Singapore Consumer Interest Group

In Singapore, person aged 18 to 69 is more prone to diabetes considering its lifestyle like food. In a recent count, there are about 11.3% Singaporean suffered from diabetes which rises from 8.2% in 2004.

New Findings

A new study reveals that fresh fruits, particularly apples, blueberries, grapes and pears slow down the risk of Type 2 diabetes. But an opposite effect happens when drinking fruit juice trigger diabetes. Over a cycle of century when US, British, and Singaporean researchers has laid down data from ‘big three investigations’ in the United States. At present, an aggregate count of 187,000 doctors, nurses, and professional caregivers were engaged themselves in the said study.

Right after one year, their health was monitored, while a structured-questionnaire were regularly used to answer queries on their daily health status particularly in lifestyle which include smoking, eating habits, weight, physical habit and other related factors. In the midst of the studies, there are about 6.5% of the volunteers have developed diabetes.

Contrary to Previous Beliefs

Clearly, participants who ate at least two servings of whole fruits per week has relatively reduced the risk of Type 2 diabetes, which garnered as much as 23% as compared to volunteers who ate less than one serving per month. Assistant professor of nutrition, Qi Sun, at the Harvard School of Public Health claimed that their findings is a ‘novel evidence’ which suggest more fruits to be very beneficial in lowering diabetes risk.

Sun concluded those participants who use to drink one or more servings of fruit juice per day is at risk of developing diabetes by over 21%. While switching three servings of juice in a week from whole fruits can relatively reduce about seven-percent of risk. In a British Medical Journal (BMJ), the prevalent study needs to delve on the significant difference among the variable present.

Explaining the Effect

Researchers assume that the nutritional content and values of fruit juice and whole fruit are the same, but according to them there is always been difference considering that the former is liquid while the latter is semi-solid. The said journal explicated that fluids can rapidly passes through stomach to human intestine regardless of its nutritional content. To underscore, therefore, fresh fruits are beneficial to human health, researchers added.

A file server is a powerful computer unit that holds all important data intended to be accessed and shared by multiple computers within the network. The server unit answers to the information requests from other computers. It “serves” data, fax resources, print, and many other files to numerous computers, just as long as they are on the same network.
So, what is the primary purpose of file servers? And why are they such a big help in many business establishments in Singapore?

1. File Servers Protects and Backs-Up Business Information

With a file server, each computer in every employee’s workstation stores information on its local drive. When the local hard drive fails, all stored data in the unit, like emails, photos, spreadsheets, documents, etc., would be gone, unless backups were made prior the incident. Unfortunately, many Singapore establishments do not regularly backup important data.
However, if you employ a local file server, redundant power supplies, redundant drives, as well as automated backups are utilized. This setting makes everything centralized, thus giving you the freedom from being highly dependent to individual computers and significantly reducing the possibilities of system failure. It also promotes better production because if one of your hard drives fails, you’re still up-and-running and continue with your daily operations.

2. File Servers Allow Remote Access

Through file servers, you can access your data anytime, anywhere. Your Singapore I.T. specialist can help you set a virtual private network (VPN) to let you gain access to your data even when you’re at home or on the road. This can increase efficiency if you or your staffs need to access files from outside the working place.

3. File Servers Makes Data Permission Centralized

By storing data in a single server, you can easily control the people allowed to access certain files. You can designate permissions that allow only these department or people to view specific files, lock out other users from the areas that they should not be in.

4. File Servers Lets You Monitor Your Employees

Installing third party software in your Singapore file server allows you to track your employees’ activities. You can view the websites they visit, files they accessed, or monitor works through automatic timed shots. These applications can be integrated to the Internet, making every result available online, for you to view even when you’re out of the office.

5. File Servers Stores Previous Versions of Files

Most Singapore company owners that actually have their own servers are unaware of the benefits of “Volume Shadow Copies” feature of file servers. If you’ve experienced accidental deletion of file or hit “Save” button without the intention of overwriting the previous file, you are certain that permanent loss won’t happen again with Volume Shadow Copies. This file server feature makes copies of every data stored on your network twice or more a day, depending on the configuration.

As Singapore economy becomes more and more dynamic, accounting software becomes an indispensable tool for managing modern businesses. There are many beautiful things about accounting programs, and one of them is its ability to store your financial data in one centralized location.
As your company keeps up with the competition, you need something to keep you going. And a good accounting program can be your best friend that will help you make it through tough times.

Accounting software from Singapore can protect your business
Accounting programs may reside in a single computer or in a network of computers. In the latter option, many users can have access to the same financial information. While this can really be convenient to your staff, it also increases the risk of having your data stolen or manipulated by unauthorized users. An accounting program can be your best friend as it protects your critical information by allowing you to set passwords and user IDs, thus prohibiting unauthorized access. Furthermore, “cloud” accounting is also possible. This term refers to online accounting where you can access and save your financial data via the internet.

Accounting software helps you to accomplish tasks in no time
Your accounting program is your best friend that won’t let you down as tons of workload comes your way. While your old buddies—pen and paper—perform well for you, they cannot actually do speedy work. Errors are also very common in manual accounting system. In a computerized accounting system, there is speed, and mistakes are minimized. You no longer have to wait for several days to identify how much sales your business was able to make for this month and other calculations. Because accounting tasks are done in no time, your management can make faster decisions.

Accounting software helps you track overdue accounts
One good thing about having a computerized accounting system is that you can easily track those clients who have outstanding balance. Providing good and services to your customers and letting them pay you later on is good and you can track it with Rockbell accounting software in Singapore but this can turn out to be a great loss for your company if you let them slip away. Your accounting program can be your best friend that will prompt you to perform necessary actions to late payers, such as doing payment follow-ups and refusing service to abusive debtors.

Accounting software in Singapore is customizable
Accounting programs can be altered according to individual specifications. Just like a best friend, your accounting program can perform various roles to make sure that your business can achieve its maximum potential. You can ask your software vendor for help in modifying your software, especially when you require special reporting and other certain controls. Take note, though, that you have to consider your system’s limitations when selecting an accounting program.

Accounting software is easy to use
Accounting programs in Singapore market today become more and more user-friendly. They often require only a few days of training for the staff to be fully acquainted to using the software. Your accounting program, just like a best friend, is not hard to deal with. However, there is one thing you need to consider. The software will not totally replace accounting knowledge. You must have background in accounting so you will be able to understand and analyze all financial information presented by the program.

Apartments and condominiums here in Singapore do not allow pets. This became a problem for pet owners. Pets have good benefits too if you give them a chance. Here are some:

Happier you

Notice how dogs make you happy when you are sad or down. Dog owners or pet owners in general become happier in the presence of their pets. In fact, for people who are clinically depressed, pet ownership is strongly recommended. Pet ownership increases oxytocin, the “happy chemical”.

Exercise

Dogs need exercise. You need to walk your dog every day and play with them. This means you also get the recommended exercise. Your dogs will remain healthy and so do you. It is like hitting two birds at one stone.

Lower stress

Studies show that a mere pat or hug can lower the stress level. A mere pat or hug is a big thing for our dogs because they will feel loved and wanted. If you always touch them, you will see the difference.

If you want to have a pet, you should first ask your landlord or developer if it is allowed. If it is allowed, you are lucky but if it is not, it is better not to have any. It is important to ask your landlord first because it can create major problems at the end of the day.

There is this case that involves tenants, pets and their landlord. Tenants vacated the house and asked for the permission of the landlord to leave the dogs in the house for a week. But after two days, the landlord called the Agri Food Veterinary Authority of Singapore to gather the dogs because of dog wastes and fleas. This action upset the tenants. They reached the police because of this.

Singapore offers different international cuisines. One of the favourite of Singaporeans is Japanese cuisine. Japanese cuisines are well liked because of its simplicity of presentation and the flavour. The cuisine focuses on rice, fish, vegetables and seaweed. If you crave for something Japanese, you can go to these places and have fun:

Tonkichi Restaurant

Tonkichi Restaurant is located in Orchard Road. The restaurant offers the best Tonkatsu. You can also try Katsudon, Rossu, Chawanmushi and many more. The ambiance is very appealing. The price ranges from S$13 to S$35. The store opens from 11am to 11pm every day.

Yayoiken Japanese Restaurant

Yayoiken Jaoanese Restaurant is located in Meidi-ya Supermarket. This restaurant is famous because of its reasonable price and big serving. The ambiance is pleasant and inviting. You must try their Tonkatsu, Katsu Don, Mix Toji Set, Tori Katsu and many more. The price ranges from S$11 to S$20. The store opens from 10am to 10pm daily.

Aoki Japanese Restaurant

Aoki Japanese Restaurant is located in Scotts Road. The restaurant offers fine dining experience with the best Japanese food in town. You must try their Tempura, Omakase, Wafu Salad, Nigiri, Miso Soup and many more. The price ranges from S$30 to S$165. The store serves lunch (12noon-3pm) and dinner (6:30pm-11pm) every day.

Shinji by Kanesaka

Shinji by Kanesaka is located in Raffles Hotel. It is notable for its sushi. This restaurant offers the best Japanese food for a price. The ambiance is traditional and cosy. You must try their Sea eel, Kakigama, Omakase dinner and many more. The price ranges from S$90 to S$625. The store serves lunch (12noon-3PM) and dinner (6PM-10:30PM) from Monday to Saturday.

Fukuichi Japanese Dining

Fukuichi Japanese Dining Restaurant is located in Somerset Road. You must try their Salmon, Sashimi, Shitake Tempura, Soba, Kani Tofu, Sushi Bento and many more. The price ranges from S$25 to S$72. They serve lunch (11:30am-3pm) and dinner (5:30pm-12midnight) every day.

You can consider the restaurants mentioned above or you can simply make your own. Ingredients are readily available in the market so preparing for a Japanese dish is possible.

If you noticed that you rarely go out with your family, it is time to invite them to grab some dinner and talk about things like you used to. Hectic schedule is not an excuse. You should make time for the family for it will surely lessen your burden and worries. You can bring the whole family to the following restaurants:

Carrot Cake

This eatery is famous for its traditional carrot cake preparation. Aside from carrot cakes, they also serve Chinese meals and take away service. It is located in Bukit Merah View Food Centre. The meals here are below S$50 per head. It is a reasonable price for a big family. They are open from 7AM to 2PM and 6PM to 1AM daily.

Chilli Paldi

If your family wants a taste of Peranakan cuisine, Chilli Paldi is the place to be. It is a popular Peranakan restaurant here in Singapore located in Joo Chiat Place. The family should try their specialties fish head curry and cabbage roll along with spicy shrimp paste. Meals here start at S$10 to S$30 per head. Chilli Paldi also provides catering services, making them a perfect choice for all Peranakan fare.

Hoover Rojak

The family will enjoy Indonesian food called rojak. It is a salad dish with fresh ingredients (like bean sprouts, pineapple, cucumber, prawn paste and many more). They also offer century eggs and cuttlefish. If the family wants to taste the best rojak in town, Whampoa Food Centre is the right place. The meals here are below S$50 per head.

Carousel

This buffet restaurant never falls short. The restaurant serves diverse cuisines from Chinese, Japanese and other local cuisines. Meals here start at S$40 to S$100 per head. They are open every Monday to Friday (6:30AM to 10AM, 12PM to 2PM, 3:30PM to 5:30PM and 6:30PM to 10:30PM) and Saturday-Sunday & PH (11:30AM to 2PM, 3:30PM to 5:30PM and 6:30PM to 10:30PM).

Spending quality time with the family will encourage talks and more bonding moments. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the company of the family. Work is important but family is more important. Have a wonderful time with your family!

As Singapore’s national dish, the Hainanese chicken rice is unsurprisingly ubiquitous in the island. This chicken dish is so popular in the country that everyone’s selling it from hawker centres, to food stalls in malls and even posh restaurants. If you’re looking for the best of this dish, get if from the following places:

Tian Tian – Tian Tian is located in Kadayanallur Street. Other branches include Jalan Pari Burong and Joo Chiat Road. It is popular among locals and tourists because their chicken is juicy and tender. The price ranges from S$2 to S$7. They are open every Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

Loy Kee – Loy Kee is located in Balestier Road and Woodland. The Baleister Road branch is old with traditional tables and chairs. If you want a modern taste of Loy Kee, you can consider the Woodland branch. The price range is from S$7 to S$14. They are open from 7:30am to 9:30pm daily.

Wee Nam Kee – Wee Nam Kee is located in Thomson Road. Some people claim that this restaurant serves the best Hainanese in Singapore. You should also try their roasted chicken and Nanyang dishes. The price ranges from S$4 to S$11. The restaurant is open from 10am to 12:30am every day.

Boon Tong Kee – Boon Tong Kee is located in Balestier Road. Other branches include Ang Mo Kio, MacPherson Road, Bukit Timah, Whampoa West and River Valley. The restaurant offers Hainanese and Cantonese chicken rice. You can also try their fried rice and butter prawn. The price ranges from S$10 to S$15.

If you ordered Hainanese chicken rice, expect tasty rice with neatly arranged chicken pieces (boiled in special herbs and spices), slices of lettuce, cucumber and tomato, sauce and bowl of chicken broth.

When we have muscle pain, even simple movements give us discomfort. This affects our work and family relationships. While we can’t always avoid muscle pain, we can lessen the hurt we feel when it falls on us. It is important we know how to treat this affliction so that it doesn’t affect daily activities.

We are all familiar with pain relief drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. They can help, but sometimes it is better to take natural methods to treat our pains. It is best to consider the healthy and natural ways to cope with any muscle pains. The following things can effectively help us:

Get enough rest and sleep

When we feel uncomfortable and sick, it is always advisable to rest and sleep. It should not be short because it will not make a difference. We should have a long sleep (seven to eight hours, if possible) so when we wake up, we will feel rested and rejuvenated. Research shows that during deep sleep, the body produces and releases growth hormone that can contribute to tissue healing and repair.

Eat the right food

We should maintain a diet that can help us get through muscle pains. We should select foods that can eliminate toxins in the body. It will be beneficial if we consider green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Reduce intake of red mead and animal fats. It is also important to increase Vitamin D intake.

Massage

Massage relaxes the body and improves circulation. Massage will be more effective if we apply oils directly on the affected area. You can also use cayenne pepper mixed with olive oil as an ointment.

Coughing is very troubling. If we don’t do something about it, it will surely linger for a very long time. We don’t want to deal with cough for a long time therefore we should look for ways to eliminate cough. But before anything else, we should identify if it is a dry cough or cough with mucus.

We should identify the type of cough so we will know what remedy to consider. Here’s a guide:

For coughs with mucus

If we want a temporary relief, try applying VapoRubs. It should be applied on the neck for 20 minutes. If we want to loosen mucus, we should consider expectorant. Expectorants are sold over the counter. After taking expectorants, let’s try to cough and spit mucus or phlegm as much as possible. Furthermore, if we want to feel better, let’s consider inhaling moisture with the use of humidifiers.

It is essential that we get a lot of sleep and more importantly, we should drink a lot of water. We should avoid carbonated drinks and citrus juices to avoid throat irritation.

For dry coughs

Dry cough does not produce phlegm or mucus. If we are suffering from this, we should purchase cough syrups. Aside from cough syrups, we can try brewing tea (thyme tea and marshmallow tea). We can also make homemade syrups. If we have honey and lemon juice, we can make a syrup that can help coat the throat so we can cough the mucus.

When to call the doctor

If the cough lingers for more than 4 weeks and if we are coughing green or bloody phlegm, it is time to see the doctor. Doctors are needed if the cough is accompanied by chest pains, chills and fever. This is important so we will know if we have other illnesses.