Temasek Foundation Gets Ready For The Distribution Of Free Surgical & N95 Masks

Key Highlights

  • Temasek Foundation will soon provide free surgical and N95 masks to households in Singapore.
  • The Foundation is conducting trials before making it widely available.
  • Households will be able to claim the masks by presenting SP Group bills at various malls and supermarkets.

As new variants and cases emerge, Temasek Foundation is set to distribute free surgical and N95 masks by the end of August. Surgical masks and N95 respirators are examples of personal protective equipment that are used to shield the wearer from airborne particles and other liquid contaminating the face.

The Foundation recently clarified that there were no distribution exercises last August 4, despite the emergence of the banner advertising online. Temasek’s Chief Executive Ho Ching said in a Facebook post that the Foundation is working with CapitaLand malls and participating supermarkets to conduct trial exercises where masks will be distributed when people show their SP Group bills.

In these trial exercises, each household will be entitled to twenty-five pieces of N95 masks and fifty pieces of medical-grade surgical masks.

The mass distribution was intended to start after National Day, but it has since been postponed to the end of August. The distribution exercises could be pushed back to September, should there be any outstanding back-end issues that need to be resolved.

Nonetheless, household representatives are encouraged to reduce plastic waste by bringing their own bags to carry the boxes of masks when the collection begins.

CURBING THE SPREAD OF DELTA

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the world, public health officials are watching certain coronavirus variants and mutations that can be more contagious or fatal than the original strain. The Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, has been found to spread more easily.

As most of us know, the Delta variant is twice as contagious as the other variants that caused COVID-19 last year. This variant entails Singapore residents to wear more effective masks to help bring down the infection numbers.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Noting that each case has an infectivity rate of between five and six people, Ms. Ho Ching said that “80% of the population needs to wear 80% effective masks or better” to curb the spread of the virus. She added that N95 masks can be worn for high-risks jobs such as looking after COVID-19 patients.  The N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and an efficient filtration of airborne particles. The edges of this device are designed to form a seal around the mouth and the nose.

“With the medical grade surgical and N95 masks with effectiveness of 95% or better, we have an additional option for better protection.”

Furthermore, pharmacies will no longer be involved in the mask distribution exercises as these establishments do not have enough space to cater for it.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Takeaways from Nike’s marketing strategies

Nike-Jewel-Singapore

I think we can all agree that the slogan “Just Do It” has struck deep within people’s minds. It’s probably not an exaggeration to say that most youngsters and middle-aged peeps can immediately associate the three words to Nike. This goes to show how successful Nike has been over the years.

As such, we have picked up some takeaways from Nike’s marketing strategies for anyone or aspiring business leader to ponder over.

Keep up with social media

At the time of writing, Nike has garnered over 160 million followers on Instagram and close to 9 million followers on Twitter. This is all thanks to its human-centric fun and inspirational posts to retain customers and attract potential ones.

In addition, Nike also actively responds to negative comments to try to moderate the situation. If you want to keep up with social media and uphold a presence over your competitors, be sure to find your content niche and stick to it.

Welcome diversity with open arms
Nike Go FlyEase

Image Credits: Nike

Discrimination will be your downfall if you’re trying to reject diversity or exclude certain types of consumer profiles in the midst of building your business. On the flipside, welcome variety with open arms, and you will gain support from the public.

Just take a look at Nike’s latest release – Nike Go FlyEase. It’s the first-ever hands-free shoe that makes it easy to get in and out so folks who cannot use their hands freely can put on these shoes effortlessly. Just like that, they have reached a new group of customers no one else would have simply thought of.

Steer away from hard-selling

Have you ever been turned off by an advertisement or brand campaign that’s full-on hard-selling? Such brands may be throwing their marketing dollars down the drain because consumers are now annoyed and turning to other alternatives instead.

Rather than purely spotlighting its products, Nike focuses on its athletes and their stories. This is a brilliant marketing move because they are pulling on consumers’ heartstrings. The next time an individual sees a Nike store or online advertisement while shopping, they might instantly recall the brand ambassadors’ personal stories and resonate with the company.

Promote sustainability
Nike Crater Impact

Image Credits: Nike

Not many brands centre their attention on promoting sustainability. But labels who do so, like Nike, win their customers. Since more people are turning their attention to sustainability, the public will likely support eco-friendly products if offered at a competitive price point.

Closer to home, our little red dot will also start a new initiative called the Enterprise Sustainability Programme. It’s an effort to support local companies in building sustainability capabilities and developing products and solutions contributing to the green economy. We believe more details will be released soon!

While the above takeaways from Nike’s marketing strategies are worth a try, they may not be suitable for every business’ growth stage. Depending on your marketing budget and company’s strength, make tweaks where necessary to fully benefit from the above tactics.

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Experts share answers to your common questions on IVF

IVF

It can be both worrying and frustrating for you and your partner when things don’t go according to plan.

Conceiving may be easy for some but can be a rugged mountain to climb for others. For folks considering in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), there must be some burning questions you can’t wait to get answers to.

Good news! In this article, we will hear from experts on IVF. Keep reading if you want more deets from Dr Roland Chieng, a specialist gynaecologist and director of Virtus Fertility Centre, and Dr Loh Seong Feei, the medical director at Thomson Fertility Centre.

#1: When is a good time to go for IVF?

According to Dr Loh, couples should go for a check-up if they aren’t successful after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. The health professional will then evaluate the sperm’s condition, your fallopian tubes, and ovulation frequency.

Once the problem that causes infertility is identified, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Other than IVF, they may suggest other methods, including inducing ovulation, surgical correction of endometriosis, and removing polyps.

#2: Is IVF an excruciating process?

Dr Chieng shares that IVF will involve daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormone under the skin. It’s pretty similar to the insulin jabs that some people with diabetes have to do daily.

While it largely depends on individual requirements, the whole procedure can take up to three weeks or even longer. It’s probably a little comforting to know that the injection needle is very fine, and there will be lesser pain after the initial apprehension.

#3: Are there any health risks with IVF?
bloatedness

Image Credits: everydayhealth.com

Ladies, unfortunately, you might encounter risks like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies.

Dr Chieng noted that OHSS is a situation where an excessive response to IVF medication results in a high number of eggs and hormone levels. Some may even have to deal with excessive bloatedness and water accumulation in the lungs and abdomen in rare, severe cases.

#4: Is it true that babies conceived via IVF have a higher risk of birth defects?

Yes, in short. Dr Loh said that test-tube babies have a slightly higher risk of birth defects or congenital malformations. However, it cannot be entirely attributed to IVF.

Since many couples who opt for IVF are older, the risk of chromosomal and structural abnormalities in their newborns is higher. In addition, individuals may also face untypical sperms with underlying genetic problems that could pass on to the little lives conceived through IVF.

#5: Will we be expecting multiple babies at one go?

Based on Dr Loh’s advice, IVF treatment can lead to multiple pregnancies and births of twins or triplets. This is because more than one embryo is usually replaced in the womb during IVF to raise the chance of conception.

But it’s also good to know that under the Singapore Ministry of Health’s regulations, only up to three embryos are transferred back into the womb. Furthermore, the ministry’s co-funding regulation has advised couples to put only two embryos in the womb. This will lessen the possibility of higher-order multiple pregnancies and the birth of three or more babies.

Need some encouragement before embarking on your IVF? Read this Singapore mum’s story on her inspiring IVF journey with her partner. Take heart!

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How to score big in networking

networking

Building relationships from scratch is never an easy task. But folks who have to network with strangers for work frequently don’t really have a choice. If that is you, let us share some tips on how to score big in networking.

Be clear on your motives

Have you ever been on the receiving end of an approach and observed how “fake” a person can be? Don’t make the mistake of being labelled as “fake” by the person you intend to know.

Whether you’re keen on connecting with a potential employer, reach a target customer, or simply find out more about an existing project they’re working on, make it known clearly. The last thing you want to achieve is to appear dodgy to the other party.

Put in the effort before your requests

Dian Oved, CEO of a PR and digital marketing company, shares with us a common pitfall. “A new founder will ask me for a celebrity intro for a collaboration, but they haven’t yet built a website, prepared materials, or thought about what they’ll do if the intro is made.”

Before making requests, be sure that you’ve put in the necessary effort. Remember that your networking contact is trading on their reputation to arrange that introduction for you. Make it count.

Learn how to be likeable

While you can’t control someone’s first impression of you, you can learn how to be likeable through the words you say. Generally, people are looking to be inspired and intrigued by your latest venture or your point of view on a common topic.

However, be fully aware that braggers get nowhere. Though it’s applaudable that you take the initiative to speak up, humility is still essential when it comes to networking. There’s a time to share your achievements and a suitable time to listen.

Ask open-ended questions

Do you recall what we wrote at the start of this article? It’s great to start off being clear on your motives, but you want to ask open-ended questions to facilitate the conversation and direction. Just take a look at this example:

A: “Do you know anyone I can speak with as I’m learning more about job opportunities at Google?”

B: “Can you connect me to your ex-colleague, John, at Google? I want to ask him for a job.”

Do you think sentence A or B is a better approach? If you chose A, you’re on the right track. It’s an open-ended question that’s both direct and polite. It also allows your networking acquaintance to use their network to your advantage.

Final thoughts
two men shaking hands

Image Credits: randstadrisesmart.com

Some people may be born with the gift of the tongue, but the truth is that most of us have to go through trials to find the most appropriate way to network. Sometimes, all it takes is a little practice to get there. Don’t give up!

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Essential steps for new mums to take after realising a pregnancy

pregnancy scan

Congratulations on your pregnancy! It can be an overwhelming episode if you’re a new mum as you go through the joys of conceiving your first child to the nerves of having to mind your body from day one.

However, fret not as we show you the essential steps to take after realising your pregnancy. Stay on this page!

Find a doctor you can trust

Apart from the pregnancy being a delightful family affair, you will need a doctor you can work hand in hand with during your pregnancy.

You should ask for recommendations from friends or family members and schedule a visit as soon as possible. Do expect some blood tests, prenatal vitamins prescription, and miscellaneous information to help you prepare for your next 40 weeks.

According to Healthline, here’s a general guide on how often you will be seeing your doctor:

  • once per month until week 28
  • twice per month from weeks 28 to 36
  • weekly from week 36 to birth
Talk about medications with your doctor
pills

Image Credits: everydayhealth.com

Once you’ve decided on your preferred doctor, let the healthcare professional know about your existing medications and supplements.

Since some drugs can pass through the placenta, they may drastically affect your precious baby. However, do not simply stop taking them because some medications can cause severe side effects if stopped abruptly.

The safest way is to seek a medical opinion and follow through with whatever the doctor recommends. With a baby growing inside you, it’s best not to simply Google and heed online advice.

Make plans for your work schedule

Ladies who are working and plan to continue during your pregnancy and after giving birth must mind your work schedule.

Don’t forget that you will still need to keep up with your doctor appointments, and your employer should be kept in the loop of your need for time off from work. For working mums with higher-risk pregnancies, you may also wish to consider reducing your workload gradually.

Now’s also the time to start researching the child care centres near your house so your baby can be assured a place in infant care when they reach two months old.

Relook what goes into your mouth
a pregnant woman saying no to alcohol

Image Credits: walnuthillobgyn.com

Since you’re not walking alone anymore for the next few months, you’ve got to assume responsibility for the life inside you. One of the main ways to protect your growing baby is to pay close attention to what you eat.

In short, alcohol and tobacco are harmful for your little one. All forms of alcohol, including beer, can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or even disabilities. As for tobacco, the nicotine inside it can damage your developing baby’s brain and lungs.

In addition, you should also decrease your caffeine intake to about just two cups a day. Anything more than that can increase your risk of miscarriage so stay away from that if you can. By caffeine, we’re not just referring to coffee, but tea, soda, and dark chocolates too.

While you must limit the harmful stuff, be sure to have balanced meals to get all the nutrition you need for a healthy baby. Here are some excellent foods to take:

  • Dairy
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Cooked lean meats
  • Fruits and vegetables

Have an incredible pregnancy journey and a smooth delivery!

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