Mechanics

We learn in mechanics that if you make one part of a machine more efficient you are doing it at the expense of another. I now realise that this applies to biological machines too.

You wish to improve the efficiency of your heart and lungs so you cycle, only you discover the arthritic pain in your hip gets worse if you do this. Or you aggravate bursitis in the same area.

Your cat has a growth on her spine affecting her hind legs so she doesn't exercise so much. As a result her weight increases and she is now too heavy. The vet advises steroids to shrink the growth and hopefully regain full leg use. But, she says, the steroids will make her more hungry and thirsty. So given the chance she will eat more, not less.

An elderly woman has high blood pressure, a weak bladder and insomnia. The doc gives her 'water tablets' to lower blood pressure, but these cause her to get up in the night more often - toilet bound - so her sleep is even worse.

Your work is disturbed by a bluebottle. You open a window to let it out. Another flies in from outside.

So why bother. Stick a straw in your ear, lie back, and relax.