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5 mistakes people make setting financial goals

<p>In discussions around money and goal setting, people talk a lot about financial freedom. What does that mean to you, though? We might redefine money as ‘a unit of choice’, because the more money you make, the more choices you have. Everyone’s aspirations are different, which is one reason why there’s no one-size-fits- all approach to wealth.</p> <p>It’s time to begin to understand what financial freedom means to you, because how on earth are you going to get there, if you don’t know where <em>there</em> is? How will you craft a strategic wealth-building plan when you don’t know what your target is? How will you know if you are making the right decisions in the right areas, decisions that are intentionally and systematically advancing you towards your outcomes. Here are some of the big mistakes I see people make when setting financial goals.</p> <h2>Mistake #1: They have none!</h2> <p>Without a goal, how will you know what to steer towards? You are left just ‘hoping’ that one day things will work out. With no clear direction to head towards, any actions you take are more or less random. You’re often left sitting idle and going nowhere fast, just swept along by whatever current comes your way.</p> <h2>Mistake #2: They make them too big</h2> <p>This might seem counterintuitive, especially since the typical conversation about personal development emphasises aiming for big, ambitious goals. And while these can be valuable, helping to elevate your thinking and giving you something inspiring to work towards, the problem arises when they are your only focus. Without smaller, achievable milestones to serve as stepping stones, the gap between where you are now and your ultimate goal can feel overwhelming. This can make it hard for your subconscious mind to fully commit, leading to procrastination or self-sabotage due to fear of not knowing how to get there. </p> <h2>Mistake #3: They make them too small</h2> <p>While small goals may seem manageable, they can lack the power to ignite your motivation or emotional drive or to be the catalyst that pulls you towards something greater than who and where you are in life right now. Small, uninspiring goals can make it easy to remain complacent. Without a purpose or vision that stretches you, there’s no real incentive to pursue them with passion. They don’t create the emotional connection that’s essential for driving sustained effort and overcoming obstacles. As a result, you may never fully commit to these goals, and they end up being more like tasks to check off a list than meaningful milestones on your path to success.</p> <h2>Mistake #4: They are vague and wishy-washy</h2> <p>When your goals are unclear and lack focus, they are difficult to achieve. Goals like ‘I want to be rich’ of ‘I want more money’ are too broad to provide any real direction. Without concrete details – such as specific numbers, deadlines or actionable steps – you don’t have a clear path to follow. Vague goals make it hard to measure progress or stay motivated, because there’s nothing tangible to work towards. As a result, your efforts can become inconsistent, and it’s easy to lose focus. Without clarity, you can’t point your actions in a specific direction, which makes it unlikely you’ll make any meaningful progress. A well-defined goal, on the other hand, creates a roadmap and keeps you accountable along the way.</p> <h2>Mistake #5: They have no plan to make it real</h2> <p>Setting a clear goal is undeniably important but it’s only part of the process. Just because someone says they want a specific outcome does not mean they will achieve it. Yet many people fixate solely on the goal itself, or they try to manifest wealth and happiness through the ‘law of attraction’ alone.</p> <p>Most people spend 95 per cent of their time focusing on setting the goal and only 5 per cent on the actions needed to achieve it. Do you see the flaw in that approach? Instead, reverse the focus. Spend 5 per cent of your time defining the goal, and 95 per cent of your time working towards making it a reality. This is where having the right system becomes crucial.</p> <p>How do we break free from impotent goal setting and instead craft a set of financial goals that are not only big, beautiful and inspiring, but achievable. By setting targets that are tangible and tactical and are going to set you up to win, you become more than who you are right now.</p> <p>In the end, a goal without a plan is just an idea. A plan without a goal is simply directionless effort. It may keep you busy, but it won’t lead you anywhere meaningful. Both the goal and the plan must work together – one providing the destination, the other offering the roadmap. I always tell my clients they will never out-earn themselves. If you want to level up your results in life, you have to first level up as a person and raise the standards in how you choose to play the game.</p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from Escape the Middle (Wiley $32.95) by Todd Polke. Todd is an investor, entrepreneur and international educator in investing and wealth creation. For over two decades, he has guided thousands of individuals in growing and scaling their wealth to achieve financial independence. Find out more at <a href="https://www.portfoliowealth.com%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.portfoliowealth.com </a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

More young people are caring for a loved one with dementia. It takes a unique toll

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Dementia is a growing health problem, affecting more than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia">55 million people</a> around the world.</p> <p>In Australia, an estimated <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures">433,300 people</a> are living with dementia. This figure is projected to rise to 812,500 by 2054.</p> <p>Dementia <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia">refers to brain disorders</a> that are not a normal part of ageing. These disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, cause a decline in cognitive function and changes in mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. Ultimately they affect a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks.</p> <p>In Australia, around <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2020/10/06/research-backs-home-based-program-for-people-living-with-dementi.html">75% of people with dementia</a> live at home.</p> <p>While dementia care at home has traditionally been associated with older spouses or middle-aged children, it seems an increasing number of young adults in their 20s and 30s, and <a href="https://www.ncb.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/files/young_people_caring_for_adults_with_dementia.pdf">even teenagers</a>, are stepping into this role to care for grandparents, parents or other loved ones.</p> <p>In Australia, 3 million people (11.9% of the population) are carers. This includes <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release">391,300 under 25</a> – a sharp rise from 235,300 in 2018.</p> <p>How many young carers are specifically caring for a loved one with dementia is unclear, and something we need more data on. Young dementia carers remain largely invisible, with minimal recognition or support.</p> <h2>Unique challenges and the burden of responsibility</h2> <p>Unlike older carers, who may have more financial stability and free time, young carers often must balance caregiving with university, early-career pressures, and personal development, including maintaining social relationships, pursuing hobbies, and prioritising mental welling.</p> <p>In Australia, where <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/media/more-young-adults-living-parents">51% of men and 43% of women</a> aged 20–24 still live with their parents, many young carers will have limited experience in managing a household independently.</p> <p>They’re often thrust into <a href="https://www.ncb.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/files/young_people_caring_for_adults_with_dementia.pdf">complex responsibilities</a> such as cooking, housework, managing the family budget, coordinating medical appointments and administering medications.</p> <p>Beyond that, they may need to provide physical care such as lifting or helping their loved one move around, and personal care such as dressing, washing, and helping with toileting.</p> <p>All this can leave young carers <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/PROM.S499063">feeling unprepared</a>, overwhelmed and isolated.</p> <p>While general support groups exist for dementia carers and young carers more broadly, few cater specifically to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9819145/">young adults caring for someone with dementia</a>.</p> <p>This lack of targeted support is likely to heighten <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13676261.2024.2390899?casa_token=6Q73sIFsfssAAAAA:1rQ7NyiiHkwTwIk4mkk6d2r5tiUxeXJDCKTfIohKmHzCue9xvuj5r4e8-fowJGQeIYKe6afuO9FT">feelings of isolation</a>, as the young person’s friends struggle to relate to the emotional and practical burdens <a href="https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12877-020-01976-z.pdf">young carers face</a>.</p> <p>The demanding nature of caregiving, combined with the difficulty of sharing these experiences with peers, means young dementia carers can become <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/14713012211023653?src=getftr&utm_source=tfo&getft_integrator=tfo">disconnected socially</a>.</p> <h2>The psychological toll</h2> <p>These challenges take a profound <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/carers-statistics">psychological toll</a> on young carers.</p> <p>Research shows young carers are <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9263065/">35% more likely</a> to report mental health issues than their non-caregiving peers. These can include <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1471301220980243">depression</a>, anxiety and burnout.</p> <p>Again, we don’t have data on mental health outcomes among young dementia carers specifically. But <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/carers-and-care-needs-of-people-with-dementia/impact-of-the-caring-role-on-carers">in Australia</a>, 75% of dementia carers reported being affected physically or emotionally by their caring role. Some 41% felt weary or lacked energy, and 31% felt worried or depressed.</p> <p>Also, there are negative stereotypes about ageing – that people turn forgetful, frail, and need constant care. For young carers whose loved ones have dementia, these stereotypes <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01662.x?casa_token=w0MW7GGY80gAAAAA:szB0XyXKPG_XMqAVyAHLm0Tye8yH3TYXK9X5cFCSIRkorhsNHx4Wgurmy_oAuZKsTsskS6kBw9Vr">can be reinforced</a> by their experience. This could shape young carers’ perceptions of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2025.2464705?utm">their own future health</a> and wellbeing and increase anxiety about ageing.</p> <p>Caregiving may also affect <a href="https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/faq/health-effects">physical health</a>. Research suggests carers often sacrifice <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/psyg.12354">healthy habits</a> such as exercise and a balanced diet. What’s more, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/psyg.12354">carers report symptoms</a> including poor sleep, fatigue, headaches and back pain due to the physical demands of caregiving.</p> <h2>Caring for a parent – a role reversal</h2> <p>This emotional burden is particularly acute for those caring for a parent. These young carers are likely to experience the progressive loss of parental support, while simultaneously assuming the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1471301220988231">demanding role of caregiver</a>.</p> <p>A significant portion of young dementia carers support parents with <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/dementia-in-priority-groups/population-health-impacts-of-younger-onset-dementi">young-onset dementia</a>, a form of dementia diagnosed before age 65. These <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1471301220988231">young carers</a> face the shock of a diagnosis that defies typical expectations of ageing.</p> <p>The burden may be compounded by fears of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0038026119874280?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.9">genetic inheritance</a>. Young onset dementia often has a <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet">hereditary component</a>.</p> <p>This means young carers may have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves – a concern spousal carers don’t have. This fear can fuel health anxiety, alter life planning, and create a pervasive <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26560507/">sense of vulnerability</a>.</p> <h2>How we can better support young dementia carers</h2> <p>Despite their growing numbers, young dementia carers <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JMDH.S464195">remain largely overlooked</a> in research, policy and support services. This is partly due to the challenges in engaging this demographic in research, as these young people juggle busy lives <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/gps.4502?casa_token=5-Ih4KcUejwAAAAA%3AOvuh8ghI_ednIzRZmHdUl-_C7EQ8IUw2Qp7E0-0Z9abjV0xT6I4WK17V2U8JMCcxMl9yvpawBeT-l7c">balancing caregiving</a> with education and work.</p> <p>Many young carers also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36353077/">don’t self-identify as carers</a>, hindering their access to support and resources. This could be because of the stigmatising label, or a feeling they’re <a href="https://www.ncb.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/files/young_people_caring_for_adults_with_dementia.pdf">not doing enough</a> to qualify as a carer. It could even be because of cultural norms which can frame caregiving as a family obligation, rather than a distinct role.</p> <p>Nonetheless, young dementia carers require <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/1/127">targeted support</a> beyond generic caregiving resources.</p> <p>This support might include specialised <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JMDH.S464195">peer networks</a>, educational programs, and practical skills training. Tailored programs and resources should ideally be <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/1/127">co-designed with young dementia carers</a> to ensure they meet their unique needs and preferences.</p> <p>With dementia cases in Australia and elsewhere <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures">projected to increase</a>, the demand for informal carers – including young adults – will continue to grow.</p> <p>Without intervention, these young carers risk burnout, social isolation, and long-term health consequences. We must ensure flexible, age-appropriate support for this often invisible group. Investing in young dementia carers is not just a moral imperative – it’s a crucial step toward a sustainable, compassionate care system for the future.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/family-friends-and-carers">Dementia Australia</a> offers a national helpline, information sessions, and a peer-to-peer connection platform for carers.</em></p> <p><em><a href="https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/">The Young Carers Network</a>, run by <a href="https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/">Carers Australia</a>, offers mental health resources, financial guidance, and respite care information, plus bursaries young carers can apply for to reduce financial pressure.</em><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/249361/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katya-numbers-784650">Katya Numbers</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow & Lecturer, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/serena-sabatini-2320527">Serena Sabatini</a>, Lecturer in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-surrey-1201">University of Surrey</a></em></p> <p><em>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/more-young-people-are-caring-for-a-loved-one-with-dementia-it-takes-a-unique-toll-249361">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Caring

Brittany Higgins celebrates birth of first child

<p>Brittany Higgins and husband David Sharaz, have announced the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>The former Liberal Party staffer took to Instagram to share her baby joy, with a photo of her newborn son asleep in a hospital cot. </p> <p> “Last night we welcomed our little boy into the world," she began in the caption. </p> <p>“A huge thank-you to the amazing midwives, nurses and doctors for their care and kindness,” Higgins continued. </p> <p>“We’re both looking forward to getting to dote on the newest member of the family — forever grateful for all the love and support we’ve received.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGsdv2DJh-n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGsdv2DJh-n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her comments were flooded with messages of congratulations from friends and followers, with one writing: "Very lucky little man to have you both as his parents" </p> <p>Another commented: "So lovely. Congrats to you both. You will be fabulous parents." </p> <p>"Omg!!!!! Best news. Congrats to you both let the fun begin 🫶🏼" a third wrote. </p> <p>Higgins revealed she was pregnant with her first child in July 2024, three months later she shared an emotional update, saying that she had a pregnancy health scare during her second trimester. </p> <p>"A fortnight ago, David Sharaz and I had the scare of our lives after the midwife told us halfway through my second trimester my blood test had raised red flags," she said at the time. </p> <p>“Our baby had a high probability of a genetic disorder — which wouldn’t have mattered to us — but scarily could mean he may be incompatible with life outside of the womb.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Fortunately, doctors had since given the all-clear, and her baby is now "perfectly fine and healthy." </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Images: Instagram</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

NT Chief Minister defends not acknowledging Indigenous people

<p>Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has defended her decision to not acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land during an emotional ceremony.</p> <p>Finocchiaro was one of eight speakers, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, at the event marking 83 years since Darwin was attack by Japanese aerial forces during WWII.</p> <p>Of the eight speakers, Finocchiaro was the only one to not acknowledge the Larrakia people at the beginning of her address. </p> <p>Explaining her decision on Tuesday, the minister said “I just don’t think every speaker needs to do it”.</p> <p>“The feedback I get from the community on acknowledgments of country is that Territorians ... feel like it’s been rammed down their throat,” she told <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/darwin-breakfast/chief-on-a-tuesday/104979612" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">ABC Darwin</a></em>.</p> <p>“This is how people talk to me about it so in my acknowledgment I acknowledged the veterans, I acknowledged all Territorians, I acknowledged serving men and women in our defence force and I was so proud.”</p> <p>Finocchiaro recalled the Welcome to Country given by Larrakia man James Parfitt prior to her speech, saying anything more from her was “tokenistic”.</p> <p>“People find it very divisive,” she said.</p> <p>“I think it’s very fair to have a welcome to country and they absolutely have their place but we’ve just been indoctrinated by a Labor government over eight years who have shamed people into feeling like they have to do something that lacks a genuine nature and is tokenistic.”</p> <p>Larrakia elder Richard Fejo, who was at the ceremony, was one of many who were appalled by the minister's actions, and described her decision as “embarrassing”.</p> <p>“(My grandfather and his brother) were down there at the wharf, pulling men out of the waters that were injured, and then they had to clean up the deceased,” he told the ABC.</p> <p>“When the chief minister fails to acknowledge Larrakia people at the Bombing of Darwin, she’s directly talking about my grandfather … and the other Larrakia men that fought side-by-side with non-Aboriginal people … we fought as one.”</p> <p>Labor MP Manuel Brown said on Facebook it was “very concerning when the chief minister doesn’t acknowledge the traditional owners in her speeches as she did today”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Legal

Mystery illness kills more than 50 people within hours

<p>An unknown illness has killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo over the past five weeks, according doctors on the ground and the World Health Organisation (WHO). </p> <p>The interval between the onset of symptoms - which include fever, vomiting and internal bleeding - and death has been 48 hours in the majority of cases, and “that’s what’s really worrying”, according to Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring centre.</p> <p>The outbreak began on January 21, with 419 cases recorded including 53 deaths.</p> <p>According to WHO's Africa office, the outbreak began in the town of Boloko after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours following the “hemorrhagic fever” symptoms. </p> <p>While these symptoms are commonly linked to known deadly viruses, such as Ebola, dengue, Marburg and yellow fever, researchers have ruled these out following a series of tests of more than a dozen samples collected so far. </p> <p>The tests were conducted after the second outbreak of the mystery disease in the town of Bomate on February 9, with samples from 13 cases sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in DR Congo’s capital Kinshasa for testing, the WHO said.</p> <p>All samples were negative for common hemorrhagic fever diseases, although some tested positive for malaria.</p> <p>The number of outbreaks from diseases spreading from animals to humans in places where wild animals are popularly eaten has been a concern, with outbreaks in Africa surging by more than 60 per cent in the last decade, the WHO said in 2022.</p> <p>Last year, another mystery flu-like illness that killed dozens of people in another part of Congo was determined to be likely malaria. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Ozempic shown to reduce alcohol intake in world-first trial

<p>A world-first study has shown that Ozempic can reduce drinking among those with alcohol-use disorder (AUD). </p> <p>A small clinical trial, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamapsychiatry.2024.4789">JAMA Psychiatry</a>, studied 48 people with signs of moderate alcohol-use disorder and found that those taking semaglutide – the generic name of Ozempic – for nine weeks saw significantly reductions in how much alcohol they drank, as well as cravings for alcohol, compared with people on a placebo.</p> <p>The findings underscore many real-world claims of those taking these medicines have already hinted at: Ozempic and similar drugs, already incredibly popular, could help reduce risks of over-consuming alcohol, if the results bear out in larger and longer trials.</p> <p>Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science and the lead author of the study, said, "We hoped to see a reduction in drinking and craving."</p> <p>"What I didn't expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good … compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications."</p> <p>The drug works in both the gut and the brain, which may be the way they could help with alcohol-use disorder, said Lorenzo Leggio, a physician-scientist at the US National Institutes of Health who wasn't involved in this study.</p> <p>"More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) of action of these medications in AUD," Leggio, who's published research on semaglutide's ability to reduce alcohol drinking in animals, wrote to <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/health/ozempic-alcohol-use-disorder-trial/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a></em>.</p> <p>"Nonetheless, the work done now suggests that mechanisms may include their effect in reducing alcohol craving and in reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol."</p> <p>Whether Ozempic and other similar drugs present a new way of treating AUD will depend on larger trials in patients more heavily afflicted by the disorder, experts said, and potentially whether research can yield a better understanding of how the medicines work to reduce drinking.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Body

How Rex could become the next national carrier

<p>The federal government could acquire Rex Airlines if a suitable private sector buyer can’t be found for the struggling airline. </p> <p>The government will be working with Rex administrators and shortlisted bidders to find a buyer committed to breathing new life into the regional carrier. </p> <p>If the plan falls through, the Albanese government will begin working on contingency plans, including preparations for a potential Commonwealth acquisition.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>“Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.</p> <p>“That’s why we’re taking steps to ensure the best possible deal for the sale of Rex.”</p> <p>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.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>“We are recognising that today and stepping in to keep these routes in the air.”</p> <p>The government has also guaranteed Rex’s regional flight slots at Sydney Airport until October 2026.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

More than 100 people duped in FB scam at Queensland couple's home

<p>Leah and Gerard thought they had the perfect home. Peaceful neighbourhood, quiet street – until they were unwittingly transformed into the hottest discount superstore on Facebook Marketplace.</p> <p>The problem? They weren’t selling anything.</p> <p>“No idea why it’s happened to us,” Gerard told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/scam-sees-a-hundred-people-turn-up-outside-queensland-couples-home/92763d2a-43ac-4596-a4d1-1d97f131ec2c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a>, still baffled by how their address became ground zero for a digital yard sale they never signed up for.</p> <p>It all began with a single, seemingly innocent knock at the door. A woman, hopeful and cash in hand, arrived to claim a bicycle she had “purchased” online. Leah and Gerard, unaware of their new status as involuntary retail moguls, had to break the news.</p> <p>But the knocks kept coming. And coming. And coming.</p> <p>“We had more than 100 people show up to our home looking for items that we supposedly had for sale, that we did not,” Leah said.</p> <p>From TVs to mattresses to outdoor furniture, their house was now the delivery hub of a scammer’s wildest dreams. If only Leah and Gerard had actually been running a secondhand store – they might have made a fortune.</p> <p>It wasn’t just a daytime ordeal either. These determined bargain hunters weren’t about to let something like the absence of an actual seller stop them.</p> <p>“They would arrive anywhere from 7:30 in the morning, right through until 10-10:30 at night,” Leah said.</p> <p>Some shoppers had even paid deposits in advance, while others went the extra mile – hiring Airtaskers to pick up non-existent goods.</p> <p>“So not good,” Gerard added, in what is arguably the understatement of the year.</p> <p>According to cyber support group ID Care, this isn’t an isolated incident. Scammers are increasingly using real addresses to make their fake listings seem legitimate. It’s an ingenious, if completely infuriating, tactic.</p> <p>“We find with many of the victims that are giving money, they’re also giving away scanned copies of their driver’s licence for example,” ID Care chief executive Dave Lacey said.</p> <p>And with identity theft a real concern, it turns out a too-good-to-be-true deal might end up costing you far more than just a missing couch.</p> <p>Leah and Gerard eventually took matters into their own hands, erecting a warning sign in their driveway to spare themselves from yet another disappointed customer.</p> <p>Their makeshift security checkpoint seemed to work, finally deterring the flood of hopeful buyers. Meanwhile, their local MP stepped in to get Meta to remove the scammer’s listing – presumably after realising that Facebook Marketplace doesn’t come with a customer service hotline.</p> <p>For Marketplace shoppers, the lesson is clear: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If the seller doesn’t have a real profile or their photos look like they came from a stock image catalogue, proceed with caution. And, of course, always double-check the pickup address before showing up at a random couple’s doorstep demanding a TV!</p> <p>After all, Leah and Gerard have been through enough. “We’re just thankful that it’s stopped,” Gerard said. And somewhere in Queensland, a fake seller is already on the lookout for their next unsuspecting “storefront”.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Legal

‘A virtual seat at the family table’: why older people are among the biggest users of social media

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bernardo-figueiredo-336532">Bernardo Figueiredo</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/torgeir-aleti-92509">Torgeir Aleti</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p>The Australian government’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-social-media-ban-for-kids-under-16-just-became-law-how-it-will-work-remains-a-mystery-244736">recent decision to ban under 16s</a> from social media has focused attention on the harms it can cause – especially for young people.</p> <p>But young people are just one segment of the population who use social media. According to the <a href="https://wearesocial.com/au/blog/2024/01/digital-2024/">Digital 2024 report</a>, 78.3% of Australians regularly use platforms such as Facebook and Instagram – mainly for keeping in touch with friends and family.</p> <p>Perhaps surprisingly, a large proportion of these users are older people. For example, the Digital 2024 report also shows that 21.3% of Meta’s ad audience in Australia (on Messenger, Facebook and Instagram) are 55 years or older. This makes it the second largest age group after 25–34 year olds (25.4%).</p> <p>So what does research say about how social media affects older people’s social lives and wellbeing?</p> <h2>The growing presence of older adults on social media</h2> <p><a href="https://www.digitalinclusionindex.org.au/digital-inclusion-the-australian-context-in-2023/">The digital divide is shrinking</a> as older generations embrace social media. <a href="https://www.benetas.com.au/news/digial-habits-of-older-australians">According to data from earlier this year</a>, more than 70% of Australians aged 65 and older use social media to some degree.</p> <p><a href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/technology/2023/2023-tech-trends.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00584.001.pdf">Facebook remains the most popular</a> among this demographic, serving as a gateway to reconnect with family and long-lost friends. Beyond reconnecting, <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/313717">our research indicates</a> older adults often use these platforms to share memories, participate in community groups and access news.</p> <p>This growing trend is driven by both internal and external factors. <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/oir-06-2021-0332/full/html">Research shows</a> many older users are motivated by the desire to stay connected with their families, particularly grandchildren, who often share their lives through social media.</p> <p>For others, the COVID pandemic <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-18/are-we-headed-to-a-cashless-economy-post-coronavirus/12244846">accelerated the adoption of digital tools</a>, making social media a lifeline during periods of isolation.</p> <h2>Enhanced connection</h2> <p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02048-7">A recent study</a> found positive associations between internet use and mental health among older adults in 23 countries.</p> <p>Social media, in particular, works by:</p> <p><strong>1. Maintaining family ties.</strong> Social media provides older adults with a virtual seat at the family table. By viewing photos, videos and updates, <a href="https://theconversation.com/video-chats-can-ease-social-isolation-for-older-adults-during-coronavirus-pandemic-135890">they can remain engaged with their loved ones’ lives</a>, no matter the physical distance. Platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are particularly popular for private family group chats, enabling older adults to exchange messages and share moments in real time.</p> <p><strong>2. Rekindling old friendships.</strong> Platforms such as Facebook have proven effective in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10510974.2021.1975143?needAccess=true">reconnecting older adults with long-lost friends</a>. For many, revisiting old relationships provides a sense of nostalgia and belonging. Studies have shown such interactions can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32700541/">bolster feelings of inclusion</a> and reduce loneliness, a significant concern for ageing populations.</p> <p><strong>3. Building new communities.</strong> Social media groups dedicated to specific interests such as gardening, photography or travel offer older adults opportunities to form new connections. <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jkm-02-2021-0087/full/html">These virtual communities</a> are inclusive spaces where members exchange advice, share experiences and foster friendships based on shared hobbies.</p> <h2>Improved well-being</h2> <p>Social media’s ability to foster connection among older adults <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465959/#B7-healthcare-09-01143">directly impacts their wellbeing</a>.</p> <p>Regular online interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, providing a sense of purpose and belonging.</p> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10410236.2020.1859722">Research shows</a> active participation, such as posting photos, is associated with a feeling of competence in older users, which is related to well-being. For some, becoming “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/80-years-old-with-11-million-followers-meet-tiktok-s-granfluencers-20230602-p5ddje.html">grandfluencers</a>” on platforms like Instagram or TikTok introduces an unexpected avenue for creative expression and social influence.</p> <p>Online forums are also gaining traction as a tool for health information and advocacy. <a href="https://www.jmir.org/2013/2/e35">Older adults participate in support groups</a> for chronic conditions, share wellness tips and even engage in civic discussions. This demonstrates social media platforms’ broader potential beyond social interaction.</p> <h2>Online challenges</h2> <p>Despite its benefits, social media is not without challenges for older adults.</p> <p>For some, navigating the complex interface of platforms can be intimidating. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/9/496">Our research</a> shows half of older adults feel anxious about using communication technologies, with older women experiencing more anxiety than older men.</p> <p>Issues such as <a href="https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2021-08/apo-nid313717.pdf">privacy concerns, misinformation and online scams can also create barriers to engagement</a>. Additionally, while social media facilitates connection, it <a href="https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18546">cannot replace the depth of face-to-face interactions</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14413582231187652">Our research</a> shows those with higher digital literacy are more likely to experience the positive effects of social media because of ongoing “self-socialisation” without having to interact with others, which might undermine learning and confidence. For others, initiatives aimed at <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/improving-digital-skills-older-australians/resource/evaluation-be-connected">improving digital skills among older adults</a> – such as digital mentoring programs – can significantly enhance their confidence and ability to engage safely online.</p> <h2>A bridge and a barrier</h2> <p>Social media can keep older adults connected. But its impact <a href="https://karger.com/ger/article/59/4/378/149065/Social-Media-Use-of-Older-Adults-A-Mini-Review">depends on how it is used</a>.</p> <p>For many, it serves as a vital link to family, friends and new communities, enriching their social lives and reducing isolation. However, to unlock its full potential, addressing barriers such as digital literacy and online safety are crucial.</p> <p>As the world becomes increasingly digital, <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jsm-12-2022-0393/full/html?skipTracking=true">empowering older adults</a> to engage meaningfully with social media will ensure they remain not only connected but also active participants in a rapidly evolving social landscape.<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/245156/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bernardo-figueiredo-336532">Bernardo Figueiredo</a>, Associate Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/torgeir-aleti-92509">Torgeir Aleti</a>, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>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/a-virtual-seat-at-the-family-table-why-older-people-are-among-the-biggest-users-of-social-media-245156">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Technology

“What is wrong with people?”: Baggage claims photo reignites age-old debate

<p dir="ltr">A single photo of an airport’s baggage claim area has kicked off a heated debate about travel etiquette.</p> <p dir="ltr">A frustrated traveller snapped the image of a crowded luggage carousel at Melbourne Airport and posted it to Reddit, reigniting the age-old debate about one of people’s most annoying habits when going on holiday.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I returned to Melbourne last night on an international full flight, and the lack of self-awareness from some people was astounding," the post read, accompanied by the photo of a crowded baggage claim carousel. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Despite the clear signs instructing passengers to stay behind the yellow line at baggage collection, many ignored them, standing right in front of it," she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">"As someone who is on the shorter side, I already struggle to see over a 6ft grown man. After taking this photo, two more people stood directly in front of me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"At that point, I firmly said in a loud voice, 'Stand behind the yellow line; it's there for a reason'. Thankfully, they moved."</p> <p dir="ltr">"Seriously, what is wrong with people? There's plenty of space around – why stand right in front of me? Rude AF!"</p> <p dir="ltr">The post quickly received hundreds of comments, with plenty of people equally baffled by the act and wondering why the selfish act takes over so many people in airports.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Those two are probably the first to stand up and get their carry-on bags out of the overhead compartments as soon as the wheels touch down," one person commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You really triggered them with this one. Imagine asking people to be considerate," another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">But others didn't see an issue at all, with one person writing, "I just say 'excuse me' and reach between people to grab my bag. Most people get out of your way."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

"People need answers": Police issue statement on anniversary of Samantha Murphy's disappearance

<p>Friends and family of Samantha Murphy have gathered to mark the one year anniversary of her disappearance. </p> <p>The 51-year old mother from Ballarat was last seen on February 4th 2024 when she left her home at 7am to go for a run. </p> <p>When she failed to return home for an event, an investigation into her disappearance was launched.</p> <p>One month after her disappearance, a now 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with one count of murder.</p> <p>Ballarat man Patrick Orren Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder over the disappearance of Murphy, electing to fast-track his trial.</p> <p>"I think people need answers," Councillor Samantha McIntosh told <em>9News</em>. "The family need answers. Sam's friends need answers."</p> <p>On Monday, detectives reaffirmed their vow to find Murphy's body following a year of exhaustive searches.</p> <p>Police said the investigation into the location of Murphy's body is still ongoing, with Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan saying the search this year will now widen to the Ballarat area, including new areas tipped off from sources.</p> <p>"Since Samantha's disappearance, police have worked tirelessly to locate her. While nothing can erase their grief and loss, being able to return Samantha to her family has always been incredibly important to us," Detective Dunstan said.</p> <p>"We also know that Samantha's death has had an enormous impact on the Ballarat community, as well as the wider Victorian community."</p> <p>"I want to reaffirm to the community that the Missing Persons Squad remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Samantha – while a year has passed, we still believe we can locate her."</p> <p>"We also ask people who may be using these areas, particularly in the Enfield State Forest, to be aware of their surroundings and if they believe they may have come across Samantha's remains to contact police immediately," he added.</p> <p>"There is nothing we want more than to return Samantha to her family and we remain committed to doing this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

Legal

Social media star Pesto the penguin celebrates first birthday

<p>Social media star Pesto the penguin, who has earned an army of online followers for his big and fluffy appearance, is turning one.</p> <p>The King Penguin, who calls the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium home, has celebrated his birthday with a slimmed down look, worlds away from the 23.5 kilogram big boy who went viral in 2024.</p> <p>"It's kind of crazy how fast this year has gone, it feels like only yesterday that he hatched out of his little egg," Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne's Catherine Bushell told <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>"He only weighed around 200 grams, then went up to 23.5 kilograms at his heaviest and now back down to around 16 kilograms."</p> <p>Pesto's special day will be celebrated on Friday, which also happens to be Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne's 25th anniversary.</p> <p>"It's going to be a pretty big day, lots of celebration going on both in and out of the exhibit. Pesto has got a jelly cake today and lots of fun enrichment for he and the rest of his colony to enjoy," she said.</p> <p>"There's also lots of fun for the people, our first 1000 guests today will all get a free cupcake, but the party's going on all weekend, we've got a DJ and all sorts of celebrations happening tomorrow as well, so it will certainly be a party fit for a king."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

Few Australians know the second verse of our national anthem – or how out of date it is

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p>There are two verses to Advance Australia Fair, but do you know the second? Probably not.</p> <p>It’s in our citizenship booklet, <a href="https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/our-common-bond">Our Common Bond</a>, suggesting Aussies know it and new citizens could be questioned on it in their citizenship test.</p> <p>Yet <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-anthem/australian-national-anthem-use-and-protocol">official protocol</a> makes singing it optional. And who’ll choose to sing both verses when thousands of sporting fans just want the game to start?</p> <p>There are living generations who never properly learnt Advance Australia Fair. Before 1984, <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-years-on-advance-australia-fair-no-longer-reflects-the-values-of-many-what-could-replace-it-226737">most school students</a> sang God Save the Queen. Schools today teach verse one, but whether we learn verse two is haphazard.</p> <p>If school students sing along to a pre-recorded accompaniment with two verses, we’ll learn verse two. If we sing along with a squeaking school beginner band, one verse is probably all we’ll endure.</p> <p>I suspect if we knew the second verse our common bond would be arguing about it. Australians <a href="https://theconversation.com/outrage-over-schoolgirl-refusing-to-stand-for-anthem-shows-rise-of-aggressive-nationalism-103160">acted passionately</a> when debating one word in verse one, yet verse two barely raises an eyebrow. It’s the controversy we need to have (after we’ve googled the lyrics).</p> <h2>The birth of our second verse</h2> <p>The problem with verse two comes from its origins. It wasn’t in Peter Dodds McCormick’s original 1878 composition. His <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62087415">second verse</a> championed gallant Cook sailing with British courage to raise old England’s flag, proving “Britannia rules the waves”. His third and fourth verses weren’t any more appropriate.</p> <p>So, before Advance Australia Fair became our anthem in 1984, the National Australia Day Council made shrewd edits.</p> <p>Instead of using verse two from McCormick’s original version, they turned to <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-165919018/view?partId=nla.obj-165919026">another version of Advance Australia Fair</a> written for federation in 1901.</p> <p>The federation version introduced a new commemorative verse, the only other verse the council kept:</p> <blockquote> <p>Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands </p> <p>To make our youthful Commonwealth renowned of all the lands </p> <p>For loyal sons beyond the seas we’ve boundless plains to share </p> <p>With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair.</p> </blockquote> <p>Next, the council fixed the gendered language in the federation verse. “Loyal sons” became “those who’ve come”. They deleted “youthful” with an uncanny premonition that age would become sensitive.</p> <p>(For verse one, Australians resolved the debate ingeniously in 2021 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/31/we-are-one-and-free-australian-anthem-to-change-in-attempt-to-recognise-indigenous-history">by replacing</a> “young and free” with “one and free”.)</p> <p>But that’s all the council changed in verse two. They endorsed the rest.</p> <h2>What’s wrong with verse two?</h2> <p>The federation verse, understandably, celebrated the politics of 1901.</p> <p>The lyrics begin mildly but repetitively, “Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands”. I’m not sure why we’re toiling in both verses. Perhaps Aussies have an exceptional work ethic.</p> <p>In the next line, the word “commonwealth” was included to mark federation. The forming of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 marked a transition from six British colonies (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland) into one nation.</p> <p>On one hand, it celebrates unity and cooperation between colonies. But by singing the intended meaning of the verse, that the nation began when the colonies united, we disrespect the knowledge Australia already was many nations of First Peoples.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Illustration: White Australia - the great national policy song" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The federation verse says Australia has ‘boundless plains to share’ – but many were excluded from this vision of Australia.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Australia_-_the_great_national_policy_song_.webp">Wikimedia Commons</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>The second questionable lyric in verse two is “for those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share”.</p> <p>In 1901, Australia’s idea of sharing land was specific. We recruited enthusiastically for more British immigration, yet rejected migrants who weren’t white.</p> <p><a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/immigration-and-citizenship/immigration-restriction-act-1901">The Immigration Restriction Act 1901</a>, one of our parliament’s first laws, allowed immigration officers to set near impossible dictation tests in any European language. In effect, this meant anyone could be excluded from immigrating by what would be known as the White Australia Policy.</p> <p>Australia’s 21st century approach to sharing with foreigners also draws media attention. The breach of human rights at <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-un-says-australia-violated-human-rights-law-but-its-unlikely-to-change-the-way-we-treat-refugees-247096">detention centres</a> and the limiting of <a href="https://theconversation.com/international-student-numbers-in-australia-will-be-controlled-by-a-new-informal-cap-heres-how-it-will-work-246318">international student visas</a> to stem migration suggest we have “bounds” after all.</p> <h2>The way forward</h2> <p>If the federation verse is theoretically testable for new citizens, then we should check if the values of 1901 and 2025 still match. Without checking, Australia is stagnating, not advancing.</p> <p>The way forward is in the last line of verse two: “With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair”.</p> <p>In 1901, that was a plea for spirit and cooperation between colonies when forming a national parliament.</p> <p>Yet, there’s a timeless truth in those words. By debating our anthem courageously, we can be united by challenge, enriched by diversity and ingenious at rewriting lyrics.<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/246678/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285"><em>Wendy Hargreaves</em></a><em>, Senior Learning Advisor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Izhar KHAN/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p><em>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/few-australians-know-the-second-verse-of-our-national-anthem-or-how-out-of-date-it-is-246678">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Music

Despite decades of beach safety ads, at least 55 people have drowned in Australia this summer. It’s time to change tack

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Australia is considered a nation of beach lovers. But with all this water surrounding us, drownings remain tragically common. At least <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/summer-drowning-toll">55 people have drowned</a> in waterways in Australia so far this summer, most of whom drowned at the beach. And the season’s not over.</p> <p>Every drowning is a tragedy, and Australia is nowhere near the federal-government supported <a href="https://www.watersafety.com.au/australian-water-safety-strategy/">goal of zero drownings</a>.</p> <p>Public health agencies are <a href="https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/australia-in-the-grip-of-a-disturbing-rise-in-summer-drownings/news-story/bf2b1595f36bb4b458b371b9fab4f7ed">concerned</a> about the drowning numbers. So how do we fix it? An important factor to consider is how beach safety messages are communicated.</p> <h2>Another season, another campaign</h2> <p>The peak water safety bodies in Australia, <a href="https://sls.com.au/">Surf Life Saving Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/">Royal Life Saving Society – Australia</a>, work to reduce drownings in all Australian aquatic locations, from swimming pools to rivers to beaches.</p> <p>Their public safety campaigns aim to raise awareness of drowning and risks around the water. Australians are undoubtedly safer because of the work and advocacy of these organisations – but drowning numbers remain stubbornly high.</p> <p>Surf Life Saving Australia is running a new campaign this summer – <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">Stop, Look, Stay Alive</a> – featuring Australian-born actor and filmmaker Angus Sampson.</p> <p>This campaign is one of many in recent years urging Australians to stay safe near the water. Others include:</p> <ul> <li>the “swim between the flags” message</li> <li>the “<a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-australia-launches-new-summer-safety-campaign-give-an-f-about-the-flags/">give an F about the flags</a>” campaign</li> <li>the <a href="https://sls.com.au/slsa-draws-the-line-on-rips/">“think line”</a> campaign, which urges people to “stop, look and have a plan”</li> <li>the <a href="https://www.floattosurvive.au/">“float to survive”</a> campaign, which urges people to <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f7cf9fd8c3f251339c3dfa8/t/65ea851cbcbf287ede28cdc3/1709868332878/Float+to+Survive+Report.pdf">float if they’re in trouble in the water or stuck in a rip</a></li> <li>the <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/respect-the-river">“respect the river”</a> campaign.</li> </ul> <p>But the tragic number of drownings, particularly during summer, suggests not everyone is heeding the message. In fact, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Australian researchers in 2022 found</a> no evidence to suggest beach drowning deaths in Australia have reduced over the long term. This, the researchers said:</p> <blockquote> <p>rais[es] questions regarding the effectiveness of existing strategies designed to communicate messages and information about beach safety and hazards to the public.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Changing how we communicate</h2> <p><a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">According to Surf Life Saving Australia</a> the current Angus Sampson campaign aims to be:</p> <blockquote> <p>appealing to more Aussies, in particular men who continue to swim at unpatrolled locations and take unnecessary risks.</p> </blockquote> <p>As the <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">organisation notes</a>, 86% of all drowning deaths on Australia’s coast last year were men.</p> <p>The campaign involves ads on television and online, as well as outdoor advertising. The decision to use a mix of platforms is wise.</p> <p>But the use of a TV and movie celebrity may not be effective. A <a href="https://archive.acrs.org.au/files/arsrpe/RS030057.pdf?utm">review looking at road safety campaigns</a>, for example, found limited evidence of celebrity effectiveness in improving safety outcomes.</p> <p>Could it be more effective to, for example, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/38/2/daad034/7143327">use a TikTok star</a> who is hugely popular among young males?</p> <p>Research suggests using the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/28355245.2024.2350155">right platform</a> and “<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7501494">voices that matter</a>” offer benefits when delivering safety messages. This is in part due to the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17524032.2023.2237693">emotional connection</a> people form with these social media stars, which can result in behaviour change.</p> <p>When asked for evidence to show the current public messaging campaigns are working, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) told The Conversation:</p> <blockquote> <p>SLSA is committed to preventing drowning through holistic, evidence-based approaches, combining awareness programs like Stop Look Stay Alive with lifesaving services, in-person programs, and education. This summer alone, lifesavers have performed over <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">2,500 rescues and 700,000 preventative actions</a>.</p> <p>Despite population growth, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023000961">coastal drowning has remained stable</a>. This summer, 32 coastal drownings have been reported, fewer than the <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">same period last year</a>. SLSA focuses on behaviour change through initiatives like beachpassport.org.au (with 21,000+ “passports” issued already!), and on-beach programs that have provided active community learning <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420924007040">opportunities</a>.</p> <p>It’s too early to comment on the broader effectiveness of Stop Look Stay Alive, however preliminary campaign results show positive impact and an evaluation will be conducted by <a href="https://www.beachsafetyresearch.com/">UNSW Beach Safety Research Group</a> later this year.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Rethinking ‘swim between the flags’</h2> <p>Many current beach messaging approaches, <a href="https://sls.com.au/1281-reasons-swim-flags/">including “swim between the flags”</a>, compel people to fit into what the system wants.</p> <p>But many beaches <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-beachgoers-are-told-to-always-swim-between-the-flags-but-what-if-there-arent-any-220043">don’t have flags</a>. And not everyone stops or looks for flags, signs, or even the conditions before they go into the water.</p> <p>And studies show while most domestic beachgoers know to swim between the flags, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public">many choose not to</a> because, for example, people are located closer to beaches without flags or lifeguard patrols.</p> <p>What’s more, research suggests overseas visitors to Australia do not always understand <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925753522003058">what “swim between the flags” means</a> or terms often used on common beach safety <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">signage</a> such as “shore dump” and “shore break”. One 2021 <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">study</a> found 21% of international students perceived “always swim between the flags” to mean that beachgoers who don’t or can’t swim need to stay outside the flags.</p> <p>This shows that current strategies aren’t resonating with all beach users, and there’s a need to reassess beach safety messaging.</p> <h2>Changing tack</h2> <p>Other forms of public safety messaging should also be considered when trying to reduce drowning numbers in Australia.</p> <p>For example, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hpja.785">people who have been caught in rip</a> might be encouraged to tell their stories publicly. Research into other areas of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10732748241237328">public health communication</a>, such as vaccines, suggest this can form the basis of an effective campaign.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Research also suggests</a> teaching beachgoers about coastal science can improve beach safety behaviour. For example, people can be taught about how rip currents work, using images of dye released into the water.</p> <p>Crucially, consensus is needed on which <a href="https://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(06)00231-3/abstract">key messages to prioritise</a>. Too much differing messaging <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8807320/?utm_source">may lead to message fatigue or confusion</a> about which message is most important to follow.</p> <p>Messaging on beach safety to date has surely prevented drowning. But the stubborn drowning toll highlights the need to evaluate what is not working. Clear and consistent messaging, using modern platforms and engaging influencers may help us to get to zero drownings sooner.<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/245747/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><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></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/despite-decades-of-beach-safety-ads-at-least-55-people-have-drowned-in-australia-this-summer-its-time-to-change-tack-245747">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

Why do some people’s hair and nails grow quicker than mine?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-moscova-310728">Michelle Moscova</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Throughout recorded history, our hair and nails played an important role in signifying who <a href="https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/gender-culture-and-social-constructs-in-body-focused-repetitive-behaviors">we are and our social status</a>. You could say, they separate the caveman from businessman.</p> <p>It was no surprise then that many of us found a new level of appreciation for our hairdressers and nail artists during the COVID lockdowns. Even Taylor Swift reported <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/taylor-swift-reveals-shes-cutting-hair-covid-19/story?id=74757540&t">she cut her own hair during lockdown</a>.</p> <p>So, what would happen if all this hair and nail grooming got too much for us and we decided to give it all up. Would our hair and nails just keep on growing?</p> <p>The answer is yes. The hair on our head grows, on average, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9917549/">1 centimeter per month</a>, while our fingernails grow an average of just <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11436330/">over 3 millimetres</a>.</p> <p>When left unchecked, our hair and nails can grow to impressive lengths. Aliia Nasyrova, known as the Ukrainian Rapunzel, holds the world record for the longest locks on a living woman, which measure an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TdlEIQdVwo&t=81s">impressive 257.33 cm</a>.</p> <p>When it comes to record-breaking fingernails, Diana Armstrong from the United States holds that record <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwql937j-7Q">at 1,306.58 cm</a>.</p> <p>Most of us, however, get regular haircuts and trim our nails – some with greater frequency than others. So why do some people’s hair and nails grow more quickly?</p> <h2>Remind me, what are they made out of?</h2> <p>Hair and nails are made mostly from keratin. Both grow from matrix cells below the skin and grow through different patterns of cell division.</p> <p>Nails grow steadily from the matrix cells, which sit under the skin at the base of the nail. These cells divide, pushing the older cells forward. As they grow, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5383514/">the new cells slide</a> along the nail bed – the flat area under the fingernail which looks pink because of its rich blood supply.</p> <p>A hair also starts growing from the matrix cells, eventually forming the visible part of the hair – the shaft. The hair shaft grows from a root that sits under the skin and is wrapped in a sac known as the hair follicle.</p> <p>This sac has a nerve supply (which is why it hurts to pull out a hair), oil-producing glands that lubricate the hair and a tiny muscle that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546248/">makes your hair stand up</a> when it’s cold.</p> <p>At the follicle’s base is the hair bulb, which contains the all-important hair papilla that supplies blood to the follicle.</p> <p>Matrix cells near the papilla divide to produce new hair cells, which then harden and form the hair shaft. As the new hair cells are made, the hair is pushed up above the skin <a href="https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(15)41553-2/fulltext">and the hair grows</a>.</p> <p>But the papilla also plays an integral part in regulating hair growth cycles, as it sends signals to the stem cells to move to the base of the follicle and form a hair matrix. Matrix cells then get signals to divide and start a new growth phase.</p> <h2>Unlike nails, our hair grows in cycles</h2> <p>Scientists have identified <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9917549/">four phases of hair growth</a>, the:</p> <ol> <li> <p>anagen or growth phase, which lasts between two and eight years</p> </li> <li> <p>catagen or transition phase, when growth slows down, lasting around two weeks</p> </li> <li> <p>telogen or resting phase, when there is no growth at all. This usually lasts two to three months</p> </li> <li> <p>exogen or shedding phase, when the hair falls out and is replaced by the new hair growing from the same follicle. This starts the process all over again.</p> </li> </ol> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/637402/original/file-20241210-15-gtv259.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/637402/original/file-20241210-15-gtv259.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=308&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/637402/original/file-20241210-15-gtv259.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=308&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/637402/original/file-20241210-15-gtv259.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=308&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/637402/original/file-20241210-15-gtv259.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/637402/original/file-20241210-15-gtv259.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/637402/original/file-20241210-15-gtv259.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Stages of hair growth graphic" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Hair follicles enter these phases at different times so we’re not left bald.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/stages-hair-growth-cycle-vector-isolated-2433656865">Mosterpiece/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Each follicle goes through this cycle <a href="https://www.longdom.org/open-access/a-note-on-the-human-hair-follicle-from-the-origin-to-the-death-93871.html?t">10–30 times in its lifespan</a>.</p> <p>If all of our hair follicles grew at the same rate and entered the same phases simultaneously, there would be times when we would all be bald. That doesn’t usually happen: at any given time, only one in ten hairs is in the resting phase.</p> <p>While we lose about <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9917549/">100–150 hairs daily</a>, the average person has <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9917549/">100,000 hairs</a> on their head, so we barely notice this natural shedding.</p> <h2>So what affects the speed of growth?</h2> <p>Genetics is the most significant factor. While hair growth rates vary between individuals, they tend to be <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4201279/">consistent among family members</a>.</p> <p>Nails are also influenced by genetics, as siblings, especially identical twins, tend to have <a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-26594-0_121-1">similar nail growth rates</a>.</p> <p>But there are also other influences.</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9917549/">Age makes a difference</a> to hair and <a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-26594-0_121-1">nail</a> growth, even in healthy people. Younger people generally have faster growth rates because of the slowing metabolism and cell division that comes with ageing.</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7432488/">Hormonal changes</a> can have an impact. Pregnancy often <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7432488/">accelerates</a> hair and nail growth rates, while menopause and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7432488/">slow growth rates</a>.</p> <p>Nutrition also changes <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380979/">hair</a> and <a href="https://ijdvl.com/nails-in-nutritional-deficiencies/?t">nail</a> strength and growth rate. While hair and nails are made mostly of keratin, they also contain water, fats and various minerals. As hair and nails keep growing, these minerals need to be replaced.</p> <p>That’s why a balanced diet that includes sufficient nutrients to support your hair and nails is essential for maintaining their health.</p> <p>Nutrient deficiencies may contribute to hair loss and nail breakage by disrupting their growth cycle or weakening their structure. Iron and zinc deficiencies, for example, have both been linked to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380979/">hair loss</a> and <a href="https://ijdvl.com/nails-in-nutritional-deficiencies/?t">brittle nails</a>.</p> <p>This may explain why thick hair and strong, well-groomed nails have long been associated with perception of good health and high status.</p> <p>However, not all perceptions are true.</p> <h2>No, hair and nails don’t grow after death</h2> <p>A persistent myth that may relate to <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/vampire">the legends of vampires</a> is that hair and nails continue to grow after we die.</p> <p>In reality, they only <em>appear</em> to do so. As the body dehydrates after death, the skin shrinks, making hair and nails <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2151163/">seem longer</a>.</p> <p>Morticians are well aware of this phenomenon and some <a href="https://www.adomonline.com/mortuary-man-reveals-how-he-handles-nails-of-the-dead/?t">inject tissue filler</a> into the deceased’s fingertips to minimise this effect.</p> <p>So, it seems that living or dead, there is no escape from the never-ending task of caring for our hair and nails.<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/241556/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-moscova-310728">Michelle Moscova</a>, Adjunct Associate Professor, Anatomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/why-do-some-peoples-hair-and-nails-grow-quicker-than-mine-241556">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Even calm people can fly into a rage behind the wheel. Here’s how to curb your road rage – before it’s too late

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>If someone bumps into us on the footpath or in the mall, we’re generally quite forgiving. We instinctively apologise or step aside, and usually don’t scream at, stalk, or attack the other person.</p> <p>But put us in a car, and <a href="https://x.com/Boenau/status/1755234912540459059">something changes</a>. People who appear calm in everyday life suddenly tailgate, honk, or shout at strangers. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753524002467?casa_token=76NSmREtG8MAAAAA:yFEcndOLjARRfthZMFwOQ3UmPeqgJEwSuAvkaA51rH8fA7v8RzHDamohBhf8Ai7jb3Nrp98pz4I">Problems at work</a> or home can suddenly explode in the form of righteous anger toward other road users.</p> <p>Road rage <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457523000192">increases crash risk</a>, and victims of road rage incidents often have <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">children in the car</a> with them.</p> <p>So, why does driving <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437524000914?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">bring out the worst in us</a>? And more importantly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">what can we do about it</a>?</p> <h2>Road rage remains common</h2> <p><a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">Recent</a> <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">surveys</a> indicate road rage remains common in Australia.</p> <p>In September 2024, insurer NRMA <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">reported</a> a survey of 1,464 of its members in two states found many had witnessed road rage incidents such as:</p> <ul> <li>tailgating (71%)</li> <li>drivers beeping other drivers (67%)</li> <li>drivers gesturing angrily at other drivers (60%)</li> <li>drivers deliberately cutting in front of other vehicles (58%)</li> <li>drivers getting out of their car to confront to confront another driver (14%)</li> <li>stalking (10%)</li> <li>physical assault (4%).</li> </ul> <p>Another insurer, Budget Direct, <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html">reported</a> last year on a survey of 825 people that found about 83% had experienced shouting, cursing, or rude gestures from other people on the road (up by 18% since 2021).</p> <p>And of the female respondents, 87% reported they’d copped this kind of behaviour from other road users.</p> <p>Common triggers for driver anger include tailgating, perceived rudeness (such as not giving a “thank you” wave), and witnessing another person driving dangerously.</p> <p>Aggressive driving behaviours tend to be more common in <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.031918298391749">younger, male drivers</a>.</p> <p>Road rage is a global problem, with studies finding road rage remains common in places such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457509002012?casa_token=G4nhNdF3olAAAAAA:8tdP0GyMiwN4_n4fekvQB-EiUSLa8Q2sgbpMhfUNWh0w9YqeiWft1aPY2ZSFLngcSFZAHfMOQhA">Japan</a>, the <a href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/07/nearly-80-percent-of-drivers-express-significant-anger-aggression-or-road-rage/">US</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847805000884">New Zealand</a> and the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847898000096">UK</a>, but the degree varies significantly from country to country.</p> <h2>Who is more likely to fly into a rage on the road?</h2> <p>Some of us are more likely than others to fly into a rage while driving. One way researchers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722">measure</a> this is via a testing tool known as the <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/rokada/psyctest/driving.pdf">Driving Anger Scale</a>.</p> <p>Data from many studies using this test show drivers who are more prone to anger in general are <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/publications/driving-anger-as-a-psychological-construct-twenty-years-of-resear">more likely to turn that anger into aggression</a>. They get annoyed by more things, are quicker to act on their feelings, take more risks, and as a result, are more likely to be involved in anger-related crashes.</p> <p>Research suggests that while female drivers experience anger just as much as male drivers, they are less likely to act on it in a <a href="https://www.turkpsikiyatri.com/PDF/C18S3/en/angerExpression.pdf">negative way</a>.</p> <p>Female drivers tend to feel more intense anger in certain situations, such as when <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722#f0010">faced with hostile gestures or traffic obstructions</a>, compared to their male counterparts.</p> <h2>What can I do to reduce my road rage?</h2> <p>In a car, we’re physically separated from others, which creates a sense of distance and anonymity – two factors that lower our usual social filters. Encounters feel fleeting.</p> <p>There’s a good chance you won’t be held accountable for what you or say or do, compared to if you were outside the car. And yet, we perceive the stakes as high because mistakes or bad decisions on the road can have serious consequences.</p> <p>This mix of isolation, stress, and the illusion of being in a bubble is a perfect recipe for heightened frustration and anger.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">Research</a> suggests techniques drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy may help.</p> <p>These include learning to identify when you are starting to feel angry, trying to find alternative explanations for other people’s behaviour, using mindfulness and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001758">relaxation</a> and trying to move away from the trigger.</p> <p>The American Automobile Association also <a href="https://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Road-Rage-Brochure.pdf">suggests</a> you can reduce road rage incidents by being a more considerate driver yourself – always use your indicator, avoid cutting others off and maintain a safe distance from other cars.</p> <p>Try to stay calm when other drivers are angry, and allow extra time in your journey to reduce stress.</p> <p>If driving anger is a frequent issue, consider seeking support or <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anger-management">anger management resources</a>.</p> <p>Avoiding — or at least being aware of — <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847821002667">anger rumination</a> can make a big difference. This happens when someone replays anger-inducing events, like being cut off in traffic, over and over in their mind. Instead of letting it go, they dwell on it, fuelling their frustration and making it harder to stay calm.</p> <p>Recognising this pattern and shifting focus — like taking a deep breath or distracting yourself — can help stop anger from escalating into aggression.</p> <p>More broadly, public awareness campaigns highlighting the link between anger and risky driving could also encourage more drivers to seek help.</p> <p>The next time you get behind the wheel, try to remember the other driver, the cyclist, or pedestrian is just another person — someone you might pass on the street without a second thought.</p> <p>We’re often good at forgiving minor missteps in non-driving contexts. Let’s try to bring that same patience and understanding to the road.<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/244402/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/even-calm-people-can-fly-into-a-rage-behind-the-wheel-heres-how-to-curb-your-road-rage-before-its-too-late-244402">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Mind

Bruce Willis makes first public appearance in three years

<p>Bruce Willis has been spotted out in public for the first time in three years for one very good reason. </p> <p>After living away from the spotlight for many years after being diagnosed with dementia, the 69-year-old stepped out to share his gratitude to the firefighters battling the LA fires. </p> <p>The actor's wife, Emma Heming Willis, took to Instagram to share a video of Willis shaking hands and chatting with firefighters before posing for a picture.</p> <p>"Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a "thank you for your service."," Emma wrote in the caption.</p> <p>"Yesterday was no different ❤️🤍💙".</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE5Iup8Pylc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE5Iup8Pylc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This is the first time the Hollywood icon has been seen in public since his family announced he has been diagnosed with the language disorder aphasia in 2022, before also being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.</p> <p>The actor stepped away from the spotlight after his dual diagnosis, with his family regularly sharing updates about his health battle on social media.</p> <p>In December, Emma shared a touching tribute to her husband on their 17th anniversary.</p> <p>"Anniversaries used to bring excitement – now, if I'm honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach," she wrote beside what appeared to be a throwback image of the couple in Turks and Caicos.</p> <p>"I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the 'why him, why us,' to feel the anger and grief. Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is… is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and it's because of him. I'd do it all over again and again in a heartbeat 💞".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

John Farnham to become a grandfather for the first time

<p>John Farnham is set to become a grandfather for the first time. </p> <p>On Thursday, the legendary singer's son James took to Instagram to announce that his partner Tessa is pregnant with a baby boy due later this year. </p> <p>The clip showed James setting alight a burn away cake with the words "coming 2025" inscribed on it. The inscription peeled away to reveal the word "Boy", confirming that the couple are having a son. </p> <p>He also shared a photo of an ultrasound of their unborn baby's hand, with the caption: "Coming 2025! Tessa, I love you so much!"</p> <p>James' celebrity friends were quick to congratulate the couple's joyous baby news. </p> <p>"Congratulations guys. Great news to kick off the year," wrote <em>Sunrise </em>weatherman Sam Mac's fiancée Rebecca James.</p> <p>"Ahhhhhhh this is the best ever! So happy for you guys," added Neighbours star Bonnie Anderson.</p> <p>"Yeah wooohooo, so happy for you both. Congratulations to the coolest parents," wrote one person. </p> <p>"Woohoo! Massive congratulations to you both! Baby Boy is very lucky to have you both as their mummy and daddy! Big love," added another. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEj0BaHzmRM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEj0BaHzmRM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James Farnham (@jimbofarnham)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>James has been in a relationship with Tessa for several years, and even attended the premiere of the <em>John Farnham: Finding the Voice</em> documentary together in Melbourne in 2023.</p> <p>The joyful news comes after a challenging period for Farnham and his family following his battle with mouth cancer. </p> <p>In August 2022, Farnham underwent surgery and treatment for mouth cancer. The following year, he was declared cancer free following multiple surgeries and eight weeks of radiation therapy. </p> <p>However, the beloved singer later shared that the life-saving surgery has left him unable to sing. </p> <p>“My facial disfigurement from the surgery means I can’t open my mouth wide enough for a strip of spaghetti, let alone to sing,” Farnham said in an excerpt from his memoir published by the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em>.</p> <p>“I can’t get the movement to make the sounds I want to make, that’s where the vibrations and my voice come from. It’s a very disconcerting thing. And trying hurts.”</p> <p>Despite the challenges, the legendary singer hopes that he will be able to perform again one day. </p> <p>“I was given a gift and to be able to get out there and affect people in some way was special, I would like to continue doing that,” he said.</p> <p>“Though I am not putting all my hopes into it, we’ll see.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

AFL star welcomes first child after devastating loss

<p>AFL star Harry Himmelberg and his wife Taylia have announced the birth of their first child. </p> <p>The couple, who tied the knot in October, announced the birth on Instagram and revealed their newborn daughter's sweet name.</p> <p>"12.12.24 Hazel Olive Himmelberg 🤍," they wrote in their joint post, underneath some sweet family pictures.</p> <p>Their post was flooded with messaged of congratulations from friends and fans, with Kellie Finlayson, the wife of Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson, writing, "Welcome to this big world you special little soul <3."</p> <p>GWS Giants, the team Himmelberg plays for, added, "Congratulations <3."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Taylia Himmelberg (@taysarris)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The baby girl's arrival comes after the pair revealed they had suffered two devastating miscarriages prior to welcoming their daughter.</p> <p>"I had two miscarriages prior, one like the month before I fell pregnant with our little girl now and our problem was definitely not getting pregnant, just trying to hold on to it," Taylia told <a title="The Herald Sun" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Fconfidential%2Fgws-giants-defender-harry-himmelberg-says-miscarriage-isnt-spoken-about-enough%2Fnews-story%2F6fc19034578dd92607965594b32c6519&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><em>The Herald Sun</em>.</a></p> <p>"It is pretty scary, the whole process, until she's born, and we get to hold her I don't think that anxiety will go away because you never know what can happen."</p> <p> </p> <p>Himmelberg added, "There is a stigma about it and the doctors said it's quite common and were really positive, which eased our mind as well."</p> <p>The new parents are believed to have first started dating back in 2020.</p> <p>They got engaged in a romantic proposal in Paris in October 2023, and tied the knot at a registry office in October.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Christmas can be challenging for people with hearing loss. Here are 7 ways you can help

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-ekberg-1534998">Katie Ekberg</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/louise-hickson-2280688">Louise Hickson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p>For many people, Christmas can be the most social time of the year. The holiday period is often filled with parties, lunches, dinners and celebrations of all kinds with family, friends and colleagues.</p> <p>For adults with hearing loss, however, these social gatherings can bring unique challenges. Communicating with others can be difficult, particularly in group conversations. And the more <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2019.1670363">background noise</a> there is (for example, Christmas music or children playing), the harder it is.</p> <p>For age-related or acquired hearing loss, hearing ability typically starts to decline from <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0107720">age 50 onwards</a>. <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/hearing-health/resources/publications/one-in-six-australians-experience-hearing-loss-poster-0?language=en">One in six Australians</a> experience some hearing loss, so it’s possible someone around your Christmas dinner table will be struggling to hear.</p> <p>Unfortunately, many adults with hearing loss suffer these challenges in silence. Our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">research</a> shows adults with hearing loss often hide their hearing loss from others, even close family members and friends, because of feeling shame due to stigma.</p> <p>But there are some things you can do to ensure a loved one with hearing loss is included this Christmas.</p> <h2>Stigma and stereotypes</h2> <p>Stigma is when someone is treated differently by others due to a particular physical or social attribute.</p> <p>Across a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">series of studies</a>, we conducted surveys and interviews with adults with hearing loss, their families and hearing care professionals to explore experiences of stigma for adults with hearing loss. Our research also included video recordings of real-life conversations between adults with hearing loss and their families and friends.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2353862">results</a> suggested people often associate hearing loss with negative stereotypes of ageing, disability, reduced intelligence, having a problem or weakness, and difference. For example, one participant with hearing loss told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>Once they are aware that you can’t really comprehend or hear what they’re saying, they treat you different. And it’s not always positive, it’s quite often negative […] Even people who are familiar with you, my twin brother, he thinks that there’s something wrong with me because I can’t hear him properly.</p> </blockquote> <p>Old age was the most common stereotype associated with hearing loss. For example, one adult with hearing loss commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>I guess it’s just a sign of ageing. Like wearing glasses and grey hair.</p> </blockquote> <p>But as hearing can start declining from middle age, many adults experiencing hearing difficulties do not fit this stereotype.</p> <p>We see this stereotype appear in popular media as well. For example, in the TV show Bluey, the character Bingo dresses up as a “<a href="https://www.bluey.tv/characters/granny-rita/">Can’t-Hear-Anything granny</a>” in a number of episodes.</p> <p>In <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2418970">our research</a>, people with hearing loss reported feeling embarrassment, shame, frustration, sadness and fatigue from trying to manage their hearing difficulties during everyday conversations.</p> <p>In the results of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">a survey</a> currently under peer review, almost two-thirds felt other people laughed about or treated their hearing loss as a joke, often making them feel uncomfortable.</p> <p>An example <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2389189">of this teasing</a> can be seen in a real-life conversation we recorded with a grandfather with hearing loss and his extended family while having afternoon tea.</p> <p>After the older man has ongoing trouble hearing his granddaughters, his wife teases him with the question “You got your hearing aids in Grandpa?”, which receives laughter from his son and granddaughters.</p> <p>While this sort of teasing might seem light-hearted, it can cause someone with hearing loss to feel embarrassed when they have trouble hearing.</p> <p>A key finding from <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2406885">our interview research</a> was that adults with hearing loss respond to experiences of stigma by not telling others about their hearing loss.</p> <p>Similarly, in an international <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">survey of 331 adults</a> with hearing loss, the results of which are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, one in four had not told anyone about their hearing loss. Others only told certain people in specific circumstances.</p> <p>There might, therefore, be family and friends at your Christmas gatherings facing the challenges of hearing loss without anyone knowing.</p> <h2>Supporting loved ones with hearing loss this Christmas</h2> <p>For adults with hearing loss, experiences of stigma can cause them to start to withdraw from social situations, participate less in conversations, and become more <a href="https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/abstract/2013/02000/social_isolation_and_loneliness__relationships.9.aspx">socially isolated and lonely</a>.</p> <p>But a greater awareness about hearing loss and inclusive communication can help tackle the stigma. Here are some simple ways you can be more inclusive of people with hearing loss this festive season:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Think about the location of your event – how noisy is it? When possible, choose restaurants and social settings that are quieter. Outdoor settings will generally be less noisy than indoor ones (apps such as <a href="https://theambientmenu.com.au/">The Ambient Menu</a> can help you choose).</p> </li> <li> <p>Turn down background noise if you can (for example, TV, radio, music).</p> </li> <li> <p>Speak face-to-face as much as possible. This allows for lip-reading so that people are not just reliant on their hearing. If you know someone has difficulty hearing, move closer to them and talk clearly and slightly more slowly.</p> </li> <li> <p>Arrange seating in a way that allows everyone to face each other. Round tables are best.</p> </li> <li> <p>Give people the opportunity to choose where they are seated around a table or in a restaurant. Adults with hearing loss may position themselves in the middle of a table or next to specific people they need to hear.</p> </li> <li> <p>If you are at an event with speeches, use a microphone when possible.</p> </li> <li> <p>If you notice a person not joining in the conversation you could ask them if they can hear OK and, if not, what you can do to help.<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/245943/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> </li> </ol> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-ekberg-1534998">Katie Ekberg</a>, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/louise-hickson-2280688">Louise Hickson</a>, Professor of Audiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/christmas-can-be-challenging-for-people-with-hearing-loss-here-are-7-ways-you-can-help-245943">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Christmas can be challenging for people with hearing loss. Here are 7 ways you can help

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