Japan to crack down on medical fee dodgers

If you have an outstanding medical bill in Japan you might be refused entry next time you try to get back into the country.

Japan plans to deny entry to foreign tourists who have not settled medical bills during previous visits to Japan.

A cabinet meeting last week drew up a new policy to crack down on unpaid medical fees for visiting tourists and also unpaid health care premiums for foreign workers and foreign exchange students.

Foreign tourists who outstanding medical fees will be denied entry, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The government also plans to reject visa extensions for foreigners working in Japan who have not paid national healthcare premiums.

There are no specific details on how the rules will be implemented.

“If our current systems are unable to address the realities of globalisation and fail to dispel public anxiety, then drastic reforms must be undertaken,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said.

“We will make sure to consider the rights of foreign nationals are ensured and provide necessary support so they won’t be isolated in our country.

“But we will take strict measures for those who don’t follow the rules.”

Companies that employ foreign workers and don’t pay the required social insurance premiums will also be penalised.

This includes tourism related businesses.

Foreign nationals who live and work in Japan at least three months are required to join the national health care program.

Foreign exchange students must also join the national healthcare program.

Image: PJ Endrinal, Scop.io

Holidaymakers have a growing focus on wellness

Holidays that focus on health and wellness are all the rage as we approach Global Wellness Day on June 14. 

Regenerative travel, recharging. physical health, mental clarity, and long-term wellbeing are among the main drivers of vacation choices, trend forecasters and travel platforms like Kayak’s What the Future Travel Trend Report say. 

They suggest that by the end of the decade, holidays that support longevity and wellness will rival traditional luxury escapes in popularity.

Savvy travellers are trading indulgence for purpose and seeking itineraries that move their bodies, clear their minds, and connect them more deeply with nature.

So I'm told. 

Active travel company UTracks reports a growing appetite for wellness-focused holidays. 

“Our itineraries naturally align with this shift,” says general manager Kate Baker. 

“Walking and cycling, staying in small locally run lodgings, and spending time immersed in nature, it’s a style of travel that, while not new, seems increasingly in tune with what people are looking for in 2025.

“Our travellers want to feel recharged, not just during the trip, but afterwards. Our tours offer a healthy dose of time in nature, terrain that moves you, and transformation that lasts. 

"When people return home feeling clearer, stronger, and more connected to the places they’ve visited, that’s a good sign our tour balance is right.”

UTracks Tours in Europe fitting this vibe include:

• Mont Blanc Guided Walk (France, Italy, Switzerland)
https://www.utracks.com/France/Alpine-Hiking/Mont-Blanc-Guided-Hike

• Cycling the Danube Path (Austria)
https://www.utracks.com/Austria/Self-Guided-Cycling/Blue-Danube-Cycle-to-Vienna-in-Comfort

• Amalfi Coast Walk (Italy)
https://www.utracks.com/Italy/Self-Guided-Walking/Classic-Amalfi-Coast-6-Days

and
• Lake Bled and the Julian Alps Circuit (Slovenia)
https://www.utracks.com/Slovenia/Self-Guided-Walking/Lake-Bled-and-the-Julian-Alps

Don't even think of sitting around doing nothing at this Bali resort

For many people, a beach holiday means a whole lot of sitting around doing nothing.

At the Westin Resort Nusa Dua in Bali, that is actively discouraged. 

The hotel says it is "renowned for its holistic approach to wellness and rejuvenation" and "proudly introduces its newest innovation for fitness enthusiasts: Westin Beach Workout, a unique, eco-friendly fitness space crafted entirely from natural wood and set against the stunning backdrop of Bali's pristine coastline".

"At The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, wellness extends beyond just physical fitness - it's a way of life," says resort GM Sander Looijen. 

"Our Beach Workout perfectly embodies our vision: inspiring our guests to move well, live well, and feel their very best amidst Bali's natural beauty

"Our Beach Workout is literally a dream come true. Blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the beachfront, it offers guests the invigorating experience of working out to the soothing sound of the waves and ocean breeze. 

"With top-notch, sustainable equipment and breath-taking views, it's the perfect place to energize, unwind, and embrace the island's spirit."

I assume it is still OK to sit by the pool with a cocktail in hand. I'm feeling exhausted just thinking about all this sweaty business. 

For those who are suitably enthused, the fitness facilities are available from 7am-7pm daily with wooden bench press, leg press with squats, a fill range of wooden dumbbells and weight plates, kettlebells, TRX suspension training equipment, flipping type, hanging bars and stick wall climbers and exercise balls. 

In addition to independent training, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali also offers high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, complemented by ice bath recovery options. 

As part of Westin's signature 'Move Well' pillar, the Beach Workout underlines sustainability a commitment to eco-friendly practices, utilising sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and promoting a "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" philosophy.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is a beachfront resort with 432 rooms. It also offers healthy Eat Well menu options. 

See marriottbonvoy.com.

Why are we getting fatter and fatter?

Eating more processed foods from fast food outlets and supermarkets means we are getting fatter and fatter. 

A new global study released for World Obesity Day shows some of the fastest-growing countries in the world are set for dietary disaster as the trend of supermarkets and convenience stores spreading junk food diets across the world takes hold.

The study analysed data from 97 countries on retail changes over 15 years, providing the first global insight into how changes in density of chain retailers are driving unhealthy food sales and fuelling obesity rates.

This has serious implications for low- and middle-income countries and the health of their populations.

Just published in Nature Food, a study by researchers from Deakin University in Australia and experts from UNICEF has unveiled a seismic shift in the types of food stores springing up globally over the past 15 years, with serious health implications. 

Analysing data from 97 countries on retail changes over the last 15 years, the study showed that the number of chain supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores per 10,000 people increased by 23.6% globally over the period. 

With market domination by these types of retailers being the norm in high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries are copying the trend and catching up fast. 

In South Asia and south-east Asia, the number of chain retail outlets per person has increased by nearly 10% per year, with a corresponding drop off in independently owned traditional stores.

And in a sign that retail is set for an even bigger shake up, grocery sales from digital retailers (online) increased by 325% over a 10-year period across 27 countries.

The increasing amount of unhealthy food sold was associated with an increase in the prevalence of obesity, which continues to rise in every region of the world and is a global concern.

"Large chain retailers usually hold significant market power, using their dominance over food manufacturers to determine what food is available and what price it's sold at, which has led to the widespread availability of unhealthy foods," says the study's lead author Dr Tailane Scapin, from Deakin University:

."Large chain retailers and food manufacturers also use aggressive marketing strategies to promote unhealthy foods, contributing to poor dietary habits and, as consequence, negatively impacting their customers' health."

Dr Scapin said immediate action was needed to address the impact of changing retail food environments.

"Our findings underscore the importance of regulating the retail environment to make sure that it's healthy foods that are promoted, while the marketing and promotion of unhealthy food products is limited," Scapin said..

"In low and middle-income countries where supermarkets and convenience stores are spreading the fastest, governments have a time-limited opportunity to make sure that these new, modern retail stores actually promote healthy food. We know from the experience in North America, Europe and other high-income regions that once retailers are established, they are very hard to change."

The study's research team called for urgent action from governments, from retailers and from the health promotion workforce to prioritise healthier retail food environments that support sustainable and healthy dietary patterns and positive public health outcomes.

"With this research published on World Obesity Day which has a theme of 'Changing systems for healthier lives', it's important that the promising action being taken by forward-thinking retailers and governments is scaled up globally," Scapin said.

The full study report, with data by country, by geographic region and by country income group, is here.

The work was completed as part of a collaboration between UNICEF and the Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health: Next Generation in Australia.

For further information visit: healthyfoodretail.com

Image: Leo Sneg, Scop.io

How eating eggs may help you live longer

Regular consumption of eggs is associated with a 29% lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death in relatively healthy older adults, new research from a Monash University-led team has found.

In a report published in the journal Nutrients, the researchers found that for relatively healthy older adults, consuming eggs 1-6 times per week was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (death from any cause) and CVD mortality compared to those who rarely or never eat eggs.

The study involved 8756 adults aged 70 years or older, who self-reported the frequency of their total egg intake: never/infrequently (rarely/never, or 1-2 times/month), weekly (1-6 times/week), and daily (daily/several times per day), as part of the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub-study.

First author Holly Wild, a PhD candidate and lecturer from the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said compared to older adults who never or infrequently ate eggs (up to twice a month), those who ate eggs 1-6 times a week had a 15% lower risk of death from any cause, and a 29% lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death.

“Eggs are a nutrient-dense food; they are a rich source of protein and a good source of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (E, D, A, and K), choline, and numerous minerals and trace elements,” Wild said.

“Eggs are also an accessible source of protein and nutrition in older adults, with research suggesting that they are the preferred source of protein for older adults who might be experiencing age-related physical and sensory decline.”

The study also explored the relationship between egg consumption and mortality across different levels of diet quality (low, moderate, high).

“The study found that older adults with a moderate-to-high diet quality reported a 33% and 44% lower risk of CVD-related death, suggesting that the addition of eggs to moderate and high-quality diets may improve longevity,” the researchers wrote.

The current Australian Dietary Guidelines and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that adults with normal cholesterol can eat up to seven eggs per week, while some European countries suggest limiting it to 3-4 eggs per week. 

The AHA also supports up to two eggs per day for older adults with normal cholesterol.

“Previous research has observed a higher risk of mortality with egg consumption for those who have high cholesterol," Wild said. "For this reason, we also explored the association between egg consumption and mortality in people with and without dyslipidemia (clinically diagnosed high cholesterol).

“We found a 27% lower risk of CVD-related death for participants with dyslipidemia who consumed eggs weekly, compared to their counterparts that consumed eggs rarely or never, suggesting that in this study cohort, the presence of dyslipidemia does not influence the risk associated with egg consumption.

“Our results suggest that eating up to six eggs a week may reduce the risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular related diseases in older adults. These findings may be beneficial in the development of evidence-based dietary guidelines for older adults.”

Read the full paper in Nutrients: Egg Consumption and Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study of Australian Community-Dwelling Older Adults. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020323

Why camel milk might soon be on your barista's radar

Cow milk is ubiquitous, but there is also much love for buffalo, goat, sheep milk. Baristas utilise almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, rice milk and other non-dairy options. 

There is very little acclaim, however, for camel milk. So far.

Research at Edith Cowan University in Wester Australia has shown camel milk to be a great alternative to traditional dairy, and that it could potentially create healthier digestion.

In addition to being hypoallergenic, camel milk could potentially protect the gut from harmful enzymes.

The research also found that camel milk contained more naturally occurring bioactive peptides when compared to its bovine counterpart.

“This is a good thing," PhD student Manujava Jayamanna Mohitigge from ECU reported.

"We now know that camel milk has the potential to be hypoallergenic compared to cow’s milk, but also that it has higher potential to yield bioactive peptides which can have antimicrobial properties and anti-hypertensive properties.

"These bioactive peptides can selectively inhibit certain pathogens, and by doing so, create a healthy gut environment and also has the potential to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in future.”

Mohittige did note that the potency of these bioactive peptides still needed further testing.

Previous research has show that when comparing beverages, cow’s milk typically contains between 85% to 87% water, with 3.8% to 5.5 % fat, 2.9% to 3.5% protein, and 4.6% lactose.

In contrast, camel milk consists of 87% to 90% water. Its protein content varies from 2.15% to 4.90%, fat ranges from 1.2% to 4.5%, and lactose levels are between 3.5% and 4.5%.

Currently, around 81% of global milk production is sourced from cows, with camel milk production sitting at fifth place, behind buffaloes, goats and sheep. Camel milk only accounts for around 0.4% of current dairy milk production globally.

Mohittige, however, noted that Australia’s semi-arid climate and the existing camel population - albeit almost entirely feral - made for a convincing argument to increase both production and consumption.

“Camel milk is gaining global attention, in part because of environmental conditions," he said. "Arid or semi-arid areas can be challenging for traditional cattle farming, but perfect for camels.”

While camel dairies are already exist in Australia, however, production volumes are still low.

See detail here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814624041219?via%3Dihub

Thailand promoting its health and wellness possibilities

Thailand may be known as a sunny holiday destination with great islands and beautiful beaches but it also wants to boost its reputation as a serious health and wellness destination.

The Thai pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, in Japan, will highlight the country's commitment to becoming one of the global leaders in medical and wellness services.

In line with the Expo's theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," Thailand will aim to demonstrate how its blend of traditional practices and advanced medical services can foster "happiness and well-being for all".

Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsutin, says Expo can promote Thailand as a preferred global medical hub.

"We are excited to take part in this global event, where Thailand will share its unmatched expertise in both traditional Thai medicine and modern healthcare," Somsak said.

"Thailand's policies are focused on transforming the country into an international medical hub, and our participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka will highlight our strengths in these areas."

The Thai Pavilion at Expo 2025 will feature five key areas: 

# Traditional Thai Healthcare: Emphasizing the harmony between humans and nature, traditional Thai medicine has been practiced for centuries and remains integral to the country's identity.

# Thai Herbs and Culinary Health: Thailand's rich culinary traditions, such as the world-famous Tom Yum Goong, incorporate the healing power of Thai herbs, showcasing their health benefits.

# Thai Herbal Medicine: Visitors will learn about unique herbal products such as aroma inhalers and therapeutic massage oils, commonly used to promote health and well-being.

# Thai Massage: Recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage activity, Thai massage is renowned for its healing properties, combining therapeutic techniques with relaxation.

# Modern Medical Excellence: Thailand is a recognized leader in modern healthcare, with 62 medical organizations accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), ranking the country fourth globally and No. 1 in Southeast Asia.

Thailand's healthcare services and hospitality have helped the country rank among the world's top five medical tourism destinations.

Expo 2025 is expected to attract 28 million visitors from around the world.

Image: Thailand Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan: April 13-October 13, 2025

Get to the bottom of your sleep disorders in luxury surroundings

Have you ever felt strangely sluggish over a prolonged period of time?

Are you constantly nodding off for a second, or falling asleep at inappropriate moments?

A lot of people with sleep disorders (I used to be one of them) are unaware of their issues - as well as possible solutions to them.

The Australian Institute of Health says getting too much, or too little, sleep is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, obesity, and death.

And nearly half of Australian adults have reported at least two sleep problems.

Chiva-Som, a pioneering international health and wellness resort since 1995, has recently introduced its Sleep Enhancement Specialisation, which includes two advanced sleep tests.

Guests at the resort in Hua Hin, Thailand, can sign up for a sleep hormone test that looks specifically at the melatonin and cortisol hormone levels at four key points throughout the day to assess any potential imbalances that may be affect sleep, or for sleep apnea screening, which takes place in the comfort of the guest’s room and focuses on several physiological parameters during sleep, including airflow, oxygen saturation, heart rate and brain activity.

After I underwent sleep apnea screening here in Australia, it was discovered that I needed to be on a CPAP machine every night to resolve my loud snoring and multiple sleep issues.

The tests are intended to provide comprehensive evaluations of sleep patterns to identify any disorders.

From the results, a personalised program can be developed including nutrition consultations and supportive wellness treatments to improve sleep quality.

Chiva-Som has a variety of in-room sleep support measures such as blackout curtains, chamomile and lavender teas, essential oils and mist diffusers to help create a soothing environment.

Supportive wellness treatments to help with sleep include Seiketsu Shiraku Acupuncture, Mien Acupressure, Soothing Back Brush, Signature Herbal Massage and Jet Lag Therapy.

There is a video here: https://www.instagram.com/chivasomhuahin/reel/C9ADfiWRVmV/

How 5 minutes a day could make your trip more healthy

Travel can impact negatively on your health.

All that time immoble on long-haul flights. Sitting on shuttles, or tour buses.

But if you can find five minutes a day during your tourism adventures that time could significantly lower your blood pressure.

New research suggests that adding a small amount of physical activity - such as uphill walking or stair-climbing - into your day may help to lower blood pressure.

The study, published in Circulation, was carried out by experts from the ProPASS (Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep) Consortium, an international academic collaboration led by the University of Sydney and University College London (UCL).

Just five minutes of activity a day was estimated to potentially reduce blood pressure, while replacing sedentary behaviours with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day, including uphill walking, stair-climbing, running and cycling, was also estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure.

Joint senior author Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, director of the ProPASS Consortium from the Charles Perkins Centre, said: “High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication.

“The finding that doing as little as five extra minutes of exercise per day could be associated with measurably lower blood pressure readings emphasises how powerful short bouts of higher intensity movement could be for blood pressure management.”

Hypertension, or a consistent elevated blood pressure level, is one of the biggest causes of premature death globally. Affecting 1.28 billion adults around the world, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and many other health problems, and is often described as the ‘silent killer’ due to its lack of symptoms.

The research team analysed health data from 14,761 volunteers in five countries to see how replacing one type of movement behaviour with another across the day is associated with blood pressure readings.

Each participant used a wearable accelerometer device on their thigh to measure their activity and blood pressure throughout the day and night.

For those who don’t do a lot of physical activity, walking did still have some positive benefits for blood pressure. But if you want to change your blood pressure, putting more demand on the cardiovascular system through exercise will have the greatest effect, the study showed.

Image: Ludigvine Borello, Scopio. 

Flight nightmare: Poo to the left of you; chunder to the right

It is every airline passenger's nightmare: a mass outbreak of food poisoning on board a flight.

Dozens of passengers fell ill with a gastro-type bug during a long haul flight from Mauritius to Germany over the weekend, Der Spiegel newspaper reported.

About 70 of the 290 passengers on board reported discomfort with nausea and vomiting.

They were aboard Condor Airlines flight DE2315 bound for Frankfurt.

The plane landed without incident with emergency services waiting on the tarmac.

“Condor has already initiated an investigation into the case to get to the bottom of the cause,” and airline spokesperson said. 

It is not clear whether he was making a bottom joke. Probably not. 

Condor is a German leisure airline established in 1955

How what we eat can affect how we sleep

The foods we eat can play a major role in the way we feel over the holidays, says a leading sleep nutrition expert.

With processed food (47%) and takeaway (38%) sitting at the top of the ‘go-to’ foods Australians consume when feeling stressed, Olivia Arezzolo has warned of the ripple effect diet can have on sleep and overall health when good nutrition goes out the window during stressful or busy periods.

New data from the global nutrition and food tracking app MyFitnessPal reveals that one in six (60%) Australians admit to sleep being the number one aspect in their lives impacted by stress.

Attempting to get more sleep was also listed as the biggest priority (42%) for Australians during stressful times.

50% of Aussies admitted they turn to sugary or high-fat snacks during late night hours at least once a week.

This could have negative consequences for sleep as respondents who did this were also more likely to state their sleep quality had worsened over the past year (40% compared to 20% average).

“Sleep is intrinsically linked to the food we eat, so it’s not surprising to see that sleep is suffering the most during busy and stressful times, such as the holidays,” says sleep expert Arezzolo, who has a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), Certificate in Sleep Psychology and a Diploma of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine).

 
“While it’s unrealistic to expect that the majority of Australians will completely cut comforting foods off their diet, knowing which snacks to incorporate and eat more of, can make a significant difference in getting a good night's rest.”

She has shared her five top snacks to encourage blissful sleep: kiwi fruit, banana and strawberry smoothie, a can of tuna or fatty fish, a handful of almonds, and sour cherry juice.

So I guess peanuts and pinot noir do not make the grade.

MyFitnessPal’s recently launched ‘Sleep’ app integration has been created to help users more easily keep track of how their food choices impact their sleep - giving them insights into their ‘wellness trifecta’ in one place.

By presenting users with sleep cycle information using data from connected sleep devices (such as Apple Watch or FitBit), alongside their food diary, users can see how their nutritional choices are impacting their sleep and overall well being.

Alongside its new sleep integration, MyFitnessPal is offering members a free ‘Eat Right, Sleep Tight’ plan that aims to help users break the cycle of exhaustion with a five-day plan that addresses meal timing, hydration, and a bedtime routine for a restful, restorative night’s sleep.

To learn more visit www.myfitnesspal.com.

Note: I have not tried this app and am not advocating it. 

Image: Serafima Trushnikova, Scop.io 

WHO targets alcohol industry

The World Health Organisation (WHO) this week called for increased taxes on alcoholic beverages, particularly targeting wine.

The WHO issued at statement urging countries to increase taxes on what it called “unhealthy products” including alcohol and sweetened beverages (SSBs).

Alcoholic beverages are estimated to have caused 2.6 million deaths globally per year, the UN-backed organisation said.

It singled out wine as a main alcoholic beverage exempted from excise taxes - mainly in Europe, home to the world’s biggest wine producers and main wine consumption markets.

The WHO says at least 148 countries have applied excise taxes to alcoholic beverages at the national level. “However, wine is exempted from excise taxes in at least 22 countries, most of which are in the European region,” it says.

Citing a 2017 study, WHO says that taxes that increase alcohol prices by 50% would help avert over 21 million deaths over 50 years and generate nearly SUS17 trillion in additional revenues.

Half of all countries taxing SSBs are also taxing water, which is not recommended by WHO.

“Taxing unhealthy products creates healthier populations," says Dr Rűdiger Krech, director of Health Promotion for the WHO.

"It has a positive ripple effect across society - less disease and debilitation and revenue for governments to provide public services.

"In the case of alcohol, taxes also help prevent violence and road traffic injuries.”

Countries like Lithuania, that increased alcohol tax in 2017 to drive down consumption have decreased deaths from alcohol-related diseases, the WHO says.

It also says research shows that taxing alcohol and SSBs helps cut down use of these products and gives companies a reason to make healthier products. While at the same time tax on these products help prevent injuries and noncommunicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart diseases

Image: Louw Lemmer, Scop.io.

Warning to mixed drink producers over "misleading claims"

Are you being lied to when you peruse the labels of pre-mixed alcoholic drinks?

New research shows that alcohol manufacturers are adding nutrition messages to their pre-mixed alcohol products to lure in younger consumers.

It is a move that public health experts say should prompt regulators to take urgent action to restrict claims.

The study, published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, analysed almost 500 pre-mixed products found in three major alcohol retailers and found that over half (52%) had at least one nutrition-related claim, "despite alcohol being inherently unhealthy".

The most common claims related to “naturalness” (32%) and energy content (32%), while 31% made claims about sugar content.

Others related to gluten (23%), carbohydrate content (20%) or being vegan (14%).

Lead author Bella Sträuli from The George Institute for Global Health says that nutrition claims were found on almost all hard seltzers.

“Some 96% of hard seltzers, which are predominately targeted at younger drinkers, included nutrition claims, with an average of 3.4 claims per product," she said." They also frequently appeared on vodka pre-mixed products (44%) and gin-based mixed beverages (40%).”

Research co-author Professor Simone Pettigrew, also from The George Institute for Global Health, says: "In the wake of growing awareness and overwhelming evidence about the negative health impacts of drinking, the alcohol industry is using nutrition-messaging to give their products a health halo.

“It’s a tactic borrowed from the food industry that’s particularly targeted at young people, who are more health conscious.

“We found that pre-mixed drinks had an average of 1.5 nutrition claims per product. These kinds of claims deliberately mislead consumers about the healthiness of alcohol products, and some are just a sham. For instance, we found vegan and gluten claims on products that are inherently animal product- and gluten-free.

“Pre-mixed alcohol producers are taking advantage of the current Australian alcohol labelling code to use nutrition-related claims to promote these products in ways likely to enhance their perceived healthiness, while downplaying alcohol health risks.

“We urgently need more stringent regulation of claims on alcohol to avoid consumers being blatantly misled. There is a window of opportunity to shut this down before it gets out of hand.”

Adelaide festival has a focus on wellness

Wellness is a serious buzzword right now and Adelaide is at the forefront with its upcoming WellFest.

There are over 70 events on the calendar for the WellFest Adelaide 2023 program, including the WellFest Adelaide Amazing Race, which will take participants on a wellbeing race across Adelaide that is inspired by the reality TV series.

“Adelaide is such a vibrant and accessible city surrounded by our spacious parklands - the city is ready-made to support wellbeing whether you work, rest or play here,” says Greg Ratsch, acting managing director of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.

The festival will cover six core pillars: mindfulness, sleep, self-care, nutrition, fitness, and connection.

From yoga to running, the festival runs from Friday, October 6, to Sunday, October 8.

To view the full event program visit www.wellfest.com.au.

All ticket sales for the Amazing Race will go to WellFest Adelaide’s chosen charity, the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.

Image: Naomi Jellicoe

No fatties: meet the airline clamping down on overweight flight attendants

Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines is at the centre of a storm after it imposed body weight limits for flight attendants. 

The airline has been subject to criticism after it introduced a new rule which requires cabin crew to weigh no more than a ‘standard limit’ or face grounding, Travel Mole reported. 

The rules cover a height and weight ratio and attendants 5% or less over the limit will have their weight monitored monthly. Those heavier would be grounded and put on a "weight-reduction plan",  Chinese media reported.

The airline says the rule applies to both males and females.

The standard is ‘based on the human body weight reference and matched with the healthy weight range measurement for the crew’ the airline said.

“This is intended to advocate healthy living habits and maintain a good professional image and healthy physique.” 

The rule has sparked angry responses on social media, heavily critical of the airline.

CNN, meanwhile, reported that other Asian airlines have made headlines in recent years for imposing weight rules on cabin crew. They include Air India and Pakistan International. 

Popcorn and a beer the secret to a long life

The key to enjoying a long life is regularly enjoying “popcorn and a beer”. New Zealand's oldest man says.

World War II veteran Jack Coe, who was born in 1916, celebrated his birthday this week with a caramel popcorn cake.

Coe was stationed in New Caledonia defending an American Air Force base during the war.

Drinks Business reported that he said the secret to living a long life was simply caramel popcorn and a beer.

Since World War II, Coe has lived in Bulls, a small town between Whanganui and Palmerston North, where he built a home to share with his wife Thora in 1950 and their two children.

He had been living independently until four months ago, before moving to an aged care facility in Taupō, close to his 77-year-old son Peter, Newshub reported.

Coe did not divulge his favourite beer brand or style but said that fishing was another activity that had kept him happy and healthy.

Coe ran a painting and decorating business before retiring over 40 years ago when he was 64. He said he had continued to fish until his 100th birthday.

Japan to end all Covid border control measures

Japan - which has imposed some of the toughest pandemic crackdown measures in the world - will end all Covid border control measures next month.

That means proof of vaccination or a test will no longer be required as of May 8.

From that date Covid-19 will then be classified in Japan as a common disease, Travel Mole reports.

Currently, all arrivals must present proof of at least Covid vaccination jabs, or a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure.

The move is expected to help boost Japan tourism, which is in recovery mode.

In November, 2021, Japan tightened border controls by barring the entry of all non-resident foreigners and by requiring returning Japanese nationals and foreign residents to quarantine at designated facilities.

Initially implemented for a month, the control measures were later extended, sparking protests from foreign exchange students and business people.

The country started gradually easing the daily entry cap in March 2022 before completely lifting it in October of that year.

After almost 1000 days, mask mandate is lifted

After 945 days, Hong Kong has lifted laws mandating the wearing of masks in public.

Compulsory mask wearing was introduced in 2020 when the Covid pandemic began to hit, with HK$5,000 (almost $AU950) fines imposed for non-compliance.

“With the removal of the mandate, Hong Kong will return to normalcy,” the city state's chief executive John Lee-Ka chiu said.

Until the law was scrapped, everyone was required to wear masks in public areas, Travel Mole reported.

Following mainland China protocols, the Hong Kong mask mandate and other Covid rules were among the most stringent in the world.

The rule change comes as the badly-hit tourism industry bounces back.

The virus is under control in Hong Kong with no major signs of a rebound, Lee said.

Local media outlets, however, reported that many Hong Kong residents are continuing to wear masks in public places.   

Australian food market chain eliminates artificial colourings

The move towards healthier eating is inexorable, with even the smallest elements of our diet under the microscope.

Tristan Harris from Harris Farm Markets was joined by colourful pastry chef Anna Polyviou this week as the food chains announced that its stores are now free of all artificial flavours after a five-year program came to fruition.

Harris Farm Markets says it the only major grocery provider in Australia making the commitment.

“Anything artificial colours can do, nature can do better,” said Tristan Harris.

That means no more erythrosine and no more tartrazine, compounds that are used to make foods look more appealing.

“For over 50 years Harris Farm Markets have been delivering goodness to Australian families," said Harris, the company's joint CEO.

"To continue to do this, we knew we needed to eliminate artificial colours from our shelves. So, for the past five years we have been working with our suppliers, to find new methods of production if needed and alternative ingredients if required.

"Now, our pasta sauces, dips, juices, peanut butter, cookie dough, curry pastes, chocolates, soups, noodles and even orange juices - just to name a few - are all free of artificial colouring.

"It has meant, however, that some product lines have been eliminated, because we have to stand firm on our commitment.”

Harris added: “The Covid-19 pandemic fine-focused Australians on health and immunity, and has instigated a return to home cooking, which in turn has increased everyone’s understanding of how foods impact health.

"There’s more reading of labels, more questioning of provenance, and a much deeper understanding of where food comes from now. We applaud this; our new sourcing policy means a healthier and cleaner alternative for families every day. ”

Pastry chef Polyviou said: “I learnt of Harris Farms’ Coloured by Nature commitment when I first tried to get my products on their shelves.

"By being knocked back initially, I learnt about Harris Farms’ standards, and if I wanted to be a supplier, I needed to meet those. It was a whole new ballgame for me and my team.”

Image: Adam Hollingworth

Fiji drops all entry requirements

International travellers to Fiji are no longer be required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and hold travel insurance.

The final set of entry requirements to visiting the Pacific island nation were removed this week, Travel Mole reported.

Fiji welcomed 636,312 visitors in 2022, a strong recovery that surpassed targets.

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said: “The industry welcomes the decision to remove all restrictions and invites the world to come and experience Fiji.

“We still strongly encourage travellers to have travel insurance and take the necessary precautions.”

Until now, all adult arrivals were required to produce proof of full vaccination and travel insurance, which is still encouraged.

About 95% per of Fiji’s adult population is vaccinated.

"Fiji now has zero travel restrictions and offers a safe and relaxing holiday for travellers from all over the world," says the Fiji Tourism website www.fiji.travel 

Image: LikuLiku Lagoon Resort, Fiji