Rx Note

Introduction Recently, during a dinner conversation, my father mentioned receiving numerous phone calls from banks inviting him to invest. Without hesitation, I replied that if the world offered free money without work and risk, it was likely a scam disguised as an investment opportunity, designed to benefit the salesperson. Historically, banks were trusted institutions where people saved money and earned interest. However, in recent years, banks have increasingly adopted aggressive marketing tactics. For example, after making significant credit card purchases, I frequently receive offers for high-interest loans to repay the debt over several months (e.g. 7.99% interest rate per annum). Banks seem to have adopted a predatory lending approach, reminiscent of loan sharks, preying on the financial struggles of consumers. This practice is especially concerning given the rising cost of living and the increasing number of people who rely on credit to make ends meet (rather than traditional p

Introduction One of my favourite novels is "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom. The story begins with an intriguing introduction that draws the reader into the book. It might seem strange to start a story with an ending, but all endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time. The Symphony of Expertise Everyone living in this world is an expert in their own field. As a pharmacist, I can confidently handle medication consultations, but would not dream of fixing a car or building a house. We rely on each other's expertise to get things done, creating a symphony of skills that keeps the world running smoothly. There is a key difference between what you do for passion and what you do for a living. Your professional work demands continuous effort to stay ahead of the curve. You strive for excellence and push boundaries within your chosen field. But, passion is different. It is a project fuelled by interest. When pursuing a passion, you might

Introduction Following the removal of the Ring/Silent switch in favour of the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple introduces a new dedicated camera control button across all iPhone 16 models. While the addition aims to enhance the user experience for photography, its effectiveness remains debatable. The Practicality of Camera Control On previous supported iPhone models, users could customize the Action button to launch the camera or flashlight. Building on this user preference for quick camera access, the iPhone 16 series introduces a dedicated camera control button designed to mimic the experience of taking photos with DSLRs. The Camera Control button offers several features. A single click opens the camera app. A second click captures a photo, while a long press starts video recording. By lightly pressing twice (half-pressing) and then sliding, users can adjust settings like exposure, depth, zoom, style and tone. However, several limitations hinder the

Introduction Many healthcare professionals find it challenging to change people's long-standing behaviours that pose significant health risks. Even when presented with facts and figures, individuals often persist in harmful behaviours (e.g. smoking, heavy drinking) or fail to adopt healthy lifestyle (e.g. taking medications as prescribed or exercising regularly). This can lead to frustration when advice is ignored or contested. However, in reality, behaviour change cannot occur without the individual themselves recognizing the need to do so. Motivational interviewing is a technique that aims to motivate people to change by balancing following (good listening) and directing (giving information and advice). Instead of acting authoritatively, motivational interviewing techniques involve a respectful and curious approach to empower individuals to change by drawing out their own meaning, importance and capacity for change. Through this collaborative process, we help patients identify th

Introduction The smartphone market overflows with options, from years-old handsets to gleaming new flagships. Consequently, picking the perfect one can quickly turn into a head-scratching ordeal. Key Considerations Price You should not sell a kidney for a mobile phone! Plus, the pursuit of the latest flagship phone can be a never-ending cycle. While manufacturer are packing in better specifications for mid-range phones to compete with flagships, their prices are going up. Hence, if you are on a tight budget, focus on your essential needs and avoid unnecessary bells and whistles. Processor speed Suggestion: Midrange or flagship for average users. A mid-range processor is typically adequate for everyday tasks, unless you frequently engage in high-end gaming or intensive video or photo editing. While AnTuTu Benchmark can be a helpful tool for comparing raw processor power, it is crucial to remember that overheating is a major concern. A good thermal cooling system is absolutely key for ma

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

Introduction Dental caries (tooth decay) is a pathological process resulting in localised destruction of tooth tissue. Dental plaque (a complex biofilm of mixed bacteria and their by-products) is a prerequisite for dental caries development. Frequent exposure to dietary sugar and carbohydrates leads to an increase in the population of cariogenic bacteria in the biofilm. Cariogenic bacteria produce organic acids, which lower the pH of the biofilm, resulting in enamel demineralisation (loss of carbonated hydroxyapatite). NOTE:  Dental caries can often progress without noticeable signs of deep or large cavities. To prevent further deterioration, it is advisable to consult a dentist as soon as you experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, rather than waiting for more severe pain. Fluoride-containing Toothpaste Use of fluorides is the primary means of preventing dental caries across all age groups . Fluoride promotes enamel remineralisation through the formation of fluoride-conta