Poor turnout of twins hits study

Straits Times, 1 July 2006

IT is a pity that researchers on the study of twins were unable to carry on with their initial plan of studying on the genetic and environmental causes of common disorders of twins aged 17 and below, living in Singapore. The study which began 3 yrs ago required 5000 pairs of twins but because recruitment was passed through word of mouth, the media, letters to schools and the hassle of asking permission from parents, only 159 pairs and 2 sets of triplets signed up. As they had no access to the registry of births it has been really difficult for these researches. This study might find resons to why and how twins and triplets get common diseases and disorders like asthma, myopia, and see whether it is caused by the genes or the environment. Iam very encouraged that as technoly and science advanced, more diseases and disorders have have cures. This will definitely ease the stress parenst have over their ill-fated children. I encourage twins and triplets to email twins@nus.edu.sg or call 64789901 to help the Biomedical Research council.

Rethinking racial harmony in Singapore

Straits Times, 29 June 2006

SOMETIMES we should not take for granted our racial peace. That harmony was achieved only after great efforts put in by the government and the community to understand each other better. I feel that although racial differences were always present, it was the effort put in to see beyond the differences that kept our country, Singapore free from racial riots. The sense of responsibility to maintain that peace has been deeply inculcated in our minds but i feel that there is a need it be continually reminded in the days of this younger generations. Racial Harmony month is just around the corner. I agree that commemorating racial harmony raises awareness about inter-racial "realities" of the past but it might also stir up past instilled anger. Indeed the importance if racial harmony has become more and more important as the greatest prevention of terrorism is it.

Death is not the only way out

The Straits Times, 5 July 2006

IT is truly devastating to hear of such news that there is increasing number of young suicides across the years. I find it disappointing that although the suicide numbers are highest among other deaths, it is the most under reported in the media. It is surprising to know that it is deliberate that the media only reports extensively death news that involves well known people or when some unusual aspect comes to light. I believe the media has a lot of responsibility to hold for suicide cases. Movie serials that show explicitly the methods used and the romanticising and glorification of the act has influenced many real live cases to occur. I agree with the writer that it is indeed a dilema whether to report more or less suicide news on the newspapers. There is the possibility of copycats but yet there seems to be a lack of awareness in the community about suicide. I find it terrifying that the rate of suicide cases have not steered down, instead remained high and increasing higher annually especially when there are many telephone helplines, counselling and support services. It is very true that the youth has to be more exposed to these issues as it helps them know better what drives a child to contemplate suicide. I find it very true that usual mourners at a wake ask how a person died but at a suicide wake aks why? Children need to understand that choosing death is not the only alternative method to be released from all stress or problem concerning, examinations, trouble at home or heart break between BGR. Indeed, raising their awareness through the media, new help avenues or others who have bounced out from more dire situations can testify and encourage others to keep living.

Why disallow use of correction tape in PSLE?

Straits Times, 4 July 2006

I AGREE that it is hard to accept the disallowance of using correction fluid during PSLE exam. Indeed if it is a standard instructions for examinations, fluid paper should not be used in schools to prevent them from getting used to them. However, i feel that it is necessary we "cross" out the answers neatly. This method might seem impractical and a waste of time, but i think otherwise. Remembering the good old days when correction fluid never existed, students used the pen erasers, feverishly rubbing off the errors. I believe this old method serves as a better way of teaching students the responsibility of writing carefully. This trains the child to be careful in writing and more self- dependent. As technology continues to advance daily, i personally feel that primitive ways do come in very handy at times.