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Make wellness a priority for you and your family at Bedok Reservoir Clubhouse

Is self-improvement and general well-being on the agenda in 2023? Find benefits in these activities offered by tenants at the newest HomeTeamNS clubhouse.

TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of looking after one’s mental health, and research has found that one should start young. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in seven adolescents (10 to 19 years old) experiences mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or behavioural problems, that remain mostly untreated.

In a bid to foster well-being for the family, the new HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir offers activities – like a gamified obstacle course and Singapore’s longest indoor waterslide – that provide endless fun, as well as others that can help to build a loved one’s physical and mental resilience.

LEARNING ON ALL LEVELS

With over 20 outlets island-wide, Playfacto’s integrated approach to learning nurtures well-being and character-building, while introducing topics like Robotics and Mathematics.

Playfacto, which conducts classes for primary and pre-primary schoolers, believes its environment inculcates collaborative soft skills like communication to foster positive relationships for well-rounded development.

With such an approach, parents can rest easy when leaving their children with the professionals at the centre, as they enjoy the other facilities at the HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir for some couple time.

STEP UP THAT RHYTHM

Photo: The Dance Station

The Dance Station has been helping children discover the joy of rhythmic movement since 1981, offering ballet, hip-hop and jazz classes to fit different goals. Its third outlet, at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, once again promises a hi-energy experience, this time in a scenic new spot.

With its “more-than-just-dance” ethos, The Dance Station takes a holistic approach through its five pillars of growth, which touch on the cognitive, emotional, physical, social and integrity aspects of a child’s development. The trainers identify and try to bridge gaps in their students’ learning, before applying techniques that align with their learning style to encourage personal growth across these levels.

Benefits such as aerobic and core-strengthening are apparent when it comes to dancing. Still, research
has also shown that it is a form of physical activity that can help children with certain behavioural challenges, thanks to its many levels of engagement. The social benefits of dancing with others can also help build a person’s confidence and sense of self-worth.

KICKSTART THE YEAR

Photo: Trifecta Martial Arts

Martial arts can help to instil a sense of discipline and natural self-confidence, along with increased agility and strength. Studies suggest that martial arts also helps to reduce aggression in adolescents. Trifecta Martial Arts in the clubhouse offer classes for children and adults, making it possible for parents to bond with their children.

Mr Ivan Howden enrolled his son in Taekwondo when he was five years old, and has seen how it has taught him qualities such as resilience and commitment. After acquiring a black belt, the boy moved on to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The proud dad says that apart from the mental benefits, his son can jump, spin 360 degrees and break a wooden board with his feet. “He thinks that’s pretty cool, and so do I,” said Mr Howden.

IT’S OKAY TO FLEX HERE

Photo: Yoga Inc

Yoga is an extremely accessible enrichment activity. Suitable even for those who aren’t naturally athletic, it focuses on progressive stretching and toning. For those who believe in the benefits of meditation but are unable to focus, yoga’s gradual and mindful poses help to build inner awareness by focusing a person’s attention on their body’s abilities.

Yoga Inc brings their menu of courses to Bedok Reservoir, from gentle Hatha to the more rigorous Flow yoga, allowing participants to expand their range of physicality to grow balance, core strength, flexibility and stamina. For children, this can help bolster awareness of their bodies and its limits, reducing the risk of accidents caused by over-exertion. For the parents, picking up the practice with them is a relaxing way to bond as a family.

For the latest updates on the enrichment facilities above, visit our website and Facebook page. Visit the new HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir and explore the many facilities catered to support your family’s lifestyle.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.

Categories
In The Force Featured

These ProCom officers rushed to help when every second counted

Three off-duty ProCom officers were honoured with the SCDF Community Life Saviour Award for their calm assistance rendered in an emergency.

It might be one of many people’s greatest fears: Seeing a loved one collapse and fall unconscious, with no one around to help except yourself.

Thankfully for one elderly couple on 21 September last year, three off-duty Protective Security Command (ProCom) officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) happened to be passing by around 11am, after completing their morning deployment shift. 

SGT (1) Muhammad Khairul Anam Bin Abdul Halim, SGT (1) Muhammad Izuwan Bin Kamsani and SGT (2) Muhammad Nur Syahmi Bin Mazlan were walking to the public open carpark near Block 343, Clementi Avenue 5 when they realised there was a commotion taking place within the carpark.

“When we got nearer, we understood that there might be a medical emergency,” said SGT (1) Anam. “Without thinking, we instantly rushed over to assist.”

A MEDICAL EMERGENCY

An elderly man was desperately carrying out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on his unconscious wife, who was lying in the middle of the carpark road with a bloodied face.

Upon finding out that he had been performing CPR for 15 to 20 minutes already, SGT (1) Izuwan asked him if he could help as the man was sweating and fast becoming exhausted.

“While my friend Izuwan continued with CPR, I asked the man some questions like ‘How did it happen?’ ‘Did you call an ambulance yet?’” recounted SGT (2) Syahmi.

According to SGT (1) Anam, the aim was to calm the man down and get a full account of the incident. They were thus able to give the necessary information to the attending paramedics, and assisted the ambulance to the exact location where it was needed.

In the meantime, SGT (1) Izuwan was quelling his own internal anxiety about performing CPR on a person suffering a real-life medical crisis – the first time he had ever done so.

“I felt responsible,” he explained. “I had to do my best because I knew that her loved ones were depending on me to save her.”

He stayed calm and composed, and made sure to follow his training precisely: “The situation will make you nervous, but you have to make sure to count, and not rush. I had to just trust what I learnt in performing CPR.”

When the ambulance arrived shortly after, the paramedics took over and the three ProCom officers fell back, knowing that the elderly woman was in safe hands. Still unconscious, she was conveyed to hospital along with her husband.

SGT (1) Izuwan made sure to follow up on her condition afterwards. It turned out that she had suffered a cardiac arrest when she was crossing the carpark towards the void deck. The fall caused her to suffer injuries to her face – hence the blood – and unconsciousness, but she is now in the process of recovering without any other major complications.

RAISING AWARENESS OF CPR SKILLS

The three ProCom officers’ unhesitating actions were recognised in the form of the Singapore Civil Defence Force Community Life Saviour Award.

Downplaying his own efforts, SGT (1) Izuwan said: “While we didn’t do much, I feel that every second counted in this situation where there was a life that needed to be saved. Looking at how helpless the victim was as she lay on the floor unconscious prompted me to come in and assist. I think it’s normal for everyone to react that way.”

The sudden nature of the event also offered some food for thought. Said SGT (1) Anam: “We learnt that we might come across such incidents unexpectedly, even when we are not on duty. And as NSmen from SPF, to ignore such a situation happening in front of us does not seem to be the right thing to do.”

While SGT (2) Syahmi admitted that even during his National Service days with ProCom, he had never encountered an incident where CPR was needed, putting his CPR skills to the test has given SGT (1) Izuwan the confidence to use them again if needed in the future.

“I feel it’s important to have at least the CPR skillset – not only to help others, but maybe even your close ones around you,” he pointed out. “I hope the Community Life Saviour Award brings awareness of this to everyone in Singapore.”

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to “Receive Digital Frontline Magazine” through the app settings.

Categories
Technology

All you need to know about VR dating apps

For busy working professionals including NSmen, the future of dating may be in the metaverse.

TEXT: SANDHYA MAHADEVAN

After a tiring day at camp or work, it can be tough mustering the energy to catch up with friends, let alone put yourself out there on a blind date. Enter Virtual Reality (VR) dating, which gives time-strapped NSmen the opportunity to fire up their love lives — without compromising on the experience.

While you can already meet others in the metaverse through apps such as VRChat and Facebook Venues, VR dating apps are specifically designed for establishing the right match using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Users typically start by creating their profile, which indicates their gender and partner preferences. They identify through avatars instead of photographs, putting the focus on their personality rather than looks. The apps — most of which can be paired with headsets for a more immersive experience — vie with each other in the creativity of their virtual date spots.  

VR technology facilitates scenarios where avatars can cuddle, hug, sleep and be intimate with one another. Some VR users even experience “phantom touch”, where they apparently feel physical sensation when their avatar is “touched”.

Here are four VR dating apps on the scene.

NEVERMET

VR dating app Nevermet

The main objective of Nevermet developers Cam Mullen and Solaris Nite was to evolve dating beyond its superficial aspects and help connect individuals on a deeper level, based on their common interests.

The developers enforce this notion through their “no-photos” policy. Users create a profile to specify age, gender and preferences – whether they are looking for an adventure buddy, partner in crime, or love. All profiles must be approved by its moderation team, after which users swipe on potential love interests. Once matched, they can then coordinate a meet up for a VR Date. “Play ping pong, ride unicorns, and go to Paris, all on your first date,” as the company puts it.

Headset compatibility: Meta Quest 2 (preferred), most other headsets including Meta Rift, Meta Quest 1 and HTC Vive.

FLIRTUAL

VR dating app Flirtual

The design focus of Flirtual, which has had a regular presence in the VR gaming space since 2018, is for people to meet in the metaverse and move on to real life relationships.  

Co-founders Antony Tan and Kyle Farwell themselves have individually tried VR dating. Farwell met his girlfriend in VR, and they have since moved in together in real life. So, the duo is aware of the safety and diversity concerns. “We take privacy and user choice seriously, and we are open source and open algorithm,” explains Tan, which means that codes are more publicly accessible and customisable. “We work to make all kinds of groups and identities feel welcome at Flirtual.”

Flirtual matches VR users based on their interests and then facilitates a VR date that acts as a precursor to a physical meeting. Flirtual also hosts speed dating and social events in the virtual space

Headset compatibility: Users on Flirtual do not require a VR headset to start, as it is designed as a non-VR app. Once users are matched, they can decide where and how to meet on VR.

LONELY HEARTS DATING AGENCY

Developed by OG metaverse platform Second Life, Lonely Hearts Dating Agency (LHDA) is a great space to make friends, conduct business and share knowledge, aside from finding that special someone.

LHDA’s cleverly designed VR destinations cater to your wanderlust by teleporting you to various destinations, from Holland to Japan. There’s even a Dutch countryside experience at Hedwigepolder piped with the sounds of windmills spinning in the background.

There is a plethora of realistic hangout spots, including a Blues Club, an Irish Pub, a nightclub and even a shopping street. All you have to do is pay L$1 (Linden dollars) to the virtual dating agency, which buys you a month to find what you are looking for.

Headset compatibility: VR headsets are not compulsory, although they help make the experience more immersive. The platform is compatible with most VR headsets.

COMING SOON: PLANET THETA

Planet Theta

The soon-to-be-launched Planet Theta packs a punch when it comes to features. The basic concept of matchmaking is simple. Users jump into a Microdating Queue – a VR version of speed dating – where the app’s algorithm sets them up on short dates with those who meet their criteria. While waiting in the queue, they can mingle with others in a virtual bar. There, they can also purchase NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to be displayed in their high-end virtual residences. 

These Microdates can be extended into longer Coffee Dates if users find common interests, at virtual spots ranging from a pool parlour to an axe throwing venue and enchanted forest. They then get to view each other’s full profiles, send messages and share pictures. Planet Theta has partnered with Wolf3D that allows them to create three-dimensional avatars of themselves. All you need to do is take a selfie and the app generates an avatar in your likeness. Users can reuse or export that avatar to other apps that use Wolf3D.

Headset compatibility: Most popular VR headsets including the Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift S, Meta Quest Pro, HTC Vive, and Valve Index. Planet Theta’s Beta site is also available on Meta and Steam, which allows users to try the app without a headset.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

  • Although you cannot see the other person, VR apps do due diligence in capturing body language. Be as mindful as you would on a physical date.
  • Safety on the metaverse is key. Only download apps from approved app sources as they are strictly moderated.
  • Brush up on the personal safety features you need to follow. For example, Oculus has a safety centre.
  • Be aware of the moderations as well as blocking and reporting features on your app or platform. Metaverse dating could still expose you to cyber bullying, stalkers and inappropriate behaviour despite these features. Report any unsavoury experiences immediately to the moderators so they can monitor and take action accordingly.
  • Cryptocurrency offers a lot of flexibility and has its advantages, but it remains a largely unregulated space. Do your homework and be cautious when dealing on the metaverse.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

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