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Meal kits are booming – but how do they stack up nutritionally?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kylie-fraser-1483094">Kylie Fraser</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alison-spence-720195">Alison Spence</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karen-campbell-224857">Karen Campbell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/penny-love-1060241">Penny Love</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Meal kits are a <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/online-food-delivery/meal-delivery/australia">billion dollar industry</a> selling the promise of convenience while cooking healthy meals at home. Delivering ingredients and step-by-step recipes to the doorstep, meal kits reduce the time and energy to plan, shop and prepare meals. But do they deliver on their promise of health? While people may <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666321007236">think</a> meal kits are healthy, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/38/6/daad155/7441372?searchresult=1">our new research</a> suggests this varies. The range and quantity of vegetables in a meal is a great indicator of how healthy it is. So we assessed the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/38/6/daad155/7441372?searchresult=1&login=false">vegetable content</a> of recipes from six Australian meal kit providers. We found when it comes to nutrition, whether it be budget friendly or high-end, it’s more about the meals you choose and less about what company to use. <h2>What we found</h2> For our <a href="https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/38/6/daad155/7441372?searchresult=1&login=false">new research</a> we purchased a one-week subscription to nine Australian-based meal kit companies to access weekly recipes. Six companies provided their full week of recipes. The vegetable content of these recipes were analysed. Of the 179 meals analysed, we found recipes use a median of three different types of vegetables and provide a median of 2.5 serves of vegetables per person. At first glance, this looks promising. But on closer inspection, the number and types of vegetables vary a lot. Some recipes provide less than one serve and others more than seven serves of vegetables per person. Not surprisingly, vegetarian recipes provide more vegetables, but almost one-third of these still include less than two vegetables serves per person. The variety of vegetables included also varies, with recipes providing between one and six different types of vegetables per meal. <h2>What’s for dinner?</h2> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10200412/">Dinner</a> is the time when we’re most likely to eat vegetables, so low levels of vegetables in meal kit meals <a href="https://theconversation.com/food-as-medicine-why-do-we-need-to-eat-so-many-vegetables-and-what-does-a-serve-actually-look-like-76149">matter</a>. Eating vegetables is known to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5837313/">reduce the risk</a> of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266069/">obesity</a> and some cancers. What’s more, food preferences and eating habits are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17367571/">learned</a> in childhood. So being exposed to a wide range of vegetables from a young age is important for future health. But few Australians eat enough vegetables. According to the <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-dietary-guidelines-1-5">Australian Dietary Guidelines</a>, children should be eating 2.5 to five serves and adults at least five serves of vegetables each day. Currently children eat an average of <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4364.0.55.012main+features12011-12">less than</a> two serves and adults less than three serves of vegetables per day. So there’s room for improvement and meal kits may help. <h2>Meal kits have advantages</h2> The good news is that using meal kits can be a healthier alternative to ordering takeaway delivery or prepared ready-to-heat meals. When we cook at home, we have much more say in what’s for dinner. We can use healthier cooking methods (think grilled rather than deep-fried), healthier fats (olive or canola oil) and add in plenty of extra veg. All make for better nutrition and better health. Meal kits might also build your cooking confidence to cook more “from scratch” and to learn about new ingredients, flavour combinations and time-saving techniques. Cooking with meal kits may even <a href="https://theconversation.com/cooking-from-meal-boxes-can-cut-household-food-waste-by-38-new-research-192760">cut household food waste</a> by providing the exact amount of ingredients needed to prepare a meal. <h2>5 tips for getting the most out of meal kits</h2> 1) Select some vegetarian options This way you can have <a href="https://meatfreemondays.com/about/">meat-free</a> dinners during the week. Vegetarian recipes are more likely to help you meet daily vegetable intakes and to eat a wider variety of vegetables 2) Choose recipes with at least 3 different types of vegetables Eating a range of vegetable types and colours will help maximise nutritional benefits. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7195662/">Research</a> shows eating a variety of vegetables at dinner can increase our vegetable intakes. Exposing children to “<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-get-children-to-eat-a-rainbow-of-fruit-and-vegetables-97546">eating the rainbow</a>” can also increase their willingness to eat vegetables 3) Choose recipes with unfamiliar or new vegetables Research tells us that learning to prepare and cook vegetables can increase cooking <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20399299/#:%7E:text=Households%20bought%20a%20greater%20variety,at%20least%20one%20minor%20(difference%3A">confidence</a> and skills. This can influence our willingness to buy a wider range of vegetables. Worried about fussy eaters? Add your child’s favourite cooked or raw veg to their plate (one familiar, one new) 4) Look for ways to add more vegetables It’s OK to tweak the recipe! Adding vegetables from your fridge – maybe some lettuce on the side or chopped up carrots to a cooked sauce – to meal kit meals will help reduce household <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/food-waste">food waste</a>. You can also extend meals by adding a can of lentils or beans to mince-based meals, or frozen peas or chickpeas to a curry. This adds valuable fibre to the meal and also bulks up these recipes, giving you leftovers for the next day 5) Use less While vegetables are important for health, it’s also important to consider the <a href="https://academic-oup-com.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/heapro/article/36/3/660/5908259">salt</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31694291/">fat and energy</a> content of meal kit recipes. When using meal kits, you can <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/healthy-living-and-eating/salt-and-heart-health">use less</a> seasoning, spice mix or stock cubes and add more herbs instead.<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/218339/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kylie-fraser-1483094">Kylie Fraser</a>, PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alison-spence-720195">Alison Spence</a>, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Population Health, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karen-campbell-224857">Karen Campbell</a>, Professor Population Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/penny-love-1060241">Penny Love</a>, Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/meal-kits-are-booming-but-how-do-they-stack-up-nutritionally-218339">original article</a>.

Food & Wine

‘He was horrific!’: Nearly two thirds of family historians are distressed by what they find – should DNA kits come with warnings?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-moore-1446031">Susan Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> In 1853, my great great grandmother Charlotte died giving birth to her 13th child, in a tent on the banks of the Yarra River in what is now South Melbourne – but was then an overcrowded, muddy hellhole known as <a href="https://blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/our-stories/canvas-town-a-floating-city-devoured-by-the-sun/">Canvas Town</a>. The baby, William, died shortly afterwards. Researching Charlotte’s story made me both sad for her loss and angry at the powerlessness of women’s lives then. I’m not the only one to have experienced intense emotions – both negative and positive – while researching my forebears. On Facebook pages, in <a href="https://time.com/5492642/dna-test-results-family-secret-biological-father/">media stories</a> and <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/who-do-you-think-you-are">on TV</a>, you’ll find a flood of hobby genealogists discovering shocking things about their ancestors – or even their own identity. My recent research revealed about two thirds of family historians have experienced <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2313-5778/7/2/26">strong negative emotions</a> like sorrow or anger through their hobby. And nearly all respondents had experienced strong positive emotions such as joy or pride. <h2>Passionate ‘kin keepers’</h2> In 2019, Doreen Rosenthal and I surveyed 775 Australian hobbyist family historians to examine their <a href="https://www.routledge.com/The-Psychology-of-Family-History-Exploring-Our-Genealogy/Moore-Rosenthal-Robinson/p/book/9780367820428">motivations</a>. They were adults aged between 21 and 93, but most were older and the median age was 63. The majority (85%) were women. This seems to be typical of hobbyist family historians. Women often take on the role of “kin keeper” – and have the time to devote to it when they’ve finished rearing children and have retired from paid work. Survey respondents described why they were passionately engaged with their hobby – and how it made them feel. Some 48% “sometimes” felt strong negative emotions about what they found, while 15% did “often”. There were five common distress triggers. <h2>1. Ancestors behaving badly</h2> The first and most common distress trigger was the discovery of ancestors who had behaved badly – either as individuals, or by profiting from unjust social conditions. Finding these forebears made family historians feel confronted, shocked and sometimes ashamed. They said things like: "[The worst thing was] finding the bigamist! He was horrific!! Very confronting thinking that I have some of his blood in my veins!" And: "[It was] difficult finding that ancestors may have been involved in unsavoury behaviours or events. The problem is trying to understand the context of how they were able to do things that are socially and legally unacceptable today and not things I can be proud of." <h2>2. Ancestors treated cruelly</h2> It was also distressing to discover ancestors who had been cruelly treated. This elicited disturbing, even “heartbreaking” feelings – and, at least implicitly, indignation at injustice. Many were deeply moved by what their ancestors experienced. As one survey respondent put it: "What is unexpected is the relationships that can be formed with those who are no longer with us. That I can be moved by the plight of my paternal step great great grandmother who was incarcerated in a mental institution from 1913 to 1948 without review, without visitors, to get her out of the way." <h2>3. Sad stories</h2> Sadness was often specifically mentioned. As in the case of my great great grandmother who died in childbirth, sadness was usually a response to the hardships and tragedies ancestors faced in more challenging times. Women commonly did not survive childbirth, neonatal deaths were frequent, people died of diseases medical science has now conquered. Poverty was rife and war a constant threat. "[It was difficult] discovering the tragedies encountered by my Irish ancestors who came to Australia and their struggles and heartbreaking stories of survival for the next three generations." "[It is distressing] to uncover particularly sad and desperate times in some ancestors’ lives. For example, a destitute widow who admitted her child to an orphan asylum for three years, only to have her child die of typhoid fever within two weeks of returning home." <h2>4. Family secrets and betrayal</h2> The fourth distress trigger was a belief by the family history researcher that they had been betrayed by other family members: through secrets, lies and feeling their lived experience was ignored or denied. This is particularly likely for those who discover “secrets” about their parentage – for example, the late-life discovery of adoption, parental infidelity or previously unknown siblings. Trust is damaged. If family members can lie about these important things, what else might they lie about? As one woman commented: "My mother’s half-sister did not accept that she shared a father with my mother. My great grandmother lied about who my grandfather’s father was. My great great grandmother also lied. All these lies were very distressing." <h2>5. Moral dilemmas</h2> Finally, several respondents expressed doubt and confusion at the moral dilemmas they faced on discovering information that could greatly distress other living relatives. Should they tell or not? An emotional burden attaches to withholding potentially distressing information of this kind. Yet there is also guilt and fear about the possible outcomes of sharing it. "I knew an aunt had an illegitimate child before she married. Through DNA I found her granddaughter. I have yet to inform this girl who she is. I don’t feel it’s my right as she has absolutely no idea of any adoption of her father." "A really distressing find was that my great aunt’s husband had committed a terrible murder. I have not been able to speak about this with the descendants of the couple." <h2>Healthy outcomes from bad feelings</h2> Sometimes these distressing feelings can promote healthy, growth-enhancing outcomes. After the initial shock, some traumatic genealogical discoveries lead to a greater understanding of the past and its influence. Placing ancestors’ maladaptive or distressing behaviours, or their misfortunes, into historical and social context can help with acceptance and forgiveness, and stimulate emotional healing and personal growth. Initial feelings of distress about past injustices and tragedies are sometimes replaced by admiration for the strength and resilience of one’s forebears. This can positively influence personal wellbeing and resilience. <h2>How can family and professionals help?</h2> I processed my great great grandmother’s story by writing it down and sharing it with family members. We reworked our sadness at her fate into a positive family narrative, emphasising her bravery and the strengths her surviving children showed. Support can mean just disclosing these stories to family members, friends and other family historians. But for some, it may be helpful to discuss these topics privately with a counsellor or therapist, especially if they’ve led to a breakdown in family relationships or an assault on one’s sense of identity. Counsellors and psychologists should develop strategies to support clients distressed by genealogical findings – and encourage them to use their new knowledge for personal growth and greater understanding of family dynamics. Should providers of genealogical research products (especially DNA tests) educate their customers about their products’ potential to cause distress? Trigger warnings might be overkill. But they could issue lists of support resources for those who are upset or disoriented by their findings. As more people gain access to more genealogical data – with the potential to challenge identity and uncover family secrets – it’s worth thinking about.<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/207430/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-moore-1446031">Susan Moore</a>, Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/he-was-horrific-nearly-two-thirds-of-family-historians-are-distressed-by-what-they-find-should-dna-kits-come-with-warnings-207430">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

10 items you MUST carry in your travel medical kit

Health concerns are the last thing you want to be dealing with when on holidays, but unfortunately accidents can still happen when we are travelling. This is why a travel medical kit is one of the most important things you will pack. From simple first aid measures to equipment that will help you in instances where something more serious is occurring, a well-stocked travel medical kit is the hallmark of every sensible traveller. Here are 10 items you must include in your travel medical kit. We’ve also included some additional tips at the bottom of the article. 1. Adhesive dressings (Band-Aids) – When travelling we’re particularly susceptible to minor cuts. Adhesive dressings ensure these nicks and scrapes don’t get infected. 2. Antihistamine – These are essential, especially if you’re someone who suffers from allergies, as they allow you to control allergic reactions in foreign environments. 3. Bandages – Use bandages to create support structures for strained limbs, reduce swellings, hold dressings in place, and even as a makeshift sling. 4. Instant cold pack – These handy devices are especially useful when it comes time to deal with any swelling issues or untoward skin reactions encountered abroad. 5. Antibacterial gel – If you’re in a situation when you need a pair of clean hands, antibacterial gel makes it possible without the need of water access. 6. Oral rehydration salts – Dehydration can quickly turn into a big issues overseas, so having a few oral rehydration salts on hand can get you out of a serious bind. 7. Safety pins – The practicality of safety pins knows no bounds, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you need to keep bandages or slings in place. 8. Thermal blanket – In an emergency situation a thermal blanket can help control body temperature and ultimately avoid the likelihood of someone going into shock. 9. Thermometer – It’s also quite useful to have a thermometer at hand just in case. Go for a digital design that’s easier to read in an emergency situation. 10. Tweezers – If you ever need to remove splinters when you’re overseas or do running repairs to adhesive dressings, a pair of tweezers becomes quite useful. Additional tips and pointers: <ul> <li>Keep you travel medical kit in a dry, cool storage location if possible.</li> <li>Make sure it’s in an easily accessible part of your suitcase or backpack, and make sure everyone you are travelling with knows where to find it.</li> <li>Before you head off, double check the contents of your kit ensuring any creams are up to date, bandages and dressings are properly sealed and all items are working properly.</li> </ul> Image: Getty

Domestic Travel

Duchess Kate swaps dresses for army kit

Kate Middleton has shared incredible images of herself in an army uniform in honour of Armed Forces Day in the UK. The Duchess of Cambridge along with her husband Prince William were paying tribute to the men and women who served in the country's armed forces. She shared the behind-the-scenes images to the couple’s Instagram account which were taken back in 2021 giving her a glimpse into the training recruits undertook. “Today on Armed Forces Day, William and I would like to pay tribute to the brave men and women, past and present, serving in all of our armed forces, at sea, on land and in the air, here in the UK and around the world,” the Duchess wrote. “Thank you for all you and your families sacrifice to keep us safe. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfOOrY6tWMo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfOOrY6tWMo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)</a> </div> </blockquote> “Last year, I was honoured to spend time with the @BritishArmy to see how they train serving personnel and new recruits. “It was wonderful to see first-hand the many important and varied roles the military play day in, day out to protect us all, and I look forward to discovering more about the @RoyalNavy and @RoyalAirForceUK in due course.” It’s not uncommon for Royal Family members to serve in the army with the Duke of Cambridge himself serving in the Royal Air Force from 2006 to 2013. He was also trained by the Royal Navy in 2008. His younger brother Prince Harry served with the British Army and the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, making him the first royal since Prince Andrew to serve in a war zone. Their father, Prince Charles, was part of the Royal Air Force, while their grandfather Prince Philip served in the Royal Navy for nearly 14 years. Images: Instagram

Beauty & Style

What if your phone could tell you if you had COVID?

Timely and reliable access to COVID testing <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-05/covid-testing-pcr-delays-rat-test-supply-issues/100738982" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-05/covid-testing-pcr-delays-rat-test-supply-issues/100738982">has been a source of pain across Australia in recent weeks</a>. High demand, high infection rates and an overwhelmed workforce have seen long queues and delayed results for <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/ask-cosmos-how-reliable-are-pcr-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/ask-cosmos-how-reliable-are-pcr-tests/">‘gold-standard’ PCR tests</a>. <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid/rise-of-rapid-antigen-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid/rise-of-rapid-antigen-testing/">Rapid antigen tests</a> – if you can find and afford one – will give you a quicker result, but they’re less sensitive than PCR. Not to mention, inserting a swab into your nose doesn’t get any more fun the more times you do it.<div class="copy">But what if there were a COVID test you could do at home using just a saliva sample, your smartphone and an inexpensive diagnostic kit? Similar speed to a rapid antigen test – similar accuracy to a PCR test. (And no nasal swab in sight.)That’s the innovation promised by a paper <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.45669" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> today in the journal JAMA Network Open.In the paper, a team of US-based researchers describe the performance of a new system to test for infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. The technique is called smaRT-LAMP (smartphone-based real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification).Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a technique that, <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/what-is-pcr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar to PCR</a>, uses primers and a polymerase to amplify (make copies of) DNA. If DNA from a virus is present in a sample, the LAMP will pick it up. Because influenza and SARS-CoV-2 genomes are made of RNA, there’s an extra step called <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/how-is-rt-pcr-used-to-diagnose-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/how-is-rt-pcr-used-to-diagnose-covid-19/">reverse transcription</a> to convert the RNA into DNA before it’s amplified – this is also the case for PCR tests.However, unlike PCR, LAMP is isothermal – meaning it works at a constant temperature. By contrast, PCR works by heating the sample to a very high temperature to separate the DNA strands, lowering the temperature to allow primers to bind to the exposed DNA, then raising the temperature slightly again to allow the new DNA copies to be extended – and repeating this process over and over again. That means you need specialised – and expensive – thermal cycling equipment for PCR, whereas LAMP can get by with just a hot plate to maintain a constant temperature.Finally, the smaRT-LAMP system uses a smartphone’s camera and an app to detect whether the target virus is present in the saliva sample. A fluorescent dye in the reaction binds to the amplified DNA and is stimulated by an LED light, and the fluorescence is captured by the smartphone’s camera. The system can return a result within just 25 minutes – not too much longer than the 15 minutes required for current rapid antigen tests.It’s also affordable, at an estimated US$7 (about $10) per smaRT-LAMP test, compared to US$10–20 ($14–28) per rapid antigen test and US$100–150 ($140–210) per PCR test.<div class="newsletter-box"><div id="wpcf7-f6-p180588-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> </div></div>Of course, you need to BYO smartphone, but that’s much more accessible than the thermal cyclers needed for PCR.“Smartphones are ideally suited to meet the need for low-cost, widely accessible clinical POC [point-of-care] diagnostic tools, with smartphone global use estimated at nearly half the world’s population,” the paper’s authors noted.In the study, the researchers tested the smaRT-LAMP system on saliva from 50 people – 20 who had tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 and 30 who had tested negative in PCR tests within 12 hours of sample collection. The participants had all presented to hospital with flu-like symptoms or shortness of breath.The study found that the smaRT-LAMP results matched perfectly with the PCR results – everyone who tested positive or negative with one test had the same result for the other. smaRT-LAMP could also detect SARS-CoV-2 with high specificity against six other coronaviruses, and could detect RNA from the Alpha, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Iota variants of SARS-CoV-2. It’s also expected to be able to detect the <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid/omicron-update-170122/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid/omicron-update-170122/">Omicron variant</a>, although this has not yet been tested.Furthermore, the smaRT-LAMP system could detect influenza with high sensitivity and specificity, simply by using different primers to target the different virus – handy as COVID-19 and flu share many symptoms.However, the primary goal at the moment isn’t convenient at-home testing for individual patients. Instead, the researchers were hoping to create a tool that could overcome testing challenges in healthcare settings, especially in countries with fewer technological and financial resources to handle the pandemic.“The plan was to bring state-of-the-art diagnostics to resource-limited settings,” explains corresponding author Michael J Mahan, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara.“We have provided the app and technology open-source and freely available to help reduce the world’s inequities.”That’s not to say that the system couldn’t one day be adapted for home use.“The next phase of the research is to develop low-cost, home-based testing,” says Mahan.<img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="height: 1px!important;width: 1px!important;border: 0!important" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=180588&title=What+if+your+phone+could+tell+you+if+you+had+COVID%3F" width="1" height="1" /></div><div id="contributors"><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid/smart-lamp-smartphone-covid-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/matilda-handlsey-davis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matilda Handsley-Davis</a>. Matilda is an Editorial Assistant at Cosmos.Image: Getty Images</div>

Technology

Evacuating with a grandbaby: Here’s what to put in your emergency kit

Infants are <a href="http://research.usc.edu.au:8080/vital/access/manager/Repository/usc:25429?lightbox=true">particularly vulnerable</a> in emergencies. Without access to appropriate food and fluid they can become seriously ill within hours, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2009111">particularly in hot weather</a>. Families can be isolated without power or water in their homes for long periods. They can be <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126921723">stranded in their cars while evacuating for hours or even days</a>. And because government planning for infants is lacking, even when you reach an evacuation centre, you may have to <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7528-0">wait to access infant feeding supplies</a>. But parents can find it difficult to pack the necessary supplies for their babies. We are so used to having reliable power and water that it’s hard to imagine what it’s like not to have them. During the 2011 Queensland flooding and cyclone Yasi disasters, for example, <a href="https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/usc-news-exchange/news-archive/2018/december/floods-cyclones-bring-sickness-threat-to-babies">one-quarter of families evacuated</a> were unable to pack adequate infant feeding supplies. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that, apart from <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/prepare-for-disasters/food-during-disaster">Queensland</a>, state and territory governments <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7528-0">do not provide detailed guidance for parents</a> on what to pack for babies in emergency kits. Some emergency organisations offer more advice on what to pack for pets than for babies. Gathering supplies at the last minute can be dangerous as it can delay leaving. So, what do parents and caregivers need in their kit? Emergency kits should have everything you need to look after your baby for at least three days without having any access to electricity or water. Breastfed babies If your baby is less than six months old and fully breastfed, you will need nappies, wipes, and some extra water to keep hydrated. Some mothers worry they won’t be able to breastfeed during an emergency. Babies are often unsettled in emergencies but <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16157942">stress doesn’t impact milk production</a>. However, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/11/3012S/4686704">it can slow the release of milk</a>. If this happens, keep offering the breast, look at your baby, think about how much you love them; this will release hormones that make the milk flow and help you and your baby to feel more relaxed. Frequent breastfeeding increases the amount of milk a baby takes from the breast. Expressed breastmilk-fed babies If you feed your baby expressed breastmilk, you need to learn how to hand express, as it may not be possible to wash pump parts. You will also need drinking water for yourself, detergent, around 400ml of water per feed for washing hands, disposable plastic cups or single-use bottles and teats for feeding the baby, as well as nappies and nappy wipes. Formula-fed babies If you are are formula feeding, we suggest the following as a minimum: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">an unopened tin of infant formula</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">enough bottles and teats to have one for every feed (thoroughly washed, sterilised and completely dry before sealing in a ziplock bag)</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n56_infant_feeding_guidelines.pdf">small bottles of still drinking water</a> (not mineral or carbonated water) for reconstitution</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">large containers or bottles for washing hands and the preparation area (about 500ml per time)</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">detergent for washing hands and the preparation area</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">paper towels for drying hands and the preparation area</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">nappies and nappy wipes.</li> </ul> All of these supplies can be stored in a large plastic tub with a flat lid that you can turn upside down and use as a clean preparation surface. When using the kit, it’s important to only make up the infant formula when it is going to be fed to the baby and to throw out any leftover formula within an hour of starting the feed. Babies aged over six months If your baby has started solids, include enough canned baby foods and disposable spoons in your kit to feed your baby for three days. Other things to consider If you are formula feeding and it’s possible you’re going to be isolated at home without power for more than a few days, you <a href="https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-4358-6-16/figures/3">may need to store resources</a> such as a gas stove and a large quantity of water to enable washing. Emergencies often occur during heat waves and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/emergency/plan-for-an-emergency/2012-09-04/plan-for-a-heatwave/4215360?fbclid=IwAR1PreuexNYq8ZP0upXgfq7Q7VLOE6mIMfqHSkxcH6lm4MWdvAjapXl5DHw">general advice</a> includes drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. This advice doesn’t apply to babies under six months of age. Young babies can be made <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00032470.htm">very ill if given water alone</a>. Instead, offer your baby <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Factsheets/babies-children-hot-weather.pdf">more frequent breast or formula feeds</a>. If you’re wondering whether to stop breastfeeding, consider delaying this decision until after the summer emergency season has passed, as it’s much easier to breastfeed than to formula feed in emergency conditions. Written by Karleen Gribble and Nina J Berry. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/evacuating-with-a-baby-heres-what-to-put-in-your-emergency-kit-127026">The Conversation. </a>

Travel Tips

The secret “kit” cruise ship employees bring to every job

Cruise ship employees have revealed their own “life saving” kits to deal with the pressures and demands of staff life. One former worker, Joshua Kinder opened up about life onboard a cruise after more than five years of employment. Working as a drummer, Kinder revealed there is a “kit” to brighten their day or make it just a bit better. “With us we would bring the lifesaving first-aid kit that every forlorn crew member aboard a ship of darkness needs,” he wrote in his book Chronicles of a Cruise Ship Worker. “A red satchel filled with positive attitudes and optimistic outlooks, a sturdy hand powered bilge pump, a couple of gas masks hooked up to oxygen tanks, diving gear in case we found ourselves with unexpected reef in our crew quarters, a lifetime supply of coconut and pineapple scented air fresheners to mask the smell of our cabin. "A warm wool blanket for when the ship thermostat gets stuck on the setting labelled ‘ice cream freezer’.”’ The former employee also added: “A thin sheet for when said air conditioning breaks down, horse tranquilisers to be used when the ship is placed in Red Alert, the obligatory bottle of haberno hot sauce to mask the otherwise unpalatable foods served in the crew mess.” Joshua then humorously wrote every employee would need a life raft in case they need to jump ship. Despite there being a few “essentials” you could probably skip out on, there are some that are absolutely crucial to get through ship life.

Cruising

Mum slams airline after her son nearly died during flight

A family holiday almost turned to tragedy after 10-year-old Luca had a severe allergic reaction to a cashew nut served on an American Airlines flight from Aruba. Had it not been the quick-thinking actions of a nurse onboard the plane, Luca would have died. “My son had serious anaphylaxis symptoms on our flight home last night,” Luca’s mother Francine <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fvalorosoingrassia/posts/10212555999669591" target="_blank">wrote on Facebook</a>. “He ate one cashew from the nut mix he was served on our flight and within minutes he had severe stomach pain, chest pain and stridor breathing. If it was not for the quick-thinking stewardess on the plane, the nurse who administered the EpiPen and cared for him the entire trip and passengers who gave us their EpiPens this would have been fatal. “We were not aware of any allergies that our son had with cashews before this flight. The pilots were prepared to do an emergency landing in the Dominican Republic.” What’s worse, as Francine and Luca discovered, was that the flight was dangerously underprepared in the event of an allergic reaction. “The scariest thing was that American Airlines did not have an EpiPen in their medical kits and served nuts on a plane? We need to change this. “I am forever grateful [to] Nurse Kelly who saved my son’s life and sat with us the entire flight, the two passengers who gave us their EpiPens, the quick-thinking stewardess, the pilots and the paramedics who boarded the plane once we landed to check his vitals. Things could have been very different if it wasn’t for all these angels completely aligned.” Speaking to <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2018/03/03/mom-slams-american-airlines-for-limited-response-during-son-s-near-fatal-allergic-reaction.html" target="_blank">Fox News</a> after the terrifying incident, Francine criticised the airline for its lack of preparedness. “American Airlines staff had their hands tied because they were limited on what they could do to save my son’s life since they had no medication to offer us from their medical kits,” she said. “All they could offer was an emergency landing in the Dominican Republic, however it could have been fatal at that point.” Despite this, American Airlines claimed in a statement that their medical kits do indeed contain epinephrine. “We are grateful that Luca is OK and that our crew members and passengers, including a nurse, came together quickly to provide him the care he needed,” spokeswoman Michelle Mohr told <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/mom-boy-suffered-near-fatal-allergic-reaction-flight-says-airline-didnt-enough-203654081.html" target="_blank">Yahoo Lifestyle</a>. “We hope he is feeling better and understand how frightening the reaction must have been for him and his mother. “The medical kits on board our aircraft comply with federal regulations and contain Epinephrine – the same medicine contained in an EpiPen. Our professional flight attendants are familiar with the contents of the on-board kits. They are able to provide general first aid and are trained in CPR and using an AED. But we require a licensed medical professional to administer more extensive forms of treatment like injections for the health and safety of our customers. “We are following up with our crew to thank them for moving quickly to take care of Luca and to learn more about the situation on board and how they managed it. We thank our crew members and our passengers on board for moving fast and working together to take care of Luca as quickly as possible.” Image credit: Francine Val/Facebook.

Travel Trouble

The bowel cancer screening kit saved my life

Lucy Shipp, 65, shares her bowel cancer journey to encourage everyone to take the bowel cancer screening kit. Three years ago when I was 62 years of age, the company I work for, Caterpillar of Australia, sponsored a bowel screening program (led by Nick Lee, of the Jodi Lee Foundation). We listened to a presentation and were provided with bowel cancer screening kits. I was shocked to find that my test came back positive. Within one week I was having a colonoscopy. Two large tumors where found and a number of polyps; the polyps were removed immediately during the initial colonoscopy. Tests on the two large tumors showed that I had early stage bowel cancer. The first tumor was successfully removed via a colonoscopy; unfortunately, the other one had to be surgically removed along with a 15 inch section of large colon. I was very fortunate not to lose a much longer section of colon because one tumor was on my left and the other on my right side. From the first diagnosis in August, these procedures were completed by October. I had taken the government supplied bowel cancer screening test when I was 50 and again at 55 years of age, neither resulted positive. There was no history of bowel cancer in my family, no one I knew had ever had it, and I never had any symptoms whatsoever, so had never given bowel cancer a second thought. My colorectal surgeon could not stress enough, that if I had waited for my next government supplied screening test at age 65, it would have been too late for me. <img width="273" height="409" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21480/lucy-shipp4-copy_273x409.jpg" alt="Lucy Shipp 4 - Copy" style="float: left;"/>If you are like me, I ask you to take the test. I know there are people who think it’s too hard, or that it’s going to be uncomfortable and embarrassing, so they keep putting it off, even if they have the kit in front of them. I would ask if a little discomfort is worth a life! Please get tested. It’s important and it’s easy to take the test. Taking the test could be the difference between life and death. I want you to know that even when you’re diagnosed with bowel cancer, so much can be done, with great success. I have succeeded in convincing friends and family, just how easy it is to take the test (read the pamphlet in the screening kit, fill in your details, and then leave the kit in the bathroom until you are ready). They have all since done the screening test and some have had to have the colonoscopy – all have had very good results. It’s been three years since I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to my family, friends, Caterpillar and the Jodi Lee Foundation who have been a truly wonderful support. I cannot give enough praise to the doctors and staff at the Austin and Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre for the excellent treatment I received during this whole affair. I look at my children and grandchildren and am constantly reminded of how very lucky I am, because without the initial bowel cancer screening test, I would not have suspected anything was wrong. For more information about bowel cancer, please visit the <a href="http://www.jodileefoundation.org.au/" target="_blank">Jodi Lee Foundation website here.</a> Related links: <a href="/health/body/2016/05/nick-lee-on-why-he-started-the-jodi-lee-foundation/">What I did after my wife passed away from bowel cancer</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/four-pillars-of-happy-and-healthy-ageing/">The 4 pillars of happy and healthy ageing</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/03/how-to-spot-a-melanoma-from-a-mole/">How to spot a melanoma from a mole</a>

Body

13 essential travel first aid kit items

Nothing upsets travel plans like bumps and bruises. But when you’re going somewhere for a short amount of time it can be difficult to know exactly what you need to take. We’ve put together a list of essential items every traveller should have in their first aid kit. With a little prep, you’ll be ready to handle anything that happens. Essential items: <ul> <li>Adhesive dressings – or Band aids, as they’re more commonly known, are the perfect way to treat minor cuts or skin injuries you might pick up on vacation.</li> <li>Antiseptic – when you’re travelling in certain locations the risk of infection is high, so it’s essential to have some form of antiseptic on hand for cleaning wounds.</li> <li>Bandages – whether you need to create support for strained limbs, reduce swelling or hold dressings in place, bandages are your best port of call.</li> <li>Cold pack – this is a great way to control swelling or calm skin reactions.</li> <li>Antibacterial hand wash – particularly kinds that do not require water to wash away germs.</li> <li>Safety pins – this is a good way to secure large bandages or hold slings in place.</li> <li>Scissor – perfect way to cut adhesive dressings and for more accurate bandaging.</li> <li>Tweezers – easily removes splinters and any other small items lodged in the skin.</li> <li>Thermometer – ideally a digital design, as these are more accurate and easier to read.</li> <li>Mosquito repellent – particularly if you’re visiting warmer, tropical climates.</li> <li>Sunscreen – to make sure you’re not exposed to the sun’s harsh rays.</li> <li>Gauze pads – useful, and can be cut to a specific size for larger wounds.</li> <li>Pen & paper – in an emergency situation detail can be key. Write down symptoms, signs and details of the incident to help ensure that the person injured gets the best treatment.</li> </ul> Travelling with your first aid kit Now you’ve got your first aid kit together, it’s important to take a moment to consider how to travel with it. Ideally, you want your first aid kit to be in a dry, cool location that is easily accessible. Everyone you’re travelling with should know where your kit is located. You should also check the contents to make sure everything is in date, and replace if necessary. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/photo-shows-german-shepherd-enjoying-flight/">German Shepherd really enjoys plane ride</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/man-books-first-class-flight-using-frequent-flyer-trick/">Man pays $191 to take $14K first-class flight using frequent flyer tricks</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/survey-smartphones-transformed-travel/">Smartphones have transformed the way we travel</a>

Travel Tips

MPs take their kit off in the name of melanoma awareness

MPs lined up to take their kits off in Parliament in a bid to stem the increasing rate of melanoma in this country - one of the worst in the world. To the benefit of all, their molemapping checks, carried out by Melanoma New Zealand, took place behind screens. With one of the highest incidences in the world, fair skinned Kiwis have a one in 15 chance of developing melanoma in their lifetime. Parliamentarians receiving skin checks crossed the political divide, including several Cabinet Ministers and MPs from National, Labour, Greens, NZ First and the ACT Party. In launching New Zealand's first Skin Check Day, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said he had a clean bill of health, but one New Zealander died every day of the preventable cancer. "It's all about knowing the signs to look for, taking preventative action, trying to avoid sunburn and sun exposure early in life. "But of course, for adult New Zealanders, our history is what it is. Many of us have seen way too much sun over the years and so now many of us are at risk of this totally preventable disease." It was important New Zealanders knew what to look for, and were aware of the moles on their own body. It was when any moles began to change shape, colour or became raised, that a molemap with a dermatologist was a good idea. GPs could also perform baseline checks, and refer patients if they thought there was any cause for concern. Melanoma NZ chief executive Linda Flay said it was vital New Zealand's took charge of their own skin. "Being proactive could save you from becoming one of over 300 Kiwis who die from melanoma each year." Wellington dermatologist Dr Bruce Taylor said skin cancer was treatable if picked up early. New Zealand registered about 2000 invasive melanomas every year, and 2000 non-invasive. "With skin checks, the whole idea is to identify the ones who are high-risk. Because they're the ones who need to be screened to have regular checks." Anyone with fair skin, or who had a family member who had had melanoma was in the high-risk group. Hero image credit: Twitter / Jonathan Coleman Written by Stacey Kirk. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/all-blacks-fireworks-gone-wrong/">All Blacks fireworks display gone wrong costs pyrotechnics company $100K</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/restored-steam-engine-to-depart-from-picton/">Rail tour picks up steam after tow start</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/kiwis-avoid-app-store-price-hike/">Kiwis avoid Apple's App Store price hike</a>

News

The handy car survival kit you shouldn’t leave home without

Whether you are travelling locally or further afield on a road trip, having a car stocked with supplies could really come in handy someday. Whether it’s a major traffic jam, a blown tyre, or an accident in the middle of nowhere, with your survival kit you will be well equipped to handle almost any situation. Jumper leads You might have left the lights on while camping somewhere remote and then all of a sudden you have no way of starting your car and are miles from home. A set of jumper leads only need one other vehicle to help get you moving. Lighter or waterproof matches Warmth and visibility from fire could prove invaluable, especially if you are going to be spending the night stuck somewhere. Swiss army knife or tool kit You never know when you are going to need a screwdriver, scissors or spanner when out and about. Spare tyre For obvious reasons, this is an essential piece of kit for any car. Always check that your car has one before setting out. Duct tape This might allow you to patch together a broken bumper or wayward wire while you try to find your way back to civilisation. First aid kit Fix up any bumps or bruises with band-aids or bandages. Blanket This could be ideal if you need to spend a night in your car. If that doesn’t happen it’s always handy for an impromptu picnic. Torch and Batteries Handy for reading maps or changing a tyre at night time, or fumbling your way to find the nearest petrol station. Water bottles and muesli bars Food and water is always handy to have in the car. You may find yourself stuck for hours in a traffic jam with nowhere to stop for supplies. In that case a few carefully chosen snacks will prove invaluable. Water can also be used for the car if needed. Baby wipes Not just for the mums and bubs, wipes are handy for cleaning up spills, removing grease from your hands, or as a backup for toilet paper. An old mobile phone Keep an old prepaid mobile phone in your glove box that will allow you to call the emergency services in case yours is lost or stolen.

Home & Garden

Are DIY will kits worth it?

We’re all being increasingly lured by the savings and convenience of online and DIY services, and the will kits now readily available may seem like a good option. However while the apparent simplicity and upfront savings are appealing, you need to keep in mind that your will is a very important document and there can be costly implications – both financial and emotional – if it’s not done effectively. To help you, we’ve summarised a few things to keep in mind if you're considering a DIY will, as well as identifying some of the common traps to avoid. In general, a DIY will may be appropriate in very straightforward circumstances, however where there are more involved assets, business or family affairs it can get a lot more complicated. Anyone who makes a will for themselves who is not legally qualified risks making mistakes that can have all sorts of negative and costly ramifications. Common issues with DIY wills include: 1. The will is not completed, signed or witnessed correctly – this can render it invalid if not completed according to specific legal requirements. 2. Incorrect naming or wording is used – ambiguous wording is extremely common in DIY wills, where it can be misinterpreted and challenged. 3. Inappropriate conditions are placed on the granting of certain gifts, which are not then possible to enforce legally. 4. Trying to gift assets that may not be gifted under a will, eg: jointly owned assets. 5. You may need to consider the impact of debt and tax on the fairness of your asset distribution – i.e. if you allocate two properties to your children, but one has a mortgage with debt implications that makes the inheritance unequal. Another important decision is choosing an executor. A common mistake is to appoint a friend as executor who may not have the ability to manage your estate effectively. Also, you should avoid someone with a potential conflict of interest – this may be a business partner or a family member if there’s the possibility of conflict over the estate. One way to approach creating a will is to use a DIY kit as a research tool, but to supplement it with formal legal advice particularly where more complex issues are involved. A solicitor can provide advice on the myriad scenarios relevant to your personal situation to ensure your will is an effective document that really does carry out your wishes. So in summary, make sure your will is carefully considered. You might save a few dollars up front doing it yourself, but there could be significant cost and stress to your family and other beneficiaries if there are issues down the track. Remember, it’s a very important document to get right – both for your own peace of mind and the future of those you love. This article is for general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. You should seek formal legal advice on your specific circumstances.

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