Agents Contact Numbers 2007-2012

Agents Contact Numbers 2007-2012
68876619
A 110101 Christine Lee 90929936 HSR
A 110101 Raja Shaker 81769658 Propnex
A 110101 Vincent Tan Y H 96183828 ERA
A 110101 Sandelyn 81887720 DTZ
A 070601 Kris Lee 96164750 Commercial
A 070601 Katrina How 82286754/64839280
A 070601 Shirley 93375393 Propnex
A 080401 Lynnette Lim 90042046/ Home 62449818 Business 93691966/62555788
A 080708 Ferlyn 81388083 ERA
A 080808 Steven 96209913 ERA
A 080901 Zen Seah 96988229 Business 96807887 L2GP
A 081201 Leena 91916047 Propnex
A 090101 Ellen Liao 96928087 ERA
A 090101 Jerome 82330385 DTZ
A 090108 Lawrence Teo 91812454/ Home 66996191 Propnex
A 090110 Belle 98962279 Casa Merah
A 090117 Felicia 93899800 Atrium Residences
A 090209 Karen 91118141 Tropical Spring
A 090211 Rachel 90677899 HSR Atrium Residences
A 090223 Carrie 96166373 Tropical Spring
A 090226 Cate 81330501 ERA Tropical Spring
A 090228 Belinda HSR Tanamera Crest
A 090303 June 90620264 Blk 772 Bedok Reservoir View
A 090304 Richard Tan 90231118 ERA
A 090305 Rosie Tham 93866122 Tanamera Crest
A 090308 Vera Wong 97993999 Tropical Spring
A 090322 Chew Siew Siew 94785138/ Home 63727531
A 090325 Jenny 96879997 DTZ
A 090403 Francis Foo 97887735 Roof Ubi Centre
A 090405 Joyce Lim 82286808
A 090418 Jenny 96988731
A 090421 Sharon Ow 92289782
A 090423 Bryan 96897771 ERA Tropical Spring
A 090423 Valerie 90600107 Tropical Spring/ Modena
A 090506 Carol 96819353
A 090513 Mark Goh MRE Bizlink Centre
A 090522 Evonne 98573533 DTZ
A 090526 Janice 9436650
A 090529 Angeline Ding Yuen Teng 91855884 Propnex
A 090530 Christine Wu 90016188 HSR
A 090602 Crystal 92200146 ERA Eastpoint Green
A 090602 Joanne 91472550/Business 82824000 Savannah Condo Park
A 090604 Tracci 97970922 DTZ Savannah Condo Park
A 090605 Ginny 90695222 ERA
A 090608 Rowena 83435301 Chesney Tanamera Crest
A 090608 Serene 90702662 Atrium Residences
A 090610 Tricia 81184669 Propnex Tribeca
A 090611 Jess 92308466 Tanamera Crest
A 090622 Anna 91448667/ Office 68756381 Tanamera Crest
A 090624 Emily 93229222 Tribeca
A 090704 Jenny 94559316/ 64745337 Mirage Tower
A 090705 Megan 97306778 HSR Tanamera Crest
A 090706 Jennifer 98363722 Mirage Tower
A 090712 Pat Chan 92222209 ERA
A 090720 Erize 90069226 Mirage Tower
A 090724 Rachel Lim Knight Frank Meadows @ Peirce (D26)
A 090727 Julia Khoo 90678832 Pinewood Grove
A 090803 Anna 91110662 Frontier
A 090803 Claire Wong 81832288 ERA
A 090804 Jasmine Goh 90256772 Orange Tee Casa Merah
A 090807 Hui Li 98498924 Mirage Tower
A 090808 Shabana 96326697 Fax 64749714 ERA Changi Rise
A 090810 Joey 99565462 Atrium Residences
A 090813 Felicia 97494546 ERA
A 090815 Jerine 90079926 The Tanamera
A 090821 Arwen 97637302 Changi Rise
A 090821 Christina 96576622 Changi Rise
A 090822 June 96509803 Changi Rise
A 090822 Shirley 85113223 Atrium Residences
A 090824 Jeannie 91003343 Changi Rise
A 090824 Shannon 91190132 Changi Rise
A 090825 Jocelyn 91399982 The Tanamera
A 090825 Tiffany Chew 91501436 Fax 64681436
A 090826 Sebastian Koh 81119733 Remax
A 090828 Justina 81981130 Changi Rise
A 090830 Sherlyn Zhao 81181468
A 090904 Cam Loh Y C 98897338 ERA S8004285 cam_loh@yahoo.com.sg
A 090905 Carol 96153462 Changi Rise
A 090908 Clarissa Chew 90011530 C&H Changi Court
A 090909 Adele Chua 96722295 Changi Rise
A 090910 Cheryl 81822036 ACS
A 090911 Rose 98440268 Atrium Residences
A 090913 Carol 96922765 ERA The Tanamera
A 090919 Jen Kee 92779380 Changi Rise
A 090919 Stacy 97951775 Changi Rise
A 090925 Angeline 97353542 Changi Rise
A 090925 Jamie 98407868 Changi Rise
A 090928 Jill 93801189 The Tanamera
A 090928 Josephine 94500993/Home 64455327 Changi Rise
A 091001 Catherine 96348940 Robertson 100
A 091003 Julia 97569847 The Tanamera
A 091003 Rachel 96287605 Holland Grove View
A 091008 Jocelyn 97665055 Robertson 100
A 091009 Jacelyn Chow 90062500
A 091011 Anju 90104079 Changi Rise
A 091014 Delphine 81335352 Harper Kitchen
A 091019 Li Ping 97816855 Robertson 100
A 091028 Lynn Shen 92394606 HSR The Tanamera
A 091028 Shane 92771000 ERA
A 091029 Cheryl 90689697 Ubi Centre
A 091030 Carol 96377739/Home 62857225 Ubi Techpark
A 091030 Grace 96325663 The Stellar
A 091030 Sharon 98230181 ERA Robertson 100
A 091031 Arissa 94351710 ERA Blk 880 Yishun
A 091031 Arist 96990212 Blk 880 Yishun
A 091102 Jolene Koh 92470202 Propnex
A 091103 Jmax Shi 91814582 CBRE
A 091103 Sandra 96906254 Propnex The Stellar
A 091105 Ivy 81389392 Changi Rise
A 091107 Debbie 81124564 Changi Rise
A 091107 Ethel 90081749 Blk 880 Yishun
A 091107 Karen 98308218/Home 67864015/ Business 81278337 Robertson 100
A 091109 Tina 62247255 Holland Grove View
A 091111 June 68876779 DWG Changi Rise
A 091114 Joni 98218722 Changi Rise
A 091114 Kathrine 97950725 Holland Grove View
A 091114 Lynn 91508448
A 091115 Cheryl Leow 92287743/94366727
A 091121 Lu Chin 97702383/83827772 The Gale
A 091124 Ace Paabu 92230514
A 091124 Jenny 97314049
A 091125 Alice Teo 93877446/68464021 DWG Changi Rise
A 091125 Kiwi Ong 81338660 ERA
A 091127 Felicia Tan 91078855 ERA Email felicia_tan@era.com.sg
A 091128 Joyce 97432525 Changi Rise
A 091130 Miss Deon Ng 84888397
A 091130 Nicole 65225176 ERA Edelweiss
A 091203 Alice 96376635 ERA Changi Rise
A 091205 Jenny Chan 96934099 Blk 331 Yishun
A 091205 Sheryln 92223689/Home 65273689 Tanamera Crest
A 091205 Susie 91098228 Kinght Frank Changi Rise
A 091205 Wendy 94778601 Edelweiss
A 091206 Adeline Lo 97698138 Edelweiss
A 091206 Gwen 82220914 Tanamera Crest
A 091206 Jayna 96999873/63000989 ERA Holland Grove View
A 091212 Cindy 91799969 DTZ Blk 171 Yishun
A 091212 Sandra 81238289 Changi Rise
A 091214 Cherie 96422664
A 091218 Serene Ong 91088010 DWG
A 091219 Sherley 66981438 Mirage Tower
A 091220 Tal Li Qing 81129179 Changi Rise
A 091225 Aileen 81125931 ECG Robertson 100
A 091227 Jeanne Phang 93220112 HSR
A 091227 Kim 98509890 Changi Rise
A 091228 Cynthia Lim 91274979
A 091228 Rosanna 94235549/Home 67844910 Changi Rise
A 100101 Kenneth 94366813 ERA
A 100102 Christy 98586010 Propnex Holland Grove View
A 100105 Nicole Business 65225176 Changi Rise
A 100108 Ann 82885833 Changi Rise
A 100108 Jenny 97668879 Changi Rise
A 100109 Ariel 97711065 Robertson 100
A 100111 Alicia 91515270 Changi Rise
A 100116 Hui San 97720890 Mirage Tower
A 100117 Jeannie 96611103 Clear Water
A 100118 Roy 91001765 Changi Rise
A 100120 Charlotte 92953817
A 100121 Brenda 81122288 Huttons
A 100121 Sally Chiang 93803503 HSR
A 100122 Jowel 84441166 Ubi Techpark
A 100123 Joyce 90085953 Mirage Tower
A 100123 Lynn 90285599
A 100202 Adeline Sim 93381187 Blk 880 Yishun
A 100202 Angeline 83331546/Home 67580638 HSR
A 100202 Sammy 94577715 Blk 704 Yishun
A 100204 Jenny 92228858 Ubi Techpark
A 100205 Serene Lim 97569689 ERA
A 100206 Rebecca 96549590 Edelweiss
A 100207 Chloe Lim 90662300 Mirage Tower
A 100209 Sheryl 82988032 Mirage Tower
A 100217 Ann 94553077 Mirage Tower
A 100217 Josephine 92774219 Orange Tee
A 100221 Lois Ho 91073597 ERA Mirage Tower
A 100222 Annie 93372153 Mirage Tower
A 100223 Elaine 97955455 Mirage Tower
A 100223 Lina 90887144 Mirage Tower
A 100225 Jenny 91098702 Propnex The Tanamera
A 100226 Mira 90067047 ERA
A 100226 Tracy 97717628 Orange Tee Mirage Tower
A 100228 Elaine 82223977 Mirage Tower
A 100301 Rain Goh 94509717
A 100311 Ardrey 93660668 ERA
A 100311 Mary 90605927 Orange Tee Mirage Tower
A 100311 Tanya 93898886 The Azure
A 100320 Evelyn 91082208 Mirage Tower
A 100325 Carrie 96613061/Home 64535035 Mirage Tower
A 100326 Monica 92391715 Orange Tee
A 100328 Jasmine 94572488 Blk 879 Yishun
A 100329 Elena 90228998 Ubi Centre
A 100331 Jen 92391220 Jade Towers
A 100331 Noor 90629060 Knight Frank
A 100331 Valerie 98898585
A 100401 Cynthia 90087700 Mirage Tower
A 100401 Elaine Chua 97955455 Black Diamond
A 100401 Kelly Beh 94747046 ERA
A 100403 Eunice Chen 90031460 Mirage Tower
A 100403 Paula 92353089 ERA
A 100406 Christina 91880955
A 100408 Rose 62603851 Changi Rise
A 100411 Lily 96823988/ Home 63550956
A 100412 Kristy 94551008
A 100418 Zoe 81807543 Edelweiss Park
A 100421 Janet Neo 93390933
A 100422 Joselyn 90032551/ Home 66895578 Changi Green
A 100424 Claudia 84882552 Far Easdt Organization
A 100424 Joyce 96706438 The Eden
A 100427 Melissa 98381126 melissa@hsr Changi Green
A 100428 Maytoh 81259249/ 91995149 ERA The Eden
A 100430 Sherlyn 93840666 The Eden
A 100430 Shirleen Foo 92222804 ERA Changi Green
A 100430 Vivien 93260207/ Home 63972549 Vivien C&H The Eden
A 100501 Bubbly 9232624 HSR Changi Green
A 100501 Taxes 81111192 ERA Changi Green
A 100502 Jane 90920997/ Home 67535751 Changi Green
A 100505 Jenny 83886604 Le Crescendo
A 100505 Pauline 97353262 Dalia Park
A 100505 Sam 97861000/ Home 66330251 Changi Green
A 100506 Karen 81119397 Changi Green
A 100508 Jenny 92959491 Le Crescendo
A 100510 Grace 94510711 Changi Green
A 100511 Becks Tan 97272086
A 100512 Brenda Yip 97929219 ERA
A 100515 Amy Zeng 81389199 ERA
A 100521 Emily 97904884 Changi Rise
A 100521 Grace 81139648 Changi Rise
A 100522 Charlene 81982066
A 100523 Apple Lin 96855000
A 100525 Valerie 84886148 Butter Worth
A 100528 Grace 91907722
A 100601 Christine 97388897
A 100610 Peggy 91853085 Robertson 100
A 100611 Jenna 98413885/ Home 65240416/ Business 68661172 Robertson 100
A 100612 Jenie Thong 94550309
A 100612 Jessica Chua 90683754
A 100614 Sally 97542023 Blk 713 Bedok Reservoir Road
A 100614 Sarah 90062579 ERA
A 100615 Shirley Wang 94361909 Huttons
A 100616 Della 96827688 Orange Tee Robertson 100
A 100617 Chris 97651122 Blk 702 Bedok Reservoir Road
A 100617 Jean 98215800 113 Bedok Reservoir Road
A 100618 Joey Vienna 90223377 HSR Tanamera Crest
A 100618 Joy 93628883 Tanamera Crest
A 100618 Lisa 96855368 Blk 113 Bedok Reservoir Road
A 100618 Teresa 90623100
A 100626 Joey 81613098
A 100626 Stephanie 98329193/ Home 64288496
A 100630 Faith Ang P T 82220779 faithang@ymail.com
A 100701 Sharon Soon 91861888 ERA

In LOVING MEMORY of a Dear Beloved Daughter Carmen 1993-2011

In LOVING MEMORY of a Dear Beloved Daughter Carmen 1993-2011

There in HEAVEN's Pearly Gates awaits Angels (Ministering Spirits) clothed in
White Shining Robe to be sent out one by one to receive the
Children of GOD so DEAR into the Sheepfold of the GREAT SHEPHERD

Where the Children of GOD will lie down in Green Pastures;
Where a Table spread out where my (Carmen's) Cup runneth over
A Place called HOME is where Carmen will
Dwell in the HOUSE of GOD all the days of her life

Inspired by the WORD of GOD, Book of Psalm 91 & Psalm 23

1993-2011 18 Years
Written By Kevin Haran 30 December 2011
This has been Written for the Bereaved Family of the Late Carmen
Time of Home Coming 10:20pm 30 December 2011
http://kevinharan.blogspot.com
+65 9489 6600

In LOVING MEMORY of a Dear Beloved Dad
Name : Husband Low Yuen Kai 67 Years 1944 to 4 November 2011

December is a busy month for popping the question

December is a busy month for popping the question
By LEANNE ITALIE | AP – Wed, Dec 28, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) — The heck with lovey-dovey Valentine's Day. Turns out December, with its holiday cheer, romantic winter backdrops and family gatherings, is among the busiest months for popping the question.
"It's a pretty time of year," said Jake Nyberg, 31, a video producer in Minneapolis. He chose Christmastime to drop to one knee in a gorilla suit while teetering on ice skates in front of his beloved. "You know you're going to be around a lot of family. You're going to be seeing all the people you'd like to see after something like this happens."
Sarah Pease, a professional proposal planner in New York, usually gets one or two inquiries a week from nervous grooms-to-be, but once Thanksgiving rolls around, it's more like one or two a day, with most guys looking to propose in December.
While she specializes in elaborate surprise proposals, she says the simple engagement-ring-under-the-tree trick is still popular. "That's a great way to have it as a family affair," she said. "It's dreamy. This is definitely THE busiest time of the year."
Laurent Landau in New York, a partner in the jewelry site DiamondIdeals.com, also sees the December bump: "October, November and early December, we probably see a 50 to 60 percent increase in the number of people buying rings with the purpose of proposing during the holiday season."
And it's not just regular folks; celebs confirm the trend too. Matthew McConaughey announced in a tweet that he proposed to his girlfriend, Brazilian model Camila Alves, on Christmas Day this year. And two days after Christmas, a spokesman for John Legend revealed that the singer recently proposed to his girlfriend, model Chrissy Teigen, in the Maldives.
Christmas is considered one of four big proposal days, along with Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving and New Year's. Thirty-nine percent of proposals occurred between November and February among 20,000 newlyweds surveyed by the popular wedding website TheKnot.com. Of those, 16 percent got engaged in December, more than any other month, according to TheKnot editor Anja Winikka.
Winikka's on board. Her fiance, Benjamin Bullington, proposed Dec. 20 by matching a fantasy she'd had "as a child that on my very first date ever I would wear a red dress and we would go to Red Lobster in a red car." Bullington sent a red dress and shoes to her office, then whisked her off in a red car to dine on red lobster.
With help from Pease, the wedding planner, Matthew Fowkes surprised his honey with an impressive yellow diamond on a romantic Christmas week getaway to New York.
"We thought it would be a magical time in the city with all the lights and everything — and it was," said Fowkes, 35, a website founder in Pittsburgh.
Fowkes took Melissa Barnickel, 25, to a French bistro in Brooklyn on Dec. 2 where they were the only guests. The evening included singers belting "Marry Me" by Train, a videographer and photographer recording it all, a tiered proposal cake and a bottle of wine identical to one the pair drank during their first trip together, to Canada.
Fowkes had the wine placed in a box made of Canadian wood, carved with their names. They'll fill it with remembrances at their Sept. 29 wedding and seal it as a time capsule to be opened on their 10th wedding anniversary. And they might just duplicate the proposal cake for their nuptials.
"I was completely surprised," said Barnickel, an analyst for an insurance company. "It was such a fairy tale. Everything was just so thought through."
Brad Carlson, 41, a production executive for Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles, went for the fake-out.
He and Allison Koeppe, 34, had been talking marriage for a while. She thought it might be nice to get engaged the weekend of Dec. 16, when he had business in New York, but he held her off, suggesting they wait until they could figure out a plan.
"She was, like, a plan. What do we need a plan for," Carlson recalled. What she didn't know was he had hired Pease months before to make every moment meaningful when he proposed that Saturday.
They stayed at a fancy downtown hotel and strolled through Washington Square Park on their way to dinner at Babbo. Along the way they encountered a painter in the park whose easel bore a replica of a favorite photo Koeppe had taken on a trip to Italy. As she realized what was about to happen, a guitarist materialized and played "Reminiscing" by Little River Band: "How to tell you girl/ I wanna build my world around you/ Tell you that it's true/ I wanna make you understand/ I'm talkin' about a lifetime plan ..."
Carlson let Koeppe's closest friends in on the secret and presented her with a video featuring their congratulations back at the hotel. That gesture moved her to tears.
"It was beyond anything I could have imagined," said Koeppe, who's originally from Hopewell Valley, N.J. "New York in December is one of the more romantic places you could be."
Nyberg also went stealth. His fiancee is a freelance photographer and he concocted a fake client who was going to propose in gorilla gear at an outdoor skating rink in downtown St. Paul, Minn.
Nyberg showed up himself Dec. 16 with several friends, all dressed as gorillas who took to the ice.
"There's a nearby park and the trees were all lit up with Christmas lights. The rink is framed by all of these historic buildings. It was perfect," he said. "And I'm not a good skater. I managed to drop to one knee in skates on ice in a gorilla suit. It's sort of a minor miracle."

This Dec. 2, 2011 photo courtesy of James Ambler for Pap the Question shows Matthew …


http://sg.news.yahoo.com/december-busy-month-popping-194826599.html



FILE- This Monday, July 18, 2011 file photo shows swimsuit model Chrissy Teigen, …

Prayer for Carmen Niece of Clarence

Prayer for Carmen Niece of Clarence

DEAR PRECIOUS LORD there is a Daughter (Carmen) whose life depends on YOUR MERCY & GRACE as she lays in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU Ward) the Doctors in National University Hospital of Singapore (NUH has requested that this Child needs BLOOD in order to live. LORD GOD YOUR SON JESUS the CHRIST gave HIS LIFE a ransom for all. Have MERCY on her life that this Daughter may know YOU & the STRENGTH that YOU FATHER will give to go through it with COURAGE in CHRIST AMEN 28-29 December 2011 Time 00:24am

In HIS LOVE
Kevin Haran
http://kevinharan.blogspot.com/
+65 9489 6600

Post-graduate qualifications: Are they worth it?

Post-graduate qualifications: Are they worth it?
By JobsCentral | Fit to Post Finance – Tue, Dec 27, 2011



Employers usually look at a prospective hire's qualifications.
(Photo courtesy of JobsCentral)

Further education is essential for career progression, or even survival, in the modern corporate world. Yet, there is a declining trend in the number of Singaporeans intending to upgrade their skill sets in recent years.

According to the 2011 JobsCentral Learning Rankings & Survey, which polled 3,413 Singapore residents between the ages of 16 and 65 between August and September 2011, about 3 out of every 10 respondents reveal that they have no intention of pursuing further education — an increase from 2 in every 10 in 2009.
Heng Teng Teng, a facilitator and career coach at GROW, cautions that the pursuit of further education should just not just be for the sake of acquiring the paper certificate but also whether it is vital to your individual career goals.
"A post-graduate qualification will be useful if mastery of a specific domain subject is your focus. Ask yourself: Where are you heading towards in your career? What skills do you want to develop? A good post-graduate programme should help you further develop your thinking skills, widen your perspectives on real-life issues, and leverage on your working experience and exposure," Heng says.
She adds, "All employers will evaluate you based on your performance, contributions, and the value you are capable of bringing to the organisation — not whether you possess a Master's degree."
Employers, however, may also have their concerns about employees pursing part-time qualifications while holding full-time jobs.
"Employees may leave their current jobs in search of better opportunities upon attaining their qualifications, lack focus on the job, or take too many off days to prepare for their exams," says Heng.
To prevent such miscommunication from happening, employees looking to pursue a part-time course to upgrade their skills should share their career development plans and aspirations, as well as how they can continue to support and add value to their employers, with their immediate bosses.
"Such sharing requires a certain degree of trust with you and your immediate boss," Heng adds. "Understand that it is not just about you and your career; you are employed to do a job and you must do it well and be accountable for the job you are employed for. If you can build trust by being accountable and responsible for your current job, it is easier to get support from your employers. Start with yourself first!"
Accumulate work exposure first
On this note, Heng advises that it is best to first spend some years accumulating work experience and exposure before looking to pursue a post-graduate qualification.
"Most of my clients who choose to further their education do it either for career advancement in their current field, or to acquire credentials in a new field they would like to switch to," adds Diana Reyes, a career coach at Smart People Coaching and The Mind Gym (UK).
Also, there are many alternative approaches to skills upgrading, says Reyes. "A post-graduate degree is not the only way. Volunteer work, short-term attachments, job rotation, getting a mentor or a coach, or joining a professional group/organisation in your field of interest can be equally effective and rewarding in helping you achieve your career objectives."
To position yourself for more employment opportunities, you can also tap on your networking skills, either by volunteering your services or attending talks and events, especially since there are many unadvertised opportunities present in the market.
Quoting the late Steve Jobs, Heng adds, "Stay foolish, stay hungry! It will never be too late to pursue a post-graduate degree if you have the drive, passion, and reason. The key is to enjoy your academic journey. Don't do it just because your peers are doing it."
The JobsCentral Group, a CareerBuilder company, is the owner of JobsCentral.com.sg, one of Singapore's largest job and learning portals. Get a free career personality test and more career- and education-related articles at JobsCentral and JobsCentral Community.

Prayer of Thanksgiving & Birthday Wish for Cheryl Leow Wan Chern :)

Prayer of Thanksgiving & Birthday Wish for Cheryl Leow Wan Chern :)

BLESSED be GOD & FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO has bestowed Numerous of countless BLESSINGS on Cheryl Leow Wan Chern protecting watching over her in CHRIST AMEN 27 Becember 2011

BLESSED BIRTHDAY GREETINGS Miss Cheryl Wan Chern :)(: from Kevin

26 December 2011 23:47 pm

Reply :

Thx for the wishes, Good Night 26 December 2011 Time 23:52pm

Good Night Cheryl send my Greetings to your Dad & Mom & the Whole Family still keeping your Dad in my Prayers :)27 December 2011 00:00 am

:) My CHRISTMAS PRAYER to GOD for Nichole Chua :)

:) My CHRISTMAS PRAYER to GOD for Nichole Chua (:


My CHRISTMAS PRAYER to GOD & FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is -

DEAR FATHER in HEAVEN THOU art MIGHTY and hears & answers PRAYERS may Nichole Chua grow up to be a Doctor or a Nurse or in the medical field to be one of outstanding caregivers that YOUR NAME be lifted up & high throughout history like Florence Nightingale

:) In CHRIST JESUS AMEN (:
Haran 25 December 2011 Time 10:26pm

What You Should Know About Back Pain By Health Xchange

What you should know about back pain
By Health Xchange | Fit to Post Health – Fri, Dec 23, 2011



Most people will have back pain at some point in their lives

Our back muscles are some of the most frequently used in our bodies. They hold us upright against gravity, carry our body weight and move us around.
And just like us, they can get tired and overworked. When that happens, our spine compensates and does extra work, causing pain.
Back pain is a very common problem in Singapore, according to Dr Tan Kian Hian, consultant at the Department of Anaesthesiology, and director of the Pain Management Centre at Singapore General Hospital.
"About 90 per cent of the population will have had pain in the back at some point in their lives," says Tan. "Fortunately, most cases can be resolved without treatment within six to 12 weeks."

When to see a doctor
Typically caused by muscle strains, acute back pain usually lasts less than three months. If the pain interferes with daily activities, a medical consultation can be in good order. The doctor will physically examine your back and compile a history of your back problems.

Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is any pain that persists for more than three months. It can be very common, especially among those aged 55 years and above, it can be caused by ailments such as a slipped disc, spinal arthritis or disc disruption — a wear and tear of the "spring" in between the bones of our spine.
Related video: Advice and tips for neck pain relief
You should see a specialist in the following situations:
If the pain in your back is not getting better after some time, or if it's getting worse

If you the pain shoots down one side of your leg to the foot
If you feel numbness or a tingling sensation

If your pain is worsened by bending over, or by coughing and straining
HOT TIP: We often don't remember the exact names of the medicine we're on. That's why Tan advises patients to bring along any medication that they are currently taking. This is especially crucial if you are unsure or have any questions about them.
"I've had patients tell me that the medication they've got doesn't work," he explains. "But when I ask them which, they can only tell me that it's the white tablet, or the yellow tablet, or the green tablet. When you bring along your medication, we can advise you better."

What you can do to prevent or manage back pain

Observe the right posture
Most of us tend to slouch in front of the telly or computer or when reading. But bad postures like these can ultimately result in back pain. So make sure you observe the right postures when doing the following:

- When carrying heavy goods: Make sure the item you are carrying is close to you, so its centre of gravity is closer to your spine.

- When lifting heavy goods: Always bend your knees, and not your back.
- When carrying a backpack: Be sure to sling on both straps instead of leaving one strap dangling.

Related article: Is your mattress hurting your back?

Adopt a healthy diet

Keeping to a healthy diet — and healthy weight — helps, too.

Tan points out that extra body weight may strain your joints during movement or rest, and aggravate your back. Which is why it's important to eat right, and maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) through regular exercise.
This reduces the load and stress on your back, preventing future injuries.
Looking for healthy recipes? Health Xchange has a treasure trove of delicious low-fat dishes.

Stay active

To keep your back flexible, Tan also suggests doing exercises. Some patients derive benefits from practising yoga and Pilates, within reasonable limits. You can also try stationary exercises like a cycling station. If that's a challenge, even a stroll is good enough.

DID YOU KNOW? Contrary to popular belief, lying around in bed is the last thing you should do if you are actually suffering from back pain. Dr Tan explains: "Prolonged bed rest is harmful to your back because your muscles will become lazy. And when they do, you are opening the door to long-term problems."

This article was written by Jaclyn Lim for Health Xchange, with expert input from the Pain Management Centre at Singapore General Hospital.

Find more healthy living tips and articles on HealthXchange.com.sg, Singapore's trusted health and lifestyle portal.
Health Xchange's articles are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.

Running: Could you be overdoing it?
By Health Xchange | Fit to Post Health – Fri, Dec 9, 2011




Running can have its health hazards (Thinkstock photo)

Ask any marathon junkie, and chances are he or she will extol the benefits of running. And why not, when running is easily one of the most affordable, fuss-free, and popular ways to get in shape?

But what they don't tell you is how running can be physically more damaging than other sports like swimming or cycling.

Pauline Leong, principal physiotherapist at the Department of Physiotherapy, Singapore General Hospital, warns that by the time joggers realise that excessive running is doing more harm than good to their bodies, they would have sustained injuries that require costly and painful treatments.

"Often, these patients think the pain — especially to their joints — is part of the rigour of the sport," says Pauline. "What they don't realise is that as the injury worsens, so do their chances of recovery through simple rehabilitation."

Injuries are just the tip of the iceberg. There have been well-publicised cases of otherwise healthy joggers having a sudden heart attack while pounding the pavement. Some have even resulted in death.

Related article: Sudden cardiac death: Are you at risk?
Still, the benefits of running far outweigh its health hazards.

For Pauline Leong, it's about knowing the health risks that are associated with running, and how to mitigate them. "More importantly, it's about knowing yourself and being realistic about your run targets," she adds.

Here are some hazards of running, and the steps you can take to prevent them.

1. Joint problems

Nothing feels the impact of your runs like your joints. They are compressed with every step you take. If you overuse them, they become inflamed, painful and sore. This can lead to serious long-term joint disorders if left unchecked.

What you can do:

"The right running shoes can help absorb some of the strain on your joints," suggests Pauline. "They act as shock absorbers, cushioning some of the impact from your feet as they hit the ground." So if you plan on running regularly, be prepared to spend more on a quality pair of shoes. You need to change your shoes after about 300-400 miles (approx. 500-650 km) depending on your body weight and running style. Picking the appropriate shoe for you foot type is also important. There is no one shoe that fits all. Your knees and feet will thank you.

Related video: Causes and treatments of joint wear

2. Shin splints

A common affliction among runners, shin splints cause searing pains up your shins. In essence, it is a result of weakness and tightness in the muscles that attach your foot to the lower part of your leg. And it usually occurs to those new to running and those doing long distance running without the proper training.

What you can do:

Stretch well after every run, advises Pauline. "This lengthens the muscles and allows you to generate maximal forces through the shin muscles". Pain beyond the normal muscle aches post running should be investigated as it could indicate stress fractures or other shin injuries. Rest and recovery is important if you regularly do long runs.

3. Back problems

Proper running posture is important to keep back problems at bay. Strong core muscles will help you maintain good posture.

What you can do:

Be sure to stretch well after every session. Pauline adds: "Stretching lengthens your spine and separates the vertebrae, easing some of the compression caused by running." Pilates is also a good way to lengthen and strengthen your spinal muscles. It improves the range of movement in your lower back, and may help you cope better with your runs.

Related video: Causes and treatments of lower back pain

4. Muscle tears

Due to the frequency and stresses placed on the muscles, runners may be prone to muscle tears. Over-training without proper rest can make one more susceptible to muscle tears. Cross-training and stretching will help prevent this.

What you can do:

As shortened muscles may be prone to muscle tears and pulls, always stretch properly before and after your runs. Pauline explains: "This gives your muscles maximum flexibility and reduces the risk of tears." Cross train by doing other activities like swimming and cycling to prevent overuse. This trains other muscles not targeted through running.

5. Dehydration

Dehydration increases muscle fatigue and exhaustion. Early signs of dehydration include increased thirst, nausea, dry mouth, and headache. If you're feeling light-headed, or experiencing cramps, chills and disorientation, these are signs of major dehydration. You need to continually hydrate. Do not wait till symptoms occur before drinking. It will be too late!

What you can do:

Always ensure that you are always well hydrated before every run. Pauline says: "Drink as much as five litres of water a day to replace lost nutrients during a long run."

6. Heart attack

Running places huge demands on your cardiovascular system, which requires increased levels of oxygen intake to keep you running. If your arteries are clogged or restricted, your body won't be able to keep up the oxygen supply to your heart. This leads to a heart attack. It can hit even healthy runners, typically due to a previously unknown heart condition.

What you can do:

Before you take up running or any other form of physical activity, have a physician clear you for strenuous activity (even if you are healthy!). Pauline explains: "The physician will be able to determine if you have any underlying heart problems which may be exacerbated by exercise." Keep to a low-fat diet and gradually increase your running to prevent a sudden strain on your cardiovascular system.

This article was written by Jaclyn Lim for Health Xchange, with expert input from the Dept of Physiotherapy at Singapore General Hospital.

Find more healthy living tips and articles on HealthXchange.com.sg, Singapore's trusted health and lifestyle portal.

Health Xchange's articles are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.

21 HDB blocks in Redhill Close chosen for SERS

Singapore News

21 HDB blocks in Redhill Close chosen for SERS
Posted: 03 December 2011 1814 hrs

SINGAPORE: Twenty-one blocks of HDB flats in Redhill Close have been chosen for the government's Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS).

They are blocks 1 to 3 and blocks 5 to 22, with a total of 878 units.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) will build about 1,200 units of two-room, three-room, four-room and five-room flats in Henderson Road to re-house the flat owners.

The new blocks, to be ready in 2017, will be built up to 48-storeys high, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.

The current flats, built in 1955, will be more than 60 years old by the time the residents move out.

The HDB said the replacement flats are at a prime location, within walking distance from Redhill and Tiong Bahru MRT stations. Facilities such as shops, markets and food centres are just a stone's throw away.

Many recreational facilities and spaces such as children's playgrounds and fitness corners for adults and the elderly, a hard court and community garden, as well as a multi-storey car park will be provided. The HDB said these facilities will provide ample opportunities for social interaction.

Eligible flat owners will be invited to register for the new replacement flats in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The HDB will hold an exhibition from December 7 to 13 at Bukit Merah Community Centre to provide more information on the development.

The site is the 76th site to to benefit from SERS, which offers residents the opportunity to move to a brand new flat nearby with a fresh 99-year lease, better design and modern facilities.

-CNA/ac