Posts

Rich

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Introduction " Poverty has limited our imagination. " This is a saying that I like a lot. We may have dreamed to be rich, to travel the world, to own a half million bungalow, to own a luxury sport car. However, we may not understand the hidden value to own a land in a virtual world, or the need to buy a 10k luxury watch. The Relativity Reality My colleague and I recently discussed this. While our current salaries place us in the M40 category (middle 40% income group) in Malaysia, there are just as many dreams that we sacrifice for living. Through financial planning , we give up things we love (e.g. the latest gadgets) to prioritize things we value more, like our children's education or a comfortable retirement. Compared to 5 years ago, our salaries have doubled, but so has our standard of living. With a RM 3000 income, a Perodua Myvi and a mid-range Android Phone felt perfectly fine. However, with greater income comes the opportunity to upgrade - a bigger house, a newer c

Crepitus

Introduction Crepitus refers to popping, cracking or clicking sounds that originate from a joint. These noises are commonly felt in the knees, but they can occur in any joint. Causes Often, it can be harmless. The sound itself simply indicates air bubbles forming and bursting in the joint fluid, which can happen even in healthy joints. However, when it is associated with pain, inflammation or discomfort, this can indicate an underlying medical condition , such as Osteoarthritis Meniscus tears Ligament injuries Tendonitis Patellofemoral pain syndrome Baker's cyst Management Joint noises themselves do not necessarily indicate a serious problem and do not require treatment. However, if you have crepitus along with pain, swelling or discomfort, it is important seek immediate medical attention for evaluation. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve Rest Ice application NSAIDs Physical therapy Surgery (in certain cases) External Link

Work is Work

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Introduction According to my grandmother, once we graduate, it is our responsibility to find a job and support ourselves and we should never be a parasite to our parents. As you would have expected, I work as a pharmacist after graduation. Do I love my job? It is more of a mixed of tiredness and satisfaction. Some days are exhausting, making me wish for nothing more than finish work on time and head home. Sometimes, the discomforts or headaches at work just vanish the moment I go home. Similar to many of you, I shared the same dream of having enough money to enjoy life without having to work. Working for a Living It is important to distinguish between chasing dreams and working for a living . The daily jobs we do at work are not solely driven by passion, but by the pay cheque that arrives gracefully at the end of each month. Hence, whenever you lose motivation or feel too tired to go work, tell yourself, you are not just going to work, but you are earning the resources to continue livi

Financial Planning

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Introduction The internet is full of financial gurus and self-proclaimed experts who claim to have the secrets and strategies to help you achieve financial freedom and live the life you want. However, is it really that easy to attain financial stability, especially at young age? I believe that the mathematical equation of our financial status can be represented as follows: Financial Savings = Existing Balance + Total Income - Total Expenses Increasing our income and reducing our expenses are obvious ways to improve our financial situation. Savings Since childhood, we are taught that saving money is essential for financial success. We believe that if we want to be wealthy, we have to save consistently and diligently. Then, our savings will grow over time. This sounds simple and logical, but is not easy to practice. As we mature, we realize that our childhood savings are insufficient to meet all of our goals and desires such as buying a car or a house and going for a vacation. Often, we

Must-Have Software in New PC

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Introduction There is several essential software that you may to want to consider installing on a new Windows laptop, depending on your needs and preferences. Web Browser: Microsoft Edge Office Suite: Microsoft Office Antivirus Software: Windows Security Media Player: VLC Media Player PDF Reader: Foxit Reader EPUB reader: Aquile Reader File Compression and Extraction: WinRAR (Optional) Cloud Storage: Dropbox Web Browser: Microsoft Edge While Internet Explorer was once known for its slow speeds, Microsoft has transitioned users to Microsoft Edge , a Chromium-based browser. This shift raises the question: Does it really matter which web browser you use (like Chrome , Firefox , Edge , Opera or Brave )? The answer depends on your needs. Seamless syncing: If you heavily rely on Google products and services (Gmail, Drive, etc.), Chrome might be ideal for its smooth cross-device syncing. Microsoft integration: Edge is naturally optimized for Microsoft products and services like Copilot . P

Rx

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Introduction In August 2018, I started a self-initiated drug database project, called "Rx". My motivation stemmed from not finding a database that met my needs at work and desiring a more organized way to record my reading material. Additionally, the existing unofficial MOH Formulary mobile applications are often infrequently updated and require users to pay a fee to remove advertisements. About the Project In my role as a full-time pharmacist at a government hospital in Malaysia, the Malaysia Ministry of Health Medicines Formulary (MOHMF) has served as the foundation for my self-initiated drug database. At work, we frequently consult MOHMF for information such as prescriber categories , approved indications and purchase methods. To improve the comprehensiveness of the database, Brand name search has been prioritized to include both original brand and local generic brands for oral medications. Many customers at community pharmacy primarily recognize their medications by

Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Introduction Western medicine has traditionally focused on an antagonistic approach, where medications target specific mechanisms to address imbalances or fight pathogens. While highly effective, this approach can sometimes lead to side effects due to receptor suppression or saturation. Additionally, some medications may cause rebound effects when discontinued. Coupled with the rising cost of healthcare and growing burden of chronic diseases, Western medicine has increasingly embraced preventive measures like healthy lifestyles, vaccinations and early disease detection. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM, 中医) , on the other hand, has always placed a strong emphasis on nourishing life (养生). TCM prioritizes preventing disease and promoting overall well-being, aiming for a holistic approach to health rather than just simply treating symptoms. The body is viewed as a complex system of interconnected elements, and treatment focuses on restoring balance within that system. A Figurative Fram