NARA'S NOTEPAD: May 2026

Sunday, May 31, 2026

NARA' S NOTEPAD

VOLUME 23

JUNE 2026

NUMBER 6

NARA'S NOTEPAD IS SUPPORTED

BY READERS LIKE YOU

HUMOUR WILL GREASE ALL TOUGH SITUATIONS

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

Geropsychology is a speciality that focuses on understanding, treating, and improving the mental health of older adults. To do this, health professionals work with families and caregivers. They consult within different systems of care, such as skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, engage in advocacy for the needs of older adults, and have a role collaborating with other health care professionals and social agencies.

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

There is a device in market which converts your thoughts into speech. It is called Alcohol.

There is another device which converts your speech into silence. It is called Wife.

There is another device which converts your Fake forwards into Belief. It is called Whatsapp.

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.”