Cardiac

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Married to Najahah Benyahya, and blessed with two children, Azim Danial Barakbah and Abyana Barakbah

Apr 29, 2021

No More UPSR

when the Ministry announced that UPSR would be abolished, the need to share and celebrate outstanding exam results gradually faded, beginning last year... the focus simply shifted - no longer centred on grades alone, but on where children continue their learning journey and how they grow beyond examinations... what matters most is progress, character, and opportunity... as for Azim, he wears a happy smile, relieved that he does not have to sit for UPSR this year, embracing a new chapter of learning with ease and confidence...

Apr 24, 2021

The Tears of My Iftar

in most of our local dramas, there is always a scene set in a restaurant... the storyline usually begins with a dramatic dialogue like this: 

may I ask, are all the staff here feeling sad today? I’m asking because there seems to be too many tears in the food... one dish might be acceptable, but this time almost everything is soaked, my dear... don’t be too sad, alright? I know you can’t cross state borders, can’t go back to your hometown for Raya, but life must go on... only happy hearts make delicious food...

the reply, of course, is always the same: 

I will inform the chef...

next time, tell the manager directly - that would make more sense... at least you can chat a little, and maybe the food will taste even better... otherwise, that later might be forgotten, and before you know it, every day the food will still be full of tears... and so goes a glimpse of the story... no need to search for this drama - because what started as spring water has already turned into tears...

Apr 23, 2021

Bare Earth

in moments when I perform my prayers upon the bare earth, I am reminded of my true origin - that I created from the soil, and to it I will one day return... such moments humble the heart, stripping away pride and reminding me of my fragility and dependence on my Creator... ya Allah, indeed You are All‑Knowing and All‑Wise, and to You we return with humility and submission...

Apr 22, 2021

2-In-1 Teaching

the new norm in teaching now involves conducting simultaneous face‑to‑face and online classes, accommodating students who are physically present as well as those studying from overseas... this blended approach requires adaptability, effective planning, and the integration of digital tools to ensure that learning remains inclusive, engaging, and uninterrupted... it reflects a progressive shift in education, where flexibility and accessibility are essential to meeting the diverse needs of students in a global learning environment...

Apr 16, 2021

Hallux Valgus

hallux valgus is a common foot deformity in which the big toe (hallux) gradually deviates toward the smaller toes, causing a bony prominence to form on the inner side of the foot at the base of the big toe, commonly known as a bunion... this condition develops when the normal alignment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is disturbed, leading to joint instability, inflammation, and progressive deformity over time... it is more frequent in women and is often associated with wearing tight, narrow, or high‑heeled shoes, although genetic factors, flat feet, abnormal foot mechanics, arthritis, and ligament laxity also play significant roles... symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, restricted movement of the big toe, difficulty wearing shoes, and the development of calluses or corns due to friction.. in early stages, treatment is usually conservative and focuses on relieving symptoms through proper footwear, orthotic insoles, toe spacers, pain relief medication, and activity modification... however, if the deformity becomes severe or the pain interferes with daily activities, surgical correction may be considered to realign the bone, correct soft tissue imbalance, and restore joint function...

Apr 12, 2021

Ramadhan Mubarak 2021

why do we often feel that our money is never enough? one possible reason lies in income that lacks blessing, where what we earn does not bring peace or contentment to the heart... wealth without blessing may seem sufficient in amount, yet it never truly satisfies... may this Ramadhan soften our hearts and awaken our conscience, guiding us to seek only lawful and blessed sources of sustenance, and to distance ourselves from anything that diminishes blessing, so that our earnings bring not only provision, but also tranquility and gratitude...

Apr 8, 2021

Miracle

I admit that I was once a heavy smoker... perhaps it was the result of my late mother’s prayers from long ago... when I first got married, I made it a point not to smoke in front of my wife, as she disliked it... then came a moment that felt nothing short of a miracle... when Azim was born and the azan was recited into his ear, I stepped outside to smoke... I had just bought a new pack of cigarettes... as soon as I opened it, the smell suddenly felt unbearable - just as non‑smokers often describe it... without hesitation, I threw away all the cigarettes into the bin...

Alhamdulillah, until today, I have had no desire to smoke at all... even when spending time with friends who smoke, it no longer affects me... truly, it feels like a miracle... many say smoking is purely an addiction, but I believe it also comes down to personal choice - whether one truly wants to continue, or sincerely decides to stop...

Fats

fats are an essential part of a healthy diet because they provide energy, help the body absorb fat‑soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), support hormone production, and protect vital organs; however, not all fats are the same, and their effects on health depend on the type consumed... healthy fats, mainly unsaturated fats, are found in foods such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, and they help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol, lower inflammation, and protect heart health... in contrast, saturated fats, which are commonly found in red meat, butter, cheese, full‑fat dairy products, and tropical oils like coconut and palm oil, should be consumed in limited amounts because excessive intake can raise LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease... the most harmful are trans fats, often present in fried foods, baked goods, and processed snacks, as they increase bad cholesterol, reduce good (HDL) cholesterol, and significantly raise the risk of heart attack and stroke; therefore, they should be avoided completely... in summary, fats are not unhealthy by nature - choosing unsaturated fats, limiting saturated fats, and avoiding trans fats altogether is the key to maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases...

Apr 3, 2021

Excellence in Style and Quality

excellence in style and 1uality reflects a commitment to achieving the highest standards while maintaining elegance, professionalism, and integrity... it represents the pursuit of quality not only in outcomes, but also in the way processes are carried out - with discipline, consistency, and attention to detail... this principle emphasizes that true excellence is achieved when strong values, thoughtful execution, and refined presentation come together to create lasting impact and meaningful progress...