Water + Soap, Germs have no Hope

The most important way to protect ourselves against Influenza A (H1N1) infection is to prevent its spread. Since the illness occurs through direct contact with infectious material and respiratory secretions, it is important to practise good personal hygiene.

Unlike SARS, patients with H1N1 can be infectious before their symptoms appear, or may even not display any symptoms. Therefore, temperature screening is only somewhat useful in detecting cases of H1N1.

Find out how to prevent H1N1 and more.. click here

Republic Run - June 09

"Are we there yet?"


Photos contributed by David Soh

Father's Day

In Singapore, Father's Day falls on every 3rd Sunday of June and this year, it happens to be 21 June 09. However, it might differ in different countries, click here to find out more...

Meanwhile to all the Dads out there, Happy Father's Day! :)

PCN - Park Connectors Network

Have you walked along Woodlands Street 13 and seen "PCN" signs on the path and lamp-posts? Ever wondered what they were?

It's part of the National Parks Singapore efforts to enhance the park experience.

The Woodlands Park Connector runs through the heartlands of Woodlands estate, connecting Admiralty Park, Woodlands Town Park East and Woodlands Town Garden. One of the main highlights is the linear park along the MRT viaduct (Woodlands Ave 3) where users can enjoy their workouts amidst the picturesque landscaped backdrop.

So start adventuring by foot, rollerblades or cycle to start the PCN experience!

Photo contributed by Mr Cheong

Launch of the Woodlands PCN - 26 Apr 09

Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS)

Been hearing about the Workfare Income Supplement (Workfare) Scheme? What is it?

The Workfare Income Supplement (Workfare) Scheme is a permanent scheme to encourage older low wage workers to find work and work regularly, while helping them save for their longer term and retirement needs.

Who qualifies?
To qualify for Workfare for work done in 2008, you must
1) Be a Singapore Citizen;
2) Earn an average monthly income of less than $1,500 during the work period;
3) Be 35 years old and above as at 31 Dec 2008;
4) Stay in a property with an Annual Value of $10,000 or less as at 31 Dec 2007; and
5) Work at least three months in any six month period in the calendar year for half the payout, or at least six months in the calendar year for the full payout.

To qualify for Workfare for work done in 2009, you must
1) Be a Singapore Citizen;
2) Earn an average monthly income of less than $1,500 during the work period;
3) Be 35 years old and above as at 31 Dec 2009;
4) Stay in a property with an Annual Value of $11,000 or less as at 31 Dec 2008; and
5) Work at least three months in any six month period in the calendar year for half the payout, or at least six months in the calendar year for the full payout.

Self employed or informally employed?

Not a problem. If you are self-employed or informally employed you will need to declare your income to CPF Board or IRAS and contribute to your CPF Medisave Account in order to qualify for Workfare. All qualifying members will need to fully pay up their CPF Medisave liability before Workfare can be allotted.

For more information, click here

Increase in Medisave Withdrawal Limits

The increase in Medisave withdrawal limits cannot be more timely, especially in downtimes like these.

From 1 June, Singaporeans will be able to withdraw more from Medisave to pay for surgical operations. This will reduce the expenses for all surgical patients, especially for those in Class A, B1 and private hospitals. Up to 300,000 patients are expected to benefit from the change.

Under the revised withdrawal limits, patients can save between S$250 and S$7,500. Currently, patients save between S$150 and S$5,000.

For example, for a knee replacement operation and to stay at a restructured hospital, the total bill could come out to $13,518. But with this new increase limit in place, the patient needs to pay only $5,668 in cash as compared to $7,618 previously. Now, that's a cash savings of $1,950!

Ministry of Health also announced this year that Medisave would be extended to cover home palliative care and non-urgent hospitalisation treatment overseas. We look forward to more favorable changes as our Government copes with Singapore's aging population.

Dumpling Festival

On the 5th day of the 5th month in the Lunar calendar, it has always been a tradition for the Chinese to celebrate and enjoy the "Rice Dumpling Festival”, also known as the “Dragon Boat Festival”. The Chinese call this day, Duan-Wu. This year, Duan-Wu falls on 28 May 2009.

How it all began?

In China, the Dragon Boat Festival is held in memory of the Chinese patriotic poet, Qu Yuan (340 BC-278 BC or 343-290 B.C.), who committed suicide by jumping into the river after tying himself with big rock on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.

Qu Yuan was the number one advisor of the kingdom of Chu . But people were jealous of his position. Qu Yuan felt that the new king was incapable of running the countryand nobody cared about the future of the country and to live was meaningless and he drowned himself in the river. Fishermen tried to rescue him, but the body was never found. They were worried that the fish would eat his body so they threw food into the river to feed the fish. They also scared away the fish by splashing the water with their paddles and beating the drums on long narrow boats.

Today, these pyramid-shape dumplings are made from glutinous rice with savoury fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves. Lest one thinks that rice dumplings are boring and ordinary, somehow through the years, due to the ingenuity of chefs, the traditional rice dumplings have evolved to become gourmet dumplings comprising unique ingredients that diners will certainly enjoy. In Singapore, we call these dumplings "Zang".

Did you know that in parts of China, it is believed that if you can make an egg stand up during the Dragon Boat Day, you will be lucky for the coming year ?

Community Mediation Centre in Woodlands

Did you know there is a Community Mediation Centre (CMC) in Woodlands Civic Centre? But first, you might ask what does the CMC do?

The CMC is an agency operated by the Ministry of Law. It aims to provide an informal and amicable way of settling inter-personal, social and community disputes.

Who goes to the CMC for help?

You may remember the Everitt Road episode where families were involved in a dispute. Such incidents could be resolved by having the police refer disputes between neighbours to the CMC.

What are the advantages of mediation?

1) Private and confidential

2) Time and cost savings

3) Flexible and informal

4) Seeks win-win solution

5) Preserves post-conflict relationships

If you know of a problem that could help from CMC, you can contact their hotline 6325 1600. They will assess the problem to see if it is suitable for mediation at the Centre.

Alternatively, you can call their Regional North Centre at 68934193

For more online information, click here

Mother's Day

This year, Mother's Day falls on 10 May. On this special day, children express appreciation to their mothers.

Photos contributor : Jenny Yeo

Marsiling RC Zone 1 celebrates Mothers Day with an array of songs & performances, magic show, art n craft for children, Balloon Scupture and much much more

Vesak Day

This year's Vesak Day falls on 9 May (Sat).

On this day, Buddhists in Singapore and around the world celebrate the birth and enlightenment of Buddha.

For more information on Vesak Day, click here

Photo source : Channel News Asia

Blk 22 Party - 25 Apr 09

About 90 residents & their families of Marsiling Green had a good time at the block party.

Organised by Marsiling RC Zone 1, Floor Party Ambassadors - Leela, Thomas Ng , Selvaraj & Jenny Yeo

Photos contributor : Jenny Yeo

Silver Chariot Procession

Silver Chariot Procession organised by Sri Siva Krishna Temple 9 May 09

Photos contributor : Jenny Yeo

Block Visit

Mr Hawazi Daipi, MP for Sembawang GRC, with students

Back to Basics Hygiene

With the recent bout of Influenza A (Swine Flu), Singapore was swift to act and taken a pro-active stance. We are better prepared for any possible outbreak especially after the SARs experience. What has been done in this short span of time?

• Singapore has stockpiled enough anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza
• Ministry of Health issued a travel advisory, asking people to postpone or avoid non-essential travel to Mexico
• The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore deployed thermal scanners at the arrival halls of Singapore's international passenger terminal and regional ferry
• Thermal scanners were deployed at all three arrival halls of the Changi Airport to screen all arriving passengers
• All healthcare institutions in Singapore are intensifying their infectious disease control measures
• The public has been advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times
• Ministry of Education announced that all schools here will conduct temperature checks on their students as a precautionary measure against the swine flu threat. All schools here were required to keep school premises clean and monitor the well-being of their staff and students
• Some companies have set up temperature check booths and staff briefings
• Loyang Aloha has been set as a quarantine site

Practising good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs and reduce infection:

▪ Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Click here to find out about Tan Tock Seng Hospital's recent CSI (Clean, Safe, Infection-free) efforts

▪ Turn quickly away from anyone near you if you are about to cough or sneeze

▪ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue properly in the dust bin after use

▪ Avoid crowded places if you are unwell and wear a surgical mask to cover your nose and mouth

▪ Stay home from work or school when you are sick

▪ Use a serving spoon when sharing food at meal times

▪ See a doctor if you are feeling unwell

Hey, if Bruce Lee has to wash his hands, you better too!

Blk 364 PCF Outing to the zoo - 2 Apr 09

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

How about you, you, you?

You can come too, too, too

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Photos contributor : Dahlia

The kids of Blk 364 Woodlands Ave 5 PCF having a wonderful time!