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5 years since COVID was declared a pandemic – how prepared are we for the next one?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> On March 11 2020, as COVID continued to spread rapidly around the globe, the <a href="https://www.who.int/europe/emergencies/situations/covid-19">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) officially declared a pandemic. More than <a href="https://data.who.int/dashboards/covid19/deaths">7 million people</a> have since died from COVID. The virus, and the public health measures enacted to control it, have had far-reaching effects on societies around the world. Five years on, the virus continues to circulate. But, thanks to vaccines and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10425195/">immunity acquired from infections</a>, hospitalisations and deaths due to COVID are vastly less frequent <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/provisional-mortality-statistics/latest-release">than in previous years</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/covid-19/long-covid-in-australia-a-review-of-the-literature/summary">long COVID</a> continues to have a major impact on people’s lives. Estimates suggest more than <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03173-6">400 million people</a> around the world have had or are currently living with long COVID. At this point, Australia and the world must take the lessons of COVID – in areas from surveillance, to outbreak response, to vaccines and therapeutics – to be better prepared for the next pandemic. <h2>Some areas we went right – and wrong</h2> Our diagnostic laboratories across Australia were well prepared. Laboratories at the Doherty Institute diagnosed the first case of COVID in Australia and were the first to <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020/212/10/isolation-and-rapid-sharing-2019-novel-coronavirus-sars-cov-2-first-patient">isolate and share the virus</a> globally in early 2020. At the same time, a national public health response was quickly put in place. This involved <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/73/3/e808/6044730?login=false">measures such as</a> closing borders, setting up testing centres, and limiting gatherings. But there are several areas where we could have mobilised more effectively. During the early stages of the pandemic, there were, at times, challenges with sharing data as well as biological samples and the ingredients for COVID tests between the different states and territories. For example, there are currently restrictions in place that limit sharing of virus strains between states and territories. But when a new strain emerges, many laboratories need access to it to evaluate their testing capabilities. One recommendation from an <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/domestic-policy/commonwealth-government-covid-19-response-inquiry">independent 2024 review</a> of the federal government’s COVID response was an Australian Centre for Disease Control. An interim version was launched in early 2024 and the Australian government is investing <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/2517m-to-establish-an-independent-australian-centre-for-disease-control-cdc#:%7E:text=The%20Australian%20Government%20is%20investing,for%20Disease%20Control%20(CDC).">A$251.7 million</a> in this important initiative. The goal for the new centre for disease control will be to provide independent technical advice on infectious diseases to government. It will also facilitate rapid integration of data from all states and territories leading to a more unified response. At the start of a pandemic, we need to understand everything about the new virus and at great speed. This needs systems in place in “peace time”, ready to be mobilised in “war time”. Back in 2020, we had protocols ready for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0819-2">hospitalised patients</a> and <a href="https://www.remapcap.org/">intensive care units</a> to collect specimens and also start new clinical trials. But we were not prepared on many other fronts, for example to collect samples or study how COVID was transmitted in the community or in different key groups. Every day counts at the start of a pandemic. <h2>Harnessing medical technologies</h2> Relatively recent technological advances in both diagnostics (RAT tests) and vaccine development (the use of <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Messenger-RNA-mRNA">messenger RNA</a>, which gives our body genetic instructions to fight COVID) have put us in a strong position to be at the cutting edge in any pandemic response. Moderna, one of the two companies that pioneered the mRNA vaccines, has established its <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/world-leading-moderna-vaccine-facility-opens-in-victoria">Asia-Pacific headquarters in Melbourne</a>. CSL, which made the AstraZeneca COVID vaccines in Australia and manufactures several other vaccines, has now incorporated <a href="https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/csls-mrna-covid-19-vaccine-approved-for-sale-in-japan">mRNA in its repertoire</a>. This capability means Australians could have immediate access to mRNA vaccines in the event of another pandemic. We could also potentially manufacture these vaccines for low- and middle-income countries in our region. But what if we can’t make an effective vaccine to fight a future pandemic? This is a situation we must be prepared for, as we’ve seen with infections such as HIV, where after 40 years of trying and billions of dollars spent, <a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/article/aids-hiv-vaccine-anniversary-immunity-antibodies">we still don’t have a vaccine</a>. In such a situation, we will need to rely on antiviral drugs. The way we currently make antiviral drugs takes significantly longer to develop than vaccines. And although we have some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8069527/">broad spectrum antiviral drugs</a>, the most potent antivirals are very specific – meaning one drug treats <a href="https://retrovirology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12977-022-00608-1">only one type of virus</a>. To be better prepared for future pandemics, many groups around the world are working on developing a library of drugs that work against whole <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-pathogen-might-spark-the-next-pandemic-how-scientists-are-preparing-for-disease-x-223193">families of viruses</a> that could cause the next pandemic. Another approach is to develop totally new technologies that are fully tested for one virus, but can be easily adapted to a new virus. This approach could allow more rapid deployment, as the details of safety and dosing would already be understood. This is one of the major goals of the recently launched <a href="https://www.doherty.edu.au/cumming-global-centre-for-pandemic-therapeutics">Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics</a> based at the Doherty Institute. These ambitious efforts will require global collaboration, sharing resources and engagement of the private sector. Once we have a vaccine or drug that works, we need agreed systems in place to ensure widespread equitable access. We fell seriously short of this goal with COVID. Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9878283/">low- and middle-income</a> countries received vaccines months or years later than high income countries. For treatments, <a href="https://www.citizen.org/article/paxlovid-procured-supply-vs-health-need-in-low-and-middle-income-countries-through-the-end-of-2022/">antivirals such as Paxlovid</a> were never available in many countries. This is one goal of an agreement led by the WHO, called the “<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/pandemic-prevention--preparedness-and-response-accord">pandemic accord</a>”, to have member states agree on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. But after years of discussion, there remains no binding agreement. <h2>Preparing for the next pandemic</h2> As COVID was (partly due to advances in technology) the most intensively studied pandemic in human history, we have a unique resource in the record of what happened to inform our response to any future pandemic. And this is likely a matter of when, not if. New infectious disease outbreaks have continued to emerge over the past five years, including mpox, which was declared a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022 and again in <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/monkeypox-mpox">August 2024</a>. Right now, there’s an outbreak of a new viral disease in <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/27/mystery-disease-kills-more-than-50-in-drc-what-we-know-so-far">the Congo</a>, the origins of which have still <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/mysterious-congo-outbreak-likely-linked-contaminated-water-researchers-say">not been identified</a>. We know bats, thought to be <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2012-7?rel=outbound">the source</a> of the coronavirus behind the COVID pandemic, carry an enormous spectrum of viruses that potentially threaten us. But new pandemics can also arise through mosquitoes and close contact with other animals. Pandemics are global, not national, problems. We are at a pivotal time where countries including Australia must step up their commitments to this global effort. This will need politicians to rely on the evidence and lessons learned from COVID as well as private and public investment. Unfortunately, five years down the track, we still have a long way to go to be prepared for the next pandemic.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245362/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Written by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sharon-lewin-131968">Sharon Lewin</a>, Melbourne Laureate Professor, University of Melbourne; Director, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-peter-doherty-institute-for-infection-and-immunity-2255">The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-c-doherty-169">Peter C. Doherty</a>, Laureate Professor Emeritus, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-peter-doherty-institute-for-infection-and-immunity-2255">The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-years-since-covid-was-declared-a-pandemic-were-still-poorly-prepared-for-the-next-one-245362">original article</a>. Image: <a class="source" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; text-align: center;" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-black-printer-paper-OBmBHmrc3pw">Anastasiia Chepinska/Unsplash</a> </div>

Caring

Replacing stamp duty with a land tax could save home buyers big money. Here’s how

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> Infrastructure Victoria has released a <a href="https://assets.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/assets/Victorias-draft-30-year-infrastructure-strategy.pdf">draft 30-year plan </a> outlining how the state can grow sustainably. It focuses on key areas like transport, housing, energy, and public services to support a growing population and improve liveability. The plan also suggests ways to make the state’s infrastructure and tax system fairer, more efficient and more sustainable. The plan’s recommendations are expected to cost between A$60 billion and $75 billion, mostly spent before 2035. This is around 10% of <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/national-accounts/australian-national-accounts-state-accounts/2023-24-financial-year#data-downloads">Victoria’s yearly economic output</a> in 2023-24, spread over the next decade. With Victoria already spending record amounts on infrastructure, and <a href="https://pbo.vic.gov.au/document/BudgetUpdateSnapshot2024-25">budget deficits forecast</a> until 2025-26, finding the money to fund social housing, transport and other projects is a key challenge. We estimate the Infrastructure Victoria proposals would add between $4 billion and $5 billion to Victorian government expenditure each year. Yet one of its proposals — replacing stamp duty with an annual land tax — would only cost between $1 million and $5 million to implement, but generate substantial gains for Victorian households. <h2>Why replace stamp duty with land tax?</h2> Stamp duty is one of the biggest barriers to moving house in Victoria and other Australian states. This tax, which people pay when they buy property, adds thousands of dollars to the cost of moving. In 2022-23, Victorians paid about <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/national-accounts/australian-national-accounts-state-accounts/2023-24-financial-year#data-downloads">$12 billion</a> to move house. Of this, $3 billion went to actual moving costs (like real estate services, and removalists) and $9 billion was <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/government/taxation-revenue-australia/latest-release#data-downloads">stamp duty</a>. That’s an effective tax rate of 300% on the true cost of moving, and in 2023 <a href="https://www.e-business.sro.vic.gov.au/calculators/land-transfer-duty">added about</a> $40,000, or 5.3%, to the cost of purchasing the average Victorian home. High stamp duty discourages people from relocating, even when their needs change — whether that’s moving for a new job, finding a bigger home for a growing family or downsizing after retirement. This leads to longer commutes, traffic congestion and a less efficient housing market. Switching from stamp duty to an annual land tax would make moving easier and spread the tax burden more fairly. Instead of a large, one-time tax when buying a home, all landowners would pay a smaller tax each year. This would help fund schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure more sustainably. <h2>What can we learn from Canberra?</h2> Victoria University’s Centre of Policy Studies <a href="https://www.treasury.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1618407/cops-final-report.pdf">studied a similar reform</a> in the Australian Capital Territory, where stamp duty has been gradually phased out since 2012 and replaced with higher general rates (a type of land tax). Each year, the ACT government sets a target for how much money it needs to raise. Landowners then pay a share of that total, based on the value of their land. One of the biggest benefits of this approach is that it raises money more efficiently. Unlike other taxes, land taxes don’t discourage investment or economic activity. The study found removing stamp duty had a big positive impact on the ACT’s economy. Around 80% of the economic boost came from removing stamp duty, while introducing land tax also had benefits. By studying transaction data from the ACT, we showed each 10% reduction stamp duty rates drove a 6% rise in property transactions. <h2>Would it help housing affordability?</h2> One of the main arguments for replacing stamp duty with land tax is its effect on housing prices. Economists widely agree land taxes reduce land values, which makes housing more affordable. However, the impact of removing stamp duty is less predictable. Our previous research found <a href="https://theconversation.com/swapping-stamp-duty-for-land-tax-would-push-down-house-prices-but-push-up-apartment-prices-new-modelling-finds-184381">the effect on house prices</a> depends on how often properties are bought and sold. Apartments, for example, tend to change hands more frequently than houses. Because of this, removing stamp duty tends to push up apartment prices more than house prices. Even so, the overall effect of the reform is a drop in property prices. The challenge is ensuring this price reduction is evenly spread across different types of housing. <h2>A fairer tax system</h2> To make the system fairer, policymakers could adjust how land tax is applied. One option is to introduce a fixed-rate component, as <a href="https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/previous-schemes/first-home-buyer-choice">proposed </a> in New South Wales. Another idea, suggested 15 years ago in the <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/afts_final_report_part_1_consolidated.pdf">Henry Tax Review</a>, is to base the tax on the per-square-metre value of land. Another key factor is housing supply. If planning laws allow more high-density housing in inner suburbs, price changes could be better managed. <h2>We also need short-term solutions</h2> Replacing stamp duty with land tax is a long-term reform that would take years to fully implement. The ACT, for example, planned a 20-year transition. If all state governments implemented this reform, we estimate Australian households would ultimately be <a href="https://www.copsmodels.com/ftp/workpapr/g-337.pdf">better off by about</a> $,1600 per household per year. In the short term, <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-best-way-to-ease-rents-and-improve-housing-affordability-we-modelled-4-of-the-governments-biggest-programs-225446">other policies </a> could help improve housing affordability. These include increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance and rethinking first-home buyer support. These steps could complement broader tax, infrastructure and housing supply reforms. The Victorian government is <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/victorias30yearinfrastructurestrategy">seeking feedback</a> on the draft plan before releasing the final version later this year. This is an opportunity for Victorians to contribute ideas on how to shape the state’s future and ensure its infrastructure and tax system work for everyone.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/251472/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-nassios-318488">Jason Nassios</a>, Associate Professor, Centre of Policy Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175">Victoria University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-giesecke-9853">James Giesecke</a>, Professor, Centre of Policy Studies and the Impact Project, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175">Victoria University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/replacing-stamp-duty-with-a-land-tax-could-save-home-buyers-big-money-heres-how-251472">original article</a>. Image: 7news.com.au </div>

Money & Banking

How to prepare for a cyclone, according to an expert

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yetta-gurtner-2337172">Yetta Gurtner</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/james-cook-university-1167">James Cook University</a> Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to make landfall anywhere <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-03/tropical-cyclone-alfred-landfall-thursday-live-updates/105002038">between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales</a> this week. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.html">has warned</a> it may bring severe hazards and “dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding”. So, how do you prepare for a cyclone – and what do you do if it’s too late to leave? <h2>How to prepare</h2> Your starting point is to consider the risk to yourself and everyone in your household (including pets). Consider ensuring you have: <ul> <li>non-perishable food that everyone in the family will eat (enough for five to seven days)</li> <li>water for drinking and cleaning (three litres per person per day)</li> <li>medication (two weeks worth)</li> <li>toiletries and first aid kit</li> <li>pet food/supplies</li> <li>torches</li> <li>batteries</li> <li>a back up battery for your phone</li> <li>baby formula and nappies if needed</li> <li>protective clothing and closed-in shoes</li> <li>cash in small denominations</li> <li>valuable documents such as passports, title deeds, ID, insurance details, photos (these can be photographed or packed in weather-proof container or envelope)</li> <li>kids’ books, card games, board games, headphones</li> <li>anything else you may need or really value (and isn’t too heavy to carry).</li> </ul> Make sure you have a grab-and-go kit that you can carry by yourself if authorities suddenly tell you to evacuate immediately. Conventional wisdom used to be to prepare enough supplies for three days of disruption. Now, experts recommend having enough for five to seven days. After the initial disaster there may be road blockages or supply chain problems. Ensure you have enough medication for a week or two, because pharmacies may take days or weeks to re-open. And remember that many medications, such as insulin, need to be refrigerated, so consider how you’d keep them cool if the power went out. Fill containers with water and stick them in your freezer now; they can keep your freezer cool if you lose power. They can also become drinking water in future. Talk to your neighbours. Do they have a generator or a camping fridge you can use? This is a great opportunity to get to know your community and pool your resources. Ask yourself if you have friends with whom you or a pet can stay. One of the main reasons people don’t evacuate is because they can’t bring their pets (not all evacuation shelters allow them, so check in advance). Consider what you can do now to prepare your house. One of the most common call-outs the SES receives is about blocked drains and gutters, so check if there’s time to clean your gutters now. You won’t be able to do it during the storm. <h2>Stay informed – and don’t rely on hearsay</h2> Have a plan for getting truthful information before, during and after the cyclone. Rely on the information provided by official sources, as they will tell you when it’s too late to evacuate or when it’s safe to come out. This is highly context-specific and will depend on where you are located. Get advice where possible from your local council’s <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards">disaster dashboard</a> (most councils have one). It should provide information such as where to get sandbags, which roads are closed (which can affect your evacuation plan) and evacuation centre openings and locations. Anyone who monitors social media will see how many amateur meteorologists and maps are out there, but these are often not the best source. Always rely on official sources rather than hearsay, trending footage or amateur “experts”. Always have an battery-operated AM-FM radio. If power goes out, relying on your phone to track information will drain your phone battery very quickly. You may be able to charge it via your car or laptop, but telecommunications networks may not be active. So having a battery-operated radio on hand – and plenty of batteries – is crucial. <h2>What if the cyclone hits while you’re at home?</h2> If it’s too late to evacuate, have a plan for sheltering in place. Find the smallest room in your house with the least windows (which can shatter in a storm). This is often the bathroom, but it could be under the stairs. It is usually on the lowest level of the house. Bring your food, water, radio, blankets and supplies there. Avoid walking around the house during the cyclone to fetch things; there could be glass on the floor or debris flying around. It’s hard to predict how long you will need to shelter there, but it’s important not to leave until official sources say it is safe to do so. Cyclones come in stages. They arrive from one direction, then comes an eerie calm as the “eye of the storm” passes over. Next, the other half of the cyclone arrives. Don’t go outside during the eye of the storm, because it’s not over. Outside the house, there may be powerlines down, broken glass and other hazards. Don’t venture out until you get official clearance from the disaster dashboard or official sources on the radio saying it is safe. For <a href="https://www.ses.qld.gov.au/ses-assistance">non-life threatening emergencies</a> – such as a tree on your roof, or water running through your house – call the SES on 132 500 or register on the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/ses-assistance-qld/id704964892">SES Assistance app</a> (if you’re in Queensland). They will not come during the event itself but will come later. If it’s a life threatening emergency, always call triple 0. <h2>After the storm</h2> After the storm, consider how to make your house more cyclone-ready in future. Many houses in North Queensland are designed for cyclone zones, but not as many further south will be. Climate change means cyclones are likely to be more severe in future. These days, be cyclone-ready 365 days a year.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/251251/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yetta-gurtner-2337172">Yetta Gurtner</a>, Adjunct senior lecturer, Centre for Disaster Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/james-cook-university-1167">James Cook University</a> Image credits: SBS News This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-cyclone-according-to-an-expert-251251">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Tips

"How to guarantee you’ll stay poor"

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that being poor is just a mindset. At least, that’s the hot take from controversial Australian wealth and property guru Jack Henderson. Henderson recently graced his Facebook followers with a foolproof seven-step plan for staying poor. This list, boldly titled "how to guarantee you’ll stay poor", offers wisdom so profound it could only be matched by a fortune cookie written by a hedge fund manager. Let’s break it down, shall we? <ol start="1" data-spread="true"> <li> Start tomorrow, never today. </li> <li> Read every book and implement nothing. </li> <li> Hang around other broke people. </li> <li> Be a victim. Life is unfair. </li> <li> Fail once and never start again. </li> <li> Talk a big game. Do nothing you say you will. </li> <li> Listen to other broke people’s opinions and advice. </li> </ol> While Henderson’s devotees lapped up this advice like an overpriced matcha latte, struggling Australians facing a cost-of-living crisis may find it slightly less helpful. After all, when the price of a head of lettuce rivals that of a luxury handbag, "mindset" isn’t always the issue. The Reserve Bank of Australia did throw a lifeline to homeowners by cutting interest rates on February 18, but experts say it’s about as useful as offering a band-aid to someone who’s been hit by a bus. As Aaron Scott, co-founder of Aussie Proptech service bRight Agent, put it: "A rate cut might sound like good news on the surface, but the reality is that it’s unlikely to make a meaningful difference for many homeowners who are already stretched to their financial limits." Translation: Don’t start dreaming of caviar just yet. Scott also pointed out that, despite the hype, one rate cut won’t do much beyond covering the cost of a daily coffee. And even then, only if you’re buying it from the budget section of the servo. "A single rate cut is like getting a 4-cent discount on a $2 per-litre fuel. It might make you feel good, but the saving’s gone by the time you leave the servo." For those currently navigating the financial minefield of rent, groceries and a mortgage that costs more than a small island in the Pacific, a single rate cut is about as helpful as Henderson’s "mindset coaching". Recent Roy Morgan research found that 30% of Aussie mortgage holders – 1.5 million families – are experiencing mortgage stress. And with grocery prices skyrocketing, that stress isn’t going anywhere fast. "On a $1.4 million loan, a 6.75 per cent loan rate dropping to 6.5 per cent will only save the mortgage holder around $107 per fortnight," Scott said. In other words, just enough to buy an extra carton of eggs – if they’re on special. As Scott so eloquently put it, "A single RBA cut is like throwing a cup of water on a bushfire – it won’t contain the raging mortgage stress pain." But hey, at least we’ve got mindset, right? Maybe if we all start tomorrow, read a few books and surround ourselves with equally broke friends, financial freedom will magically appear. Until then, we’ll just keep admiring Jack Henderson’s wisdom – because if there’s one thing he’s truly mastered, it’s the art of talking a big game. Now excuse me while I go manifest my way to affording rent this month.

Money & Banking

Jackie O reveals how she lost her driver's license

Jackie O has revealed the simple road rule she broke that cost her her drivers license many years ago. The KIIS FM host revealed live on air that after she was wearing her seatbelt incorrectly, she lost her license. "I always wear it over me, but it was just that one day because I had got a tan," Jackie explained to her listeners on Monday morning. Jackie O said she was put on a 12-month good behaviour period, which means she had been driving with one demerit for a year. However, in the final week of her restriction, she lost the point just days before earning all her points back. "I got through the whole year by one week and then lost it," she said. Jackie then confirmed she lost her license two weeks ago and said she was struggling not being allowed to drive. The 50-year-old said she first struggled with not having a license after she had been gifted a trip to the Blue Mountains by her friend Gemma O'Neill for her 50th birthday. But she questioned how she was going to travel to her weekend away, which is more than 110km away from her home in Sydney's eastern suburbs, now that she is unable to drive herself there. "Gemma – my best friend – she's given me a weekend away to a silent retreat," she said live on air. "I'm gonna have to catch the train because it's to the Blue Mountains and I don't have my licence!" Image credits: Instagram

Legal

How women will shoulder the burden of new care reforms

It’s time to put a ‘gender lens’ on the once-in-a-generation reforms to Australia’s aged care system. There are almost <a href="https://www.gen-agedcaredata.gov.au/topics/people-using-aged-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">double</a> the number of women compared with men in permanent residential care. Women are also more likely to use home care services. And we do the bulk of unpaid caring for ageing parents and grandparents. In fact, almost 70% of women provide primary care, according to the <a href="https://www.carersnsw.org.au/uploads/main/Files/3.Resources/Policy-Research/Carers-NSW_2022_National_Carer_Survey-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Carer Survey</a>. Given these shocking statistics, why is the federal government reducing the quality of care, under its new Support at Home model? This affects women on both sides of the system: as unpaid carers and clients. It’s all to do with pricing. A 10% cap on care management fees will apply from July this year. This means home care service providers may not be able to continue to give older people, who are overwhelmingly women, the level of care they need. “The Aged Care Royal Commission told the sector loudly that Australians expect quality care. The Australian Government went so far to describe what that means in the 2024 Aged Care legislation, so the sector is aghast at the caps on care management, which is critical in supporting vulnerable older people to understand, know and access the support they need to age in place,” Your Side CEO, Danielle Ballantine, says. Capping care management results in the very specialist skills of a care manager being outsourced to family. Inevitably it’s women – especially the sandwich generation – who will shoulder this burden, while trying to hold down jobs and secure their financial future. My sister and I would have been lost without this support when we were caring for Dad in the home, while working full-time and raising our children. Many female carers are forced to cut back their hours of paid work – or leave employment altogether – reducing their earning capacity and financial security. This feeds into the gender pay and superannuation gaps: Women retire with around 25% <a href="https://www.hesta.com.au/stories/bridging-the-gap-for-women-and-super" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less</a> super than men, with many older single women living in extreme poverty. This is undoubtedly an unintended consequence. But it must form part of the federal government’s considerations. “The government is currently consulting with older people, consumer advocates and the sector, with more news on pricing yet to be announced,” Ms Ballantine says. We need women – unpaid carers, aged care workers and clients – to be at the centre of these conversations. Under the proposed changes, most of the services assisting people to be healthy, safe and independent in their later stages of life will be out of <a href="https://www.theweeklysource.com.au/home-care/cut-in-care-management-funding-threatens-high-quality-home-care-say-providers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reach</a>. Based on the capacity to pay, some older people might not be able to afford a care worker to support them to have a shower. When unpaid carers step in, they often become burned out, increasing the risk of skin tears and falls. Without adequate care management oversight, some of these issues can become life threatening. Is this the way we should be treating older women, many of whom have spent their lives caring for others? Closer to home, is this the future we want for ourselves? Image credits: Shutterstock / Supplied Tracey Spicer AM is a multiple Walkley Award-winning journalist, author and passionate advocate for social responsibility issues. She is an Ambassador for the non-profit aged care provider Your Side.

Money & Banking

"Dying does change how you live": Beloved Neighbours star opens up about cancer battle

Veteran Neighbours star Ian Smith, best known for his role as Harold Bishop on the popular long-running show, has shared insights into his ongoing battle with cancer, revealing that despite the challenges, he feels "good". Smith, 86, was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/non-fixable-neighbours-icon-reveals-terminal-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer</a> in 2024, leading to his departure from the beloved soap opera. In a candid interview with The Guardian, he recently reflected on his journey, saying, "I thought I would be stronger, but I am as weak as any human. Dying does change how you live." He added that his illness has made him "more forgiving, more understanding". The actor began chemotherapy and immunotherapy as part of his treatment, which has proved effective despite his terminal diagnosis. Initially, doctors predicted he wouldn’t survive past March 2024, but his successful response to treatment has extended his life expectancy to Christmas 2026. "I know I have cancer because doctors keep telling me I have it," he said. "I may get very sick again one day. But I have lived the most privileged life." Smith first appeared as Harold Bishop in Neighbours in 1987, introduced as the former love interest of Madge Mitchell, played by Anne Charleston. His character became a fan favourite, with Smith making multiple returns to the show over the decades. He initially played Harold from 1987 to 1991 before returning from 1996 to 2009. He later made guest appearances in 2011, 2015, 2022, and most recently in 2024 before stepping away due to his illness. Upon Smith’s most recent departure, Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison paid tribute to his contribution to the show. "The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn't love him more than we do," Herbison told the Herald Sun. A spokesperson for Network 10 also expressed admiration for the actor, stating, "We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith's cancer diagnosis. He is a cherished member of the Neighbours family." Beyond Neighbours, Smith appeared in the cult TV series Prisoner and worked extensively in theatre since the 1950s. His personal life has been marked by both joy and sorrow. His wife, Gail, passed away in 2019 after her own battle with cancer, after the couple had been married for more than 50 years. Smith also faced personal revelations later in life. At 54, he discovered he had been adopted after his mother, Connie, disclosed the truth before her passing. He later found his biological mother, Peg Kline, who revealed she had conceived him at 14 following a sexual assault. The two maintained a relationship until her death in 2005, also from cancer. Smith shared his adoption story on ABC’s Australian Story. Despite his health struggles, Smith remains positive and reflective, cherishing the life he has led. His impact on Australian TV has certainly solidified his place as one of the industry’s most beloved figures. Image: Network 10

Caring

How Rex could become the next national carrier

The federal government could acquire Rex Airlines if a suitable private sector buyer can’t be found for the struggling airline. The government will be working with Rex administrators and shortlisted bidders to find a buyer committed to breathing new life into the regional carrier. If the plan falls through, the Albanese government will begin working on contingency plans, including preparations for a potential Commonwealth acquisition. This will be the second time the government has stepped in to help Rex, after they vowed to take on Rex Airlines' $50 million debt in order to keep the company, that collapsed on June 30th 2024, servicing regional Australia. “Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “That’s why we’re taking steps to ensure the best possible deal for the sale of Rex.” Should Rex be nationalised, it would be the first time a federal government has owned an airline in three decades after Qantas was privatised in 1995. “When markets fail or struggle to deliver for regional communities the government has a role to ensure people do not miss out on opportunities, education and critical connections,” federal Transport Minister Catherine King said. “We are recognising that today and stepping in to keep these routes in the air.” The government has also guaranteed Rex’s regional flight slots at Sydney Airport until October 2026. Image credits: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

How downsizing helps create a more comfortable home

Many older Australians find their home doesn’t work for them anymore. It might feel like there’s too much space, too much maintenance or simply too many unused rooms. This is a common experience across the country, with more than <a style="color: blue;" href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/1391/new-data-shows-top-barriers-to-downsizing">1.8 million households</a> planning to downsize in the next five years. Downsizing offers a fresh start in a space that fits your current priorities, but it’s not always easy to figure out the best way forward. If you’re considering this step, these <a style="color: blue;" href="https://www.metricon.com.au/home-truths/here-are-10-top-tips-to-make-downsizing-into-your-dream-home-easy">downsizing tips</a> from Australia’s leading home builder, <a style="color: blue;" href="https://www.metricon.com.au/">Metricon</a>, can help you get started. <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/Metricon2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></h2> <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">How does downsizing help you?</h2> There are a lot of ways <a style="color: blue;" href="https://www.metricon.com.au/downsizing">downsizing</a> can make life easier. With less space to look after, cleaning and maintenance become much easier. You’ll spend less time worrying about the house and more time doing things you actually enjoy. Your energy bills might also go down since it takes less power to heat or cool a smaller home. Downsizing can also give you more financial freedom. Selling a larger property means you can put that value toward what matters most, like travelling, pursuing hobbies or helping out loved ones. <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/Metricon3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></h2> <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Is downsizing right for you?</h2> When your home starts to feel impractical or harder to manage, downsizing could be the right choice. Unused rooms and constant upkeep can quickly become overwhelming, making it clear that your current space no longer meets your needs. Moving to a smaller, more manageable home can simplify your life and let you focus on what matters most. <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">When should you downsize?</h2> There’s no single right time to downsize, as it depends on your situation. However, moving earlier often makes the transition less stressful and gives you more control over the process. If managing your home is becoming physically or financially demanding, or if the upkeep feels too much to handle, it might be time to consider your options. <h2 style="margin: 14pt 0cm 6pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/Metricon4.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></h2> <h2 style="margin: 14pt 0cm 6pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">How to declutter when you’re ready to downsize</h2> Decluttering for downsizing is easier when you focus on what truly matters. Ask yourself if each thing you own is something you use or genuinely value. Anything you no longer need can be donated, sold or given to family or friends. For sentimental items, keep a few meaningful pieces and take photos of the rest to preserve memories without cluttering your new space. <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">What to look for in your next home?</h2> Your downsized home should be manageable, comfortable and practical. Think about how much space you really need. Homes with two to three bedrooms usually provide enough room for guests, hobbies or even extra storage without being overwhelming. To make the most of your new space, look for smart layouts that are easy to navigate and keep organised. Don’t forget about the location. Being close to shops, medical centres, and public transport makes getting around easier and saves you time. You might also prioritise energy-efficient <a style="color: blue;" href="https://www.metricon.com.au/house-designs/melbourne">house designs</a>, open layouts and low-maintenance gardens to enjoy a more manageable lifestyle. <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/Metricon5.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></h2> <h2 style="margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; line-height: 24.5333px; break-after: auto; font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Start downsizing today</h2> Downsizing can feel like a big decision, but it’s also an exciting chance to find a home that fits your lifestyle now and in the years to come. With so many options, having experts guide you through the process can make everything easier. <a style="color: blue;" href="https://www.metricon.com.au/">Metricon</a> offers a wide range of thoughtfully designed, easy-to-manage homes. Visit their website to explore the options or chat to their friendly team today on 1300 786 773. Images: Supplied This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Metricon

Home & Garden

How to spot an unmarked police car

Unmarked police cars have been utilised for decades on Aussie roads to patrol people speeding and breaking the rules. Many motorists have been caught red-handed by unmarked police cars, copping fines when they least suspect it. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/how-to-spot-an-unmarked-australian-police-car/?utm_source=Nine-Front-Page&utm_medium=Referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drive.com.au</a> has shared some helpful tips to spot an unmarked cop car amongst a sea of other vehicles. Unmarked police cars differ from 'undercover' police vehicles, in that they are often equipped with more traffic enforcement equipment such as number plate scanners, speed detection, large antennas for communication, and more lights. Australian Highway Patrol has long used these vehicles, with a spokesperson for the NSW Police Force telling Drive it's part of its "anytime, anywhere" campaign. <div> "The NSW Police Force continues to place a huge focus on road safety and has a number of strategies in place to ensure the roads of NSW are safer for the community. NSWPF utilises both marked and unmarked vehicles to maintain an anytime, anywhere approach to policing activities," said the NSWPF spokesperson. </div> <div> This approach has garnered mixed reactions online, with many people believing that the presence of a police car can prompt people to obey the road rules. "The thing is, I don't believe unmarked cop cars do anything to increase road safety. Whereas a marked police car on the road definitely does," said one Reddit user. Unmarked police cars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there are a few key differences that make them stand out. The main thing to look out for is the type of car used, as Highway Patrol vehicles need to be capable of engaging in a pursuit and handling well. For this reason, state police services will often opt for performance-based vehicles. The most common vehicles found in and around cities are the Chrysler 300 SRT, BMW 5 Series (wagon and sedan), BMW X5 M Sport, Kia Stinger, BMW M3 and, in some cases, Subaru WRX. Licence plates can also be a dead giveaway for unmarked cars, as they will use standard-issue plates rather than slim-line or special-edition sets. Another way to spot unmarked police cars is where they have extra lights placed in their vehicles. <div> If you have particularly good eyesight, you will be able to see the small rectangles in the vehicle's grille; these are the emergency lights. </div> <div> Victorian police are known to place the emergency lights on either side of the rear licence plate. Most other states will also have emergency lights placed in the front and rear windows. <div> Antennas are another obvious giveaway for police vehicles, as Highway Patrol vehicles need to be constantly connected to the network, even in low/no service zones to access the registry and police database. </div> <div> You will frequently see one or more large antennas either on the front or the rear of the vehicles. Image credits: Shutterstock </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Most retirees who rent live in poverty. Here’s how boosting rent assistance could help lift them out of it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-coates-154644">Brendan Coates</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joey-moloney-1334959">Joey Moloney</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-bowes-2316740">Matthew Bowes</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a> Most Australians can look forward to a comfortable retirement. More than three in four retirees own their own home, most report feeling comfortable financially, and few suffer financial stress. But our new Grattan Institute <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/renting-in-retirement-why-rent-assistance-needs-to-rise/">report</a> paints a sobering picture for one group: retirees who rent in the private market. Two-thirds of this group live in poverty, including more than three in four single women who live alone. <hr /> <iframe id="x2VND" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/x2VND/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <hr /> Retirees who rent often have little in the way of retirement savings: more than half have less than A$25,000 stashed away. And a growing number of older Australians are at risk of becoming homeless. But our research also shows just how much we’d need to boost Commonwealth Rent Assistance to make housing more affordable and ensure all renters are able to retire with dignity. <h2>Today’s renters, tomorrow’s renting retirees</h2> Home ownership is falling among poorer Australians who are approaching retirement. Between 1981 and 2021, home ownership rates among the poorest 40% of 45–54-year-olds fell from 68% to just 54%. Today’s low-income renters are tomorrow’s renting retirees. Age pensioners need at least $40,000 in savings to afford to spend $350 a week in rent, together with the <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/age-pension">Age Pension</a> and <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/rent-assistance">Rent Assistance</a>. That’s enough to afford the cheapest 25% of one-bedroom homes in capital cities. But Australians who are renting as they approach retirement tend to have little in the way of retirement savings. 40% of renting households aged 55-64 have net financial wealth less than $40,000. <h2>Rent assistance is too low</h2> Our <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/renting-in-retirement-why-rent-assistance-needs-to-rise/">research</a> shows that Commonwealth Rent Assistance, which supplements the Age Pension for poorer retirees who rent, is inadequate. The federal government has <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/speeches/budget-speech-2024-25">lifted the maximum rate of Rent Assistance</a> by 27% – over and above inflation – in the past two budgets. But the payment remains too low. A typical single retiree needs at least $379 per week to afford essential non-housing costs such as food, transport and energy. But we found a single pensioner who relies solely on income support can afford to rent just 4% of one-bedroom homes in Sydney, 13% in Brisbane, and 14% in Melbourne, after covering these basic living expenses. With Rent Assistance indexed to inflation, rather than low-income earners’ housing costs, the maximum rate of the payment has increased by 136% since 2001, while the rents paid by recipients have increased by 193%. <h2>A boost is needed</h2> Our analysis suggests that to solve this problem, the federal government should increase the maximum rate of Rent Assistance by 50% for singles and 40% for couples. The payment should also be indexed to changes in rents for the cheapest 25% of homes in our capital cities. These increases would boost the maximum rate of Rent Assistance by $53 a week ($2,750 a year) for singles, and $40 a week ($2,080 a year) for couples. This would ensure single retirees could afford to spend $350 a week on rent, enough to rent the cheapest 25% of one-bedroom homes across Australian capital cities, while still affording other essentials. Similarly, retired couples would be able to afford to spend $390 a week on rent, enough to rent the cheapest 25% of all one- and two-bedroom homes. <hr /> <iframe id="EZBuw" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EZBuw/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <hr /> <h2>Unlikely to push up rents</h2> One common concern is that increasing Rent Assistance will just lead landlords to hike rents. But we find little evidence that this is the case. International studies suggest that more than five in six dollars of any extra Rent Assistance paid would benefit renters, rather than landlords. <hr /> <iframe id="qGxQE" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qGxQE/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <hr /> In Australia, there’s little evidence that recent increases in Rent Assistance have pushed up rents. Our analysis of NSW rental bond lodgement data suggests areas with higher concentrations of Rent Assistance recipients did not see larger rent increases in the year after the payment was boosted. That’s not surprising. Rent Assistance is paid to tenants, not landlords, which means tenants are likely to spend only a small portion of any extra income on housing. Since rates of financial stress are even higher among younger renters, we propose that any increase to Rent Assistance should also apply to working-age households. Boosting Rent Assistance for all recipients would cost about $2 billion a year, with about $500 million of this going to retirees. These increases could be paid for by further <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/super-savings-practical-policies-for-fairer-superannuation-and-a-stronger-budget/">tightening superannuation tax breaks</a>, <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/housing-affordability-re-imagining-the-australian-dream/">curbing negative gearing and halving the capital gains tax discount</a>, or counting more of the value of the family home in the Age Pension assets test.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/249134/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-coates-154644">Brendan Coates</a>, Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joey-moloney-1334959">Joey Moloney</a>, Deputy Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-bowes-2316740">Matthew Bowes</a>, Associate, Housing and Economic Security, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/most-retirees-who-rent-live-in-poverty-heres-how-boosting-rent-assistance-could-help-lift-them-out-of-it-249134">original article</a>. </div>

Money & Banking

Restless legs syndrome is incurable – here’s how to manage the symptoms

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a> Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome#toc-what-is-restless-legs-syndrome-rls-">Willis-Ekbom Disease</a>, is a neurological condition that affects <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843039/">about 7%</a> of people. Typical symptoms include an irresistible urge to move your legs, alongside sensations of aching, crawling, creeping, itching, pulling or throbbing. Until the age of 35, the condition is <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/background-information/prevalence/">equally common</a> in men and women, but after that age, RLS affects <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/87576673-c695-48f6-a806-065da7e5fcc7/Restless-legs-syndrome.aspx">twice the number</a> of women than men. Each person’s condition is categorised as mild, moderate, severe or very severe according to the <a href="https://biolincc.nhlbi.nih.gov/media/studies/masm/IRLS.pdf?link_time=2019-07-07_21:09:19.282153">international rating scale</a>, which measures the effects of RLS on limb discomfort and sleep disruption, as well as frequency of symptoms. RLS symptoms have a 24-hour cycle known as a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008205001371">circadian rhythm</a>. Symptoms tend to peak at night, coinciding with the body’s <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ana.10843">increase in melatonin release</a>. Melatonin reduces dopamine – the brain chemical that affects movement and mood – to help us sleep but, because dopamine helps control muscles, low dopamine levels can cause involuntary movements. There is <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/diagnosis/investigations/">no test for RLS</a>. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history. Primary RLS runs in families – there are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12764067/">genetic</a> links to a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2653903/">number of chromosomes</a>. RLS has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning you only need one “defective” copy to present with symptoms. Some cases, however, develop with no known cause. Other people may develop “secondary” RLS as a result of other conditions, such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34732752/">iron deficiency anaemia</a>, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6464953/">chronic kidney disease</a>, <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00087-6/fulltext">diabetes</a>, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3900617/">Parkinson’s disease</a>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1756-185X.14710">rheumatoid arthritis</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32483857/">underactive thyroid gland</a>, and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2952743/">fibromyalgia</a>. While primary RLS is more common than secondary, the latter is usually <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073788/">more severe and progresses more rapidly</a>. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hnTKtp5PZGo?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Risk factors</h2> Age seems to be a risk factor for RLS. In 2000, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/485413">a study found</a> that 10% of adults aged 30 to 79 have RLS, increasing to 19% of those over the age of 80. However, understanding of the condition has improved since that study was conducted, so it’s likely these figures are higher – particularly in children, where <a href="https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-022-00226-9">some RLS symptoms</a> have been confused with “growing pains” or ADHD in the past. Women have an increased chance of developing RLS. Approximately <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29169861/">one in five women</a> will suffer from restless legs at some point, and some studies suggest as many as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5562408/">one in three women</a> are affected. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4478054/">Women are</a> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9176156/">more likely</a> to suffer from <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4478054/">other comorbidities</a> that affect the central nervous system, such as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10982394/">anxiety, depression</a> and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8634649/">migraine</a>, which may be linked to the development of RLS. Pregnancy is another risk factor. The further you are through the trimesters, the higher your chance of being affected BY RLS – with 8%, 16% and 22% of women suffering through their respective first, second and third trimesters. Multiple pregnancies increase the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5562408/">risk of pregnancy-related RLS</a>, and research has found that women who’ve given birth may have a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945709001890">higher incidence of RLS</a> in later life, compared with women of the same age who haven’t given birth. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4751426/">Obesity</a> is also considered a risk factor for RLS. One study showed that each 5kg/m² increase in body mass index increased the likelihood of developing RLS <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2677487/">by 31%</a>. <h2>Triggers and treatments</h2> Research has shown smoking and alcohol consumption seem to <a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.11390">make RLS worse</a>, so <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4751426/">lifestyle changes</a> such as stopping smoking and drinking alcohol can help manage symptoms. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x1hizeYdBFk?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <a href="https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mdc3.13833">Research has also found</a> that exercise and stretching is beneficial for symptom relief or reduction – although <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsr.13980">study participants</a> suggest that morning exercise is more effective for improving symptoms, while evening exercise can make restless legs worse. Patients with secondary forms of RLS, lower BMI and less severe cases of the condition <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945724005409">may benefit the most</a> from lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. Also, treatment of underlying issues can also alleviate or reduce some of the symptoms. For instance, iron deficiency anaemia <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5434142/">reduces</a> dopamine levels, which can lead to restless legs. Iron supplements <a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7810">may benefit</a> some sufferers – but <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/7/zsae022/7585953">the evidence</a> is mixed so supplements won’t help everyone. In terms of medication, research has found that neurological therapies, such as the anticonvulsant Gabapentin – usually prescribed as a treatment for epilepsy – can improve <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2878254/">symptoms</a> and overall <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27067343/">quality of life</a> for those suffering with restless legs. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26456872/">These therapies</a> target <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123745309000073">nerve cells</a> in the brain, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123745309000073">reducing</a> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3349794/">their activity</a>. Other medicines – known as dopamine agonists – <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3543080/">activate dopamine receptors in the brain</a> to control movement. They are primarily used as a <a href="https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/dopamine-agonists-pramipexole-ropinirole">treatment</a> for Parkinson’s disease and are effective in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38761607/">managing</a> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8908466/">symptoms</a> of RLS. However, they can disturb your sleep pattern and may <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5762774/">increase impulse control disorders</a>, and are not <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/management/management/">recommended during pregnancy</a> or breastfeeding as they can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551686/">inhibit lactation</a>. While there may not be a cure for RLS, there is hope for sufferers – and options for managing and reducing symptoms.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248169/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, Professor of Anatomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/restless-legs-syndrome-is-incurable-heres-how-to-manage-the-symptoms-248169">original article</a>. </div>

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What is callisthenics? And how does it compare to running or lifting weights?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mandy-hagstrom-1180806">Mandy Hagstrom</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-keogh-129041">Justin Keogh</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> Callisthenics is a type of training where you do bodyweight exercises to build strength. It’s versatile, low cost, and easy to start. Classic callisthenics moves include: <ul> <li>push ups</li> <li>bodyweight squats</li> <li>chin ups</li> <li>burpees</li> <li>lunges using only your bodyweight.</li> </ul> Advanced callisthenics includes movements like <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=muscle-ups&rlz=1C5GCCM_en&oq=muscle-ups&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIGCAEQABgeMgYIAhAAGB4yBggDEAAYHjIGCAQQABgeMgYIBRAAGB4yBggGEAAYHjIGCAcQABgeMgYICBAAGB4yBggJEAAYHtIBBzkzOWowajmoAgCwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:e41f29e0,vid:1fQdBZfIuIY,st:0">muscle-ups</a> (where you pull yourself above a bar) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFgk7ysG2fY">flagpole holds</a> (where you hold yourself perpendicular to a pole). In callisthenics, you often do a lot of repetitions (or “reps”) of these sorts of moves, which is what can make it a hybrid strength and cardio workout. In the gym, by contrast, many people take the approach of “<a href="https://theconversation.com/lift-heavy-or-smaller-weights-with-high-reps-it-all-depends-on-your-goal-190902">lifting heavy</a>” but doing fewer reps to build serious strength. Traditionally, callisthenics was more of a muscle sculpting, strength-based work out. It is reportedly based on techniques used by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0757qbx/how-ancient-greeks-trained-for-war">ancient Greek</a> soldiers. The <a href="https://www.oed.com/dictionary/callisthenic_adj?tab=factsheet#10451225">Oxford Dictionary</a> says the term callisthenics – which is said to be based on the Greek word κάλλος or kállos (meaning beauty) and σθένος or sthenos (meaning strength) – first started showing up in popular discourse the early 1800s. Callisthenics is often associated with high intensity interval training (HIIT) routines, where jumping, skipping or burpees are combined with bodyweight strength-building exercises such as push ups and body weight squats (often for many reps). Callisthenics exercises draw on your natural movement; when children climb on monkey bars and jump between pieces of play equipment, they’re basically doing callisthenics. <h2>What are the benefits of callisthenics?</h2> It all depends on how you do callisthenics; what you put in will dictate what you get out. When exercise programs combine resistance training (such as lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises) and aerobic exercise, the result is better health and a reduced likelihood of death <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article-abstract/26/15/1647/5925845#google_vignette">from a variety of different causes</a>. Callisthenics provide a low cost, time efficient way of exercising this way. With improvements in body composition, muscular strength, and <a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/isokinetics-and-exercise-science/ies170001">posture</a>, it’s easy to see why it’s become a popular way to train. Research has also shown callisthenics is <a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/physiotherapy-practice-and-research/ppr220688">better</a> at reducing body fat and controlling blood sugar for people with diabetes when compared to pilates. Research has also shown doing callisthenics can reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ali-Erdem-Cigerci/publication/342339065_The_Effect_of_Calisthenics_Exercises_on_Body_Composition_in_Soccer_Players/links/5eee7aff299bf1faac68c131/The-Effect-of-Calisthenics-Exercises-on-Body-Composition-in-Soccer-Players.pdf">in soccer players</a>, although this research does not compare the benefits between different exercise program types. That means we don’t know if callisthenics is better than other traditional forms of exercise – just that it does more than nothing. <h2>What are the potential drawbacks?</h2> With callisthenics, it can be hard to progress past a certain point. If your goal is to get really big muscles, it may be hard to get there with callisthenics alone. It would likely be simpler for most people to <a href="https://theconversation.com/lift-heavy-or-smaller-weights-with-high-reps-it-all-depends-on-your-goal-190902">gain muscle in a gym</a> using traditional methods such as machine and free weights with a combination of various sets and reps. If you want to progress in the gym, you can increase your dumbbells by small increments, such as 1kg. In callisthenics, however, you may find the jump from one exercise to the next too big to achieve. You risk a plateau in your training without some challenging work-arounds. Another advantage of traditional strength training with bands, machines, or free weights is that it also increases flexibility and range of motion. However, 2023 <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-022-01804-x">research</a> found “no significant range of motion improvement with resistance training using only body mass.” So, given its focus on bodyweight exercises, it seems unlikely callisthenics alone would significantly improve your flexibility and range of motion. Unfortunately, there is no long-term research examining the benefits of callisthenics in direct comparison to traditional aerobic training or resistance training. <h2>Is callisthenics for me?</h2> Well, that depends on your goal. If you want to get really strong, <a href="https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2017/12000/Strength_and_Hypertrophy_Adaptations_Between_Low_.31.aspx?casa_token=77cmEPgUQr0AAAAA:MchrZRbKBGLl5WCJbqYN5X06rkBHReifOetdXfzJiBg22P62ZnZl6m8OZKov8975QRAjTbYK0Gf2ivA62W0NiAA">lift heavy</a>. If you want to increase your <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wk/jsc/2022/00000036/00000002/art00012">muscle mass</a>, try lifting near to the point of “failure”. That means lifting a weight to the point where you feel that you are close to fatigue, or close to the point that you may need to stop. The key here is that you don’t have to get to the point of failure to achieve muscle growth – but you do have to put in sufficient effort. If you want to get lean, focus first on nutrition, and then understand that either <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.12536">cardio</a>, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-021-01562-2?fbclid=IwAR2NiI1tcKLIi0f0MLBlafT-hcHbObBvIrl6Sb5gBcSDImsmpEplSuJpRww">lifting</a> or both can help. What if you’re time poor, or don’t have a gym membership? Well, callisthenics exercises offer some of the cardio benefits of a run, and some of the muscular benefits of a lifting session, all tied up in one neat package. It can be a great holiday workout at a local park or playground, on public outdoor exercise equipment, or even on the deck of a holiday rental. But, as with all exercise, there are potential benefits and limitations of callisthenics. Callisthenics has its place, but, for most, it’s likely best used as just one part of a well-rounded training routine.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/246326/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mandy-hagstrom-1180806">Mandy Hagstrom</a>, Senior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology. School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-keogh-129041">Justin Keogh</a>, Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-callisthenics-and-how-does-it-compare-to-running-or-lifting-weights-246326">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Around 3% of us will develop a brain aneurysm in our lives. So what is it and how do you treat it?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-nealon-1481995">Jessica Nealon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands announced on air that he <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-03/kyle-sandilands-brain-aneurysm-diagnosis/104888826">has a brain aneurysm</a> and needs urgent brain surgery. Typically an aneurysm occurs when a part of the wall of an artery (a type of blood vessel) becomes stretched and bulges out. You can get an aneurysm <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/aneurysm">in any blood vessel</a>, but they are most common in the brain’s arteries and the aorta, the large artery that leaves the heart. Many people can have a brain aneurysm and never know. But a brain (or aortic) aneurysm that ruptures and bursts can be fatal. So, what causes a brain aneurysm? And what’s the risk of rupture? <h2>Weakness in the artery wall</h2> Our arteries need strong walls because blood is constantly pumped through them and pushed against the walls. An <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aneurysms">aneurysm</a> can develop if there is a weak part of an artery wall. The walls of arteries are made of three layers: an inner lining of cells, a middle layer of muscle and elastic fibres, and a tough outer layer of mostly collagen (a type of protein). Damage to any of these layers causes the wall to become thin and stretched. It can then balloon outward, leading to an aneurysm. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4399795/">Genetics</a> and <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-aneurysms">certain inherited disorders</a> can cause weak artery walls and brain aneurysms in some people. For all of us, our artery walls become weaker as we age, and brain aneurysms are more common as we get older. The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557867/">average age for a brain aneurysm</a> to be detected is 50 (Sandilands is 53). Females have a higher risk of brain aneurysm than males <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507902/">after about age 50</a>. Declining oestrogen around menopause reduces the collagen in the artery wall, causing it to become weaker. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="An illustration showing a brain aneurysm." /><figcaption>A brain aneurysm occurs when a part of the wall of an artery balloons out. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/human-brain-blocking-stroke-aneurysm-disease-2171173339">Alfmaler/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> High blood pressure can increase the risk of a brain aneurysm. In someone with high blood pressure, blood inside the arteries is pushed against the walls with greater force. This can <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3163429/">stretch and weaken the artery walls</a>. Another <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/introduction">common condition</a> called atherosclerosis can also <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-arteriosclerosis">cause brain aneurysms</a>. In atherosclerosis, plaques made mostly of fat build up in arteries and stick to the artery walls. This directly damages the cell lining, and weakens the muscle and elastic fibres in the middle layer of the artery wall. <h2>Several lifestyle factors increase risk</h2> Anything that increases inflammation or causes atherosclerosis or high blood pressure in turn increases your risk of a brain aneurysm. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6527044/">Smoking and heavy drinking</a> affect all of these, and nicotine <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6214667/">directly damages</a> the artery wall. Sandilands mentioned <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/kyle-sandilands-reveals-shock-health-diagnosis-i-may-be-dead/news-story/62f9f05c6f0a03702632ec8d622cf97a">his cocaine use</a> in discussing his diagnosis. He said: "The facts are, a life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go." Indeed, cocaine abuse <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-aneurysm/causes/">increases the risk of a brain aneurysm</a>. It causes very high blood pressure because it causes arteries to spasm and constrict. Cocaine use is also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878875023017400">linked to worse outcomes</a> if a brain aneurysm ruptures. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ejn.15992">Stress</a> and a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6243058/#:%7E:text=High%2Dfat%20diets%20(HFDs),many%20organs%20(see%20text).">high-fat diet</a> also increase inflammation. <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/atherosclerosis#:%7E:text=Atherosclerosis%20is%20thickening%20or%20hardening,activity%2C%20and%20eating%20saturated%20fats.">High cholesterol</a> can also cause atherosclerosis. And <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/risk-factors/overweight-and-obesity">being overweight</a> increases your blood pressure. <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.121.022277">A study</a> of more than 60,000 people found smoking and high blood pressure were the strongest risk factors for a brain aneurysm. <h2>Is it always a medical emergency?</h2> About <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557867/">three in 100 people</a> will have a brain aneurysm, varying in size from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557867/">less than 5mm to more than 25mm</a> in diameter. The majority are only discovered while undergoing imaging for something else (for example, head trauma), because small aneurysms may not cause any symptoms. Larger aneurysms can cause symptoms because they can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483">press against brain tissues and nerves</a>. Sandilands described “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-03/kyle-sandilands-brain-aneurysm-diagnosis/104888826">a lot of headache problems</a>” leading up to his diagnosis. Headaches can be due to <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483">minor leaks of blood</a> from the aneurysm. They indicate a risk of the aneurysm rupturing in subsequent days or weeks. Less than <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46015-2">one in 100 brain aneurysms will rupture</a>, often called a “brain bleed”. This causes a <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/subarachnoid-hemorrhage#:%7E:text=A%20subarachnoid%20hemorrhage%20is%20bleeding,brain%20and%20inside%20the%20skull.">subarachnoid haemorrhage</a>, which is a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/subarachnoid-haemorrhage/">type of stroke</a>. If it does occur, rupture of a brain aneurysm is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507902/">life-threatening</a>: nearly one in four people will die within 24 hours, and one in two within three months. If someone’s brain aneurysm ruptures, they usually experience a sudden, severe headache, often described as a “<a href="https://www.bafound.org/blog/three-signs-your-bad-headache-might-be-a-ruptured-brain-aneurysm/">thunderclap headache</a>”. They may also have <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-aneurysms">other symptoms of a stroke</a> such as changes in vision, loss of movement, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness. <h2>Surgery can prevent a rupture</h2> Whether surgery will be used to treat a brain aneurysm depends on its size and location, as well as the age and health of the patient. The medical team will balance the potential benefits with the risks of the surgery. A small aneurysm with low risk of rupture will usually <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2323531/">just be monitored</a>. However, once a brain aneurysm reaches <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507902/">7mm or more</a>, surgery is generally needed. In <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-aneurysm/treatment/#:%7E:text=A%20cut%20is%20made%20in,permanently%20clamped%20on%20the%20aneurysm.">surgery to repair a brain aneurysm</a>, the surgeon will temporarily remove a small part of the skull, then cut through the coverings of the brain to place a tiny metal clip to close off the bulging part of the aneurysm. Another option is <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/endovascular-coiling">endovascular</a> (meaning within the vessel) coiling. A surgeon can pass a catheter into the femoral artery in the thigh, through the aorta to the brain. They can then place a coil inside the aneurysm which forms a clot to close off the aneurysm sac. <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007372.htm">After either surgery</a>, usually the person will stay in hospital for up to a week. It can take <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-aneurysm-clipping-surgery#recovery">6–8 weeks</a> for full recovery, though doctors may continue monitoring with annual imaging tests for a few years afterwards. You can <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-prevent-a-brain-aneurysm#prevention">lower your risk of a brain aneurysm</a> by not smoking, moderating alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248882/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-nealon-1481995">Jessica Nealon</a>, Senior Lecturer in Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/around-3-of-us-will-develop-a-brain-aneurysm-in-our-lives-so-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-treat-it-248882">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Cabana drama: 5 expert tips on how not to be branded a twit when using a beach tent

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Debate erupted this week over the growing number of beach tents, or “cabanas”, proliferating on Australian beaches. The controversy, which <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@gunclediaries/video/7453200613170564370">began on social media</a>, was fuelled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who declared it was “not on” for beachgoers to reserve a spot on the sand by erecting a cabana then leaving it vacant for hours. Albanese <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/television-interview-today-show-19">told</a> Nine’s Today show “everyone owns the beach” and staking a claim on the sand was “a breach of that principle, really”. Other critics deem beach cabanas an eyesore. And lifeguards say <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-21/busy-beaches-noosa-cabana-craze-surf-lifesavers/101875660">the structures can</a> obscure their view of the water, which poses a safety risk. Beach cabanas do, however, serve <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962208007330?via%3Dihub">a valid purpose</a>. They provide some <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-cant-get-sunburnt-through-glass-shade-or-in-water-right-5-common-sunburn-myths-busted-150640">protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays</a> and, from a recreational perspective, can enable people to spend longer at the beach on hot days than they might have otherwise. I’m a member of the University of NSW <a href="https://www.beachsafetyresearch.com">Beach Safety Research Group</a>, and I’ve worked with local councils and national parks to address health and safety issues on beaches. So let’s look at how to strike the right balance between personal convenience and public safety when using a cabana. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U4W_2ti5QUk?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>A fair go for all?</h2> In years past, Aussies came to the beach with a towel and maybe a book, stayed a little while then left. But more recently, the use of beach tents and cabanas has grown. It’s likely the result of Australia’s <a href="https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/coasts/pressures/population">growing coastal population</a>, and a rising awareness of the dangers posed by sun exposure. These days, it’s not uncommon to visit a popular beach in summer and find a village of cabanas stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s great to see so many people using the beach. Beaches and oceans are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120310665">health-giving places</a>, though they come with inherent dangers. And of course, in Australia the beach is free for all who wish to use it. It’s an approach in line with our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/12/even-without-private-clubs-the-egalitarian-australian-beach-is-a-national-myth">supposedly egalitarian culture</a>, in which everyone gets a “fair go”. Here, beaches are a place to be shared, no matter what your income or social status. The approach contrasts to many destinations in Europe, the United States and elsewhere, where large sections of beaches are reserved for private use. At Waikiki beach in Honolulu, for example, people <a href="https://www.waikikibeachservices.com/royal-hawaiian/beach-umbrella-chair-rental/">pay US$100 or more</a> to hire an umbrella and chairs, and a place on the sand for the day. To some naysayers, cabana use in Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/07/everyone-owns-the-beach-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-weighs-in-cabana-debate">challenges the notion</a> that the beach is for everyone. They question whether people should be allowed to mark out beach territory no-one else can use. That’s why in 2020, a bid by a private company to introduce paid cabanas on Sydney’s Bondi Beach <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/bondi-beach-petition-to-open-paid-cabanas-on-sand-amalfi-beach-club/ef1ddae5-e24e-4dd8-810d-f0d9ba5c2971">prompted a public outcry</a>. Cabanas bring practical challenges, too. They represent an unplanned influx of temporary infrastructure into busy public spaces. Left unchecked, they could cause pedestrian congestion and become a flashpoint for disagreement between beachgoers. The current debate may prompt Australian beach authorities to consider bringing in cabana regulation, similar to what’s in place for <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/does-sydney-need-us-style-cabana-ban-to-curb-beach-spreading-20230202-p5chgi.html">some beaches in the US</a>. In the meantime, here are five tips for safe and fair use of beach cabanas: 1. Placement: Erect your cabana at the back of the beach and away from lifeguard towers or lifesaver tents to avoid obstructing lifeguards’ views. Clear sightlines to the water are essential for ensuring timely emergency responses. This positioning also leaves space closer to the water for other beachgoers, including children playing at the water’s edge. 2. Tying down: Secure your cabana firmly in the sand to prevent it from being blown away by strong winds. Flying cabanas are a danger to other beach users, potentially causing injuries and damage to property. 3. Spacing: Avoid overcrowding by maintaining two to three meters between structures. This ensures free movement and accessibility for all beachgoers, and ensures families and groups can enjoy the beach without feeling cramped. Also, stay within the boundaries of your cabana and don’t claim territory outside its boundaries. 4. Emergency access: Keep pathways and access points clear at all times. This is crucial for lifeguard vehicles, ambulances and surf rescue teams. Unobstructed access can make the difference between life and death in an emergency. 5. Common sense: As with using any shared space, consider the needs of others and apply common sense. How would you feel if someone set up a structure right in front of you, blocking your view of the waves or ruining your vibe? Or if you or a loved one needed medical attention on a beach, would you want an ambulance crew obstructed by an unbroken line of tents? <h2>Looking ahead</h2> In the past, some have called for <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-grow-to-ban-cabanas-on-aussie-beaches-get-out-and-leave-051701259.html">a ban on beach cabanas</a>. But the structures appear here to stay – and that’s not a bad thing. Skin cancer <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-in-adolescents-and-young-adults-in-australi/contents/summary">affects more young Australians</a> than any other cancer, and the Cancer Council <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-26/cancer-council-beach-cabanas-skin-cancer-rate-highest-in-qld/101887320">applauds the use of cabanas</a>. It’s important to note, however, that cabanas do not <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3873510/">provide complete protection from UV rays</a>. If you’re at the beach all day, <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-beach-cabanas-actually-protect-you-from-the-sun-199102">you might still get too much sun</a> even under a tent. When it comes to your next visit to the coast, by all means pack your cabana. But make sure you use it carefully and responsibly, so everyone’s day at the beach is safe and enjoyable.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/246882/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, PhD Candidate, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group + School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cabana-drama-5-expert-tips-on-how-not-to-be-branded-a-twit-when-using-a-beach-tent-246882">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Tips

When news is stressful, how do you balance staying informed with ‘doomscrolling’?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lisa-harrison-1552123">Lisa Harrison</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> It all begins innocently – a late-night peek at your favourite social media site before bed. You catch a headline that grabs your attention with “breaking news” you can’t afford to miss. Like following digital breadcrumbs, one click leads to another. Before you know it, you’re tumbling down a rabbit hole of endless updates and emotionally charged social media posts. Two hours later, your shoulders are tense, your stomach is in knots, but you can’t put your phone down. This endless scrolling through bad news – known as “<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/doomscrolling-dangers">doomscrolling</a>” – sneaks up on us. It’s important to stay in touch with what’s happening in the world. Being informed helps us make better decisions, engage meaningfully in our communities, and respond effectively to changes that affect our lives and those around us. But just like a healthy diet, we must be smart about our news consumption to avoid it <a href="https://theconversation.com/doomscrolling-is-literally-bad-for-your-health-here-are-4-tips-to-help-you-stop-190059">taking a toll on our health</a>. The good news is there are proven ways to stay informed without letting it take over your life. Research shows <a href="https://academic.oup.com/poq/article/84/S1/332/5866766">setting clear boundaries</a> around your news consumption can make a huge difference. So, how can you strike the right balance? <h2>How to set boundaries with news consumption</h2> It’s worth considering why you feel compelled to stay constantly informed. Ask yourself: “will this information change what I can do about it?”. Often, we scroll not because the information is actionable, but because <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245195882400071X">we are trying to gain a sense of control</a> in an uncertain world. Research shows scrolling through negative news <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-29/negative-effects-doomscrolling-young-people-existential-anxiety/104268178">can disrupt your sleep and increase anxiety</a>. To make sure your media consumption is intentional, there are a few steps you can take. Be picky with the news sources you read. Choose a few trusted outlets instead of letting social media algorithms decide what you see. It’s like sticking to a balanced meal plan, but for your mind. While engaging with the news, pay close attention to how you’re feeling. When you notice physical signs of anxiety or emotional distress, that is your cue to take a break. Set aside time earlier in the day with clear boundaries around your news consumption: maybe with your morning coffee or during your lunch break, whatever works for your schedule. Consider implementing a “digital sunset”, too. This is a cut-off time for news and social media, ideally an hour or two before bedtime, to give your mind time to process what you have learned without disrupting your sleep. The world will always be there, but you will be in a better head space to process what is happening. <h2>You don’t have to feel helpless</h2> Taking breaks from consuming news is not burying your head in the sand – it’s practising self care. Studies have shown that <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload">people who set healthy boundaries</a> around news consumption are often better equipped to engage meaningfully on important issues and take constructive action when needed. When you check the news, be an active consumer. Instead of endless scrolling: <ul> <li> choose one or two in-depth articles to read thoroughly </li> <li> discuss the news with colleagues, friends and family to process your feelings </li> <li> look for solution-focused news stories that highlight positive change </li> <li> take meaningful action on issues you care about. </li> </ul> There are also various apps and tools that can help you form healthier digital habits. <a href="https://theconversation.com/cant-focus-addicted-to-your-online-world-theres-an-app-for-that-98951">Productivity apps</a> use various approaches to help you stay focused, providing ways to snap you out of mindless scrolling. News curation apps and apps that allow you to save articles to read later can help you establish a balanced news diet, and remove the urgent need to read everything immediately. Many smartphones now come equipped with <a href="https://theconversation.com/rethinking-screen-time-a-better-understanding-of-what-people-do-on-their-devices-is-key-to-digital-well-being-243644">screen time management</a> features, such as Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing. You can use these to monitor your scrolling habits and to manage how much time you spend on social media or news apps. One useful feature is to block apps from use during certain times of day or after you’ve used them for a set amount of time. <h2>Stay mindful, stay engaged</h2> Staying informed doesn’t mean staying constantly connected. By mindfully setting boundaries and using supportive tools, you can keep up with important events while protecting your wellbeing. If you’re trying productivity apps and other tools, start small. Choose one tool that resonates with you rather than trying everything at once. Set realistic goals that fit your life, and use these apps’ insights to understand your habits better. Pay attention to what triggers your doomscrolling and adjust your settings accordingly. Remember, these tools work best when combined with offline activities you enjoy. The goal isn’t to disconnect completely, but to find a sustainable balance between staying informed and maintaining peace of mind. With thoughtful boundaries and the right support tools, you can stay engaged with the world while keeping your mental health intact.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248017/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lisa-harrison-1552123">Lisa Harrison</a>, Lecturer in Digital Communications, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-news-is-stressful-how-do-you-balance-staying-informed-with-doomscrolling-248017">original article</a>. </div>

Technology

How I'm A Celebrity producers keep cast anonymous

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has been back on Aussie screens for a week, and now an inside source has revealed how everything works. Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, the source revealed that the show will be dropping one more celebrity into the jungle, this time "a 'famous' Australian actress that is known internationally," with the code name 'Seal'. The code names are an essential part of ensuring that the celebrities stay anonymous before they go into the jungle, with this year's theme for code names being animals you would find in the ocean. "Network 10 created codenames that allow producers to get the ‘celebrities’ into 'the jungle' without worrying about who hears their name," the insider said. "Producers have been referring to Hughesy as 'the dolphin' for weeks," they said. They cited a few other examples including: Matty J who was given the code name Manta-Ray, Nicky Buckley had the code name Narwhal, Reggie Sorenson was the Red Emperor and Shayna Jack was Starfish. "To get the cast of 'celebrities' into the jungle without revealing the line-up is a covert operation that has been getting more complex every year," the insider said. The source revealed that this is because one of the previous competitors, Sam Dastyari, found the names of all the celebs before entering the jungle and texted the complete cast list to a journalist in Australia. “We don't even tell Julia Morris and Robert Irwin until we absolutely have to because we literally trust nobody," they continued. “Some people swore black and blue they knew our cast this year but most were way off and that is done on purpose." The insider also revealed the the flights to South Africa were all spread out, with some celebrities flying up to 10 days before they enter the jungle, while others arrived the day before. Image: Channel 10

How do mosquito repellents work? A chemistry expert explains

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/daniel-eldridge-1494633">Daniel Eldridge</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> It’s summertime, and for many of us that means plenty of time outside – and, unfortunately, mosquitoes. The combination of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-your-summer-might-be-full-of-mosquitoes-according-to-a-scientist-98369">increase in temperature and plenty of water</a> is ideal for these blood-sucking insects to make their presence felt. In the best-case scenario, they are a pest, delivering a highly unpleasant sting. At the other end of the spectrum, they are vectors for diseases responsible for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/global-health/impact/fighting-the-worlds-deadliest-animal.html">more human fatalities than any other animal on Earth</a>. To keep them at bay, many of us will reach for the bottle of insect repellent or citronella candles in order to avoid the bite and incessant itching that comes with it. But how do these repellents actually work? <h2>A complex interplay</h2> <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-technology/why-mosquitos-bite-you-and-how-make-them-stop">A great deal</a> of research has gone into understanding how and why female mosquitoes – they are the ones that bite us – are attracted to people. There is evidence showing they are attracted to the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-mosquitoes-detect-people">carbon dioxide</a> we exhale, lactic acid found in our sweat, and a variety of other <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24315103/">skin odours</a> and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6482070/">volatile compounds</a> we give off. The interplay between all these factors is quite <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8906108/">complex</a>. To ward off mosquitoes, physical barriers such as netting make for the best protection. However, while you might put netting around a backdoor patio and barbecue, doing this for any large space is simply not practical. This is where repellents come in. <h2>DEETerrent</h2> There are a variety of mosquito repellents available. The most tried-and-true products are based on a substance called N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, more commonly referred to as DEET. This molecule has been commercially available since 1957, <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/05/17/protecting-military-flying-foes">after the United States military discovered</a> it was an effective insect repellent. DEET is often used as a <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/health/insect-repellent/how-safe-is-deet-insect-repellent-safety-a4952100929/">point of comparison</a> for <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa011699">studies</a> investigating alternatives. <a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ps.5476?casa_token=prUg_pX7fjAAAAAA%3AuEKT5PGXWU1mO4fakwQ9NSEY-0uVYBEz25zWxXjMOp5AxX5UFWENJc1UF_JdsKA45x3sSHpmJSLJSwM">Studies show that</a>, provided they are used according to direction, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4041896/">DEET products are safe and effective</a>. For example, it is recommended that when required, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9458079/">sunscreen is applied</a> before the repellent. DEET products are not recommended for infants. The exact mechanism by which DEET repels mosquitoes and other insects is <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19336934.2015.1079360#d1e132">still explored</a> <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13258-020-00991-z">today</a>. Many studies link its success to mosquitoes having receptors that sense the presence of DEET, deterring them from closely approaching our skin. Some investigations suggest that when DEET is detected, it <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18339904/">inhibits mosquitoes’ attraction</a> to us, while others show evidence that mosquitoes “<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2518096/pdf/zpq13598.pdf">smell and avoid</a>” DEET. There are also numerous reports demonstrating mosquitoes don’t bite when they <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdfExtended/S0960-9822(19)30402-6">land on</a> DEET-treated skin. This is because DEET acts as a contact-based repellent and conveys a chemical message to mosquitoes to leave. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19336934.2015.1079360">Studies</a> <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdfExtended/S0960-9822(19)30402-6">suggest</a> that DEET likely works through a combination of the processes described here. <h2>Effective alternatives</h2> Another more recent family of mosquito repellent products rely on an active ingredient called picaridin (or icaridin). The current consensus is that picaridin products are safe, and highly effective. For many, they are considered appealing as they <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962207014673?casa_token=zzPMhkW9QtIAAAAA:Euk6hjWnuiem6OAq020Xv0Pu70K7LfN_siLGcK1DIyOZn-mbH7U9tKK115rAK0rYbWQ2oaMGfg#bib49">don’t have as strong a scent</a> as DEET. Picaridin products have been reported to be <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4270489/">equally effective</a> as DEET, or in some cases, even <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/25/suppl_1/S10/4990399">slightly superior</a>, though the outcome depends on their concentration too. The other repellent regularly reported as being effective is para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD). This is produced by chemical treatment of <a href="https://www.phrp.com.au/issues/december-2016-volume-26-issue-5/a-review-of-recommendations-on-the-safe-and-effective-use-of-topical-mosquito-repellents/">oil of lemon eucalyptus</a>. Untreated, this oil isn’t effective at repelling mosquitoes. However, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199606)10:4%3C313::AID-PTR854%3E3.0.CO;2-O">several</a> <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1016/j.wem.2015.11.007">studies</a> have shown that PMD is an effective mosquito repellent. The ability of these repellents to deter mosquitoes is <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4270489/">dose</a> <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/25/suppl_1/S10/4990399">dependent</a>. In all cases, it’s important that an appropriate dose is applied, with re-application sometimes required to keep protection to a maximum. The performance of these products varies according to many other variables too, including <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4270489/">the species of mosquito</a>. <h2>What about citronella?</h2> Citronella products, including candles and topical formulations, are popular choices for keeping mosquitoes away. However, in systematic testing, these <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2015/361021">have been shown</a> to be <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa011699">far less effective</a> than DEET. Studies have also shown that <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscience/article/17/1/24/2996380?login=false">citronella candles don’t</a> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4617422/">fend off mosquitoes</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8827606/">as much</a> as you might like. There are many other repellent products on the market. Given the widespread interest in preventing mosquito bites, natural remedies abound. It’s important to recognise that natural <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscience/article/17/1/24/2996380?login=false">isn’t necessarily more effective</a> and it <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-does-a-chemical-do-addressing-misconceptions-about-chemistry-104085">isn’t necessarily safer</a>. In <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa011699">most reported studies</a>, DEET and picaridin are reported as having the greatest duration of protection (of the order of hours) and greatest effect on the mosquitoes. They are more thoroughly tested than many alternatives. When others are tested, they are often found wanting. One study described sound-based devices as being the repellent equivalent of <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscience/article/17/1/24/2996380?login=false">snake oil</a>. And although repellent bracelets contain working ingredients, they are largely ineffective in that form. This is because of insufficient concentrations of the active ingredient being “emitted”. When it comes to preventing disease transmission via mosquitoes, the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4041896/">benefits</a> of the proven repellents far outweigh the risks.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244403/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/daniel-eldridge-1494633">Daniel Eldridge</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-mosquito-repellents-work-a-chemistry-expert-explains-244403">original article</a>. </div>

Body

How can I keep my cat happy? 5 tips from a vet to help your feline friend live their best life

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-quain-12802">Anne Quain</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Around <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/report/pets-in-australia-a-national-survey-of-pets-and-people-2/">one third of Australian households live with at least one cat</a>, yet surveys tell us the cats’ <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X19890189">needs are not being met</a>. Cats may <a href="https://www.sup.org/books/media-studies/unified-theory-cats-internet">rule the internet</a>, but humans often misconstrue feline behaviour. Earlier this year, the Washington Post boldly declared <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/03/12/cats-behavior-misunderstood/">cat’s arent jerks – they’re just misunderstood</a>. This was prompted by research showing that, contrary to unhelpful stereotypes, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023323000795">cats are not antisocial</a>. They can and do bond closely with humans. The more we learn about cats, the more we realise they are complex individuals with unique <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8300181/">personalities</a> and preferences, capable of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-74006-2">learning</a>. From understanding your cat’s language to keeping them safe and healthy – here are science-backed tips to improve the lives of your feline flatmates. <h2>1. Pay attention to body language</h2> Cats communicate with humans using body language and vocalisation. However, while cats direct meows at humans, and the meows vary depending on the context, humans <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765146/">are not great at decoding them</a>. But we can read cat body language. For example, slow blinking is likely to indicate a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73426-0">positive emotional state</a>. Cats who are not happy (for example, don’t want to be touched) will freeze, move away, flatten their ears, hiss, or – if they feel they have no other option – scratch or bite. It is better to allow cats to approach you on their terms, rather than pushing for social interaction. A cat approaching you with their tail up is giving a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8469685/">friendly signal</a>, while a tail swishing from side to side signals annoyance. Cats should always have the option to opt out of any interaction, like being touched. If you aren’t sure, just “<a href="https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/purr-science-of-making-your-cat-happy.html">ask</a>”: stop patting them. If they walk away, they’re not keen. If they rub their head against you, they want to continue the interaction. <h2>2. Provide a healthy environment</h2> The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine have agreed upon <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X13477537">five pillars of a healthy feline environment</a>: <ol> <li> A safe space so that cats can retreat if frightened. </li> <li> Multiple, separated key resources (food, water, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas and resting or sleeping areas) so that cats can comfortably conduct their daily activities. </li> <li> Opportunity for play and predatory behaviour, such as games with wand toys that simulate hunting. </li> <li> Positive, consistent and predictable human-cat interactions, respecting a cat’s choice about whether and how they interact. </li> <li> Respecting the importance of a cat’s senses by avoiding undesirable stimuli (strong smells and loud noises), and providing desirable sensory stimulation (for example, use of <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-catnip-and-treats-like-it-safe-for-cats-heres-how-they-affect-their-minds-and-moods-214947">catnip or silver vine</a>). </li> </ol> These pillars provide a useful checklist. If you read this and realise your cat’s food and water are right next to the litter tray, you can improve your cat’s environment (and their experiences of eating and toileting) by separating these resources right now. <h2>3. Clean the litter tray!</h2> A litter tray may represent an unpleasant chore to you, but the importance of a spacious litter tray to your cat cannot be overstated. Cats <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635716302972">prefer using a clean litter tray</a>, even if they are the only cat in the household. Cats like to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016815911730151X">spend time in the tray</a> before, during and after toileting, and they generally <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787814000033">prefer a large tray</a>. Poor litter hygiene is associated with a risk of urinary problems, which can be <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16389">life-threatening</a>. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19890189">survey of over 12,000 Australian cat owners</a> found that urinary problems were more common in households with a low number of litter trays per cat, less frequent removal of faeces from the trays, and the use of crystal-type cat litter. If you switch the type of litter you provide, a <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/8/946">slow transition</a> is recommended to allow cats to get used to the change. <h2>4. Read the room</h2> Do you have more than one cat? Tension between household cats is common but often overlooked, as it’s not always physical fighting. Signs of inter-cat tension can include prolonged staring, or even blocking the use of resources such as the litter tray or cat door, to prevent other cats from using them. In their <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X241263465">2024 intercat-tension guidelines</a>, the American Association of Feline Practitioners note this can case chronic fear, anxiety and stress-related illnesses in cats. Learning to recognise and manage tension between household cats can improve the welfare of all parties. When you love your cat, it is tempting to seek to amplify the joy by adopting another. But many cats prefer to be the only cat in the household, and don’t cope well with a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083434/">feline flatmate</a>. If they have positive interactions with familiar, trusted humans, they’re unlikely to be lonely. <h2>5. Keep cats and other animals safe</h2> Historically, domesticated cats earned their keep <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534720300100">protecting grain stores</a> from rodents. But what constitutes responsible cat ownership has changed. Around 65% of Australia’s cat owners <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10215893/">confine their cats</a> indoors always, while 24% keep their cats confined at night. A major driver for indoor-only housing of cats is their <a href="https://theconversation.com/one-cat-one-year-110-native-animals-lock-up-your-pet-its-a-killing-machine-138412">predation of wildlife</a>. Another is concerns about roaming-associated risks to cats, including cat fights, infectious diseases (such as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9546031/">feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV</a>), misadventure and motor vehicle trauma. But owners of cats kept entirely indoors were more likely to report <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159119301054?via%3Dihub">“problem” behaviours</a>. Ideally, cats shouldn’t be allowed to free-roam unsupervised where they can harm wildlife, even within the bounds of the property where you live. More than a third of local councils in Australia <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-19/banning-pet-cats-roaming-native-animals-billions-dollars-council/103856000">now require</a> cats to be contained overnight or 24 hours a day. Outdoor access provides sensory stimulation, with different sights, sounds and smells. Alternatives to free roaming include providing access to a well-designed cat run, harness-training your cat, or supervising your cat. Cats who don’t leave home unless they’re moving house or being taken to the vet, quickly learn to associate the cat carrier with a trip to an unfamiliar environment. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that a vet visit is imminent when the carrier comes out. But that negative association can be changed. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159118302703">Cats who were rewarded with treats</a> when they approached, stepped inside or rested in the carrier for six weeks were much less stressed during veterinary visits. Cats are intelligent, and contrary to popular opinion, can be trained. The process can be enriching for cats and humans alike. With patience and commitment, <a href="http://www.smallanimaltalk.com/2017/04/book-review-trainable-cat-plus-that.html">you can train your cat</a> – from a simple “sit” to voluntarily stepping into the cat carrier. In short, give cats choice, respect their “cat-ness”, pay attention to their needs and try to see our world from their point of view. Your cat will be happier for it.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/242774/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-quain-12802">Anne Quain</a>, Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-can-i-keep-my-cat-happy-5-tips-from-a-vet-to-help-your-feline-friend-live-their-best-life-242774">original article</a>. </div>

Family & Pets

Expert reveals how to cope with flight anxiety

While thousands of Aussies travel by plane everyday, not everyone is so relaxed about air travel. According to recent Google data, searches for advice on flight anxiety are on the rise by more than 5000 per cent. Thankfully, there is help out there for those who struggle with anxious thoughts around flying. Researcher and neuroscientist Dr Brian Ramos from <a href="https://simplynootropics.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simply Nootropics</a> explained why some people are impacted more than others. "People's past experiences, personality traits, and levels of general anxiety all play a role in how intensely they experience flying anxiety, making some individuals more prone to it than others," he told <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/how-to-get-over-flight-anxiety-before-holiday-expert-tips/72ff01bd-8245-4ba9-a440-8a5fa6fa74db">9Travel</a>. He went on to offer four ways to combat flight anxiety on your next trip. Reframe your anxiety as excitement Dr Ramos believes that by redefining the physical signs of anxiety as excitement for your holiday, you can fool your brain into thinking differently. "Reframing anxiety as excitement can trick your brain into receiving your nervous system's response more positively," Brian said. "Both anxiety and excitement trigger similar physical responses, like a racing heart and butterflies, but the key difference lies in how we interpret them.” "Instead of viewing these sensations as signs of danger, you can remind yourself they signal anticipation and energy." Think about the facts Looking at your situation practically can help calm your anxious mind when on a plane, according to Dr Ramos. "Look around you - is anyone else freaking out? Aeroplanes are one of the safest modes of transportation," Brian said. "Statistically, the odds of an accident are extremely low, with air travel being far safer than driving in a car - something we all do regularly and don't bat an eyelid at." Keep yourself busy By tapping into mindful activities can help push anxious thoughts to the back of your mind. As Brian says, "Distracting your mind with a good podcast or book is a great way to manage flight anxiety by redirecting your focus away from fear-inducing thoughts." "Engaging with a story or interesting conversation can keep your brain occupied.” Re-centre your brain if you feel yourself spiralling "To calm an anxiety attack during a flight, first, focus on your breathing," Brian said. "Practice deep, slow breaths; inhaling through your nose for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling through your mouth for four.” "Second, ground yourself using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.” "Finally, use positive self-talk." Image credits: Shutterstock

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