Hello.
Are you ready for Chinese New Year celebrations, for all the jollities and stress-inducing moments as we gather with our loved ones?
The Year of the Dragon is traditionally seen as auspicious, so some may be bracing for more questions about career or marriage plans, or even whether couples are trying for a Dragon baby. Others may be trying to resist another slice of bak kwa or pineapple tart to stick to their New Year resolutions.
For those with the “three highs of ageing” – high blood sugar, high cholesterol and high blood pressure – the festive feasting can be stressful, says dietitian Jaclyn Reutens.
Even outside of the festive season, many in Singapore consume too much salt, in part because of food from our beloved hawker centres. For a nation of foodies, placing health benefits before enjoyment of food can be difficult to accept, says cookbook author Pamelia Chia. But since the Nutri-Grade colour-coded labels kicked in for bubble tea and other high-sugar drinks, teenagers like Aditeya Das are putting more thought into what they put into their bodies.
Whether you’re doing some last-minute grocery shopping or still picking out Chinese New Year outfits – or simply enjoying the long weekend – we wish you good health and prosperity.
Here is our selection of commentaries this week.
Charlene Tan
Senior Editor, Commentary
