Singapore Flyer, Here We Come!

During the month of May this year, the entire KDF was buzzing with excitement because it was announced that the Renal Friends Committee was taking our patients to experience a ride on the Singapore Flyer for this year’s patient outing. Everyone was counting down to 31 May 2009, the day of the outing. The plan for that day was to have an educational seminar on “Anemia and Kidney Failure” followed by the Singapore Flyer ride.

On 31 May 2009, patients from KDF, Singapore General Hospital and the People’s Dialysis Centre headed off to Kampong Glam Community Club for the seminar conducted by Dr Roger Tan, an Associate Consultant Nephrologist from Singapore General Hospital. Dr Tan touched on the causes, complications and treatment of anemia, and also provided tips on how to treat and prevent anemia, such as through regular exercise, getting enough sleep, taking medicines as prescribed, etc. But he emphasized that it was still very important to discuss it with the patient’s doctor before making any changes to the lifestyle of the person with anemia.

As with all Renal Friends’ education seminars, a short quiz was conducted at the end of the talk to find out how much everyone remembered. Prizes were given out to patients who gave the correct answers. It was dinner time soon after the quiz ended. Following an early sumptuous dinner buffet, everyone was ushered up the coaches that would take them to the destination that they have all been waiting for.

Once all the participants arrived, photos were taken to commemorate the event before everyone finally went up the escalator towards the Singapore Flyer for the ride they had been anticipating all month.

It was an experience to be remembered as patients, family members, volunteers and staff were treated to a bird’s eye view of Singapore’s CBD and the Marina Bay night scenery. The experience was enhanced because of the fine weather and you can hear cameras clicking all the way in the capsule. The ride was over all too soon for the participants but it was a fun 30 minutes where they could see the Singapore sunset from the “top of the world”.

We would like to thank Janssen-Cilag, a division of Johnson and Johnson, and Roche Singapore who had kindly sponsored this event and the support of the Kampong Glam CCMC for providing the venue for the seminar. Last but not least, we would like to thank all volunteers who had helped to make the event successful.

A Dash of Education and Rolling Good Times

23 November 2008 was an eventful day for our patients. A host of activities were lined up for them to celebrate the year end. First, there was an education seminar about fluid and salt intake given by Ms Pauline Chan, a dietitian, at the National Library's Possibility Room. Patients from the Singapore General Hospital and People's Dialysis Centre were invited to join KDF's patients at the seminar as well.

During the Seminar, everyone was taught how fluids and salts affect the body. Ms Pauline Chan also provided some tips on how to maintain a low salt diet and deal with a fluid restriction that may kidney patients have to deal with on a daily basis. A quiz was conducted at the end of the talk with prizes for patients who gave the correct answers.

Short performances by the patients relating to the seminar’s topic were also presented. While the performances were meant to be of an educational nature, it brought much laughter to the patients who were watching their friends perform. For putting up such an entertaining performance, all the performing patients were given a token of appreciation.

At the end of the entire seminar, 11 of our most compliant patients were recognized through the annual Most Compliant Patient Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony is an incentive to encourage patients to take better care of themselves in terms of diet and treatment. The awards were presented by Assoc Prof Lina Choong, KDF’s Medical Director and Advisor of Renal Friends. Everyone at KDF would like to congratulate all recipients; especially Mdm Hoo Moi who has won this award for the 4th consecutive year. Keep up the good work!

Of course, no self respecting year end event would end without a party! This was no exception for an event organized by Renal Friends. After the seminar everyone was ushered up to the 16th story of the National Library building a.k.a The Pod for the party themed “Rolling good times of the 60’s & 70’s”. The room offered a panoramic view of the city and was a nice change for the participants. There, they enjoyed a sumptuous lunch buffet and quizzes that brought back many memories of the 60’s and 70’s. The party goers were all smiles when it came to the lucky draw as everyone went back with prizes and goodie bags. It was a gift bonanza worthy of the Christmas season that would not be possible without the help of our generous sponsors.

We would like to thank Roche Singapore Pte Ltd and Asia Renal Care Singapore Pte Ltd for their kind contribution towards the event. Last but definitely not the least a big thank you to all the volunteers who have helped to make the event a success.