Where you live may be bad for you

They say “you are what you eat”, but it now seems where you live may also play a role in determining your health.

Research has found some medical conditions are better suited to certain geographic locations than others. Read on to discover where the best locations are to reduce your chances of ill-health.

Migraines

A range of things can bring on a migraine, including stress, smoke, loud noises, sunlight, toxins and extreme weather conditions, such as changes in barometric pressure from storm fronts or extreme cold or humidity.

Experts suggest any locations where your triggers are less common are the best place for migraine sufferers. These locations may include shadier, quieter, less polluted areas with more moderate weather patterns.

Appendicitis

A Canadian study found exposure to air pollution might increase a person’s risk of developing appendicitis, as pollutants can cause inflammation. The condition, most likely to affect men, is worse during summer as people are more likely to be outdoors.

Experts recommend that people move anywhere with “lovely, fresh air”. Avoid smoggy urban or industrial areas and if you do live at places like these, stay indoors on bad days.

Debilitating diseases like Dengue fever and Ross Rriver fever are also more prevalent in hot, tropical climates and northern parts of Australia. Mosquitoes also proliferate when wind speed is low and there are pools of water available for breeding. Heavy rainfall or flooding can also cause an outbreak in non-tropical areas.

Moving to a cooler, dryer and less humid area where mosquitoes do not thrive (generally, any state south of Queensland), would be beneficial. Avoid mozzies during wet weather by staying indoors at dawn and dusk, covering up and steering clear of swamps and ponds.

Arthritis and musculoskeletal problems

Some research shows that rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may worsen in colder and/or more humid climates. Other studies show environmental exposure to things like pollution, hairspray, cosmetics and airports may trigger autoimmune diseases.

Warm, fresh, and less populated areas are often the best to relieve aches and pains. Staying away from airports, major roads and highways may also help.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

A new Australian study found greater sun exposure and higher levels of Vitamin D may protect against multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord.

Moving to sun-drenched regions where you cannot help but produce Vitamin D would be beneficial. During extended wet periods, boost your Vitamin D through diet and supplements.

Pneumonia

A Canadian university researcher found that prolonged exposure to high pollutant levels from things like car exhaust fumes and industrial air pollution can lead to hospitalisation for pneumonia, especially in older people.

Less polluted regions, away from busy roads and industrial areas, may boost your immune system, as well as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Stroke

While the most common risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure (hypertension), which can be exacerbated by obesity, diabetes and stress, you may not know that getting treatment within 60 minutes of a stroke can prevent disability and lead to better health outcomes.

Moving to an area where you have access to fresh fruit and vegetables, opportunities for exercise, such as parks and gyms, as well as access to good hospitals and medical help, would be beneficial in preventing strokes.

Do you agree that where one lives may have an impact on their health? Do you have other suggestions to help prevent any of these conditions? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.