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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.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></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

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Top 10 must-do activities around the world in 2025

<p>Global travel brand <em>Time Out</em> has revealed their annual list of the best activities around the world. </p> <p>From a canoe trip in Australia to wildlife encounters in Singapore, here are the top 10 must-do activities and experiences around the world. </p> <p><strong>10. Take a micro cruise through the Arctic. </strong></p> <p>This year, Micro-cruise specialist Secret Atlas will be taking 12 passengers at a time through the Arctic, for a more "intimate, once-in-a-lifetime, eco-conscious trip". </p> <p>The cruise will take guests on a wildlife-spotting journey through Svalbard's lesser-known northern reaches, while the other cruise will sail past the icebergs in Northeast Greenland, including a visit to one of the most remote towns on earth. </p> <p>These trips, however, aren't cheap with prices starting at £15,500 (around AUD $30,500) for two weeks.</p> <p><strong>9. Explore the cross-border towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia</strong></p> <p>These three towns make up 2025's European Capital of Culture, with over 400 events to be held throughout the year, including a piano performance on a 200m-high bridge, as well as a food and wine event called Tastes Without Borders.</p> <p><strong>8. Go on a wildlife-spotting adventure in Singapore's new Rainforest Park </strong></p> <p>The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is opening its fifth zoological park, Rainforest Wild Asia, this year, with 10 different zones, as well as 29 different species of animals, perfect for a family outing. </p> <p><strong>7. Discover Vietnam by a vintage steam train</strong></p> <p>Time Out explained that two of the "beautifully restored vintage trains" date all the way back to the 60s, and will take passengers between "the central city of Da Nang and the former royal capital of Hue."</p> <p><strong>6. Visit the Musée Granet celebrating the father of post-impressionism</strong></p> <p>Aix-en-Provence in France is celebrating the life of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown, with the exhibition displaying almost 100 of Cèzanne’s works, as well as tours around the artist’s childhood home, former estate and art studio. </p> <p><strong>5. Visit the long-awaited Harlem's Studio Museum, New York</strong></p> <p>The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, was first opened 56 years ago, with an archive of almost 9,000 pieces from all kinds of creators. It was closed for construction almost seven years ago and will finally re-open in autumn. </p> <p><strong>4. Fly directly to Greenland </strong></p> <p>The grand opening of their brand-new international airport will make this stunning location <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">more accessible</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> for travellers wanting to view the Northern Lights and all of the territory's natural wonders. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">3. Visit the world's first museum telling stories of migration though art</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The Fenix museum in </span>Katendrecht, Rotterdam will open on May 16 and is the first museum telling stories of migration through art. </p> <p><strong>2. Walk, ride or cycle along Murray River, Australia</strong></p> <p>"The Murray River is the crowning jewel of Australia’s Echuca region," said <em>Time Out’s</em> Saffron Swire. </p> <p>With the opening of a new multisport adventure trail this year, cyclists, hikers and paddlers alike will get to enjoy the river in a new way. </p> <p><strong>1. Join a once-every-quarter-century spiritual celebration in Rome, Italy</strong></p> <p>Italy's capital will celebrate its spiritual Jubilee this year, a Catholic festivity that's held every 25 years, with Italy expert Rebecca Ann Hughes recommending the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, "which began in the 16th century and involves a 25km walk through the city and countryside between the major basilicas." </p> <p>Check out the full list <a href="http://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Do natural fabrics really keep us cooler in summer? Here’s the science

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nisa-salim-1442233">Nisa Salim</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Australia is facing one of the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-12/australia-facing-one-of-hottest-summers-on-record-bom/104464014">hottest summers on record</a>. As the weather warms, many of us reach for light-coloured clothes in natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen.</p> <p>But why are natural fabrics like these so much better at keeping us cool when the weather is hot?</p> <p>Here’s what the science says.</p> <h2>Natural fabrics and sweat: a match made in heaven</h2> <p>In hot weather, we sweat. As sweat evaporates, it carries heat away, which helps cool the body down.</p> <p>In hot weather, then, we want clothes that help take moisture away from the body as efficiently as possible.</p> <p>Natural fabrics are made using fibres extracted from plant- or animal-based sources such as cotton, linen, hemp, wool and silk.</p> <p>The primary component of all plant-based fibres is cellulose. Animal-based fibres are made up of proteins such as keratin and silk fibroin.</p> <p>Cellulose molecules are rich in compounds called hydroxyl groups that attract water and moisture. In scientific terms, they are hydrophilic – they love water.</p> <p>So, clothing made of cotton and linen is highly hydrophilic. It tends to absorb moisture and disperse it across the fabric, allowing it to evaporate more easily.</p> <p>This takes the sweat away quickly, making it more comfortable and breathable and allowing us to stay cool in sweltering temperatures.</p> <p>One downside of the natural fabrics is they wrinkle quickly (some people, of course, like that look).</p> <p>And on a really hot, sweaty day, natural fabrics can get heavy and wet.</p> <p>Animal fibres are basically proteins, and their properties vary depending on the source.</p> <p>Wool has been bio-engineered over millions of years to be comfortable to wear. Wool fibres are hydrophilic on the inside and hydrophobic on the outside, meaning they’re both water resistant and good at wicking moisture away.</p> <p>On the other hand, silk fabrics are very good at helping regulate temperature; they keep us cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.</p> <h2>Synthetic fabrics: less wrinkly, more sweaty</h2> <p>Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, are lighter and tend to wrinkle less.</p> <p>Common synthetic fabrics (such as polyester, nylon and acrylic) are all made from petroleum-based chemicals.</p> <p>Most synthetic fibres are made of long chains of hydrogen and carbon atoms and do not contain the hydroxyl groups we discussed earlier.</p> <p>Such fibres are therefore hydrophobic – they hate water. This means the water can’t spread evenly across the fabric and evaporate easily.</p> <p>They trap sweat against the skin, making the clothes less breathable and comfortable when the weather is warm and humid.</p> <p>However, some synthetic fabrics used in certain types of active wear can wick sweat away from body.</p> <p>And some semi-synthetic fabrics such as rayon or tencel (which are made from wood pulp or cotton with synthetic fibres) are more breathable than other synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon.</p> <h2>Fabric weave makes a difference, too</h2> <p>The colour of the clothing is also a contributing factor to keep you cool during summer. Light colours reflect sunlight away from you and help to keep the body cooler.</p> <p>There is some evidence dark colours absorb the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X23012054">sunlight and associated heat</a>, making the surface of the skin warmer than normal.</p> <p>Another factor affecting breathability and comfort of clothing is the way the fabrics are woven.</p> <p>Fabrics that are loosely woven (sometimes known as “open weave”) with thinner materials naturally have more airflow, which helps you keep cool.</p> <p>For a quick, non-scientific test, hold a fabric up and see how much light passes through it. The more light you can see, the more breathable it likely is.</p> <p>The way the fabric is treated can play a role, too; such as for softening and wrinkle resistance.</p> <p>Using a fabric softener when you do a load of laundry usually doesn’t affect fabric breathability; softeners modify the surface of the fabric but don’t change the internal structure or porous nature of the fabrics.</p> <p>Wrinkle resistance is the ability of the fabric to stay smooth and polished even after washing. Synthetic fabrics are inherently wrinkle resistant. Natural fibres are more prone to wrinkles but can be chemically treated on the fabric surface during manufacturing to make them wrinkle resistant.</p> <p>Such treatments, however, may form layers on top of the fabric blocking the airflow, leading them to be less breathable.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/240909/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nisa-salim-1442233">Nisa Salim</a>, Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</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/do-natural-fabrics-really-keep-us-cooler-in-summer-heres-the-science-240909">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Beauty & Style

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Booking a summer holiday deal? Beware ‘drip pricing’ and other tactics to make you pay more than you planned

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jeannie-marie-paterson-6367">Jeannie Marie Paterson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>Have you ever spotted what looked like a great deal on a website, added it to your “basket” and proceeded to checkout – only to find extra fees added on at the last minute?</p> <p>It’s frustratingly common when making airline, hotel and many other kinds of bookings to see an advertised price get ratcheted up at checkout with additional fees – perhaps “shipping insurance”, “resort fees” or just “taxes”.</p> <p>The practice is known as “<a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/pricing/price-displays">drip pricing</a>” and it can <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WH-Junk-Fees-Guide-for-States.pdf">distort</a> consumer decision-making and affect competition. Nonetheless, there is no specific ban on this conduct in Australia.</p> <p>Some companies have, however, effectively been prosecuted for it under the Australian Consumer Law, which contains some strict rules about misleading consumers through advertising.</p> <p>Many of us have already begun booking flights, hotels and more as we head into the summer holiday season. Here’s what the law says about companies changing prices in the lead-up to checkout, and how you can protect yourself as a consumer.</p> <h2>What’s wrong with drip pricing?</h2> <p>The tactic that underpins drip pricing is to draw a customer in with an attractive “headline” price but then add in other fees as the customer approaches the checkout.</p> <p>It’s reasonable to ask whether there’s anything wrong with this practice: after all, the customer still sees the final price at checkout. Why might that be seen as misleading conduct under Australian Consumer Law?</p> <p>The reasons lie in views about consumer buying behaviour and the nature of the statutory prohibition.</p> <p>Typically, the closer a consumer gets to a sale, the less likely they are to pull out or even fully notice any additional fees.</p> <p>They may then end up paying more than they intended and also have lost the opportunity to deal with other suppliers of the same product at a better price.</p> <p>In the relevant section of Australian Consumer Law, there’s no requirement of an intention to mislead. It’s also not necessarily relevant that the true pricing situation is eventually revealed to the consumer or that it’s in the “fine print”.</p> <p>Thus, in the eyes of the law, it can be enough that consumers were enticed by an attractive headline price.</p> <h2>Price surprises</h2> <p>This legal position is well illustrated by a <a href="https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA/2013/54.html">case</a> settled by the High Court in 2013, after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took on telecom provider TPG Internet in <a href="https://www.mondaq.com/australia/advertising-marketing-branding/282802/advertising-and-the-acl-fine-print-couldnt-save-tpg-internet-in-the-high-court">2010</a>, alleging misleading conduct.</p> <p>In this case, TPG had been advertising broadband internet services for $29.99 per month.</p> <p>But on reading the fine print, you’d have discovered this deal was only available with a landline service costing an additional $30 per month.</p> <p>The case moved up through Australia’s court system, but ultimately, the High Court majority held that the telco had engaged in misleading conduct.</p> <p>The High Court recognised that the very point of advertising is to draw consumers into “the marketing web”. It is therefore not enough to disclose the true (higher) price only at the point the transaction is concluded.</p> <p>TPG was fined $2 million in this case. Since then, the maximum penalties have increased, now the higher of:</p> <ul> <li>$50 million</li> <li>three times the value obtained from the contravention, or (if the benefit can not be determined)</li> <li>30% of the business’s adjusted turnover during the breach period.</li> </ul> <h2>Dynamic pricing</h2> <p>Other pricing complaints have been in the news recently, including concerns about point-of-sale dynamic pricing.</p> <p>Basically, this means using an algorithm that adjusts ticket prices in response to demand, as consumers wait in a virtual purchasing queue.</p> <p>Recent media reporting has centred on <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-14/ticketmaster-live-nation-dynamic-pricing-tickets-class-action/104469646">concerns</a> about the use of point-of-sale dynamic pricing in the events ticketing industry.</p> <p>A form of dynamic pricing is used by hotels and airlines. They increase prices seasonally and according to demand. But these “dynamic” prices are clearly visible to consumers as they start looking for a deal. Some bodies even publish helpful tables of likely prices at different times.</p> <p>The kind of dynamic pricing that happens at the very point consumers are waiting to buy is very different and arguably creates an “unfair surprise”.</p> <p>Whether these kinds of practices also fall within the category of misleading conduct remains to be seen.</p> <p>But it is arguable that consumers could reasonably expect the real-time movement of prices to be disclosed upfront.</p> <p>Earlier this year, the government announced <a href="https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-promises-to-ban-dodgy-trading-practices-234142">plans</a> to address both drip pricing and dynamic pricing as part of a broader ban on unfair trading practices.</p> <h2>What can consumers do?</h2> <p>While all this law reform and litigation is playing out, here are some things you can do to avoid pricing shock.</p> <p><strong>1. Slow down.</strong> One of the strategies that online markets often rely on is “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/12/accc-suing-coles-woolworths-pricing-strategies-allegations">scarcity signalling</a>” – those clocks or numbers you see counting down as you move through a website.</p> <p>The very purpose of these is to make a consumer rush – which can mean failing to notice those additional fees that may make the buy not a good deal.</p> <p><strong>2. Take screen shots as you progress.</strong> Remember what it is you thought you were getting. Doing this also provides a basis for lodging a complaint if the headline and actual price don’t match up.</p> <p><strong>3. Check.</strong> Take a close look at the final bill before pressing pay.</p> <p><strong>4. Report.</strong> Tell your local Fair Trading Office or the ACCC if the advertised deal and the final price don’t meet up.</p> <p>A recent action taken by the ACCC against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/23/accc-suing-coles-woolworths-discounts-misleading">Woolworths and Coles</a> alleging “illusory” discounts was launched because of consumer tip-offs.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/244825/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jeannie-marie-paterson-6367">Jeannie Marie Paterson</a>, Professor of Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</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/booking-a-summer-holiday-deal-beware-drip-pricing-and-other-tactics-to-make-you-pay-more-than-you-planned-244825">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Trouble

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Exciting summer holiday destinations just a taxi ride away

<p>With <a href="https://silverservice.com.au/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taxi services</a> from trusted companies like <a href="https://silverservice.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silver Service</a> making local travel simple, you can skip the stress of long drives and focus on having a good time. Here are some exciting places to visit close to home this season.</p> <h2>Royal Botanic Garden</h2> <p>If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend a summer day, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has something for everyone. Families will enjoy wandering through the Palace Rose Garden, while plant enthusiasts can check out exhibitions like <em>Alchemy of a Rainforest</em>, which showcases rare tropical and subtropical plants. With stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, it’s also a must-visit for photographers and those after a peaceful scenic walk.</p> <h2>Sea World</h2> <p>For a day full of adventure, animal encounters and family fun this holiday season, visit Sea World on the Gold Coast. Here, you and your loved ones can walk through underwater tunnels, watch dolphins perform stunning tricks or get close to sea creatures in hands-on experiences. Thrill-seekers can also head to The New Atlantis precinct for the Leviathan roller coaster, the 42-metre-high Trident or the twisting, turning Vortex.</p> <h2>Federation Square</h2> <p>You’ll love Federation Square if you’re into arts and culture. Explore the Ian Potter Centre or ACMI for Australian art and screen culture, then take in the lively atmosphere of Christmas Square, complete with a giant LED Christmas tree, light shows and interactive decorations. </p> <p>For a different vibe, check out Open Air at the Square, featuring free live music, outdoor cinema and community festivals. Afterwards, grab a meal at one of the many nearby cafes or restaurants and soak up the energy that makes Melbourne so unique.</p> <h2>Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary</h2> <p>Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the perfect summer destination to connect with Australia’s unique wildlife. Capture a photo with a koala or learn about their fascinating behaviours from dedicated carers. </p> <p>Kids will also enjoy hands-on activities like holding guinea pigs and feeding friendly farm animals, while wildlife enthusiasts can marvel at the grace of raptors in flight or get to know Australia’s wild dingoes up close.</p> <h2>Queen Victoria Market</h2> <p>For a true taste of Melbourne’s vibrant culture, head to Queen Victoria Market. It’s the go-to spot for fresh produce, handcrafted goods and local treats that show off the city’s diversity. </p> <p>Grab a coffee and pastry from one of the many vendors and wander through rows of stalls packed with seasonal fruits and unique souvenirs. This summer, the market comes alive as the Summer Night Market brings global street food, refreshing drinks, live music and plenty of fun under the iconic sheds.</p> <h2>Plan your summer adventure today</h2> <p>With so many exciting destinations just a taxi ride away, you don’t need to fly or travel far to make the most of summer and the holiday break. Enjoy both without the stress of long journeys, thanks to reliable taxi services that keep travel simple and convenient.</p> <p>A simple ride with Silver Service is all you need to start your next adventure. To organise your trip, book a Silver Service taxi today.</p> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Silver Taxis</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Ant stings can be painful. Here’s how to avoid getting stung this summer (and what to do if you do)

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sam-robinson-2237268">Sam Robinson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p>With the start of summer just days away, many of us will be looking forward to long sunny days spent at the beach, by the pool, out camping or picnicking in the park.</p> <p>Insects also love summer. This is when most of them <a href="https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2016/12/experts-predict-increased-insect-activity-this-summer/">breed and feed</a>. But this shared appreciation of the season can sometimes lead to conflict.</p> <p>Insects have long been prey to many species, including birds, mammals, amphibians and other insects. As such, they’ve evolved a diverse range of defences – perhaps none more familiar to humans than the sting.</p> <p>Many ants have a sting at their rear end which they use to deliver venom. It’s not the sting itself that causes pain, but rather <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38839-1">the venom</a>. Ant venom contains a cocktail of different chemicals, some of which have evolved specifically to manipulate nerve endings in our skin to cause pain.</p> <p>Let’s look at some of the different ant stings you might experience this summer in Australia, and how to respond.</p> <h2>Bull ants</h2> <p>Bull ants (also known as bulldog ants, jumper ants, or jack jumpers) are large, for an ant. Some species can reach a length of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecia_(ant)#:%7E:text=Each%20of%20their%20eyes%20contains,mm%20(1.5%20in)%3B%20M.">4 centimetres</a>. They are easily recognisable with their large eyes, long mandibles (jaws) and aggressive nature.</p> <p>Their sting is immediate, hot, sharp, and unmistakable, not dissimilar to that of a honeybee. The intense pain will last only a few minutes, before it’s replaced by some redness and swelling around the sting site.</p> <h2>Green-head ants</h2> <p>Green-head ants are also called green ants (but not to be confused with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oecophylla_smaragdina">green tree ants</a> of northern Australia which do not sting). Green-head ants are common, and love our grass lawns.</p> <p>At around <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green-head_ant">6 millimetres long</a>, they are significantly smaller than bull ants. They can be recognised by their shiny green and purple exoskeleton.</p> <p>Green-head ants tend to be less aggressive than bull ants, but they can still deliver a meaningful sting. The pain of a green-head ant’s sting can build more gradually, and create an intense, sticky ache.</p> <h2>Fire ants</h2> <p>Fire ants (or red imported fire ants) are originally from South America. They were first detected <a href="https://www.fireants.org.au/stop/how-fire-ants-arrived-in-australia">in Brisbane in 2001</a>, thought to have hitched a ride in shipping containers, and have since spread across south-east Queensland.</p> <p>Fire ants are reddish-brown and black and range in size from <a href="https://www.fireants.org.au/look/appearance">2–6 millimetres long</a>.</p> <p>You’re most likely to encounter fire ants at their nests, which look like a pile of powdery soil. A fire ant nest doesn’t have an obvious entry, which is a good way to distinguish them from other similar ant nests.</p> <p>Disturbing a fire ant nest will awaken an angry mass of hundreds of ants and put you at risk of being stung.</p> <p>The initial pain from an individual sting is like an intense, hot itch, though manageable. But fire ant stings rarely occur in single digits. One ant can sting multiple times, and multiple ants can sting one person, which can lead to <a href="https://theconversation.com/fire-ants-are-on-the-march-heres-what-happens-when-they-sting-218908">hundreds of stings</a>. Fire ant stings can lead to pus-filled ulcers and scarring in the days afterwards.</p> <p>If you live in an area where there are fire ants, it’s worth taking a few minutes to educate yourself on how to <a href="https://www.fireants.org.au/look">recognise and report</a> them.</p> <h2>Electric ants</h2> <p><a href="https://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Wasmannia_auropunctata">Electric ants</a> are another nasty accidental import, originally from Central and South America. Currently restricted to <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/electric-ants">Cairns and surrounds</a>, these are tiny (1.5 millimetres long) yellow ants.</p> <p>Like fire ants, these ants will typically defend <em>en masse</em>, so many will sting at once. Their sting is more painful than you’d expect from such a tiny creature. I liken it to being showered in red hot sparks.</p> <p>If you think you see electric ants, you should report this to <a href="https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/invasive/restricted/electric-ant">Biosecurity Queensland</a>.</p> <h2>Aussie ants aren’t the worst</h2> <p>You might be surprised to hear Australian ants don’t even make the podium for the most painful ant stings. Among the prize winners are <a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/10878/sting-wild">harvester ants</a> (North and South America) which cause an extreme, sticky ache, likened to a drill slowly turning in your muscle – for as long as 12 hours.</p> <p>The gold medal goes to the sting of the bullet ant of South and Central America, which <a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/10878/sting-wild">has been described</a> as:</p> <blockquote> <p>Pure, intense, brilliant pain. Like walking over flaming charcoal with a 3-inch nail embedded in your heel.</p> </blockquote> <h2>How to avoid getting stung (and what to do if you do)</h2> <p>Fortunately, the solution is usually very simple. Look before you sit on the ground or lay out your picnic blanket, avoiding areas where you see ant nests or lots of foraging ants.</p> <p>Choice of footwear can also be important. In my experience, perhaps unsurprisingly, most stings occur on thong-wearing feet.</p> <p>If you do get stung, in most cases it’s going to get better on its own. Pain will usually subside after a few minutes (sometimes a little longer for a green-head ant sting). The redness, swelling and itch that typically follow can last for a few days.</p> <p>In the meantime, if needed, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings">an ice pack</a> will help with the pain. If it’s particularly bad, a local anaesthetic cream containing lidocaine may offer some temporary relief. You can get this over the counter at the pharmacy.</p> <p>A small proportion of people may have an allergic reaction to ant stings. In very severe cases this might involve <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings#anaphylaxis">trouble breathing</a> or swallowing. If you or someone you’re with experiences these symptoms after an ant sting, seek urgent medical attention.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/241582/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sam-robinson-2237268">Sam Robinson</a>, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, <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/ant-stings-can-be-painful-heres-how-to-avoid-getting-stung-this-summer-and-what-to-do-if-you-do-241582">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

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What causes the itch in mozzie bites? And why do some people get such a bad reaction?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Are you one of these people who loathes spending time outdoors at dusk as the weather warms and mosquitoes start biting?</p> <p>Female mosquitoes <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153618">need blood</a> to develop their eggs. Even though they take a tiny amount of our blood, they can leave us with itchy red lumps that can last days. And sometimes something worse.</p> <p>So why does our body react and itch after being bitten by a mosquito? And why are some people more affected than others?</p> <h2>What happens when a mosquito bites?</h2> <p>Mosquitoes are attracted to warm blooded animals, including us. They’re attracted to the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/abs/role-of-carbon-dioxide-in-hostfinding-by-mosquitoes-diptera-culicidae-a-review/2506B86EF63852B2D02EC3FCEE1E3B8B">carbon dioxide</a> we exhale, our body temperatures and, most importantly, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-08/mosquitoes-climate-change-skin/104548122">the smell of our skin</a>.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/parasitology/abstract/S1471-4922(21)00237-3">chemical cocktail</a> of odours from bacteria and sweat on our skin <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00532-8">sends out a signal</a> to hungry mosquitoes.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522">Some people’s</a> skin smells more appealing to mosquitoes, and they’re more likely to be bitten than others.</p> <p>Once the mosquito has made its way to your skin, things get a little gross.</p> <p>The mosquito pierces your skin with their “proboscis”, their feeding mouth part. But the proboscis isn’t a single, straight, needle-like tube. There are multiple tubes, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/07/480653821/watch-mosquitoes-use-6-needles-to-suck-your-blood">some designed</a> for sucking and some for spitting.</p> <p>Once their mouth parts have been inserted into your skin, the mosquito will inject some saliva. This contains a mix of chemicals that gets the blood flowing better.</p> <p>There has even been a suggestion that future medicines could be inspired by the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2018/03/29/mosquito-saliva-vital-to-the-discovery-of-future-drugs.html">anti-blood clotting properties</a> of mosquito saliva.</p> <p>It’s not the stabbing of our skin by the mosquito’s mouth parts that hurts, it’s the mozzie spit our bodies don’t like.</p> <h2>Are some people allergic to mosquito spit?</h2> <p>Once a mosquito has injected their saliva into our skin, a variety of reactions can follow. For the lucky few, nothing much happens at all.</p> <p>For most people, and irrespective of the type of mosquito biting, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024559/full">there is some kind of reaction</a>. Typically there is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161589023002304?via%3Dihub">redness and swelling of the skin</a> that appears within a few hours, but often more quickly, after just a few minutes.</p> <p>Occasionally, the reaction can cause pain or discomfort. Then comes the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2023-01-20/mosquito-bites-itchy-calamine-heat-ice-antihistamine-toothpaste/101652608">itchiness</a>.</p> <p>Some people do suffer severe reactions to mosquito bites. It’s a condition often referred to as “<a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-is-skeeter-syndrome">skeeter syndrome</a>” and is an allergic reaction caused by the protein in the mosquito’s saliva. This can cause large areas of swelling, blistering and fever.</p> <p>The chemistry of mosquito spit hasn’t really been well studied. But it has been shown that, for those who do suffer allergic reactions to their bites, the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091674904022183">reactions may differ</a> depending on the type of mosquito biting.</p> <p>We all probably get more tolerant of mosquito bites as we get older. Young children are certainly more likely to suffer more following mosquito bites. But as we get older, the reactions are less severe and may pass quickly without too much notice.</p> <h2>How best to treat the bites?</h2> <p>Research into treating bites <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0161589023002304">has yet to provide</a> a single easy solution.</p> <p>There are many <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/home-remedies-for-mosquito-bites">myths and home remedies</a> about what works. But there is little scientific evidence supporting their use.</p> <p>The best way to treat mosquito bites is by applying a cold pack to reduce swelling and to keep the skin clean to avoid any secondary infections. Antiseptic creams and lotions may also help.</p> <p>There is some evidence that <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10309056/">heat may alleviate</a> some of the discomfort.</p> <p>It’s particularly tough to keep young children from scratching at the bite and breaking the skin. This can form a nasty scab that may end up being worse than the bite itself.</p> <p>Applying an anti-itch cream may help. If the reactions are severe, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings">antihistamine medications</a> may be required.</p> <h2>To save the scratching, stop the bites</h2> <p>Of course, it’s better not to be bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. Topical <a href="https://theconversation.com/insect-repellents-work-but-there-are-other-ways-to-beat-mosquitoes-without-getting-sticky-171805">insect repellents</a> are a safe, effective and affordable way to reduce mosquito bites.</p> <p>Covering up with loose fitted long sleeved shirts, long pants and covered shoes also provides a physical barrier.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/are-mosquito-coils-good-or-bad-for-our-health-88548">Mosquito coils and other devices</a> can also assist, but should not be entirely relied on to stop bites.</p> <p>There’s another important reason to avoid mosquito bites: millions of people around the world suffer from mosquito-borne diseases. More than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria">half a million people die</a> from malaria each year.</p> <p>In Australia, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1005070">Ross River virus</a> infects more than 5,000 people every year. And in recent years, there have been cases of serious illnesses caused by <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/how-rains-pigs-and-waterbirds-fueled-shocking-disease-outbreak-australia">Japanese encephalitis</a> and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256149/full">Murray Valley encephalitis</a> viruses.<!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of 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/what-causes-the-itch-in-mozzie-bites-and-why-do-some-people-get-such-a-bad-reaction-243044">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

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A glow for every tone: The inclusive summer moisturiser you need

<p dir="ltr">If you’re looking for naturally glowing skin this summer look no further than <a href="https://www.jergens.com/en-au/products/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jergens’</a> new Melanin Glow illuminating moisturiser. </p> <p dir="ltr">This is the perfect addition to your skincare routine as it delivers a beautiful, natural glow that is suitable for all skin tones and is impressively long-lasting, even through sweat and a full day out.</p> <p dir="ltr">The standout feature of the <a href="https://www.jergens.com/en-au/products/melanin-glow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Melanin Glow range</a> is its unique formulation tailored specifically for women of colour and those with more melanated skin tones.</p> <p dir="ltr">With two radiant options—bronze or gold—this moisturiser offers extra shine for any season or occasion. It's also deeply hydrating, thanks to a blend of shea and cocoa butter, along with coconut oil, leaving skin supple and refreshed.</p> <p dir="ltr">The moisturiser helps even out skin tone and provides an extra glow without needing to tan.  </p> <p dir="ltr">Designed to even out skin tone and add a healthy glow without tanning, the moisturiser works best when applied straight out of the shower. The glycerin in the lotion helps lock in moisture, keeping skin hydrated for longer.</p> <p dir="ltr">For those concerned about a sticky-residue that often comes with moisturising lotions, the Melanin Glow Illuminating Moisturiser is exceptionally light on the skin and leaves behind a dessert-like scent. </p> <p dir="ltr">While the gold option may appear bright on warmer skin tones, it adds a fun, luminous touch for a night out. The bronze version, ideal for darker skin tones, creates a more natural look suitable for daily use, and despite its name, complements lighter skin tones as well with its subtle, non-tinted finish.</p> <p dir="ltr">Packaged in a 207ml bottle and priced at an affordable $15.99, this moisturiser offers excellent value for achieving radiant, long-lasting skin.</p> <p dir="ltr">It’s available nationwide at Priceline or on their<a href="https://www.jergens.com/en-au/products/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> website</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr"> </p>

Beauty & Style

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Don’t like drinking plain water? 10 healthy ideas for staying hydrated this summer

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p>Have you heard the saying “water is life?” Well, it’s true.</p> <p>Water is an <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/water/">essential nutrient</a>. Our body cannot produce sufficient water to live, so we need to consume water through food and fluids to survive.</p> <p>Maintaining hydration is one of the most fundamental components of good health. But lots of people don’t like drinking plain water much. The good news is there are many other healthy ways to help you stay hydrated.</p> <h2>Why hydration is important</h2> <p>Water is vital for many aspects of body functioning. About half our blood is “blood plasma”, which is over 90% water. Blood plasma is essential for carrying energy, nutrients and oxygen to the cells in the body that need it most. Water helps to remove waste products via the kidneys. It also helps keep joints lubricated, the digestive system functioning, the body’s temperature controlled and skin plump and strong.</p> <p>If you don’t consume enough water, you may experience symptoms of dehydration such as headaches, dizziness, tiredness, low concentration, constipation and a dry mouth. Being severely dehydrated increases the risk of <a href="https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones">kidney stones</a> and <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-tract-infection-uti">urinary tract infections</a>.</p> <p>If you feel thirsty, it means your body is already <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration#:%7E:text=If%20you're%20thirsty%2C%20you,life%2Dthreatening%20illnesses%20like%20heatstroke.">mildly dehydrated</a>, so make sure you pay attention to what your body is telling you.</p> <h2>How much fluid do you need?</h2> <p>The amount of fluid we need changes as we age. Relative to our body weight, our needs decrease. So, a newborn baby has higher fluid needs (per kilogram body weight) than their parent, and older adults have lower fluid needs than younger adults.</p> <p>Fluid requirements are related to metabolic needs and vary from person-to-person. The normal turnover of water in adults is approximately 4% of total body weight per day. So, for example, if you weigh 70 kilograms, you’ll lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day (not including sweating). This means you will need to consume that amount of water from food and drinks to maintain your hydration.</p> <p>Eight cups (or two litres) a day is often <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/09/21/1124371309/busting-common-hydration-water-myths?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20221016&amp;utm_term=7386723&amp;utm_campaign=health&amp;utm_id=31926817&amp;orgid=&amp;utm_att1=">mentioned</a> as the amount of water we should aim for and a nice way to track your intake. But it doesn’t account for individual variation based on age, gender, body size and activity levels.</p> <p>Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates the body by promoting water loss through urine. This fluid loss is a key factor that contributes to the severity of a hangover. Always have a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks to help stay hydrated.</p> <p>Caffeinated drinks (like tea and coffee) only have a mild diuretic effect. For most healthy adults, it’s okay to consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day – that’s about four cups of coffee or eight cups of tea. If you drink more than this, it may impact your hydration levels.</p> <p>To check your specific requirements, check out the Australian <a href="https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/water">guidelines</a> for fluid intake.</p> <h2>People who should take extra care</h2> <p>Some people are at greater risk of the harmful health effects from dehydration and need to pay special attention to their fluid intake.</p> <p>The highest priority groups are babies, young kids, pregnant women, and older adults. These groups are at greater risk for many reasons, including relatively higher water needs per kilo of body weight, reduced ability to detect and respond to symptoms of dehydration, and barriers to consuming fluids regularly.</p> <p>Family and friends can play an important role in <a href="https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/hydration-for-elderly-people-and-the-dangers-of-dehydration">supporting loved ones</a> to maintain hydration, especially during warm weather.</p> <h2><strong>Ten ideas for keeping fluids up this summer</strong></h2> <ol> <li> <p><strong>Download a water reminder app on your phone</strong> This will help keep you on track during the day and give you digital “high fives” when you hit your water goals.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Add sugar-free flavouring</strong> Try a sugar-free fruit infusion in your water to make it more appealing. Prepare a jug in the refrigerator and infuse it overnight so it’s chilled for you the next day. Fill it up and take it everywhere with you!</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Add some fresh fruit</strong> Add some slices of lime, lemon, berries, pineapple or orange to your water bottle for some natural flavouring. If the bottle is kept in a fridge, the fruit will stay fresh for about three days.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Make a jug of iced tea (not the bottled stuff)</strong> There are many great sugar-free recipes online. Tea contributes to fluid intake too. For green and black teas, brew in boiling water then cool overnight on the bench before refrigerating. Fruit teas can be made using cold water immediately.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Add a dash of cordial to your water</strong> A small amount of cordial in your water is a healthier alternative to drinking a sugar-sweetened soft drink or fruit juice. Diet cordials have less added sugar again.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Make a fruit ‘slushie’</strong> Combine fresh fruit, ice and water at home in the morning and sip to increase your fluid intake for the day.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Buy a soda maker for your home</strong> Some people find plain water tastes better with bubbles. Sparkling mineral water is great too, as long as there is no added sugar or sweeteners.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Before you eat anything, have a glass of water</strong> Make it a rule with yourself to have a glass of water before every snack or meal.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables</strong> Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content. Some of the best include berries, oranges, grapes, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, spinach and melons. Keep a container full of cut-up fruit to snack on in your fridge.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Use a water bottle</strong> Take it with you during the day and keep it by your bed overnight.</p> </li> </ol> <h2>A tip on water bottles</h2> <p>Water bottles are everywhere and sometimes seem to offer <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/emotional-support-water-bottle-girlies-tiktok-trend">emotional support</a> as well as hydration.</p> <p>Having a water bottle you enjoy using can go a long way in helping you keep up your fluids during the day.</p> <p>Pay attention to the material of the water bottle and use one that helps you form good habits. Some people prefer metal water bottles as they can keep water cooler for longer (others feel like they are camping). Some prefer glass bottles because the water isn’t affected by any flavours from the container (others fear breaking the glass).</p> <p>Consider the practical aspects, too: Will it fit in your bag? Will it be light enough to carry with you? Can you “chug” on it when you’re exceptionally thirsty? Does the lid require screwing? How durable is it in preventing leaks? Do some <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/7842071/best-water-bottles-hydration">homework</a> on your water bottle, an essential accessory!<!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, Dietitian and Researcher, <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/dont-like-drinking-plain-water-10-healthy-ideas-for-staying-hydrated-this-summer-191859">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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How can I make summer style part of my self-care routine?

<p>Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to refresh your self-care routine with small changes that help you feel your best. </p> <p>One easy way to do this is by choosing clothing made from breathable Australian cotton and linen. They keep you cool, feel great against the skin and make looking put-together effortless. In this guide, we’ll show you how your summer wardrobe can fit into your self-care routine, featuring pieces from Sussan, a retailer known for easy, comfortable styles that last all season.</p> <p><strong>Simplify your day with matching sets</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan01.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>A big part of self-care is simplifying your day as much as possible, and that includes your clothing choices. Summer is the time for relaxed, unfussy outfits that don’t require a lot of planning. <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/clothing/sets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matching sets</a> are perfect for this because they take away the guesswork. Everything is already coordinated, which saves you time and makes your mornings easier.</p> <p>A soft denim skirt made from Australian cotton paired with a lightweight tee is breathable and practical for warm days. These pieces help you stay comfy when running errands or enjoying time with friends.</p> <p><strong>Stay cool all day in linen dresses</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan04.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/clothing/linen/linen-dresses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Linen dresses</a> are an easy go-to for keeping cool and comfortable during hot summer days. The fabric is light, breathable and perfect for warm weather, which is why it’s a great fit for everything from weekend barbecues to beach walks. With styles like shirt dresses, minis, midis and maxis, there’s plenty of variety to match whatever the day calls for.</p> <p>Styling a linen dress is also simple and practical. With the right accessories, it can easily shift from a casual daytime outfit to an evening look. Style it with a hat for an easy brunch outfit or a trip to the markets. To dress it up, add a light jacket and some jewellery, like a pair of earrings or a statement necklace.</p> <p><strong>Unwind with breathable loungewear</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan03.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>Practising self-care through summer style can be as simple as choosing clothes that help you relax and feel comfy all day long. This is easy to achieve with loungewear made from pure linen and linen blends.</p> <p>Look for lightweight loungewear tops, pants and shorts that feel soft on the skin and keep you cool as you move through your day. For a summer-ready look, pair a linen top with matching shorts for warm afternoons, or switch to linen pants for a little more coverage on cooler evenings.</p> <p><strong>End your day in Australian cotton sleepwear</strong></p> <p>Winding down at the end of the day feels easier when you’re wearing clothes that make you feel calm and cosy. <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/shop-the-edit-sleepwear/australian-cotton-sleepwear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian cotton sleepwear</a> in soft, breathable fabrics is a great option as it sits lightly on the skin and keeps you comfortable during warm nights.</p> <p>You can mix and match Australian cotton pyjama tops, tanks, shorts and pants or wear nighties to match your mood and comfort level. These versatile let you settle in and enjoy quiet evenings at home.</p> <p><strong>Wear what feels good this summer</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan02.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></strong></p> <p>Updating your summer wardrobe with comfy, breathable pieces is an easy way to bring self-care into your routine. With matching sets, linen dresses, loungewear and soft Australian cotton sleepwear from <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sussan</a>, you can have more time to focus on yourself and enjoy the season your way.</p> <p>Start refreshing your wardrobe with these pieces that feel good to wear, and use your summer style to prioritise self-care!</p> <p><em>Images: Sussan</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Sussan</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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How to buy a good pair of sunglasses

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacobo-garcia-queiruga-1496353">Jacobo García Queiruga</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/veronica-noya-padin-1529488">Verónica Noya Padín</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</a></em></p> <p>Nowadays you can buy a cheap pair of sunglasses just about anywhere – from supermarkets and petrol stations to corner shops and online fashion retailers, but such ubiquity may prompt doubts as to the protection they can offer. While their lenses usually meet certain minimum UV protection requirements, their quality in other respects, such as visual clarity, is dismal.</p> <p>Opticians, however, are governed by national health regulations, meaning that they have to meet higher standards such as the <a href="https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/ce-marking_en">CE</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking">UKCA</a> marks. Professional opticians are therefore much better equipped to help customers find sunglasses that not only meet their practical demands, but which are also comfortable and well suited to their facial features.</p> <h2>Rules for protection</h2> <p><a href="https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:12312:-1:ed-2:v1:en">European law</a> classifies sunglass lenses as “personal protective equipment”, outlining five levels of protection. Category 0 lenses allow 80-100% of light through, while those in category 4 only let 3-8% through, meaning they are not suitable for driving. Category 3 is the most commonly used, as they are appropriate for most situations, including driving.</p> <p>So, do darker lenses protect you better? The short answer is: not necessarily. The degree of light absorption depends on how and where they will be used: category 4 lenses are designed for extremely bright areas like high mountains or deserts, but may actually reduce your visibility in other situations.</p> <p>However, all sunglasses that meet the established standards will protect your eyes from UV radiation.</p> <h2>Quality of vision</h2> <p>Wearing sunglasses can give the feeling that your vision is impeded. This is because a tinted lens selectively filters light: it lets in one type of radiation and limits another. Three concepts can help us understand how this works, and why it matters.</p> <p>First up is <strong>visual acuity</strong>. This is the term used to measure how “sharply” we see, and it is tested by asking patients to read increasingly small letters that appear on a screen or wall chart, with an ideal result around 100%. However, this test is performed with black letters on a well lit white background, so it does not take into account how visual quality may vary in other lighting conditions.</p> <p><strong>Contrast sensitivity</strong> is defined as the ability to differentiate objects from the surrounding background. It is, for instance, more difficult to distinguish black letters on grey backgrounds than on white backgrounds.</p> <p>Lastly, we have <strong>refractive errors</strong>, which affect both <strong>visual acuity</strong> and <strong>contrast sensitivity</strong>. These are what cause astigmatisms and make us long or short sighted. Wearing non-prescription sunglasses when suffering from any of these conditions can make vision even worse than it would be without them.</p> <h2>Colour matters</h2> <p>With all this in mind, we should also address the common question of lens colour. While colour does not affect protection, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11320153_Effect_of_variable_tinted_spectacle_lenses_on_visual_performance_in_control_subjects">it can affect contrast and the feeling of brightness</a>, because each colour filters out a different wavelength of light.</p> <p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11320153_Effect_of_variable_tinted_spectacle_lenses_on_visual_performance_in_control_subjects">Grey lenses filter out all wavelengths of light</a>, while tints such as brown or green have a different effect on light absorption. This means that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10699545/">visual perception</a> tends to be brighter through a brown lens, very dark through grey ones, and more natural through green ones.</p> <h2>Plastic or glass lenses?</h2> <p>Colour isn’t the only thing that affects quality of vision: we also have to pay attention to what the lenses are made of. While they are most commonly made of specialised plastics – known as organic lenses – you can also find glass ones, known as mineral lenses.</p> <p>These two materials are not the same. Organic lenses are lighter and stronger, while mineral lenses are more scratch resistant and are less prone to colour distortion. This means that mineral lenses offer greater quality of vision.</p> <h2>What about polarised lenses?</h2> <p>Polarised lenses block light that reaches the eye at a certain angle after reflecting off a surface such as a road or water, thus reducing glare. They are particularly suited to driving or spending time around water.</p> <p>However, they can be unsuitable in certain situations. For example, they block light from screens, making them appear darker or even completely black, meaning devices often have to be rotated to improve visibility. They are also not ideal for certain winter sports: by eliminating glare they make it very easy to miss icy patches on the ground.</p> <h2>Other features</h2> <p>Lastly, there are certain design features that we cannot overlook when choosing a pair of sunglasses.</p> <p><strong>Gradient lenses</strong> are darker at the top, and graduate down to a lighter tint at the bottom – they usually absorb around 85% of light in their darkest area, and 10% in the lightest. These lenses are stylish, but that does not affect their protection against UV rays. That said, they might be better suited to cloudy conditions, and on a bright summer day they may not be the best option.</p> <p><strong>Reflective lenses</strong> have a layer on their outer surface that reflects light and enhances protection. Unfortunately, this treatment is easily damaged or scratched.</p> <p>Lenses with <strong>anti reflective coating on the inside of the lens</strong> provide greater clarity of vision by eliminating light reflected from behind the wearer. This treatment is usually applied to large sunglasses, or glasses with optically very high quality lenses.</p> <p>In the event of any doubt, the best possible advice is to speak to your optician or optometrist to find the sunglasses that best meet your needs.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/229953/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacobo-garcia-queiruga-1496353">Jacobo García Queiruga</a>, Profesor Interino en el Área de Optometría (OD, MSc, PhD), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/veronica-noya-padin-1529488">Verónica Noya Padín</a>, Investigadora predoctoral - Área de Optometría, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</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/how-to-buy-a-good-pair-of-sunglasses-229953">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Beauty & Style

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Daylight savings is about to start. But why do the days get longer?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-nicole-driessen-892965">Laura Nicole Driessen</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>The days are getting longer and in Australia, the switch to daylight saving time is almost upon us (for about 70% of the population, anyway).</p> <p>But why do we have longer days in summer and shorter days in winter?</p> <h2>It’s all about the tilt</h2> <p>Earth goes around the Sun in an almost circular orbit. But not everything is lined up perfectly. Earth’s axis is tilted by 23.44 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun.</p> <p>Imagine Earth’s orbit as a flat frisbee with the Sun in the middle and Earth as a ball on a stick going around the edge.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/623235/original/file-20241003-16-xourdg.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Diagram of Earth's rotation around the sun." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Earth goes around the Sun in an almost circular orbit.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/earths-orbit-earth-rotation-around-sun-2441275921">Angela Cini/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>If Earth’s axis wasn’t tilted (if its tilt was zero degrees) the stick would be exactly perpendicular to the frisbee. If you grab that perpendicular stick and tip it 23.44 degrees sideways, that’s what Earth’s tilt looks like now.</p> <p>As Earth orbits the Sun, the tilt of the stick does not rotate relative to the Sun. If you were in outer space looking at the Sun and you watched from the exact same position for a whole year, you would see Earth go around the Sun while the stick stayed tilted the same direction.</p> <p>In other words, if the top of the stick was pointing to the right when you started watching Earth go around the Sun, it would stay pointing to the right the whole way around.</p> <p>This tilt gives us longer days in summer and shorter days in winter. Let’s set up the scenario so the Northern Hemisphere is the top of the planet and the Southern Hemisphere is the bottom of the planet.</p> <p>When Earth is on one side of the Sun, the top of the stick is pointed towards the Sun. This is summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Six months later, when Earth is on the other side of the Sun, the bottom of the stick is pointed towards the Sun – and the seasons are reversed.</p> <h2>Solstices and equinoxes</h2> <p>Those two points, when the top of the stick is pointing directly towards the Sun or directly away from the Sun, are the solstices. They are the longest and shortest days of the year, depending on your hemisphere.</p> <p>The shortest day of 2024 in Australia was June 21. Looking forward to sunnier times, the longest day of the year in 2024 will be December 21.</p> <p>In between the summer and winter solstice, we have the equinoxes – when days and nights are almost exactly the same length. Those are the days when the stick through Earth is “side-on” to the Sun. The equinox is also the day when the Sun passes directly over Earth’s equator. In 2024 this happened on March 20 at 2:06pm AEDT and September 22 at 10:43pm AEST.</p> <p>That means that since September 22, days have been getting longer than nights in the Southern Hemisphere.</p> <h2>What does daylight savings do?</h2> <p>Earth’s tilt means the Sun both rises earlier and sets later as we head towards summer. When the clocks (in some states) switch to daylight saving time, people in these states all get one hour less of sleep. However, the total length of the day doesn’t change just because we changed our clocks.</p> <p>For me, daylight savings means I need an extra cup of coffee in the morning for about a week before I adjust to the daylight savings-lag (like jet lag, but without the fun of travel).</p> <p>What it really gives us is more daylight in the evening, instead of more daylight in the morning. If you’re already a morning person, this isn’t the way to go. But if you prefer to have a long dinner in the summer sun it’s ideal.</p> <h2>Has it always been this way?</h2> <p>Earth’s axis hasn’t always been tilted at 23.44 degrees. It cycles from a minimum 22.1 degree tilt to a maximum 24.5 degree tilt and back again once every approximately 41,000 years.</p> <p>Earth’s axis also “precesses”, where the stick through it draws a circle once every approximately 26,000 years. You can see this in the animation below.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=754&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=754&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622704/original/file-20241001-16-lh8pl9.gif?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=754&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="A gif of the Earth wobbling in a circle on its axis." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Demonstration of the precession of Earth’s axis.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/axial-precession-wobble/">NASA/JPL-Caltech</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>The length of a day on Earth hasn’t always been the same, either.</p> <p>At the moment, the length of a day is nearly exactly 24 hours. But it’s shifting all the time by tiny amounts. This is tracked very closely by a system of telescopes and satellites. These systems measure “<a href="https://ggos.org/item/earth-orientation-parameter/#:%7E:text=Accordingly%2C%20the%20EOP%20describe%20the,as%20tides%20and%20continental%20drift">Earth orientation parameters</a>” that describe Earth’s exact orientation compared to the position of stars in the sky.</p> <p>These are important to astronomers because the exact location of our telescopes is important for creating accurate maps of the sky. On top of all of this, the gravitational drag from the Moon causes days to become longer by around 2.3 milliseconds every 100 years. A few billion years ago, Earth’s day was a lot shorter – <a href="https://www.earthscope.org/news/a-day-is-not-always-24-hours-how-earths-shifting-systems-cause-day-length-variation/#:%7E:text=Billions%20of%20years%20ago%2C%20the,to%20the%20day%20every%20century">only 19 hours long</a>.</p> <p>Even though some of us are losing an hour of sleep this weekend, at least we get to enjoy 2.3 milliseconds longer every day than our great – and great-great – grandparents did.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/240221/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-nicole-driessen-892965"><em>Laura Nicole Driessen</em></a><em>, Postdoctoral researcher in radio astronomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of 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/daylight-savings-is-about-to-start-but-why-do-the-days-get-longer-240221">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

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“Song of the summer”: Karl Stefanovic appears in wild 50th birthday music video

<p>Karl Stefanovic has confused and delighted fans in equal measure with the release of a bizarre music video to celebrate his 50th birthday. </p> <p>The <em>Today Show</em> host teamed up with singer Keli Holiday, also known as one half of music duo Peking Duk, to star in a cover of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ 1983 classic <em>Islands In The Stream</em>.</p> <p>The newly formed duo performed the song with their silk shirts blowing in the wind in full 1980s music video style, showing off their chests. </p> <p>Holiday took to his Instagram on Wednesday to tease the musical team up, sharing screenshots from private messages in which Stefanovic reached out to say, "I'm prepared to do a duet with you". </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/C_bqOAGhfTP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/C_bqOAGhfTP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by keli holiday (@keliholiday)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I shared this sentiment online to see if the people shared that same yearning for a Keli-Karl duet and the response was an overwhelming ‘yes’. What you hear and see here is raw, unadulterated fun. A gift from a man on his 50th birthday. That’s how giving Karl is. Enjoy it. Revel in it. We hope you love it as much as we loved making it,” said Holiday.</p> <p>The response to the video has been mostly positive, while some people couldn't contain their confusion. </p> <p>“This is so Australian, it should be used as a tourism advertisement,” reads one top-rated comment read. </p> <p>“Just dropped to my knees in Aldi,” commented one fellow Aussie musician, while another called it the "Song of the year."</p> <p>Another person commented, "What is going on?? I feel like I’ve just woken up from a bender at 3am with <em>Rage</em> playing hilariously bad 80’s videos…", while Karl's wife Jasmine added, "You need to wear eyeliner all the time now. Suits you!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Music

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You don’t need a doctor to get more physically active – here are 10 simple steps you can take by yourself

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nerys-m-astbury-410114">Nerys M Astbury</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-oxford-1260">University of Oxford</a></em></p> <p>We all know physical activity has many <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/">health benefits</a>, including for mental health. It helps <a href="https://theconversation.com/exercise-can-reduce-stress-and-improve-sleep-particularly-for-women-with-breast-cancer-186144">manage stress</a>, ease joint or back pain, and boost energy levels.</p> <p>Exercise can also improve <a href="https://theconversation.com/exercise-and-the-brain-three-ways-physical-activity-changes-its-very-structure-150203">brain function</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/exercise-really-can-help-you-sleep-better-at-night-heres-why-that-may-be-192427">sleep</a>, and lift mood. In contrast, inactivity or spending too much time <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308180/">sedentary</a> is a leading factor in developing a range of diseases.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128">World Health Organization</a> recommends we should do a weekly minimum of 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, such as walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, such as swimming, jogging or an exercise class – as well as <a href="https://theconversation.com/strength-training-could-be-the-answer-to-one-of-the-worlds-worst-killers-228665">regular strength training</a>.</p> <p>However, many people <a href="https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/physical-activity/global-status-report-on-physical-activity-2022">fail to meet these guidelines</a>. So what to do about this <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/lack-exercise-inactivity-preventable-diseases/">health crisis</a>?</p> <p>There is already <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj-2021-068465">evidence</a> that when GPs give patients guidance and continued support to increase physical activity, this encourages them to be more physically active – at least in the short term. However, we don’t yet know the best way for doctors to communicate with patients to help them sustain these increased activity levels so the current guidance and support on offer to patients isn’t as effective as it could be.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCCD1xHKpZc?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>For example, my <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj-2023-078713">latest research</a> examines the <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c1900">“motivational interviewing” (MI)</a> method GPs currently use to encourage patients to change their lifestyle. MI is a patient-centred, non-confrontational communication style that helps patients address any problem behaviour by exploring their ambivalence towards changing it. MI has been shown to help patients with a host of health problems, including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25577724/">addiction issues</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23001832/">eating disorders</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25726920/">smokers</a> and those with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33637368/">diabetes</a> to change their behaviour.</p> <p>However, I found that while MI programmes can help patients increase their total amount of physical activity – the benefits are only short term.</p> <h2>Ten simple ways to be more physically active</h2> <p>If you want more physical activity in your life, then, there are many self-directed things you can do to help yourself, without joining a programme or seeing your GP.</p> <p>Here are ten simple and effective ways to help you become – and stay – more physically active:</p> <p><strong>1) Don’t sit, stand</strong></p> <p>We <a href="https://theconversation.com/sitting-is-bad-for-your-health-and-exercise-doesnt-seem-to-offset-the-harmful-effects-225056">sit a lot</a>. In fact, it’s likely you’re sitting right now – and you needn’t be. Sitting for long periods has been <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2010.05.024">linked</a> with many adverse health outcomes, so try to stand more.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wUEl8KrMz14?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p><strong>2) Take the stairs</strong></p> <p>Being physically active needn’t mean expensive gym memberships. Try building physical activity into your daily routine. One easy way to do this is by swapping the lift or escalator for the stairs.</p> <p><strong>3) Make it fun</strong></p> <p>If you like doing something, you’re <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-you-shouldnt-let-guilt-motivate-you-to-exercise-220342">more likely</a> to continue doing it. Why not try an activity you liked doing as a child, or even something new? Who knows, you might enjoy it.</p> <p><strong>4) Phone a friend</strong></p> <p>Exercising <a href="https://theconversation.com/exercise-can-be-punishing-but-heres-how-to-stop-thinking-of-it-as-a-punishment-76167">with a friend</a> or loved one is a great way to stay motivated, and it can make physical activity more fun too.</p> <p><strong>5) Do less, more often</strong></p> <p><a href="https://pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40814-023-01272-8">“Snacktivity”</a> – a term for breaking up your activity into shorter <a href="https://theconversation.com/forget-the-gym-in-january-exercise-snacking-is-the-way-forward-69702">activity “snacks”</a> – can help you increase activity in convenient, manageable bursts while reaping the health benefits.</p> <p><strong>6) Track your progress</strong></p> <p>Activity trackers aren’t a fad. There is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(22)00111-X">evidence</a> that just using an activity tracker such as a pedometer to count steps or a smart watch that logs activity can help increase your activity levels, reduce body fat and increase muscle mass – and increase your overall physical fitness.</p> <p><strong>7) Get into a habit</strong></p> <p>We know it takes about ten weeks to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3505409/">form a habit</a>. Repetition is key – so stick with it and keep going. Once you’ve formed a physical activity habit, it will be <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/habit-formation#:%7E:text=Building%20healthy%20habits%20can%20involve,listening%20to%20music%20while%20exercising">hard to shake it off</a>.).</p> <p><strong>8) Hold still</strong></p> <p>Try to incorporate <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isometric_exercise">isometric exercises</a> like the plank or wall squats into your routine. These exercises, which need no equipment, require you to tighten muscles and hold still – and have been shown to <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/20/1317">lower your blood pressure</a>.</p> <p><strong>9) Set a goal</strong></p> <p>Give yourself an achievable target to work towards – it will <a href="https://theconversation.com/three-tips-to-help-you-stay-motivated-to-keep-exercising-all-year-long-175868">motivate you</a> to reach your goal.</p> <p><strong>10) Reward yourself</strong></p> <p>And don’t forget to reward yourself when you meet that goal. You can also build in rewards to mark your progress along the way. After all, who doesn’t like to treat themselves when they’ve done well?<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/231991/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nerys-m-astbury-410114">Nerys M Astbury</a>, Associate professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-oxford-1260">University of Oxford</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/you-dont-need-a-doctor-to-get-more-physically-active-here-are-10-simple-steps-you-can-take-by-yourself-231991">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

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The one in-flight activity to avoid to conquer jet lag

<p dir="ltr">While many people love to travel and explore new destinations, there’s no doubt that the worst part of a holiday is often the long-haul flight. </p> <p dir="ltr">With many holidays, especially ones overseas, a drastic change of timezones can mean jet lag is unavoidable, but there are a few things you can do to make life easy when you land. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to one travel expert, how you feel when you disembark often boils down to your in-flight activities. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sarah Built, who has worked up a lifetime of long-haul travel as the Etihad Airways Vice President of Sales for Australasia, told <em><a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/flight-tips-how-to-avoid-jet-lag/db8fbda1-2318-44c0-b9fe-e14d11dec70c">9Travel</a></em> that there is one thing she always avoids onboard in order to land at her destination feeling fresh: alcohol. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Whilst the allure of coffee, cocktails and snacks is real (particularly if you're travelling with kids), they can actually contribute to dehydration and worsen jet lag," she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead of that in-flight beer glass of wine, Sarah says to drink water (with lime added for a twist) or herbal tea to boost your hydration and lessen that groggy mid-flight feeling.</p> <p dir="ltr">Drinking water is obviously also the key to staying hydrated, as Sarah says it's important to start drinking extra water the day before your flight, so you're going in prepared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I carry a reusable water bottle to keep fluids up during the journey (most airports will have water stations for you to refill easily)," she says, which means you won't need to pay for an overpriced bottle at the airport.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue, and you want to be able to hit the ground running on arrival, so always remember to drink plenty of water," she advises.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

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Summer’s over, so how much sun can (and should) I get?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-lee-228942">Katie Lee</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachel-neale-891731">Rachel Neale</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/qimr-berghofer-medical-research-institute-1811">QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute</a></em></p> <p>As we slide of out summer, you might be wondering how careful you need to be about sun exposure. Excessive exposure causes <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention-policy/national-cancer-prevention-policy/skin-cancer-statistics-and-issues/uv-radiation">skin cancer</a>, but sun exposure also has <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9976694/">benefits</a>. How do you balance the two?</p> <p>A new <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub">position statement</a> from cancer, bone health and other experts <a href="https://www.assc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sun-Exposure-Summit-PositionStatement_V1.9.pdf">aims to help</a> Australians balance the good and bad effects of sun exposure by taking into account their skin colour, risk of skin cancer, and where they live.</p> <h2>What are the benefits of sunlight?</h2> <p>Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (the wavelengths in sunlight that cause skin cancer) also leads to vitamin D production. <a href="https://dermnetnz.org/topics/vitamin-d">Vitamin D</a> is very important for maintaining strong bones, and is likely to have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9976694/">multiple other health benefits</a>.</p> <p>But vitamin D probably isn’t the whole story. Sunshine, including UV radiation, is thought to affect health in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9976694/">other ways</a> such as improving our mood and reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases and infections. So for many people, avoiding the sun and taking a vitamin D supplement may not be the best approach.</p> <h2>How much time does it take to make vitamin D?</h2> <p>It’s complicated, but for most people and most of the year across most of Australia, it’s a lot less than you think.</p> <p>The <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/php.13854">amount of time needed</a> depends on the amount of skin covered by clothing and the intensity of UV radiation (indicated by the UV index). More skin exposed and higher UV index equate to less time needed.</p> <p>Both the UV index and the amount of the year that UV radiation is high increase as you get closer to the equator. In summer, all of Australia is bathed in sunshine. But in winter, opposite ends of the country have <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/php.13854">very different exposures</a>.</p> <p>In summer, everybody except those with deeply pigmented skin can make enough vitamin D in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub">just five minutes</a> between 9am and 3pm, anywhere in Australia, provided they are wearing shorts and a T-shirt.</p> <p>In winter it’s a different story. In <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub">Darwin and Brisbane</a>, 5–10 minutes between 10am and 3pm will do the trick, but in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub">Hobart</a>, factoring in winter clothing, it will take nearly an hour in the middle of the day.</p> <p>Hover your mouse over the lines below to see the length of exposure needed at specific times of day.</p> <p><iframe id="X5szQ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/X5szQ/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p>Staying out for longer than needed doesn’t necessarily make more vitamin D, but it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub#bib25">does cause skin damage</a>.</p> <h2>Hang on, what about those with darker skin?</h2> <p>People with deeply pigmented, brown to black skin accumulate both vitamin D and DNA damage at a much slower rate than people with lighter skin tones.</p> <p>When UV radiation hits a DNA strand, it causes the DNA to become distorted. If the distortion isn’t fixed, it will cause a mistake when the DNA is copied for a new cell, causing a permanent mutation that sometimes leads to cancer.</p> <p>Melanin, the brown pigment in the skin, absorbs UV photons before that can happen, and the high melanin content in the darkest skin tones provides <a href="https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1096/fj.201701472R">60 times</a> as much UV protection as the small amount in very fair skin.</p> <p>The flip side is the risk of vitamin D deficiency is much higher than the risk of skin cancer.</p> <p>The new statement accounts for this by putting people into <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub">three groups</a> based on their risk of skin cancer, with specialised advice for each group.</p> <h2>Highest skin cancer risk</h2> <p>This includes people with very pale skin that burns easily and tans minimally, but also people with darker white or olive skin who can tan easily but have extra skin cancer risk factors because they:</p> <ul> <li>have had <strong>skin cancer</strong> before</li> <li>have a <strong>family history</strong> of melanomas</li> <li>have many <strong>moles</strong></li> <li>are taking <strong>immunosuppressant</strong> medications.</li> </ul> <p>For these people, the harms of sun exposure almost certainly <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub">outweigh the benefits</a>.</p> <p>These people should wear sunscreen every day the <a href="https://www.arpansa.gov.au/our-services/monitoring/ultraviolet-radiation-monitoring/ultraviolet-radiation-index">UV index</a> is forecast to get to <a href="https://www.assc.org.au/peak-health-bodies-recommend-new-approach-to-sunscreen-use/">three or more</a>, and use the <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart">five sunsmart steps</a> whenever the UV index is above three:</p> <ul> <li><strong>slip</strong> on clothing covering as much of the body as possible</li> <li><strong>slop</strong> on SPF30+ sunscreen on areas that can’t be covered up</li> <li><strong>slap</strong> on a hat</li> <li><strong>seek</strong> shade</li> <li><strong>slide</strong> on sunglasses.</li> </ul> <p>They shouldn’t spend time outdoors deliberately to make vitamin D, but should discuss vitamin D supplements with their doctor.</p> <h2>Intermediate skin cancer risk</h2> <p>This means people with dark white/olive skin that sometimes burns but tans easily, and who don’t have other skin cancer risk factors.</p> <p>These people should still apply sunscreen as part of their usual routine on all days when the UV index is forecast to get to <a href="https://www.assc.org.au/peak-health-bodies-recommend-new-approach-to-sunscreen-use/">three or more</a>, but they can spend enough time outdoors to get a “dose” of vitamin D on most days of the week.</p> <p>Once the time needed for their vitamin D dose is up, they should also use the <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart">slip-slop-slap-seek-slide</a> steps to avoid accumulating DNA damage.</p> <p>If they’re unable to do this because of health or lifestyle factors, like being housebound, working night shifts, or always covering up with clothing, they should see their doctor about whether they need vitamin D supplements.</p> <h2>Lowest skin cancer risk</h2> <p>This covers people with deeply pigmented brown to black skin that rarely or never burns.</p> <p>These people can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023052949?via%3Dihub#bib14">safely spend enough time outdoors</a> to make vitamin D and get the other benefits of sunshine. But because more time is needed, it can be difficult, particularly when the weather is cold. Vitamin D supplements might be needed.</p> <p>They don’t need to routinely protect their skin, but might need to <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart">slip-slop-slap-seek-slide</a> if they are outdoors for more than two hours.</p> <h2>How do I get the feel-good effects of sunshine?</h2> <p>Spending time outdoors in the early morning is the best way to get the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9976694/">feel-good effects</a> of sunshine. An early morning walk is a great idea for all of us, but it won’t make vitamin D.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/224144/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-lee-228942">Katie Lee</a>, PhD Candidate, Dermatology Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachel-neale-891731">Rachel Neale</a>, Principal research fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/qimr-berghofer-medical-research-institute-1811">QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </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/summers-over-so-how-much-sun-can-and-should-i-get-224144">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Why you should travel solo this summer

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/claire-mccamley-446927">Claire McCamley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-huddersfield-1226">University of Huddersfield</a></em></p> <p>When you think about booking a summer holiday, you might think of trips with partners, friends or family. The idea of going on holiday alone can be daunting, or even unappealing. It raises all kinds of questions – who will you talk to? Who will you eat with? Will you be safe?</p> <p>There has long been a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0267257X.2015.1073170?journalCode=rjmm20">stigma against solo consumption</a>. Societal norms encourage us to be with someone – leisure experiences are billed as something to <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCHM-06-2019-0584/full/pdf?title=dining-alone-improving-the-experience-of-solo-restaurant-goers">share with others</a>. There may also be a level of guilt or self-indulgence associated with solo travel, feeling as if you are shirking responsibility or abandoning time with family.</p> <p>An increase in <a href="https://www.euromonitor.com/article/single-person-households-to-record-128-percent-growth-by-2030">single-person households</a>, however, means the hospitality industry is now serving solo consumers in addition to families and couples. The continuously <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2020/05/11/is-a-blurred-work-life-balance-the-new-normal/?sh=5c9db6341813">blurred line</a> between work and play, particularly for Millennials and younger generations, makes it easier to work remotely or travel as part of our jobs. We are more transient than ever, and have more opportunities to work and travel alone without feeling completely disconnected from the rest of our lives.</p> <p>In recent years, people have been <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/comment/whats-behind-the-rise-in-solo-travel/">increasingly</a> travelling alone – including younger vacationers. They also share their experiences to a large audience on social media – the hashtag #SoloTravel has over 7 million posts associated with it on Instagram. Solo travellers are taking part in the growing <a href="https://www.futuresplatform.com/blog/solo-economy-new-consumption-patterns">solo economy</a> – new products and services targeting the lone consumer.</p> <p>Hotels, <a href="https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/freestyle-cruise/solo-cruising">cruises</a>, restaurants, tourism <a href="https://www.flashpack.com/">companies</a> and festivals are showing how design, staff and technology can be tailored to accommodate – and even encourage – solo consumption in travel. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14705931211017184">Our research</a> into the experience of solo consumers in coffee shops offers insight into how solo consumption can be as pleasurable and fulfilling as going with a partner or friend. Through <a href="https://www.research.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/RD/docs/FREEWRITING-by-Peter-Elbow.pdf">freewriting</a> exercises, these consumers shared their own experiences. Their words offer some reasons you should try it too.</p> <h2>Be together, alone</h2> <p>Our research participants highlighted key factors that help them enjoy their solo experience – high seats and window views allowing them to sit back and observe others’ lives without any direct interaction or connection. You don’t need to arrive with others to feel part of a social environment. Alone in a crowded square or on a busy beach, the proximity of other people and their conversations can be a source of comfort, distraction or even entertainment.</p> <blockquote> <p>The seat is important -– I like the window especially a stool and “shelf” table facing out … I see people, imagine their lives, see cars and life pass by. I watch other customers, I watch the street out the window, the cliché of “watching the world pass by”. The setting, context and environment of the café are important to that moment of pause.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Take time for yourself</h2> <p>Being alone can be a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/14705931211017184">therapeutic experience</a>, a time to process thoughts, feelings and emotions and leave you ready to tackle the world again. Perhaps take time to write, draw or practice another creative activity in your own time. Bask in your own thoughts without feeling pressure to please anyone else or force a conversation.</p> <blockquote> <p>Sitting alone with my thoughts can be a comforting experience; picking a seat, getting comfy…I can find silence with my thoughts and don’t feel any pressure to act for anybody or involve myself in a conversation that doesn’t interest me.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Get out of your comfort zone</h2> <p>Being able to do your own thing, without needing to consider others can be relaxing and can also give you the opportunity to do something you’ve never done before, free of judgement. You might want to go to some sort of class, shop or have a complete chill-out day.</p> <p>Findings from our research indicate that time spent doing things alone can relieve some of the pressures that companions can bring. Alone time gives you the space to experience things in your own time and take in your surroundings without distraction. In doing this, you may find yourself in new situations, away from your comfort zone – an energising and enthralling experience.</p> <h2>Embrace solo traveller culture</h2> <p>Solo travellers have their <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278431921002516">own way of doing things</a>, they have a shared behaviour and process and often become a collective in themselves. They acknowledge the process of travelling alone and respect others doing the same, and may even seek out spaces to be alone, together. Solo travellers can engage in a shared experience and dialogue while maintaining their own individualism – helping each other when needed, but also leave one another alone.</p> <blockquote> <p>We search for places where we feel we fit … We are happy to smile at one another. We don’t need to chat to engage. We are happy on our own with a coffee. I am amongst my tribe.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/184000/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/claire-mccamley-446927"><em>Claire McCamley</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer in marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-huddersfield-1226">University of Huddersfield</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</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-you-should-travel-solo-this-summer-184000">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Yes, it’s getting more humid in summer. Here’s why

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steven-sherwood-272">Steven Sherwood</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Has Sydney felt more like Cairns lately? You’re not imagining it – millions of Australians up and down the east coast have sweltered through exceptionally high humidity in recent weeks.</p> <p>It’s due to normal weather patterns combined with a boost from global warming. Right now, the temperature of the sea surface is <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDYOC052.Aus.SSTAnomaly.shtml">1–3°C above normal</a> for this time of year up and down the east coast. It’s particularly hot around the Queensland-New South Wales border and Tasmania’s east coast.</p> <p>When we have high ocean temperatures, we get more water evaporating. This is taken up by the air, which can hold more moisture when the air is hotter. This moist air is then carried to us by winds, and the sweating begins.</p> <h2>Where does humidity come from?</h2> <p>Humidity is just gaseous water held in the air after evaporating from liquid water or ice. It is called a vapour because it condenses into rain — the more humid, the more likely rain is.</p> <p>Higher humidity makes us feel hotter in warm weather, and slows the drying of laundry on a clothesline or of plants in the garden.</p> <p>How do we measure it? Two common ways are the “dew point” and “relative humidity”.</p> <p>At any given air temperature, there’s a limit to how much vapour the air will retain. Any vapour above this limit will just condense out. But the limit roughly doubles with every 10°C of warming; the dew point is the temperature where the vapour would hit the limit. The less vapour there is in the air, the colder the dew point.</p> <p>Relative humidity is the ratio of how much vapour the air has compared to the maximum it would retain.</p> <p>If you’re in Tasmania and see that relative humidity is at 100%, you might be confused. But this measure essentially tracks how “full” the air is. At 100% relative humidity, the dew point matches the actual temperature and no more vapour can be added. If the dew point is 10°C below the actual temperature, relative humidity is about 50%.</p> <p>How do we measure it? The dew point can be measured directly using a chilled mirror and a laser to detect condensation. More often it’s calculated from measurements of relative humidity and temperature.</p> <p>Relative humidity determines whether material exposed to the air will moisten or dry out. That’s why relative-humidity sensors use cheap water-absorbing materials (early ones used a strand of human hair!).</p> <h2>What does a changing climate mean for humidity?</h2> <p>The world’s higher ocean temperatures are unambiguously attributable to global warming, largely from the greenhouse gases we have added by burning fossil fuels. To date, more than 90% of all the extra heat thereby trapped has gone into the oceans.</p> <p>The amount of water vapour over the oceans has increased by roughly 5% since the industrial era began, in lockstep with global warming.</p> <p>Global warming will continue until we stop it. That means the atmosphere will keep getting more humid.</p> <p>If the world manages to keep global warming below 2°C, we should avoid the worst health outcomes from more humidity. But even then, we would expect up to another 5% increase in peak water vapour.</p> <p>Right now, we are seeing higher-than-normal temperatures in most of our surrounding oceans, with only a few exceptions. The areas hit hardest by rising humidity are mostly those that are already humid, like Queensland and the Northern Territory.</p> <p>Although peak dew points are rising, you may be confused to hear average relative humidity is actually <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1722312115">falling over land</a>. That’s because the land is warming so fast the average dew points aren’t quite keeping up with temperature, lowering the ratio.</p> <p>That means, alas, that Australia faces a double whammy: increasing water stress and bushfire risk as well as sweatier summers.</p> <h2>Humidity can be very dangerous</h2> <p>Our natural cooling system in hot weather is evaporation of sweat. Sweat forms on your skin, and the air evaporates it, taking the heat with it.</p> <p>But this only works to a point. When the dew point is higher, our self-cooling methods get less and less effective. How important this is depends on how hot you feel. On a moderate but muggy day, you might feel fine until you need to climb four flights of stairs and end up sweaty and exhausted. On a hotter but less muggy day you’d feel the heat at the outset, but would more easily handle the stairs.</p> <p>The Bureau of Meteorology uses something called “<a href="https://media.bom.gov.au/social/blog/1153/apparent-feels-like-temperature/">apparent temperature</a>” to capture the combined effect of temperature and humidity, although this assumes you’re not exerting yourself.</p> <p>How you feel with more exertion can be captured by other measures, such as the “wet bulb globe temperature” now being used at sporting events such as the Australian Open.</p> <p>The Bureau has recently begun providing <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/places/nsw/sydney/forecast/detailed/">humidity and apparent temperature forecasts</a> as a beta product, which is great for activity planning.</p> <p>This type of information will become more important as the heat builds. As humidity increases during peak humid heat episodes, it makes heat stress worse and moves us toward our body’s physical limits.</p> <p><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2316003120">Recent research</a> has shown the combination of humidity and heat could make parts of the planet unlivable if Paris Agreement targets are not met, beginning in India and spreading elsewhere in the tropics – including the Top End of Australia.</p> <p>We need to prepare now for increasing heat, while doing everything we can to stop the routine burning of fossil fuels as soon as possible to maintain a margin of safety for humanity.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/221748/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steven-sherwood-272"><em>Steven Sherwood</em></a><em>, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Change Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</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/yes-its-getting-more-humid-in-summer-heres-why-221748">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Thinking of using an activity tracker to achieve your exercise goals? Here’s where it can help – and where it probably won’t

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/corneel-vandelanotte-209636">Corneel Vandelanotte</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>It’s that time of year when many people are getting started on their resolutions for the year ahead. Doing more physical activity is a popular and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13668-016-0175-5">worthwhile</a> goal.</p> <p>If you’re hoping to be more active in 2024, perhaps you’ve invested in an activity tracker, or you’re considering buying one.</p> <p>But what are the benefits of activity trackers? And will a basic tracker do the trick, or do you need a fancy one with lots of features? Let’s take a look.</p> <h2>Why use an activity tracker?</h2> <p>One of the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-01001-x">most powerful predictors</a> for being active is whether or not <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673621026301">you are monitoring</a> how active you are.</p> <p>Most people have a vague idea of how active they are, but this is inaccurate a lot of the time. Once people consciously start to keep track of how much activity they do, they often realise it’s less than what they thought, and this motivates them to be more active.</p> <p>You can self-monitor without an activity tracker (just by writing down what you do), but this method is hard to keep up in the long run and it’s also a lot less accurate compared to devices that track your every move 24/7.</p> <p>By tracking steps or “activity minutes” you can ascertain whether or not you are meeting the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-adults-18-to-64-years">physical activity guidelines</a> (150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week).</p> <p>It also allows you to track how you’re progressing with any personal activity goals, and view your progress over time. All this would be difficult without an activity tracker.</p> <p>Research has shown the most popular brands of activity trackers are generally reliable when it comes to tracking basic measures such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.2196/18694">steps</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1123/jmpb.2019-0072">activity minutes</a>.</p> <h2>But wait, there’s more</h2> <p>Many activity trackers on the market nowadays track a range of other measures which their manufacturers promote as important in monitoring health and fitness. But is this really the case? Let’s look at some of these.</p> <p><strong>Resting heart rate</strong></p> <p>This is your heart rate at rest, which is normally somewhere <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/resting-heart-rate">between 60 and 100 beats per minute</a>. Your resting heart rate will gradually go down as you become fitter, especially if you’re doing a lot of high-intensity exercise. Your risk of dying of any cause (all-cause mortality) is much lower when you have a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552551/">low resting heart rate</a>.</p> <p>So, it is useful to keep an eye on your resting heart rate. Activity trackers are pretty good at tracking it, but you can also easily measure your heart rate by monitoring your pulse and using a stopwatch.</p> <p><strong>Heart rate during exercise</strong></p> <p>Activity trackers will also measure your heart rate when you’re active. To improve fitness efficiently, professional athletes focus on having their heart rate in certain “<a href="https://chhs.source.colostate.edu/how-to-target-heart-rate-training-zones-effectively/">zones</a>” when they’re exercising – so knowing their heart rate during exercise is important.</p> <p>But if you just want to be more active and healthier, without a specific training goal in mind, you can exercise at a level that feels good to you and not worry about your heart rate during activity. The <a href="https://doi.org/10.1097/HCO.0000000000000437">most important thing</a> is that you’re being active.</p> <p>Also, a dedicated heart rate monitor with a strap around your chest will do a much better job at measuring your actual heart rate <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-0226-6">compared</a> to an activity tracker worn around your wrist.</p> <p><strong>Maximal heart rate</strong></p> <p>This is the hardest your heart could beat when you’re active, not something you could sustain very long. Your maximal heart rate is not influenced by how much exercise you do, or your fitness level.</p> <p>Most activity trackers <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2566167">don’t measure it accurately</a> anyway, so you might as well forget about this one.</p> <p><strong>VO₂max</strong></p> <p>Your muscles need oxygen to work. The more oxygen your body can process, the harder you can work, and therefore the fitter you are.</p> <p>VO₂max is the volume (V) of oxygen (O₂) we could breathe maximally (max) over a one minute interval, expressed as millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). Inactive women and men would have a VO₂max lower than 30 and 40 ml/kg/min, respectively. A reasonably good VO₂max would be mid thirties and higher for women and mid forties and higher for men.</p> <p>VO₂max is another measure of fitness that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.3605">correlates well</a> with all-cause mortality: the higher it is, the lower your risk of dying.</p> <p>For athletes, VO₂max is usually measured in a lab on a treadmill while wearing a mask that measures oxygen consumption. Activity trackers instead look at your running speed (using a GPS chip) and your heart rate and compare these measures to values from other people.</p> <p>If you can run fast with a low heart rate your tracker will assume you are relatively fit, resulting in a higher VO₂max. These estimates are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01639-y">not very accurate</a> as they are based on lots of assumptions. However, the error of the measurement is reasonably consistent. This means if your VO₂max is gradually increasing, you are likely to be getting fitter.</p> <p>So what’s the take-home message? Focus on how many steps you take every day or the number of activity minutes you achieve. Even a basic activity tracker will measure these factors relatively accurately. There is no real need to track other measures and pay more for an activity tracker that records them, unless you are getting really serious about exercise.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/219235/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/corneel-vandelanotte-209636">Corneel Vandelanotte</a>, Professorial Research Fellow: Physical Activity and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</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/thinking-of-using-an-activity-tracker-to-achieve-your-exercise-goals-heres-where-it-can-help-and-where-it-probably-wont-219235">original article</a>.</em></p>

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