At the recent New Zealand Medical Association CME (Continuing Medical Education) South meeting, one of the guest speakers was an internationally acclaimed professor of genomics, Michael Fenech.

I was particularly interested in Michael’s presentation as it dealt with the issues that relate to the individual’s interaction with the environment and the nutritional options presented to that individual.

As an observer and a professional involved in the management of the final few days of life, the upcoming referendum on euthanasia with a simple Yes/No vote is quite challenging.

The understanding brought by research validation of the existence of a neuro-cannabinoid synaptic system of modulation of brain and body function (I am at risk of pre-Newtonianism by separating the brain and body) and the wide range of therapeutic options it opens up is irrationally being ignored, preventing progress in managing many pathologies that affect modern humans.

For the last decade or so, I have been involved in using personal genetic information to assist clients in making decisions about their unique healthcare requirements. I use the term ‘healthcare’ deliberately and precisely because most of what your general practitioners are involved in with you is disease management.

At a recent social event, a very dear friend of mine casually commented, “It’s funny how we age.” Looking around the room, my immediate response was: “No, it’s not! There is no humour in what I’m seeing!”

In a ventriloquist style, DNA speaks. I don’t like the phrase ‘at the end of the day’, and I have often wondered why. It really puts an end to thought process – ignorantly ignoring the ongoing complexity of decision-making.

In the chaotic exuberance of copulation, the dark secret power of DNA is expressed. Woven into that chemical explosion is the ever-present force of nature’s desire for reproduction, the genesis of a further ‘self’. The discharge of universal energy into a life form is achieved.

Currently, our local e-media is doing a series of articles on resilience. Many of the stories are quite uplifting – about people who have overcome adversity and are using their experiences to influence outcomes for other people.