Spa Review: Aramsa Spa (PART 1/2)

SPA REVIEW
Aramsa Spa: A Lush Haven In An Urban Jungle

By Kareena Ally | reprinted from www.streetdirectory.com
Photos Robert J. Steiner

ARAMSA Spa is a spa unlike others. Set in a tranquil park, amidst canopied tress, foliages and acres of greenies, it is 7500 square metres big and boasts of an architecture that mirrors its setting: countless open spaces, various garden themes, as well as see-through floor-to-ceiling glass panels.

From the reception to the therapy rooms, a sense being one with nature permeates as you feast your eyes on the beautiful landscape and gardens, the brainchild of Nature Landscapes.

The spa boasts more than 20,000 plants from over 200 species – a testimony of its objective to create a nurturing and holistic approach to wellness.

Traversing on a cobblestoned path to your assigned therapy room is nothing less than therapeutic. You will be greeted by carefully manicured gardens – bromeliad elliptical garden, fern garden, secret garden (ginger and herbs), scented garden and heliconia garden – each one a feast for the eyes.

Indeed, all your senses will be hyped up for your upcoming therapy.

Aramsa Spa has 14 rooms, and each has its own garden. There are four double suites, three premium suites, five standard suites, and two Vichy shower / hydrotherapy suites.

The Vichy shower, nicknamed the ‘rain dance', combines the therapeutic benefits of massage and water.

Recommended for those with back injuries, this treatment “shoots” water onto you while you lie down on a treatment bed. The cascade of hot water, which is controlled by a computer panel, is pure heaven!

The hydrobath comes equipped with colour therapy, recommended for those who want to remove unsightly cellulite.

Pick from an array of treatments ranging from exfoliation, body wrap, water, face, eye and back therapy.

Otherwise, opt for the Garden Spa Packages. This includes the highly popular tropical Java Lulur, Botanical Energy, Mineral Infusion, Rain Dance and Lavender Drizzle, to name a few.


Source: Spa Review: Aramsa Spa (PART 1/2)
Click here for Part 2: The spa experience at Aramsa Spa

Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 2/2)

Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 2/2)
How to detect and fix body odour

By Dr Shyneth Galapia | Reprinted with permission from Ezyhealth & Beauty magazine

Click here for Part 1

Body odour may also be influenced by poor hygiene, age (more common in adolescents, adults), gender (male) and diet. Dr Chan says, “Food like garlic, curry, strong spices and too much red meat can contribute to body odour.”

There’s a solution to whatever is causing body odour. Hygiene is of utmost importance. A little help from deodorants and antiperspirants are often enough to get rid of the offending odour.

Visit a dermatologist when these tricks fail to solve your odour troubles or if you suspect that a medical problem are is causing your body odour.

NECK
Odour trouble: Neck stench (accumulation of sweat)

How to fix:
- Apply absorbent agent such as baby powder
- Don’t allow sweat to dry; wipe it off right away

UNDERARMS
Odour trouble: Underarm stink (increased number of sweat glands, accumulation of sweat)

How to fix:
- Routinely apply deodorants or antiperspirants
- Get rid of underarm hair

CHEST/BACK
Odour trouble: Smelly torso (accumulation of sweat)

How to fix:
- Apply an absorbent agent such as baby powder
- Trim or get rid of chest hairs
- Wear cotton undergarments or use garment shields to help absorb the sweat. Lightweight clothing is also recommended
- Wipe off sweat right away

FEET
Odour trouble: Smelly feet (increased number of sweat glands, accumulation of sweat, fungal infection)

How to fix:
- Keep your feet clean and dry (don’t forget the spaces between your toes)
- Wear a clean pair of cotton socks everyday
- Use foot deodorants and antiperspirants
- Go barefoot when you can, to allow air to dry your feet
- Consult a dermatologist for fungal infection

GROIN/GENITALIA
Odour trouble: Malodorous groin (increased number of sweat glands; vaginal infections)

How to fix:
- Make sure to wash your private parts thoroughly each time you bathe
- Using a gentle feminine wash may help keep the area fresh
- Wear cotton undergarments to help absorb the sweat
- Consult a doctor for vaginal infections

HEAD
Odour trouble: Smelly hair and scalp (increased number of sweat glands, oil, dandruff, cigarette smoke, dust)

How to fix:
- Wash hair regularly
- Consult a dermatologist for dandruff and scalp disorders

GENERAL HYGIENE PRACTICES
- Bathe daily, even twice or thrice a day if you sweat profusely
- Wear clean, dry clothes. Bacteria strive in moist environment

Special thanks to Dr Chan Yuin Chew, Dermatologist, Dermatology Associates, Gleneagles Medical Centre and Dr Eileen Tan, Dermatologist, Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.

Sources:
1. Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 2/2)
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003218.htm
3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sweating-and-body-odor/DS00305

Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 1/2)

Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 1/2)
Sweat is actually odourless, so what you need to do is check on your hygiene

By Dr Shyneth Galapia | Reprinted with permission from Ezyhealth & Beauty magazine

AT SOME point in our lives, all of us have experienced being next to a person with body odour. It’s never a pleasant experience to sit next to a smelly classmate or be crammed on a train full of sweaty people.

More importantly, people with body odour may suffer from personal and social relationships. Feelings of embarrassment and decreased self-confidence are common.

SWEATING IT OUT
Sweating is the body’s biological way of regulating temperature, that’s why sweating is more profuse when it’s hot. Composed mainly of salt and water, sweat produces a cooling effect on the body as it evaporates from the skin.

Although about two to four million sweat glands are distributed on the skin, some body parts are more likely to sweat because they have more sweat glands.

According to Dr Chan Yuin Chew, a dermatologist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, “The palms, soles and underarms contain a lot of sweat glands.”

Sweat glands occurring over most parts of the body are called eccrine glands and they are responsible for producing the watery component of sweat.

Those found in hairy areas such as the scalp, armpits and groin are called apocrine glands. Bacterial breakdown of sweat produced from these glands is most likely to produce body odour because it contains protein, carbohydrate, ammonia and fats.

As these glands only mature during puberty, young children rarely develop body odour.

Several factors influence the way people sweat. Certain foods (spicy) and beverages (hot and those with alcohol or caffeine) can make you sweat.

Other factors that increase sweating include certain medical conditions (fever, hyperthyroidism, heart attack, tubeculosis, malaria) and medicines (morphine, anti-depressants).

“When one is excited or angry, there is increased sympathetic activity and one will notice that he or she will start sweating more profusely,” says Dr Eileen Tan, a dermatologist at the Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.

DECODING BODY ODOUR
Body odour is an unpleasant smell produced by a sweating and unhygienic person. Most of us would point to sweating or perspiration as the culprit, but it is not.

Sweat is actually odourless.

Dr Tan says, “Body odour is caused by a natural process involving sweat that occurs on the skin’s surface. However, if sweat is left on the skin for a long period of time, the bacteria that normally live there feed on it and break it down. This process releases chemicals that cause the unpleasant smell.”

Source: Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 1/2)

Pregnancy Tips: Sex Before And After Pregnancy

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
By Dr Ann Tan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist |
Women and Fetal Centre, a member of Pacific Healthcare Holdings

reprinted with permission from "Great Expectations by Today's Parents magazine

Until what stage of pregnancy can I still have sex?
Actually both sex and pregnancy are natural events and you can enjoy them concurrently so long as you do not experience any undue pain or bleeding. If you have any particular pregnancy problems of preterm labour/ incompetent cervix or multiple pregnancy, you should consult your obstetrician on the advisability of intercourse. The use of condoms may help to reduce the uterine reactivity by preventing semen from contact with the cervix.

How soon can I have sex after my baby is born?
There is no hard and fast rule and usually the woman is ready in four to six weeks post normal vaginal delivery and Caesarean section too! The vaginal wound is usually a little firm initially but should stretch out once activity is resumed while in the case of a Caesarean delivery, there should be no difference at all. For the latter, deep penetration may cause stretching of the Caesarean scar and that may initially be uncomfortable.

I am six months pregnant and find myself surprisingly more turned on than usual. Why is that?
The hormones of pregnancy are making you more curvy than before and it’s very natural that you might feel more sexy than ever before! Enjoy!

Source: Pregnancy Tips: Sex Before And After Pregnancy

Essential Tips For A Beautiful You

Essential Tips For A Beautiful You
Everyday tips for the maintenance of your hair, skin and body

By Aileen Lane | Reprinted with permission from Ezyhealth & Beauty magazine


MANY women believe that having a wardrobe with the latest season’s clothes is sufficient. They feel that walking out the door with a smart outfit, immaculate shoes and the latest designer handbag completes their look. However, being perfectly dressed is just one side of looking great – the other part is being well-groomed and using makeup.

To achieve a great look, equal attention must be dedicated to each of these aspects.

When makeup is used correctly, your skin will look clearer, your dark circles will be less apparent, your eyes will look brighter and your lips more defined.

Taking care of the following areas will help you along the way:

• Skin – Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin. Getting in the habit of cleansing, toning and moisturising every morning and night will remove dirt, excess oil and perspiration. This will reveal your radiant skin underneath – a perfect canvas to start applying your colours.

• Body – With the hot climate, it’s a great idea to get into the habit of showering regularly. Always put on deodorant.

• Hair – Your hair should always be maintained by a regular trim every four to six weeks. If you colour or highlight your hair, ensure your roots are always touched up.

• Nails – They should always be neatly filed and cleaned, including what’s under them. If you always wear open-toed shoes, always indulge in regular pedicures.

• Teeth – Brush your teeth twice a day and floss nightly. Carrying mints in your handbag is essential if you smoke or drink coffee.

Aileen Lane is the Lead Consultant/Director of Nutri-Style Nutrition and Image Consultants. For queries, go to www.nutri-style.com or email info@nutri-style.com.

This story cannot be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the permission of Ezyhealth

Source: Essential Tips For A Beautiful You

Expert Advice on table Setting

Setting It Right
Time to unpack your fanciest bone china and shiniest silverware
to glam up that special night of romance

By Nadya Huang | Photo by Koh Boon Wei | Styling by Nadya Huang and Sabrina Wong
reprinted with permission from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine

IT'S global recession and you have important guests flying in town. How would you like to entertain them? Dining at a five-star restaurant may be tasty but it certainly is not tasteful. So, why don't you just entertain at home? If you have no time to attend a crash cooking class, you can always hire good catering service. Just remember to bring out your best china and flatware to make your guests feel truly important.

FOR A FORMAL SETTING:

1) A service plate always acts as the centre of the setting.

2) A soup bowl is placed on top of the service plate.

3) A napkin is always balanced on the rim of the soup bowl or placed on the left of the forks.

4) Forks are placed left of the plate.

5) Knives are placed on the right, with the sharp edge of their blades facing the plate.

6) Spoons are on the right of knives. From left to right: dinner knife, teaspoon, dinner spoon, soup spoon

7) Dessert cutlery is placed horizontally above the service plate.
a. The handle of a dessert fork should face the prongs of other forks.
b. A dessert spoon, if needed, should be placed above the dessert fork in the opposite direction.


8) Beverage glasses should be placed above the knives and spoons.
a. A water goblet should always be placed on the most left, closest to the service plate.
b. If you are serving more than one kind of wine, glasses are placed in service order from left to right:
| water goblet, Chardonnay wine glass, Bordeaux wine glass, and champagne flute.

9) A bread and butter plate should be placed above the forks with a butter knife lying across it.
The featured formal setting would suit a five-course dinner that includes:
a. Soup, served with warm bread and butter
b. Pasta/rice course
c. Entrée
d. Dessert
e. Coffee/Tea

RULES OF THUMB:

• If possible, all dishware and cutlery should be positioned on a placemat.

• The service plate will act as an under-plate for the dishware of all courses served before the entrée. The plate is then replaced by the entrée when it is served.

• Remember that cutlery is used from the outside in. Cutlery used for the first dish should always be placed furthest from the service plate. For example, if you have a salad and a fish course before your entrée, your cutlery should be placed from left to right in this order: salad fork, fish fork, dinner fork; dinner knife, fish knife, salad knife.

• All utensils should be equidistant from each other and their handles should be straight and level.

Source: Expert Advice on table Setting

Quick Makeup Tips For Everday

Applying makeup on your face needn’t be a chore with these helpful and practical tips

• If you’ve applied too much blusher, simply dust over with loose or pressed powder until the colour is subdued.

• When applying mascara, always keep a cotton swab handy. It’s perfect for removing any smudge.

• Your eyes and lips should always be made up but they should never compete for attention. Always remember that a heavy, smoky eye calls for a neutral lip; likewise, a bright red or dark lipstick works best with a neutral eye.

• To keep lipstick off your teeth, once your have applied lipstick, put your index finger into your mouth and pull it out. The extra lipstick will come off on your finger.

• If you’re making a quick change from day to night makeup, a coat of lip gloss over your lipstick will give you a glossy evening finish.

• When applying makeup, always apply in a dabbing motion. Never rub as this removes the product underneath.

• Having sharp pencils will not only give you more accurate application, but it is more hygienic, especially if you wear contact lenses. Get in the habit of giving your pencils a quick sharpen after use and store in the fridge.

Aileen Lane is the Lead Consultant/Director of Nutri-Style Nutrition and Image Consultants. For queries, go to www.nutri-style.com or email info@nutri-style.com.

This story cannot be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the permission of Ezyhealth

Source: Quick Makeup Tips For Everday

Pregnancy Tips: Too Much Water in Water Bag

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
By Dr Low Kah Tzay, Paediatrician | Mt. Elizabeth Hospital
reprinted with permission from "Great Expectations by Today's Parents magazine

I’m due to have my second baby soon. My doctor says there is a lot of water in the water bag.

What does this mean?

It can be difficult to find out the cause of polyhydramnios (excessive fluid) and, sometimes, no cause can be found. Sometimes the extra fluid is due to a problem with the baby, or with the placenta or with you, the mother.

Possible causes include:

> Maternal diabetes, where your blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Your baby’s urine output increases and this in turn increases the volume of amniotic fluid

> Being pregnant with twins. There may be a particular problem if the babies are identical (monozygotic).

> Infections that affect your baby, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus,toxoplasmosis and syphilis, may be associated with polyhydramnios.

> A congenital problem with the baby occurs in about 20 per cent of polyhydramnios cases. There may be a blockage in the oesophagus (swallowing tube), meaning he cannot swallow the amniotic fluid and control the amount of it around him. It may also be a sign that the baby has a problem with his central nervous system, or with his heart or kidneys.

> Sometimes, polyhydramnios is associated with babies who have chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down’s or Edward syndrome

> In rare cases, the placenta may have developed a tumour or there may be a problem with the arteries in the umbilical cord resulting in polyhydramnios.

Most women with polyhydramnios go on to have healthy babies, particularly if the condition is mild. If you are not known to have diabetes, you will be given an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If this is high, you may be referred to a diabetes specialist who can get your blood sugar levels down. This will reduce the amount of fluid.

Ultrasound scanning can help spot any problems with your baby. If a detailed scan shows nothing untoward, your baby is usually fine and the polyhydramnios is caused by something else.

There are other laboratory tests for investigating polyhydramnios if infection is suspected. You would be followed up at more frequent intervals as you are at higher risk of going into premature labour, cord prolapse when your water bag ruptures or the placenta starting to come away from the wall of the uterus (abruption placenta).

In mild cases of polyhydramnios, your doctor will advise you to rest or even start your maternity leave early. Even then, because your uterus is so swollen, you may go into labour prematurely.
Go to the hospital immediately if your waters break or you start having contractions.

Dr. Low Kah Tzay is a paediatrician working at Mt Elizabeth Hospital. He specializes in the management of growth and development of children; such as feeding difficulties, language delay, sleep disorders, attention disorders, autistic spectral disorders and learning diffi culties. His website is at www.pediatricdoctor.net.

Sources: Pregnancy Tips: Too Much Water in Water Bag

Pregnancy Tips: What is Low and Anterior Placenta?

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
By Dr Vanaja K, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist | National University Hospital
reprinted with permission from "Great Expectations by Today's Parents magazine

When I went for my scan, my gynae told me I have a low and anterior placenta. What is that and what implications does this have? Will it affect my baby adversely at all? Will I have any problems during labour and delivery?

Placenta is otherwise called after birth. After the delivery of the baby, the placenta will separate from the womb and will be delivered. It is important to know the exact location of the placenta in pregnancy. Usually it is located in the upper part of the womb and will not block the passage. The placenta can cover the neck of the womb in early pregnancy and as pregnancy advances, it will move away and not cause bleeding in pregnancy, so the mother can expect a normal delivery. For some it may continue to cover the neck of the womb in late pregnancy and can cause bleeding in pregnancy without any pain.

In medical terms it is called placenta praevia. In such cases, a Caesarean section will be the mode of delivery. The timing of delivery will be decided by the obstetrician based on the amount of bleeding, maturity of the baby, condition of the mother and baby. Bleeding in pregnancy will be considered a high risk case and some may need to stay in hospital for a few days before delivery. A lowlying placenta means the placenta is in the lower part of the womb. It is important to know whether it is blocking or not blocking the passage to warn about bleeding and the necessity for a Caesarean section. Bleeding will have effects on the mother and if it is heavy, it can affect the baby as well.

Source: Pregnancy Tips: What is Low and Anterior Placenta?

Green Tea Bag Gets Rid of Eye Bags

EGCG-content has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce puffiness even more

SO you're still not ready to go to a cosmetic surgery clinic to remove your eye bags. Wanna try an alternative eye treatment that's natural and non-invasive? We've all heard about how placing straight-from-the-fridge used tea bags on your eyes can help minimize swelling and dark circles. But did you know that, among all the teas, green tea is the most effective?

This tip from our favorite eco-friendly site, www.treehugger.net:

Got puffy under eyes that no cream can fix? Do a tea bag compress. The tannin in tea bags has been proven to reduce swelling (baggy under eyes) and discoloration (dark circles).

Either put your used tea bag in the fridge or let it cool down for a half hour. Then damp the tea bag over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.

If you're looking for that extra oomph, try using a caffeinated tea bag. It will reduce the inflammation even more.

Green tea bags work best because not only do they have caffeine, but they also contain EGCG (another anti-inflammatory).

According to Dermatologist Andrea Kunin, co-author of the DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual, EGCG helps remove under eye fluid buildup (the main culprit for under eye circles and bags).

Plus, green tea's packed with antioxidants. So why not kill two birds with one stone?

What do you think about this tip? Would you try it? Leave a comment.


Source: Green Tea Bag Gets Rid of Eye Bags