NARA' S NOTEPAD
VOLUME 23
JUNE 2026
NUMBER 6
Sunday, May 31, 2026
AGEING
As we age, our cells
become less functional, and bodily tissues lose the ability to replenish and
regenerate. The spine is not excluded from this process and undergoes
predictable degeneration as we age. For some, spinal degeneration turns into
serious pain and disability that can end in the need for surgery. For others,
this is not the case, and they continue to have active lifestyles despite
degeneration in the back and neck. What separates these groups? What can we do
to make sure our backs work for us as opposed to having to work for our backs
(going to the doctors, getting treatments and surgery)? While the answers to
these questions remain somewhat unknown, there are many non-surgical
interventions to not only extend the life span of our spines, but also of our
lives. These include practices such as following a healthy, low-calorie diet,
not smoking, treating osteoporosis, and practising a balanced exercise regimen.
Getting older is
inevitable. The turn of the century Italian philosopher Giacomo Leopardi had
this to say about ageing: “Old age is the supreme evil because it deprives us of
all pleasures, leaving us only the appetite for them, and it brings with it all
sufferings. Nevertheless, we fear death, and we desire old age.” We all want to
continue living, but the price for continued life is getting older, including
an ageing skeleton. Unfortunately, aches and pains are going to be in everyone’s
future, but as a physician, I have noticed that there seems to be a trick to
ageing gracefully. Looking at colleagues and patients, I have seen those who
“cruise” into old age and those who “bruise” into old age. In other words, some
have no issues in old age, and others have endless problems. While genetics
likely plays a crucial role in ageing, we cannot control our genes (yet).
However, we do have the power to change environmental factors and lifestyle
choices that accelerate ageing. In medicine, we talk about a patient’s genotype
and phenotype. The genotype simply refers to the type of genes a person has
(for example, a person has a gene for brown hair), while the phenotype refers
to the actual expression of those genes (that is, a person has brown hair). Our
environment plays a role in determining the phenotype as expressed with this
equation:
Phenotype = Genotype + (diet and lifestyle).
The phenotype we all want
is one that allows us to live a long, healthy life. We must assume we are stuck
with our genotype, but this equation begs the question: what are the things we
can do to age gracefully?
LAYOFF
The current economic
climate has forced many businesses to make significant changes to remain
profitable, including layoffs. A layoff, also known as redundancy, is when an employer terminates an employee's employment due to financial constraints
or a reduction in workforce needs. This article will explore the impacts of
layoffs on both employees and employers, and offer suggestions for navigating the
difficult process.
For employees, a layoff
can have a devastating impact on their financial stability, mental health, and
sense of self-worth. The loss of a job can result in a significant loss of
income, which can have ripple effects on one's ability to pay bills, afford
basic necessities, and maintain a certain quality of life. Additionally,
layoffs can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, as individuals worry
about finding new employment and supporting themselves and their families.
For employers, layoffs
can be a difficult and costly process. On the one hand, layoffs can be a
necessary step to remain financially viable and competitive in the market. On
the other hand, employers must consider the impact of layoffs on
company culture, morale, and productivity.
Employers that help
support the impacted employees with outplacement services, building community
or assistance in job placement can help individuals find new employment
quickly, which can alleviate some of the stress from layoffs.
Employers need to approach layoffs compassionately and responsibly, taking
into account the needs of their employees, the impact on the company, and the
broader societal context. Some companies provide severance pay and resources
for workers to brush up on job hunt skills, training or volunteering, which
could help people find meaningful and fulfilling work quickly.
In conclusion, layoffs
are a difficult reality for many businesses in uncertain economic times. Both
employees and employers face significant challenges as a result of the process.
By treating impacted employees with empathy, respect, and offering outplacement
support or resources such as training and volunteering, employers can help
mitigate the negative impacts of layoffs and foster a more supportive work
culture.
ROUGH DAY?
• You are valid
• No, your body looks just fine
• Tomorrow will be better
• Eat a snack
• Drink water
• Brush your teeth
• Get up and stretch
• Take a break
• Text a friend
• Make some tea
• Listen to some music
• Focus on your breathing
• You are allowed to eat
• Go for a walk
• Draw/doodle
• Watch your favourite show
• Play with your pet
• Make a blanket fort
• Take a shower
• Organise your bookshelf
• Dust your room
• You are not stupid
• You are important
• Don’t pressure yourself
• You will finish your homework
• Everything will get better
• It’s ok to be sad sometimes
• Crying doesn’t make you weak
• Go to bed early and get some rest
GEOPSYCHOLOGY
SAVE MONEY
- v Use cash instead of credit cards to limit your spending, especially if it's not in the budget.
- v Give yourself an allowance for
entertainment expenses each week or month to not overspend.
- v Make a goal to save a certain amount
of money each month or year.
- v Sell things you don't use or need any
more to make some extra cash.
- v Invest your money in a way that will
help it grow over time.
- v Compare prices before you buy
anything to ensure you're getting a fair deal
TO QUOTE
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill.
Optimism
is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and
confidence. – Helen Keller
JUST TO LAUGH
A lorry driver stopped when he saw another lorry turned over in a ditch, its load of tomatoes spilled in a great heap. A boy stood looking dismally at the mess.
“Come along, son,” the lorry driver said cheerfully,
“Let’s go and get something to eat at the café. You’ll feel better then, and
afterwards I’ll help you straighten up the lorry.”
The boy didn’t want to go. “I don’t think my father
would like it.” He muttered.
“Don’t you worry,” the driver said, and he whisked the
boy off to the café. After they had eaten, the boy said, “I still don’t think
my father’s going to like this.” “Stop worrying,” the driver said. “Where is
your father, anyway?”
“He’s under those tomatoes.”
LINES I LIKED
Ø Help is available when you need it, so take advantage of it.
Ø Hold
a mental image of yourself as healthy and vigorous.
Ø Hope
is a combination of the power of the future and the power of possibility.
Ø How can I learn from mistakes if I won’t listen to others to find out what my mistakes are?
Your body is an asset; don’t make it a liability!
Meet
you next month –2016
Professor
A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph: 0422 4393017 Mobile: 75399 15614
(NARA’S
NOTEPAD)
Thursday, April 30, 2026
COLOUR
Colours have the power to affect human emotions, thoughts, and actions. They can inspire, calm, excite, and even heal. The way we perceive and interpret colour is unique to each individual, yet colour has universal meanings that are perceived similarly among cultures and societies. The power of colour is evident in many aspects of life, from art and design to fashion and advertising.
In art and design, colour
is often used to evoke emotion and create moods. For example, warm colours such
as red and orange can inspire excitement, passion, and energy, while cool
colours such as blue and green can evoke calmness, tranquillity, and relaxation.
Just as musical notes can create harmonies and disharmonies, colours can create
harmony or tension when used together. The meanings of colours in art and design
are not always universal, but they can carry symbolic meanings that are
significant to individual cultures.
In fashion, colour can
make a bold statement, express our personalities, and even affect our moods. We
choose colours that appeal to us and that we feel comfortable in. Colour can be
used to convey professionalism, elegance, or simplicity. It can also be used to
attract attention, express confidence, or make a statement. The colour we choose
to wear can have an impact on how others perceive us and on our own
self-perception.
In advertising, colour is
used to create associations and influence purchasing decisions. Brands use
colours to create an emotional connection with their customers, and studies have
shown that colour can increase brand recognition by up to 80%. For example,
fast-food restaurants often use red and yellow because they are colours that
evoke hunger and excitement. Blue is associated with trust and reliability,
which is why many financial institutions use it in their branding. Green is
associated with nature and health, which is why it is often used in organic products
and healthcare.
Colour also has the power
to heal. Chromotherapy, or colour therapy, is a holistic approach to healing
that uses colour to balance the body's energy centres, or chakras. Different
colours correspond to different chakras and can be used to stimulate or calm
them, depending on the needs of the individual. For example, red is associated
with the root chakra, which governs our sense of stability and security, while
blue is associated with the throat chakra, which governs communication and self-expression.
ANTICIPATION
The feeling of anticipation can be a powerful and overwhelming sensation. It is the feeling of excitement and eagerness that builds up in our minds and bodies as we wait for something important or anticipated to happen. Anticipation can be felt in different ways and can be triggered by a variety of events, from a job interview or a first date to the arrival of a long-awaited package or the release of a new movie.
Anticipation is a complex
and multifaceted emotion that is closely related to other emotions such as
excitement, hope, and anxiety. It can be a positive or negative feeling,
depending on the context and the outcome. Positive anticipation is when we are
looking forward to something good or exciting, like a vacation or a wedding.
Negative anticipation, on the other hand, is when we anticipate something unpleasant, such as a medical procedure or a difficult conversation.
The feeling of
anticipation can be both a mental and physical experience. Mentally, we may think
about the event, imagine different scenarios, and visualise how we want things
to unfold. This mental process can create an intense sense of excitement and
eagerness that can be felt throughout our entire bodies. Physically,
anticipation can manifest in different ways, such as a racing heart, trembling
hands, sweaty palms, or a feeling of butterflies in our stomachs.
Despite the fact that
anticipation can be an emotional rollercoaster, it is often seen as a positive
emotion. This is because anticipation is closely linked to hope, which is a
powerful motivator that helps us stay focused on our goals and dreams.
Anticipation can also be a source of inspiration and creativity, as we use our
imaginations to visualise the future and create possibilities in our minds.
In conclusion, the
feeling of anticipation can be an intense and powerful emotion that can be both
positive and negative. It is a complex emotional experience that involves both
mental and physical sensations, and it can be triggered by a variety of events.
Anticipation can be a source of excitement, creativity, and hope, and it can
help us stay motivated and focused on our goals and aspirations.
TENNIS
As a tennis player, setting goals is a crucial step towards achieving success. Whether you are a beginner or a professional athlete, your goals can help guide your training, motivate you during matches, and define your progress over time. Here are some common tennis goals that players often set for themselves:
1. Improve your technique: Technical
proficiency is essential if you want to become a better tennis player. By
setting a goal to improve your strokes, footwork, and serve, you can focus on
refining your technique. For instance, if you struggle with your backhand, you
can work on it during practice sessions, seek feedback from a coach, and watch
instructional videos to learn new techniques.
2. Increase your fitness: Tennis
demands a high level of endurance, agility, and speed. By setting a goal to
improve your fitness, you can enhance your physical capabilities and reduce
your risk of injury. You can set specific goals, such as running faster
sprints, doing more cardio exercises, and building strength in your core and legs.
3. Compete at a higher level:
Competitive tennis is an exciting way to challenge yourself and measure your
progress. Setting a goal to compete at a higher level can motivate you to work
harder and improve your skills. You can join tournaments or leagues, play
against stronger opponents, and seek feedback from experienced players to
identify areas of improvement.
4. Improve your mental game: Tennis is
not only a physical sport but also a mental one. Your mindset, focus, and
confidence can impact your performance on the court. By setting a goal to
improve your mental game, you can develop coping strategies for stress and
pressure, enhance your visualisation skills, and learn ways to stay calm and
composed during matches.
5. Have fun: Tennis is a sport that should bring you
enjoyment and satisfaction. By setting a goal to have fun, you can foster a
positive attitude towards the game, appreciate your progress, and celebrate
your achievements. You can also play with friends, try new things, and
experiment with different playing styles to keep things interesting.
Overall, setting goals is a vital aspect of tennis training. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve can help you develop a plan, track your progress, and stay motivated. Remember to set realistic, achievable goals that align with your skill level, interests, and strengths. With persistence and dedication, you can reach your tennis goals and become a better player.
MARGARET THATCHER
Margaret Thatcher, also known as the "Iron Lady," was the first female Prime Minister of Britain. She served as a leader from 1979 to 1990, making a significant impact on the country and global politics. Thatcher's conservative policies, free-market economics, and strong leadership style transformed Britain's economic and political landscape fundamentally.
Born on October 13, 1925, in Grantham,
Lincolnshire, Thatcher was an intelligent and ambitious young woman. After
studying chemistry at Oxford University, she worked as a research chemist
before deciding to pursue a career in politics. She was elected to Parliament
in 1959 as a member of the Conservative Party and quickly made a name for
herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Thatcher's rise to power began in 1975, when
she was elected as the leader of the Conservative Party. At the time, the UK
was in a state of economic decline and political turmoil, with high inflation,
high unemployment, and widespread industrial unrest. Thatcher promised to
restore Britain's economic prosperity and national pride, and the British
people gave her a landslide victory in the 1979 general election.
Thatcher's economic policies were based on a
free-market ideology that emphasized reducing government intervention,
deregulation, and privatization. She implemented deep spending cuts, sold off
state-owned industries, and reduced the power of trade unions, which had long
dominated British politics. Many of her policies were highly controversial and
led to widespread protests and strikes.
Despite the opposition, Thatcher remained
resolute and unwavering in her convictions, earning her reputation as the
"Iron Lady." She believed in the importance of individual freedom,
responsibility, and initiative, and saw herself as a champion of the common man
against the power of the state.
Thatcher's leadership was not without
controversy. Her staunch opposition to the European Union, her handling of the 1982 Falklands War, and her close relationship with the Reagan administration in the US, were all highly divisive issues
that continue to shape British politics to this day.
Thatcher resigned as Prime Minister in 1990
after a leadership challenge within her party. She was succeeded by John Major,
but her legacy as one of the most significant political figures of the 20th
century continues to live on. Thatcher's policies transformed British society and economy, paving the way for the globalization of the 1990s and shaping the political landscape of
modern Britain.
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