experts, you will be assured that they will do an excellent job. It will cost you but do not worry because it is not that expensive.

If you live in a high-rise environment, your window is your responsibility. You should do your best to take care of it so you will not hurt the innocent people passing by your building. Falling windows can be prevented if you practice and observe the maintenance guidelines provided above.

How to Prevent Window Falls

Posted by Editor on Feb 26th, 2014 in Safety in the House | 0 comments

Home safety should be practiced and observed by the household especially if there are children around. Children are prone to accidents and injuries. Unless you child-proof your house, your children should never be left unattended. If in this case you have many windows, you need to make sure that it will not facilitate accidents. As a parent, you should always think about preventing window falls.    

Windows are essential in home safety because you can use it in the event of fire but the risk of falling is present. With this, you need to consider safety measures and make sure to follow it for the sake of your children. Here is a window safety checklist that you should keep in mind:

1.       Keep it close when children are around

When your children are around the house, you should keep the windows close. If you are concerned about the ventilation, open the window that your children cannot reach. If you have a screen, do not put your faith to that because it is designed to keep the insects out. It is not designed to support your child when he/she falls out the window.

2.       Keep furniture away from the windows

If you have furniture near the windows, consider a re-decoration. Furniture near the windows can entice the children to climb. Furniture can facilitate climbing. You should put your furniture at the center of the house or near the wall. If you really want to be sure, you can install window bars or grilles.

3.       Cushioning the fall

When the child will fall, the degree of his/her injury will depend on the surface of the fall. If it is a concrete pathway, more likely the injuries will be fatal or serious. If there are shrubs around, the impact will be lesser. It pays if you plant shrubs outside your window.

4.       Do not block the window

Bars and grilles are not recommended because they can block the windows. As mentioned earlier, windows can be used as an escape route when there is a fire. If the door is unavailable, the window is your only chance. It should not be blocked or obstructed.

If you are thinking about eliminating all widows, you should think a thousand times. Windows are used for ventilation. You do not want your family to suffocate, right? Accidents happen but you can minimize it by following the checklist above. If you want to be sure, do not take your eyes off your child and everything will be fine.

Wrapping a Present

Posted by Editor on Jan 30th, 2014 in Favourite Updates | 0 comments

Christmas is fast approaching. What better way to celebrate Christmas than giving gifts? It is indeed the time to share and give happiness to many people. You have the perfect gift but do you know how to wrap it? You can simply go to a gift wrapping section or you can wrap the presents personally. If you wrap it personally, the receiver will surely appreciate it more.

Do not think that wrapping a present is hard. It is simple and you can do it on your spare time. To give you a hint, here is a step on how to wrap your present:

• Take away price tags. It is always basic to take away the price tags. No matter how expensive it is and you want to flaunt it, it is basic courtesy to take away the price tag.
• Look for a box. If the gift has no box, you should look for a box. Make sure that your gift will fit in the box so the wrapping will be even.
• Unroll wrapping paper. Choose a wrapping paper that you like (or what the receiver may like). When the wrapping paper is there, you only need to unroll it in a flat surface.

• Measure the paper needed for the box. Put your box at the center of the paper and measure the paper that is needed. This is important so your wrapping will be neat and easy.
• Cut the lines and place the box at the centre. Mark the excess paper first and then make sure to cut it. After cutting it, you only need to place the box at the centre of the paper and get ready to wrap it.
• Fold the paper. Some people consider this challenging but wrapping is easy. You only need to fold one side of the paper at a time. Prepare your tape and use it when you feel like using it. Add the final touch by using a ribbon.

Understanding Anaemia

Posted by Editor on Jan 28th, 2014 in Favourite Lifestyle | 0 comments

Anaemia is one of the most common blood conditions around the world. It is a condition when your blood does not have enough haemoglobin. For your information, haemoglobin is part of the red blood cells; its primary work is to fasten the oxygen. If you have low haemoglobin, your cells will not receive enough oxygen. This is not good because the organs will not function correctly.

There are four hundred types of anaemia. There are others who have IDA (Iron Deficiency Anaemia). This is the common type and it is treatable by simply changing the diet and increasing Iron supplements. However, you should know that there are types of anaemia that can be a lifelong problem. If you want to know more, you should read this:

Causes

It was mentioned earlier that there are four hundred types of anaemia. The types of anaemia are separated into 3 groups – anaemia caused by blood loss, faulty RBC (Red Blood Cell) production and obliteration of RBC.

Symptoms

Some patients with anaemia have no apparent symptoms but there are others who may feel tiredness, shortness of breath, appearing pale always, exhaustion, palpitating heart, hair loss and Malaise (this refers to the feeling of being unwell all the time).

Diagnosis

Your physician will require you to comply a CBC (Complete Blood Count) test. Today, there is a machine that can automatically count the blood. Actually, there are six components that make up the CBC – RBC count, Hematocrit, Haemoglobin, WBC (White Blood Count), Diff Count and the Platelet Count. But only the first three will be used to diagnose anaemia.

Treatment

Anaemia can be treated depending on the type you have. For example, IDA can be treated by iron supplements and eating iron rich foods. If you have severe anaemia, you will be treated by blood transfusions. For people who are enduring pernicious anaemia, Vitamin B12 injections are required.   

You should go to the doctor if you suspect anaemia. Do not delay it.