• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Lifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living HomepageLifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • Kristal.AI financial investment appA digital platform for your wealth management
        • Tips On Investing for ExpatsTips on investing for expats
        • G278 featuredRenting furniture in Singapore – so flexible!
        • singapore history epidemicsSingapore epidemics over the years
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things to do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • Growing herbs in SingaporeGardening: Growing herbs & vegetables
        • A Resorts World Sentosa Staycation for Couples
        • Secret Singapore fort canningSecret Singapore: What you might not know!
        • places for teenagers - SentosaBeing a teenager in Singapore: Top 10 areas and places to hang out
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • featured image 1Great financial advice to help your future planning!
        • places for teenagers - SentosaBeing a teenager in Singapore: Top 10 areas and places to hang out
        • TeenTeenagers: How do we know if they’re okay?
        • low school fees in SingaporeA primary school with lower school fees
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Decor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Furniture
        • G278 featuredRenting furniture in Singapore – so flexible!
        • Growing herbs in SingaporeGardening: Growing herbs & vegetables
        • Featured imageItalian designer furniture in Singapore – armchairs and more!
        • bathroom singaporeAccessories to boost your bathroom
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia & New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • News
      • Travel Offers
        • AmanHotel deals & Singapore Staycations
        • GullfossThe most Instagrammed waterfalls in the world!
        • westinFun staycations for families and foodies
        • food7 Instagrammable cafés in Sydney
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • le petit depot singapore wine deliveryOnline alcohol delivery – wine, champagne, beer & spirits!
        • sofitel singapore mothers day high teaBest restaurants for Mother’s Day
        • Bar reviw – boogie stLatest bars in Singapore: New drinking spots!
        • kombuchaWhere to get Kombucha: Fizzy goodness
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Beauty Offers
        • best trainersNeed a new pair of trainers?
        • sheroxi holland village facial beauty salonA new facial salon in Holland Village!
        • honey skincare products shop online beauty productsShop online for skincare products and makeup!
        • ActivewearActivewear in Singapore that’s comfy & stylish
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • best trainersNeed a new pair of trainers?
        • TeenTeenagers: How do we know if they’re okay?
        • kombuchaWhere to get Kombucha: Fizzy goodness
        • health tip: stretch at your deskHow to be healthier: 5 simple tips
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Health & Fitness » Medical » Get on top of your health screening tests

Get on top of your health screening tests

14th October 2018 by Expat Living 11 Min Read

https://expatliving.sg/health-screening-tests-singapore/

With work, family and friends, we are all leading busy lives. It’s all too easy to neglect your health. There are some basic screening tests you should make a point of having done. Here’s our guide to some of the key ones.

Breast screening

One of the best things about breasts, says breast surgeon Dr Georgette Chan, is how accessible they are to regular self-screening.

For self-screening, it’s very important women check their breasts at the correct time of the month, she explains. That’s because our breasts change in texture throughout the menstrual cycle, in accordance with hormonal changes.

The first half of the menstrual cycle runs from when your period starts to the point of ovulation, which is usually the midpoint of the cycle. The second half of the cycle begins after ovulation and ends when your next period begins.

From the seventh to the tenth day from the start of your period is the best time to check your breasts, says Dr Chan: “That’s when they’re at their least lumpy, least dense and also least sensitive. You will you feel any lumps more easily.”

During the second half of the menstrual cycle, our breasts get lumpier, making it hard to tell whether what you’re feeling is in fact a lump, or just a prominent gland. “Breasts tend to be a bit sore and tender at this time, so poking them can be uncomfortable.”

Health Screening test
Self-examination is an important part of caring for your breasts

A little TLC

A Canadian website called Rethink Breast Cancer recommends that instead of merely checking for lumps, we should be more “breast aware” in general – and, especially, aware of any changes. It proposes an approach that it calls “TLC”: Touch your breasts; Look at your breasts; and Check with your doctor if you notice any untoward changes in shape or texture.

Dr Chan likes this approach. “Someone who checks herself every month has a good chance of picking up a lump early,” she says. “Benign or harmless lumps usually take a longer time to grow – months or even years. Tumours tend to grow faster, however, taking only weeks or a few months to become palpable.”

“No other organ is as accessible to being screened so often and so easily – not only annually by your doctor and his or her screening machines, but also monthly by you and your own two hands. That’s 13 times a year!”

What to look for

Look carefully for any skin changes, such as persistent rashes. Check the nipples for changes, too – a change of direction, an inversion or a discharge are all abnormal and should be checked out.

Any lumpiness should fade away quickly after the start of menses, says Dr Chan. “Use your sense of touch to look for individual lumps, and for any areas that remain lumpy even after menstruation has started.”

If you’re at all in doubt, check with your GP or your gynae. If they feel you need further attention, that’s where a specialist surgeon like Dr Chan comes in.

Personal risk profile

Nowadays, women are also advised to be aware of their personal breast cancer risk profile, which is largely gene-based. However, only five to 10 percent of breast cancers are of the hereditary type; the great majority are “sporadic mutations”, unrelated to heredity.

So, when would it be appropriate to send a patient for genetic testing?

“Most of our breast cancer patients have no family history at all of the disease,” confirms Dr Chan. “If a patient comes to me with a very strong history of breast or ovarian cancer, however, I will consider sending her for genetic testing.”

In Singapore, genetic testing and counselling always go hand in hand, she says. “We need to know what to do with the results! Being confirmed as having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation has lots of implications, not only for the woman herself but also for her daughters, for her sisters, and for their daughters.”

Each of these wants to know her own risks, naturally. “There are many ethical considerations, so counselling is immensely important.”

Until recently, blood samples for genetic testing were always sent overseas, usually to the US. Starting in 2017, however, a Singapore company has been available to do the job. It still takes two to three weeks to get the results, but the costs are lower as there’s no shipping involved.

Drastic steps?

The media has made much of some “high risk” carriers of the BRCA gene mutations, opting for either preventive mastectomy or chemo prevention. In Dr Chan’s opinion, choosing to undergo preventive mastectomy is “quite drastic”, and something that she would not always advise.

“Instead, I would put them on close surveillance,” she says – meaning a check-up every six months, as opposed to just once a year. “That would include mammogram, ultrasound, and sometimes MRI too.”

The beauty of MRI is that it involves no radiation and is very safe: “It’s especially useful for younger women who tend to have denser breasts, sometimes too dense for effective mammography. It’s also a good option for someone who has a known BRCA gene mutation.”

In the end, the message is clear. Whether you’re examining your own breasts on Day Seven of your cycle, or picking up the phone to book your next mammogram, the health of your breasts is largely in your own hands.

Dr Georgette Chan
#11-09 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth
6836 5167 | georgettechan.com.sg

Digestive screening

As food intolerances and allergies become increasingly common, consultant gastroenterologist Dr Andrea Rajnakova’s clinic has developed a new speciality with a holistic approach to food-related gastrointestinal problems such as gluten intolerance and coeliac disease.

For many of the millions who suffer from a digestive disorder, it’s merely a source of irritation and discomfort; for those with coeliac disease, however, it can be a lot more serious.

Cutely described as the body’s “food processor”, the long, muscular tube that is our gastrointestinal (GI) tract has the ability to sense and react to whatever passes through it. And to maintain a healthy digestive system, each of us needs to choose the right food to match our individual GI tract’s capacity, says Dr Rajnakova.

Food intolerance or allergy is a primary cause of GI tract problems such as reflux, bloating, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, constipation, diverticulosis, gallstones, fatty liver and even GI cancer. It’s no wonder these problems are on the rise, she says, when you look at the modern diet: centred on concentrated proteins from meat and dairy products, preferring simple to complex carbohydrates, and laced with harmful additives.

Health Screening test
Screening can identify food-related gastrointestinal problems

How do you screen for gluten intolerance and coeliac disease?

We do a physical examination and take a detailed medical history, plus an evaluation of dietary habits. GI tract problems show symptoms that may include nausea and vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea. Coeliac disease can be detected by a blood test, after which we would do a gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

Tell us about coeliac disease.

It’s an immune-based inflammatory reaction in the small intestine to dietary gluten (the storage protein for wheat, barley and rye), and it affects those who are genetically predisposed to it.

It’s a serious condition: the inflammation caused by the body’s reaction to gluten damages the lining of the small intestine, reducing its absorptive surface area, reducing its digestive enzymes and impairing the absorption of important micronutrients. Apart from abdominal pain and bloating, this causes chronic malabsorption, malnutrition and unhealthy weight-loss.

In cases of lactose intolerance or coeliac disease, bloating is linked to a failure of the digestive tract to break down nutrients into small, absorbable molecules. Other GI symptoms of coeliac disease include diarrhoea, oily stools and flatulence; it can also lead to liver disease, anaemia, bone disease and skin disorders. Some coeliac sufferers, surprisingly, may have no symptoms at all!

What is the cure?

Excluding gluten from the diet completely resolves the problem. But this is not always straightforward – it often requires detailed patient education, proper motivation and ongoing follow-up.

Any advice on going gluten-free?

This is interesting! Increasing numbers of people are going gluten-free, mainly because of the huge misconception that gluten-free food is in and of itself “healthier”. In fact, there is no evidence that avoiding gluten is beneficial for people who do not have coeliac disease.

My patients with coeliac disease know that most commercially made gluten-free food is highly processed, low in nutrients and loaded with harmful additives. Instead, I advise them to focus their diet on whole foods that are naturally free from gluten.

I advise anyone who suspects that they or a family member may have a food intolerance or allergy to go for proper medical evaluation and testing.

Andrea’s Digestive, Colon, Liver and Gallbladder Clinic
#12-10 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth
6836 2776 | andrea-digestive-clinic.com

Gastronomy and colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is the commonest cancer in Singapore, says Dr Melvin Look of PanAsia Surgery – and though it affects both men and women of all races, the incidence is especially high in Caucasians.

Though overall rates for colon and rectal cancer have been dropping in recent years, that’s mainly for older people. A February 2017 study found that people born in 1990 have double the colon cancer risk and four times the risk for rectal cancer compared with people born in or around 1950 – so there’s no room for complacency!

“Symptoms arising from digestive cancers usually mean advanced disease,” warns Dr Look – “so regular screening is vital, even if you have no symptoms and seem to be healthy.”

Health Screening test
Colorectal cancer is the commonest cancer in Singapore

Who, why, when and how often?

Most cancers in the colon develop from tiny, fleshy growths called polyps which take a good five to 10 years to grow before they undergo cancer change. The doctor recommends screening colonoscopy to detect colorectal cancers at an early curable stage, and also to prevent cancers by removing the precancerous polyps before they turn malignant.

Start screening from the age 50 and schedule repeat screenings every five to 10 years thereafter, says Dr Look. “But if you have a family history of colorectal or other cancers, you should start screening from the age of 40 or earlier.”

Especially if you have a history of frequent stomach bloating, discomfort or heartburn, it’s a good idea to opt for a gastroscopy to be done at the same time as your colonoscopy – and it only takes another 10 minutes. “These could be symptoms of ulcers, gastritis or reflux,” he explains – or of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection of the stomach that is common in Asia, and is an important risk factor for stomach cancers.

What to expect

Screening gastroscopy and colonoscopy is usually done as a day surgery procedure. A screening colonoscopy uses a flexible telescope to do a complete visual examination of the entire colon and rectum. It is a simple and safe 20-minute procedure done with intravenous sedation. You will be comfortably asleep during the entire process and you can go home once you are fully awake.

A screening gastroscopy can be done at the same time by using a similar flexible scope to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum from the mouth down. You fast for six hours before your gastroscopy so that your stomach is empty, and you undergo a bowel prep the night before to clear your intestines for the colonoscopy.

Good news

PanAsia Surgery has a Direct Access Colonoscopy service which eliminates any need for prior consultation or referral – it’s all done and dusted in just one visit. What’s more, most medical insurance plans cover screening colonoscopy because of it cost-effectiveness in preventing colorectal cancer.

Prostate screening

Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men – about one man in seven will be diagnosed with it at some time in his life. Consultant urologist Dr Sam Peh of PanAsia Surgery recommends screening at an early stage, when it is easier to treat.

A healthy human prostate is a kiwifruit-sized gland situated below a man’s urinary bladder. Its function, he explains, is to produce the liquid that sperm swim in: “Combined, they’re called semen, and this is what a man ejaculates.”

Health Screening test
About one man in seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer

What to expect

The basic screening test for prostate cancer is a rectal exam by a doctor to detect suspicious lumps in the prostate gland, and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

“Broadly speaking,” says Dr Peh, “the higher the PSA count, the greater the probability of having cancer in the prostate.” However, elevated PSA alone does not mean that a man definitely has cancer of the prostate. That’s because other conditions can cause a high PSA, including benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate infection.

Who, why, when and how often?

PSA testing should be done annually from the age of 50, says Dr Peh – and, if there is a family history of prostate cancer, from the age of 40.

More common than prostate cancer is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), especially in older men. The prostate enlarges, causes symptoms like waking up at night to pass urine, a slow urinary stream, frequent urination and an urgency to pass urine. If you think you may have BHP, see a doctor for assessment – and also to rule out cancer.

News! SelectMDx is a urine test that measures two biomarkers for prostate cancer and promises to reduce the need for invasive biopsies in men with raised PSA levels.

PanAsia Surgery Group
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital 38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-43/44
6570 2608 | panasiasurg.com

Specifically for women

Dr Nandini Shah from the International Medical Clinic (IMC) team believes that regular health screening can provide important information to help maintain and improve our wellbeing throughout our lives.

“We urge all women to have an annual health screening,” says Dr Shah. “From a comprehensive screening to one aimed at a specific area – for example: Women’s Gynae or Sexual Health – we offer a full range of screening services to suit different budgets, time constraints and health concerns.”

Health Screening

Spotlight on: The Pap Smear

A Pap smear test involves the collection of a sample of cells from the cervix (the entrance of the uterus) during a routine pelvic exam; it’s a method of detecting precancerous or cancerous cells so as to prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is on the rise, explains Dr Shah, so women aged 21 and older are advised to undergo this important screening test every two years. If abnormal cells have been identified, this should be discussed with a doctor.

“Sometimes, a repeat test shows that the cells have gone back to normal on their own. In other cases, the abnormal cells will need to be removed before they become cancerous.”

Spotlight on: Mammogram

A mammogram is simply an x-ray picture of the breast. It uses low-dose x-rays to help identify changes in the breast and detect lumps that may not be palpable, so as to detect early signs of breast cancer. Despite the current controversy surrounding mammography and its benefits, Dr Shah is one of the majority of doctors who recommend that women undergo a mammogram every two years from the age of 40. Breast cancers that are picked up early, before they have spread, have a higher chance of full recovery, she says. “Also, there is also an increased possibility of undergoing breast-conserving surgery, thereby avoiding a mastectomy.” For your mammogram, each breast is positioned and then compressed between two flat x-ray plates.

The discomfort, fortunately, usually lasts only for the few seconds it takes for the x-ray to be done.

Remember that an abnormal mammogram result does not always indicate cancer. “A repeat mammogram may be required, or at times additional testing; or you may be referred to a breast specialist for further evaluation,” explains Dr Shah.

Spotlight on: Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

Scan Though men get osteoporosis too, women are four times more prone to this bone-thinning condition, especially after menopause, and some of us develop it as early as in our forties – especially if we experience early menopause.

Generally, however, a BMD scan – also known as a DEXA scan – is advised for women over 60 years of age. “By measuring the bone mineral density of first your hip and then your spine, it can identify if bones are weak,” explains Dr Shah – weaker bones being more susceptible to fractures.

Happily, the scan takes less than 20 minutes and doesn’t involve being enclosed inside a tunnel. Instead, you lie flat on your back on an open x-ray table. Your test results are usually reviewed with a doctor, who, if the scan shows evidence of bone thinning (osteopenia) or full-blown osteoporosis, may offer lifestyle advice or medication to help stabilise your bone loss or even reverse it.

Vital for Women!

• Blood pressure monitoring
• Cholesterol and glucose monitoring
• Cervical cancer testing (Pap smear)
• Breast cancer screening
• Contraception advice
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Immunisation discussions
• Osteoporosis screening

International Medical Clinic
1 Orchard Boulevard, #14-06 Camden Medical Centre
6733 4440 | imc-healthcare.com

Like this? Read more at our health and fitness section.

Facing fertility issues? You are not alone!

Your guide to runs and marathons

From baby teeth to braces: Expert advice

This article first appeared in the January 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!

Categories: Health & Fitness Medical Tags: Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Awareness Family Health Health screening Medical screenings Men's health

Expat Living

Expat Living has everything to help you make the most of living in Singapore! We've got information on neighbourhoods, things to do and see, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, furniture, finance, health and beauty. And more!

You May Also Like

Teenagers: How do we know if they’re okay?

best trainers

Need a new pair of trainers?

Where to get Kombucha: Fizzy goodness

Primary Sidebar

Expat Living Singapore

expatlivingsg

Open
Trainers, sneakers, runners or pumps – whatever you call them, you have to have good comfortable ones that suit you! Mine are okay, but they seem to have lost their bounce. ⁠
⁠
I asked around the team to find out what they think are the best running shoes for Singapore, and what they’re currently wearing. Hopefully this helps if you’re looking for some new trainers, too – for women or for men! Click on link in bio for the rundown ⁠
⁠
#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #trainers #sneakers #runners #pumps #activewear #shoes #running #fitnesssg
Open
Using compassion helps to quickly and easily diffuse emotional outbursts – or toddler tantrums and meltdowns for children.

Sometimes your child is screaming or refusing to listen to you and you have no idea how to handle the tantrum. You’re also starting to wonder how old they’ll be before they stop behaving this way! What do you do? “People often think that tantrums and meltdowns are the same,” says Dr Vanessa Von Auer, clinical psychologist and founding principal of Integrated International School (IIS). 

It’s important to understand the difference between the two, so that you can help your child effectively.”

Dr Vanessa also reminds parents that if tantrums aren’t excessive, they’re a perfectly healthy component of a child’s development. She tells us more via her story on our website (link in bio) 

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #iis #toddlertantrums #dealingwithkids #kidsmeltdown #kids #parentsinsingapore #singapore
Open
**Friday Giveaway** 
Create your own signature fragrance with Maison 21G! (@maison21g ) 

We're collaborating with the bespoke French haute perfumery to give away 10 bottles of Eau de parfum, customised to your own liking – you get to choose your ingredients from 35 different essences and create your own unique scent matching your personality and preferences. Packaged in an elegant transparent 30ml bottle, your bespoke perfume contains 21% natural concentrate. You can even customise the bottle with your own design or choose from a range of designs. It's made by you, for you! 🥰

Each of the 10 prizes consists of a promo code valued at $95, redeemable for one bottle of customised perfume at maison21g.com. 
☝️Codes are valid until 31 December 2021 (6pm), and can't be used for redeeming other products from the Maison 21G website. 

To be in with a chance to win this fab prize, all you need to do is: 
* Follow @maison21g 
* Follow @expatlivingsg (if you aren't already!)
* Tag two friends who love fragrances
* Register your name through the link on the story/competition highlight so we can contact you

Good Luck! 

#giveaway
 #giveawaysg 
#entertowin 
#winwinwin 
#sggiveaway 
#sggiveaways
 #expatlivingsg
 #fragranceforyoubyyou 
#maison21g
Open
Most of us know UFIT, a very popular fitness and wellness brand in Singapore with over 100 coaches and clinicians who have worked hard to keep us fit and healthy over the years. 

UFIT's journey started off in 2009 with a small group attending bootcamps, leading to them launching their flagship studio in 2011. Now they have another baby, as they recently opened a beautiful new studio centrally based at the Fairmont Hotel 
 
Check out their website via their Insta page (tagged here). 

There will be a 10% discount off Personal Training and Private Group Training for new clients at the Fairmont studio only. 
To redeem, simply register via their website under Fairmont Studio and mention ‘Expat Living’ in the submission form. 
Sign ups must be before 30th April and it’s applicable to the first package only 

T&Cs
Must purchase by 30th April
applicable to the first package only
Fairmont Studio only. 

#Expatlivingsg #UFITsg #livinginsingapore #health #fitness #wellness #grouptraining #personaltraining
Open
The hype around kombucha is fairly recent, but did you know that this fizzy, fermented tea-based drink has ancient origins? 

First brewed in northeast China over 2,000 years ago, kombucha is said to impart a range of health benefits, from strengthening immunity to improving gut health.

Sasha’s Farms is a non-profit social enterprise that supports and promotes small and independent businesses like Kore Culture Labs, a fermenting café in Bali producing healthy kombuchas and sodas. 

Head to our website where you can read about four reasons why you should give them a try

#expatlivingsg #sashasfinefoods #ethicallysourced #sustainableliving #ethicalgrocer #sustainablesg #healthyliving #superfoods #kombucha #kombuchasg #sff #sashasfinefoods
Open
As a new(ish) kid on the block, Razum International School offers something a little different as far as international primary schools in Singapore go. 

Two expat mums, Elena and Marina, joined forces to create a primary school experience that focuses on a shorter day, strong academic curriculum and more affordable school fees in Singapore.

The shorter learning hours – from 8.45am to 1pm – means your child can spend the afternoon doing extra-curricular activities (ECAs). Kids can opt for activities they enjoy provided by external providers, or use the time to focus on their competitive sports or music classes or simply spend quality time with the family.

Find out more about this and other interesting aspects of Razum by clicking on our website via the link in our bio. You can even book a school tour!

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #internationalschoolsingapore #bestboutiqueschoolsingapore #monthlypayment #educationsg #primaryschool #siblingdiscount
Open
** GIVEAWAY ALERT**

This month, we’ve teamed up with @andazsingapore for a special giveaway! 
One winner will receive four vouchers for Alley on 25’s Lazy Breakfast, including free-flow alcohol🍷🍾🍸. Held on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 12pm to 2.30pm, the brunch lets you choose a main from a selection of hearty dishes like avocado toast and a veggie friendly margherita panini. Also included are unlimited plates of cold seafood, cold cuts, cheeses, salads and cooked-to-order eggs, served straight to your table.

To win all you have to do is 

1️⃣ Follow @andazsingapore on Instagram

2️⃣ Tag 3 friends who you want to bring along 

3️⃣ Register your details on the link in our IG Stories/ Competition Highlight

Good Luck!! 

#giveaway #giveawaysg #entertowin #winwinwin #sggiveaway #sggiveaways #expatlivinggiveaway #b#bubblybrunch #freeflow #andazsingapore
Open
New to Expat Living? Sign up today for a free subscription to our monthly magazine! 💕 
Visit 👉 expatliving.sg/free/subs/ig/

*Applicable to first-time subscribers only

.
#expatlivingsg #expatliving #sgexpat #expatsg #igsg #sgdining #sghome #sgsales #sgfurniture #sgproperty #sghomedecor #expatlifesg #singaporehomes
Open
Wondering where to go for a drink this Friday night? 

From clever cocktail bars to fancy speakeasies in town, we have the hottest, newest or most notable watering holes to get your alcohol (and social) fix – whether you’re craving a martini, a gin and tonic, or just a glass of wine. 

Check out the link on our stories (it’s in our highlights tab and also on our website, and we’ll update this regularly, so remember to bookmark it! 🍹 🍸

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #cocktails #cocktailssg #happyhoursg #cocktailsofinstagram #fridaydrinks
Open
** Friday Giveaway** 

We have 5x PHS HAIRSCIENCE Signature Daily Regime set to giveaway! 
Who wants in? 🙋‍♀️

Specially formulated to effectively treat scalp and hair concerns, PHS HAIRSCIENCE® Daily Regime combines scientifically proven methods, high concentrations of botanical essences and stem cell technology into a 3 step scalp and hair care routine. 
They do these 3 simple steps 

1. Double Cleanse, Moisturise and Treat every day for a healthy scalp and gorgeous tresses
2. Improves overall scalp health and strengthens hair roots
3. Repairs and nourishes scalp 

How to enter? 
1. Comment Me! and tag a friend 
2. Follow @phshairscience 
3. Register your details on the link- check out at our IG stories and Competition highlight. 

Good luck! 

#beautifulhair 
#fridaygiveaway 
#expatlivingsg
#PHS
Open
The range of outdoor furniture in Singapore is pretty amazing. 

Check out these good furniture stores via the link on the horn page of our website that carry practical, stylish pieces, including some of the best outdoor furniture brands. 

From sofas, chairs and tables to rugs, lanterns and even pizza ovens, you’ll be all set for living a great outdoor life in style and comfort. There are also gorgeous accessories if you just need to make your outdoor area look a bit more ‘pulled together’!

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #outdoorfurniture #patiofurniture #interiordesigners
Open
**Win a Social Media Marketing Strategy** 

Calling all business owners! 

@theemms.sg is awarding one lucky entrepreneur or small business with a professional social media marketing strategy, worth $850. 

Designed to meet your specific goals and challenges, this the prize includes:

1️⃣A strategic review of your company’s Instagram or Facebook page
2️⃣A one-on-one session to learn how you can improve your platforms
3️⃣A detailed social media strategy to help you implement with style for 3 months.
Keen to win it? 🤔 
All you need to do is:
1. Comment Me! 🙋🏻‍♀️ or tag your friend who has a business. 
2. Follow @theemms.sg 
3. Register your name and email on the link in our story or see our story highlights for more! 
Good Luck! 

#expatlivinggiveaway 
#singapore 
#theemms
#marketing 
#socialmediastrategy 
#marielle
#intitowinit
Open
We love hearing where our readers live so each month we ask residents to talk about their homes and neighbourhoods to help others who are living in Singapore make a better decision. 

Moving is always pretty stressful, so it’s good to get some recommendations first. 

This month Marina Matthews talks about living at Laguna Park condo off Marine Parade on the East Coast.

Check out the full article with Marina’s recommendations on our website (link in bio) 

#Expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #eastcoastsg #marineparadesg #lagunaparksg #singaporeneighbourhoods #singapore
Open
To tan or not to tan, that is the question! 

We all know that extended hours under the sun is no good for the skin, and there can be damage from both good old-fashioned sunbathing and indoor tanning. 

Check out our website where we look at why people want that bronzy glow plus the risks of tanning and how top aesthetic treatments from Amaris B Clinic can help rewind some of the damage like sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and even cellulite

#Expatlivingsg #amarisbclinic #amarisb #livinginsingapore #tanning #sunbathing #aesthetictreatments #sunspots #hyperpigmentation
Open
Read our latest issue on any device for free! 👉 expatliving.sg/digital/ig

In this issue, step inside an interior designer’s home in Clementi, find out where our readers get their customised furniture and get great furnishing ideas for your bathroom and kitchen.

Plus, check out 3 popular bubbly brunches 🥂 and a newly revamped bar in town for you to try; there’s plenty more, too, including classic wrap dresses, activewear and our recommendations on comfy trainers!
Open
If you are craving some vitamin-sea, then set sail on Royal Carribean’s Quantum of the Seas, offering two, three, and four-night Ocean Getaways from Singapore until October 2021 all with 50% discount and free kids places. 

Every moment onboard this fabulous ship has sunshine, good times and wow-worthy experiences. 

Rest assured your well-being is their top priority and the staff do an amazing job of making your holiday safer, so you can focus on memory making.

We are on board now, do let us know if you have any questions to ask 🛳 

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #royalcarribeansg #quantumoftheseas #cruisetonowhere #cruising2021 #seacations #instasg #cruisingsg
Open
** Giveaway**

@_aquariva_ is giving away one of their gorgeous dresses or jumpsuits to the value of $250.
Yeay!! 💃🏼

@_aquariva_ is known for its clean lines and soft curves, lavished with their favourite seasonal prints. Effortlessly charming, elegant and just the right relaxed proportions. Perfect for the woman on the go! 
They use traditional screen printing for all of their fabrics and dresses 👗are lovingly done by hand, even the drying method is done naturally by sunlight ☀️How cool and environmentally friendly 👌🏻✌🏻. A lot of love goes into the Aquariva piece that you wear!

How to win: 
1. Like this post 
2. Follow @_aquariva_ 
3. Comment what size you are and tag a friend 

It's that easy! 
Good luck! 

#beautifuldresses 
#singapore 
#tropical 
#dress 
#handmade
#screenprintingfabrics
#giveaway 
#expatlivingsg
#elegantdresses 
#tagafriend
Open
East Coast restaurants – specifically in Katong and Joo Chiat – have always been known for their good food. More recently though, the area has seen a rise in great cafes, specialty grocers, Italian cuisine and bakeries (with fresh sourdough!). 

From East Coast brunch cafes and alfresco restaurants, to bars and gourmet supermarkets, we have a list of the top East Coast food options to try on the home page of our website (link in bio). 

And if it’s not your neighbourhood, nothing is that far away in Singapore. You can walk along the coast or look at funky shophouses before or after and make it an outing!

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #eastcoastsg #igfood #foodsg #instafood #joochiat #joochiatroad #tanjongkatong #siglap
Open
The school holidays are still in full swing so if you are looking to entertain kids or just looking to take a break over the long Easter weekend, have a look at the travel page on our website where you will find lots of info on various staycation packages around the island 🏝 

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #staycations #staycationssg #ighotels #easterinsg #easter2021
Open
There are many maternity insurance plans on the market, but do you know what’s written in the fine print? 

If you’re thinking of getting pregnant with the help of fertility treatments, you’d want to know what’s included in your policy and if the procedures you need are covered. 

We have a great article on our website (link in bio) where the team at Expat Insurance brief us on what’s covered for fertility treatments

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #expatinsurancesg #insuranceinsingapore #fertilitytreatmentsg #ivfsg
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2021 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.