Finding the Right Cardiologist: Tips and Considerations

Posted by Editor in Health Watch on May 11th, 2016 | 0 comments

In finding a good cardiologist, it’s crucial to choose someone who’s experienced with your specific heart condition. Apart from that, you’ll also need a heart doctor who matches your communication style. The first step towards improving your heart health and establishing a good doctor-patient relationship is by making informed choices – and you can do this by following these easy tips and taking the following factors into consideration.

Tips to Finding a Good Heart Doctor

1. Start With Your Physician’s Recommendation
Depending on where you live in Singapore, you may have hundreds of cardiologists to choose from. In non-emergency situations, your family physician is the best person to ask about whom you should consult for your specific heart condition. Your doctor has interacted with various cardiologists and knows who’s good at what, and can send you to the right person.

2. Check the Cardiologist’s Credentials
Choose a cardiologist Singapore who’s board-certified. Being board-certified in cardiovascular disease means that the specialist has not just studied his field of expertise, but also passed rigorous testing. You can look for the physician’s information like his age, other demographic information and his board certification status on medical websites. Such websites lists a doctor’s treatment specialties, hospital affiliations, as well as mortality outcomes for certain heart conditions and procedures.

3. Check Out Local Heart Specialists
It’s not always necessary to travel to a distant hospital just to get a good heart healthcare. More often than not, local cardiologists are already capable enough to deal with common heart problems such as coronary artery disease when you visit the Harley Street cardiologist who is a well known heart doctor in SIngapore. When you have a heart problem that really needs a specialist, have your local doctor refer you to a distant, but a more capable heart centre and doctor.

4. Communicate Your Needs to Your Heart Doctor
Before going to your first appointment, inform the office staff of your Singapore cardiologist that you’ll need some extra time to speak with the specialist alone. If it so happens that the doctor isn’t around, ask about who covers him when he’s not available, how busy the practice is, as well as other issues that concern you about your heart condition or the procedure you’re planning to have. Getting a regular heart healthcare can go for the rest of your life, which is why it’s important that you’re comfortable and are able to clearly communicate your needs to your specialist.

5. View Cardiologist Online Reviews With Scepticism
Online reviews of cardiologists from their previous patients can be helpful, but never choose a specialist based solely on these reviews. Oftentimes, skilled cardiologists get lesser positive reviews because of things like parking hassles and office wait times. So make sure that you check all the online reviews about your prospective heart doctor.

6. Choose the Right Specialist Based on Your Needs
Solely relying on recommendations from family and friends isn’t always a good idea, since their need for a cardiologist might differ from yours. You don’t necessarily have a ‘family’ cardiologist because everyone doesn’t have the same heart problem. So choose a heart specialist with the best track record and experience with your particular heart condition.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Heart Specialist

• Credentials. Naturally, a doctor’s credentials are important. Cardiologists are usually certified in various subspecialties like interventional or nuclear cardiology. One of the best places to find a cardiologist Singapore with the right credentials is through your state’s medical board. Here, you’ll find important information about the specialist’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, specialties, disciplinary history, and malpractice settlements (if there are any).

• Location. The cardiologist’s location is another important thing to consider. Remember that when choosing a heart doctor, you’re also choosing a hospital – so do consider the quality and reputation of the hospital’s cardiology department. It can be really tempting to choose a heart specialist from a well-known hospital in Singapore, but it may not necessarily meet your medical needs. A smaller practice might already be enough to provide you with the heart care that best suits your heart condition and needs.

• Experience. Apart from credentials and location, you should also consider the cardiologist’s expertise and experience with cases similar to yours. He or she should be proficient in the treatment procedure or technology you’re considering to use. Also, find out how many times they’ve performed a treatment procedure you’re a candidate for. Remember that your chances of having a successful operation greatly increases if you choose a specialist who performs your chosen procedure regularly.

• Communication. Credentials and experience go a long way, but having a personal rapport with your physician is also as important. Consider the doctor’s willingness to answer all of your queries, as well as how comfortable you feel with him or her during your consultation period. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions, or if your specialist doesn’t seem to focus his or her attention to your needs during your visit, then consider choosing a different heart specialist.

• Your Insurance. Finally, consider whether or not the practice or hospital will accept your insurance. Also, find out the types of payments they accept, and if whether or not they’ll file the insurance claims for you.

Thoroughly researching about your candidate heart doctors beforehand will surely give you the confidence of knowing that you’ve made the right decision. Just remember to also consider the aforementioned factors in choosing the right Singapore cardiologist for you.

Why We’ll Miss Sarang and the Choovely Family

Posted by Editor in Popular Now on Apr 25th, 2016 | 0 comments

 

We’ve seen adorable children come and go in the hit Korean reality variety show The Return of Superman. Some goodbyes were easily accepted but some partings are just heartbreaking. Some of the hardest goodbyes that happened in the show were of Lee Haru, the Jang brothers, and of course the Song triplets. Singaporeans who have been following the show had to endure another recent heartbreaking goodbye with Sarang.

Choo Sarang has been one of the original kids in the show as well as a top child favorite. We have seen her grow up from a very cute little girl to a growing little lady so it’s really difficult to just let her go. We can only wish that she grows up really well.

We’ll miss her cute antics

Sarang is growing up well to be an adorable little lady but she still displays her playfulness and mischief from time to time. She captured the viewers’ hearts with her cute mischievous laugh and playful antics. She also displayed an incredible appetite for food that made watching her eat a lot of fun. We’ll surely miss whatever mischief and jokes growing Sarang will be getting into as she grows up.

We’ll miss her doting father

Choo Sung Hoon is known to be an impressive athlete and incredible fighter but the show revealed that he’s also just another father who’s a fool for her daughter. It’s fun to watch him doting over Sarang. He’s obviously so in love with her only child to the point that even his wife gets jealous of his affection for Sarang. He loves Sarang so much that he tattooed baby Sarang’s foot on his foot and he refuses to have another child. He wants to give his love to Sarang alone.

We’ll miss her beautiful mother

Sarang’s mom is Shiho Yano, the number one model in Japan. We’ll miss her because we’ve seen a beautiful supermodel who can be very attractive and sexy and yet so funny and down to earth in real life. The show loves to make fun of her high pitched voice and laughter but she doesn’t mind. This only endears her to the viewers more.

We’ll miss the Choovely family

The show introduced not just Sarang and her parents but also Sarang’s grandparents, aunts, uncle, and cousins. It’s heartwarming to watch a celebrity family that can be so simple in their living and so in love with their Sarang.

We’ll miss Yuto

Sarang captured the hearts of not just the viewers but even of most of the boys in the show. She has been close with the Jang brothers, one of the triplets, and she also introduced her best friend, Yuto. Viewers of the show hope that Sarang and Yuto do get together when they grow up.

A Guide on Getting Your Financial Life Together

Posted by Editor in Money Management on Apr 20th, 2016 | 0 comments

Once we graduate from college and get started on our career, we experience what it is to be an adult living in “the real world.” When we receive our first ever pay check, we feel it is the right time to work on a financial plan.

Yes, it is a bit overwhelming and intimidating but we must remember that it doesn’t have to be this way. First take a deep breath and gradually delve into the aspects that make up your financial life. When you keep your focus and do one aspect before moving on to another, the task seems easier and more doable. These are the six steps you must follow in order to be more responsible of your finances.

 

Step 1: Determine your financial goal.

The first and probably the most important step in getting your financial life right on track is to establish your financial goals. Start by determining your short-term financial goals which will last between o to 3 years, mid-term goals which is between the 3^rd and 7^th year, and lastly, the long-term goals which is usually 7 years or more. Categorize your goals depending on which category they belong and map a plan in order to achieve said financial goal before the deadline. In figuring out your financial goals, keep in mind the acronym S.M.A.R.T, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and of course Timely.

 

Step 2: Save up for your emergency fund.

An emergency fund is not something each one of us save up for consciously. Sometimes, we don’t even realize we need it, until the time comes that we already need it. An emergency fund is something that tides us until the rainy days are over. It’s important to take note that an emergency fund should last for about three to six months of expenses. To start building your emergency fund, save up 10% of your total income and slowly increase it as the months go by.

Step 3: Formulate your spending plan.

Now that you have determined your financial goals and the emergency fund plan is already in play, it’s time to create your spending plan for the month. This plan will help command where your money should go. To begin this monthly spending plan, categorize your needs and wants. Once you have identified the necessary expenses, set aside money to pay for these expenses. Your wants should be part of the budget so make sure that you keep track of your spending in order to guarantee that you are sticking to your spending plan.

 

Step 4: Bank for the future.

Putting your savings in a bank will beneficial in the long run. Choosing the right bank is an important step in making your money grow. If you’re only starting, choose a bank that will has low and few fees to be paid. It should be convenient and one that understands your goals and financial plan for the future. This bank should allow for a secured online banking transaction and should have ATMs available nationwide for your utmost convenience.

Save and Splurge: The Rules on Spending on Home Décor

Posted by Editor in Lifestyle Hacks on Apr 1st, 2016 | 0 comments

Decorating our home is more of a personal process, since we’re creating a perfect place where we can escape, live, and make memories. That said, the process of decorating one’s home can be overwhelming at times. With all the beautiful things sold on furniture shops, how will we able to nail down what items are important and what’s not? How will we know where to save and where to spend? Well, the answer to this is prioritizing. But since everyone’s priorities differ slightly, we’ve prepared some guidelines for a smart home décor spending.

Items worth Splurging On

1. Investment Pieces

Certain items need to be made to last since they’re going to get lots of use. Furniture – where you spend most of your time – will get more use, and will endure more wear and tear compared with other furniture pieces in your home. If you spend most of your time in the kitchen, it’s important to have lovely and quality bar stools for when you have guests coming over. You probably have a reading nook where you spend most of your time in the evening.

The spaces where we spend most of our time are the places where we want our purchases to last. But we all agree that our bed, sofa and upholstered furniture get lots of use and are worth investing in. Here’s what it really comes down to for these items: Don’t skimp on quality if you’re going to keep it for a long time, so invest your dollars in these pieces.

2. Statement Pieces

There are lots of pieces that can make a statement, there’s no question about that. But how will you know if a statement piece is worth spending on? Sometimes we’ve settled on a vision of our room, and then we find a piece with an absolute wow factor. All of a sudden, our room won’t be the same without that piece. If you find a statement piece that you think completes your room, then it’s okay to cave in. It’ll be worth it – but if you don’t believe me, then check out the headboard of Carrie Bradshaw Lied.

3. Anchor Pieces

Just like statement pieces, anchor pieces are also worth spending on as these pieces aid in further beautifying our home. If you have a specific design in mind that requires a few key pieces to set its tone, then don’t be afraid to purchase those pieces. These pieces is what keeps our design consistent and helps it stay grounded. Perhaps you’ve been dying to purchase a Barcelona chair to give your space some modern vibe, or some sleek Wisteria bar stools to set an earthy tone on your home. Just remember to create your design around the key items that you want as you start building your space.

Items worth Saving On

1. Accents

As a general rule, avoid spending a lot on accents. Instead, spruce up your space by doing little changes like swapping out bright-coloured pillows for patterned ones, or adding a textured rug on your doorstep. Why spend so much on accent pillows if you’ll swap them out after a couple of months? So save those bucks and invest them on your dream sofa instead.

2. Trendy Pieces

Avoid going overboard on using trendy pieces as your home décor. You may love pink, but you don’t every piece in your home to be kissed with it. As much as possible, save on pieces that you think are fun or trendy but aren’t sure how long they’ll last as your décor. Remember that any item that’s raging in popularity will likely fall into ‘dated’ category sooner or later. You definitely wouldn’t want to regret spending so much on items that’ll soon lose its popularity.

3. All the Rest

While this may slightly differ from person to person, interior designers in Singapore suggest saving on anything non-specific whether it’s necessary or adds to the space. Storage pieces, extra seating, TV cabinets, and non-central table are some of the pieces you can save on.

Just like in grocery shopping, being smart with your home décor purchases really pays off. So keep these splurge-on and save-on items in mind to both save some bucks, and to decorate your space more efficiently.

Let the Festivity Begin!

Posted by Editor in Go and Explore on Mar 28th, 2016 | 0 comments

5 Must-Experience Festivals from All over the World

Whether it’s a celebration of art, food, music or culture, there’s always a wonderful festival going on somewhere in the world. These festivals bring together tourists and locals alike to produce the most wonderful memories to look back on. If you love getting a good dose of local flavour on your trips outside Singapore, consider adding going to these festivals on your travel bucket list.

1. Holi

Celebrated In: Cities throughout Nepal and India

Date of the Festival: Last lunar cycle of winter during February or March

Who Should Attend: Locals and tourists looking for a good cultural experience, and those who won’t mind getting a little messy in the process of celebration.

Commonly known as the festival of colours, Hindus and non-Hindus alike gather to celebrate the triumph of good over evil as they welcome spring during Holi. While celebrating, participants scatter on the streets to throw brightly coloured powder dyes on each other. Most people use the festival as an opportunity to mend relationships, forgive others, and leave their conflicts in the past. Although it’s commonly celebrated in India, Holi gained popularity in recent years and has been celebrated in many cities throughout the world.

2. Rio’s Carnival

Celebrated In: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Date of the Festival: Monday before Ash Wednesday

Who Should Attend: Locals and tourists who love dancing and music, as the carnival’s a pretty lively event.

Carnival is celebrated in several cities and towns, but the one in Rio is among the largest and most popular. Expect non-stop partying, dancing, merriment and music for five straight days. If you’re thinking of going all out on the celebration, consider renting a costume and participate in the parade. Other than that, street parties, balls, and concerts are also held during the event. So with this number of festivities and events taking place during Carnival, make sure that you plan your trip well beforehand.

3. La Tomatina

Celebrated In: Buñol, Spain

Date of the Festival: Last Wednesday of August

Who Should Attend: La Tomatina is not for the faint of heart since you’ll be in crowds and covered in tomatoes from head to toe. That said, it’s one of the most unique festivals out there so it’s great for someone looking for an unforgettable experience during their trip.

Considered as the biggest food fight in the world, this messy festival takes place in Buñol, Spain. During the celebration, revellers throw over a thousand pounds of tomatoes in the streets. The tomato fight lasts for an hour, but other events take place during La Tomatina as well. Apart from the tomato fight, cooking contests, parties, dancing and music are also key parts for the celebration.

4. Oktoberfest

Celebrated In: Munich, Germany

Date of the Festival: Mid-September until October

Who Should Attend: Beer lovers and those interested in learning the German culture.

Millions of visitors flock in Munich just to experience Oktoberfest, an iconic and well-loved festival in the world. Visit one of their famed beer tents to find and taste Oktoberfest beers made in Munich. Each beer tent has its own atmosphere and vibe so visit each tent to see which one suits you best. Apart from beer, prepare for lots of live music and traditional food options – and if you really want to get into the Oktoberfest spirit, simply rent and wear the traditional garb of the festival.

5. Sapporo Snow Festival

Celebrated In: Sapporo, Japan

Date of the Festival: Second week of February

Who Should Attend: Tourists who don’t mind chilly temperature, and are interested in Japanese culture and arts.

Over two million tourists gather in Sapporo every year to experience the Sapporo Snow Festival, a celebration that exhibits incredible ice and snow sculptures imaginable. For an entire week, the city is turned into a real life winter wonderland with ice sculptures displayed throughout the city, including the downtown area. Aside from the sculpture exhibitions, snow-themed activities like snow mazes and slides are also held to entertain the visitors. If you’re done marvelling on the beauty of the sculptures, simply head to the Nijo Market for some incredible food options that’ll surely warm you up.

Experiencing festivals from other countries really makes a trip more memorable. So ensure that you list down these festivals on your travel bucket list, and experience all of them on your next trips.