Some rentals not good for health

A SIGNIFICANT proportion of rental properties in Australia are in a state of disrepair, posing risks to residents’ health and well-being, according to new research. Inadequate regulation of housing standards and underinvestment in public housing services contribute to substandard living conditions, impacting physical and mental health.

Concerns are particularly raised about properties lacking proper heating, cooling, and suffering from dampness and mould.

Researchers at the University of South Australia are now calling for institutional changes to prioritise healthy housing standards and address quality issues in rental and social housing.

The study compared rental housing standards and housing policies in

Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. While international regulations exist, Australia lacks comparable measures to ensure the quality and condition of “second-hand” homes.

Dr Lyrian Daniel, an Associate Professor in Architecture, highlights the disparity between energy efficiency standards for new and renovated houses, versus existing housing stock.

Renters have the right to expect suitable housing conditions, yet reports of mold and disrepair indicate a systemic problem. Unlike the UK’s Homes Act 2018, which mandates habitable rented houses, and New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Guarantee Act 2017, which enforces the Healthy Homes Standard, Australia lacks similar legislation.

Dr Daniel stresses that formalised

Packing a healthy kids’ lunch

Packing a healthy lunch box for kids can be as confusing as algebra or folding a fitted sheet, but it’s crucial since children consume about one-third of their food at school.

Follow a few dietary principles to simplify the process.

Start with grains like whole grains and cereals, which provide carbohydrates and fiber linked to a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Lean proteins such as meat, fish, eggs, and plant-based sources like beans and tofu, offer essential nutrients for growth and development.

Don’t forget to include vegetables for energy, vitamins, and minerals.

Whole fruits are better than juices, providing vitamins, fibre, and phytochemicals. Include calcium-rich dairy like milk, cheese, and yogurt for strong bones and teeth. standards have proven effective in reducing substandard housing conditions. However, four out of five Australian homes fail to meet the minimum warmth standards recommended by the World Health Organisation. Prior to the pandemic, an estimated one million Australians lived in poor-quality housing, a number likely exacerbated by factors such as rising interest rates. To improve healthy housing standards, the research paper identifies five necessary institutional shifts. These include linking policy objectives to housing conditions and health outcomes, utilising community awareness and sector advocacy to overcome bureaucratic complexities, fostering collective social responsibility, implementing transparent and objective mandatory requirements, and developing robust progress-tracking protocols.

If dairy is not an option, alternatives like almonds, tofu, and fortified soy milk can be considered.

For a sample lunch box plan for a 6-year-old, try veggie sticks with a small plum for morning tea, a banana with reduced-fat cheese cubes for recess, and a wholegrain sandwich with tuna, egg, tomato, and salad leaves, accompanied by yogurt for lunch. By following these principles, you can pack a balanced and nutritious lunch box.

Rest easy with a good sleep

A lack of quality sleep affects nearly half of Australian adults, with significant implications for their health and well-being. Poor sleep has been linked to various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. It can also impact mood, appetite, motivation, judgment, and learning abilities. To help individuals improve their sleep, here are six evidence-based tips:

Have a warm bath: Taking a warm bath 1-2 hours before bedtime, with water temperature between 40-42°C, which has been found to enhance sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.

Exercise more (especially for teenagers): Research involving over 400 teens showed that each additional hour of moderate-tovigorous physical activity during the day led to earlier sleep onset and longer sleep duration.

Address snoring: Snoring, especially when accompanied by daytime tiredness, may