Kick It!

Following the launch of its Tampines Hub branch in December, martial arts school JH Kim Taekwondo Singapore has just opened another new branch at Westway on the West Coast, making it the largest Taekwondo school in Singapore, with a total of five locations island-wide. Offering programmes designed to impart valuable life skills such as goal-setting, focus, discipline and perseverance, JH Kim has beginner, intermediate and advanced level classes for kids, teens and adults looking to practise the art, either in a group or in a private, one-on-one setting. To arrange a complimentary trial lesson, call 6299 0495 or email info@jhkim-singapore.com. During the month of April, JH Kim is offering new students a 50 percent discount when they sign up at any of its five branches.

Although it’s not a hard and fast rule, people with darker skin tones – which have more of the pigment melanin – are statistically less prone to skin cancer. Scientific data, particularly from Singapore, clearly shows that people in that category seem to be less susceptible. The primary cause of melanoma is UV light exposure in those with low levels of skin pigment, which is why melanoma is more common in Caucasian people. Simply put, lighter complexions aren’t designed for life in the tropics, so a higher level of protection and caution is needed.

As for moles – regardless of how many you have – if you find a mark that has increased in size or sensitivity, or is itching or bleeding, it should be looked at immediately by a dermatologist. They will use dermascopes and have the proper training to know what to look out for. Some even document and scan all your moles to compare the results between annual appointments.

A history of skin cancer, either your own or in your family, is another important reason to monitor your skin. The best way to check yourself out is to see a dermatologist once a year. Around 95 percent of melanoma is low-stage (Stage One or Two), and can be very easily cured. Of all the patients that I see, 80 percent are diagnosed in the earliest stages, during which time melanoma is highly treatable and curable.