The Meaning of Life

Pharmacists are the healthcare professionals that constantly, on a day-to-day basis, expose themselves to patients with sadness, anxiety, negative thoughts, and unstable emotions. This could be secondary to poor health or due to other factors. However; not many people realise that pharmacists are also frequent observers of death. Being a pharmacist trained in providing palliative care dispensing and support, I … Read More

Communication beyond our judgement

Technology has served its role in improving our lives, making it more simplistic and convenient for us to navigate this complex world. Who would have thought 30 years ago that technology could dominate our lives to the extent we experience today? I mean, who still remembers the good old times before the emergence of the internet and mobile phones – … Read More

The truth about depression – Part 2

Carrying on with the topic of depression I thought I would discuss ways to tackle negativity and move on with your life. If you haven’t read my last email, you can do so here (The truth about depression – Part 1) I think your best bet in life when you are stressed or feeling low is to shoulder your suffering, take … Read More

The truth about depression – Part 1

Seeing my accountant is not something that I look forward to on an annual basis. It kind of reminds me of when I was in standard 1 in the early 90s when I was still in Hong Kong. By the way, the education system there is very different compared to NZ – feeling stressed to perform at my best as … Read More

5 things you don’t know about pharmacists

Being a pharmacist over this past year has been one of the most challenging times of my career. Practising during a pandemic is something that they don’t include in your pharmacist training. I’ve seen the good, bad and ugly. It’s been difficult for all of us, yet, I think that during this past year I have grown the most – … Read More

My ingredients for a real escape

Have you ever experienced a time where you haven’t been to a place that you like? Or enjoy an experience that you used to find exciting? Where you haven’t been somewhere for such a long period of time that when you had the chance to revisit, the sense of familiarity and strangeness collides violently and creates an overwhelming sense of … Read More

What my dad taught me about how to be a real dad

Most people’s perception of their parents usually changes as they grow older. To a lot of people, they usually become soft and vulnerable when around grandkids. I’m sure you all can agree with me that when we come across other grandparents hanging out with their grandkids on a Saturday morning down the bay; it usually involves treats like double scoops … Read More

What would you attempt to do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

Not sure if you remember; but I wrote an article back in April this year to my friend who was hugely affected by the COVID-19 situation. If you don’t, you can read that article here. The same friend asked me a question the other night when we were messaging each other on Facebook and he asked me, amid the failure of … Read More

Do I need to wear face mask while I’m driving?

I’ve started to notice many drivers on the road lately wearing a face mask. Is it because I’ve missed another announcement on the radio or is it something they know about COVID that I’m not aware of? Anyhow it is a phenomenon that happens quite frequently and is on the rise. I’ve seen at least 7 drivers wearing a mask on … Read More

A 180° turn on mask advice?!

I don’t know about you, but during the first weekend into our level 3 lockdown, I went for a walk with my wife. When we were at St Heliers Bay, I could have almost forgotten that there’s a pandemic going on – there were a lot of people at the beach enjoying Saturday morning with minimal social distancing! Even though … Read More