Matthew Mclaughlin
(He/Him)
Newcastle, Perth
As seen in:
Yahoo News Australia,
ABC News (Australia),
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC),
British Journal of Sports Medicine,
The Conversation,
The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity,
SBS,
Medical Xpress,
UNSW Newsroom,
The New Daily
and
Covers:
Physical activity, active transport, car dependence, cycling, walking, exercise, health, public health, health prevention.
Public Health Researcher & Advocate | Preferred name: Tepi | Views my own | matthew.mclaughlin@uwa.edu.au
Articles by Matthew Mclaughlin
Australia’s new physical activity guidelines won’t shift the needle – here are 4 better ideas
The federal government has just released updated physical activity guidelines for adults and older adults (aged 65+) for the first time in more than a decade. The Australian government first produced guidelines for adults in 1999, building on decades of strong evidence that physical activity delivers tremendous health benefits. So, what’s changed with the new guidelines, and will they produce strong health outcomes? What’s changed?
Australia’s new physical activity guidelines won’t shift the needle – here are 4 better ideas Original
The federal government has just released updated physical activity guidelines for adults and older adults (aged 65+) for the first time in more than a decade. The Australian government first produced guidelines for adults in 1999, building on decades of strong evidence that physical activity delivers tremendous health benefits. So, what’s changed with the new guidelines, and will they produce strong health outcomes? What’s changed?
Eat Out in East and address the effect of federal actions on Somerville
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are out in East Somerville, and the streets are noticeably silent. Multiple East Somerville residents have been detained by Ice in the past two weeks. No one has been charged with any crimes, and some even held a protected status. We are uncertain about the exact number because some cases may be unreported by the community, giving Ice time to quickly move people out of state to be processed for expedited deportation.
How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Everyday Life
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to science fiction or tech enthusiasts. Over the past few years, AI has made its way into our daily routines, changing how we work, communicate, shop, and even live. From voice assistants in our homes to more complex systems shaping business decisions, AI is transforming our world in once unimaginable ways. Let’s explore how AI is making a significant impact on everyday life.
Australia spends $714 per person on roads every year - but just 90 cents goes to walking, wheeling and cycling
What could you buy for 90 cents? Not much – perhaps a banana. Unfortunately, that’s how much the Australian government has invested per person annually on walking, wheeling and cycling over the past 20 years. How would Australians’ lives change if that figure rose? Read more: What makes a city great for running and how can we promote 'runnability' in urban design?
Australia spends $714 per person on roads every year - but just 90 cents goes to walking, wheeling and cycling
What could you buy for 90 cents? Not much – perhaps a banana. Unfortunately, that’s how much the Australian government has invested[1] per person annually on walking, wheeling and cycling over the past 20 years. How would Australians’ lives change if that figure rose?
Hundreds of cities have achieved zero road deaths in a year. Here’s how they did it
It’s National Road Safety Week and it comes on the back of a year in which 1,286 people died on Australian roads. The rising road toll – up 8.2% for the year to March – included 62 children. Tragically, road deaths remain the number one killer of children in Australia. Road deaths are not inevitable. In 2022, at least 180 cities worldwide recorded zero road deaths. More than 500 cities with populations of more than 50,000 have achieved zero road deaths multiple times.
Hundreds of cities have achieved zero road deaths in a year. Here’s how they did it
It’s National Road Safety Week and it comes on the back of a year in which 1,286 people died on Australian roads. The rising road toll – up 8.2% for the year to March – included 62 children. Tragically, road deaths remain the number one killer of children in Australia. Road deaths are not inevitable. In 2022, at least 180 cities worldwide recorded zero road deaths. More than 500 cities with populations of more than 50,000 have achieved zero road deaths multiple times.
Hundreds of cities have achieved zero road deaths in a year. Here’s how they did it
World Written by Matthew Mclaughlin, Adjunct Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia It’s National Road Safety Week[1] and it comes on the back of a year in which 1,286 people died[2] on Australian roads. The rising road toll – up 8.2% for the year to March – included 62 children. Tragically, road deaths remain the number one killer of children[3] in Australia. Road deaths are not inevitable. In 2022, at least 180 cities[4] worldwide recorded zero road deaths.
Infographic. All health professionals should talk about physical activity with patients
Cookies and privacy We and our 60 partners store and/or access information on a device, such as unique IDs in cookies to process personal data. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data.Cookie policy Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
Infographic. All health professionals should talk about physical activity with patients
Cookies and privacy We and our 50 partners store and/or access information on a device, such as unique IDs in cookies to process personal data. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data.Cookie policy Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
Infographic. All health professionals should talk about physical activity with patients
Cookies and privacy We and our 42 partners store and/or access information on a device, such as unique IDs in cookies to process personal data. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data.Cookie policy Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
How to never get a speeding fine again — and maybe save a child's life Original
What if our cars didn’t allow us to speed? Or, at least, strongly encouraged us not to speed? We could help motorists avoid speeding — and therefore reduce emissions and fuel use, improve traffic flow, reduce crashes, lower insurance costs, make streets feel safer to walk and cycle – and totally avoid speeding fines. Reducing speeding is crucial if we are to reduce the rising road toll. More than 1,200 people were killed on Australian roads in the past year.
Fewer of us are cycling – here's how we can reverse the decline Original
Rates of cycling are falling in Australia, a national report released today shows. More people started riding bikes early in the pandemic, but that hasn’t lasted. The percentages of people who cycle are lower now than in 2011. Less than one in six Australians report riding a bicycle weekly. Just over one in three have ridden in the past year. During the time of pandemic restrictions, when there was less other traffic on the road, people perhaps felt safer to ride.
Hundreds of cities have achieved zero road deaths in a year. Here’s how they did it
It’s National Road Safety Week and it comes on the back of a year in which 1,286 people died on Australian roads. The rising road toll – up 8.2% for the year to March – included 62 children. Tragically, road deaths remain the number one killer of children in Australia. Road deaths are not inevitable. In 2022, at least 180 cities worldwide recorded zero road deaths. More than 500 cities with populations of more than 50,000 have achieved zero road deaths multiple times.
Cars have taken over our neighbourhoods. Kid-friendly superblocks are a way for residents to reclaim their streets
You might remember your time as a child playing outdoors with friends and walking to school. These activities had tremendous benefits for our health and development. Today, parents report barriers to letting their kids play, walk and ride in their neighbourhood. The safety of local streets is a major concern.
What Aussie shopping strips would look like without cars
Think of a typical Australian shopping street: parked cars occupy the prime public space in front of the shops. But we could instead create a place that’s good for business and is beautiful too. It would attract customers while being good for our physical, mental and social health. This isn’t a new idea. Realising they can make better use of the space next to businesses to boost sales, shopping centres design places to attract people.
10 images show just how attractive Australian shopping strips can be without cars
Mon Aug 22 Written by Matthew Mclaughlin, Research Fellow, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Think of a typical Australian shopping street: parked cars occupy the prime public space in front of the shops. But we could instead create a place that’s good for business and is beautiful too. It would attract customers while being good for our physical, mental and social health. This isn’t a new idea.
10 images show just how attractive Australian shopping strips can be without cars
Think of a typical Australian shopping street: parked cars occupy the prime public space in front of the shops. But we could instead create a place that’s good for business and is beautiful too. It would attract customers while being good for our physical, mental and social health. This isn’t a new idea. Realising they can make better use of the space next to businesses to boost sales, shopping centres design places to attract people.
Final Report 2022: How to Make Online Platforms More Transparent and Accountable to Canadian Users — Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy
Free speech is a fundamental hallmark of any democratic society. While social media platforms have allowed more people to participate in public discussions and debates, we cannot ignore the very real harms caused by the rise in disinformation, conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric on these platforms and how they have negatively impacted democratic and free expression in Canada.
Besides reducing injury and deaths, creating safer streets brings other crucial benefits
Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer news, local-news, streets, safety, Tepi, Newcastle, Mclaughlin, road, injury, zero Despite long lockdowns, 1142 Australians, including 66 children, died on Australian roads in the past year. Across NSW, 203 Australians, including 14 children, have died so far this year. In Newcastle, six lives have already been lost and many more Novocastrians have been seriously injured.
Despite lockdowns, 1,142 Australians, including 66 kids, died on our roads in the past year. Here's what we need to do
Despite lengthy lockdowns, new data show that 1,142 Australians, including 66 children, died on Australian roads in the past year. Road traffic deaths remain the number one killer of children in Australia. Despite fewer cars on the road, we have seen a 25% increase in deaths of children this year, compared to the average from 2017-2020. Although minor fluctuations are typical, this year’s rise represents an additional 13 children dying on our roads.
Parents can improve their kids’ diet with these healthier lunchbox options
Four in five primary school students eat a packed lunch every day, costing parents about $20 a week. That’s almost 10 million lunchboxes across Australia every week. But nine in 10 of these contain so-called “discretionary foods” such as cake, chips, muesli bars and fruit juice. These foods are not necessary for a healthy diet, and are often high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, and low in fibre. About 40 per cent of energy in an average lunchbox comes from these discretionary foods.
Improve kids' diet with these healthier lunchbox options
by Matthew McLaughlin, Alison Brown, Jannah Jones, Luke Wolfenden and Rachel Sutherland, The Conversation Credit: Shutterstock Four in five primary school students eat a packed lunch every day, costing parents around A$20 a week. That's almost 10 million lunchboxes across Australia every week. But nine in ten of these contain so-called "discretionary foods" such as cake, chips, muesli bars and fruit juice.
Swap shapes for rice crackers, chips for popcorn… parents can improve their kids’ diet with these healthier lunchbox options
Four in five primary school students eat a packed lunch every day, costing parents around A$20 a week. That’s almost 10 million lunchboxes across Australia every week. But nine in ten of these contain so-called “discretionary foods” such as cake, chips, muesli bars and fruit juice. These foods are not necessary for a healthy diet, and are often high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, and low in fibre. 40% of energy in an average lunchbox comes from these discretionary foods.
The Pandemic's Impact on Children with Disabilities
Verywell / Alison Czinkota Key Takeaways Children with disabilities suffered physically and mentally when rehabilitation facilities closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers struggled to run households and help children with disabilities adapt to new routines. Telehealth has been incredibly beneficial in providing medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opinion | Four reasons schools should switch traditional school uniforms for sports uniforms
Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer news, local-news, schools, uniforms, Newcastle, university, sports, reasons Most schools across Newcastle, and indeed across the rest of Australia, wear traditional school uniforms. These consist of button-up shirts, tailored trousers, pleated skirts or tunics and black leather shoes. Each school in NSW sets its uniform policy.
4 reasons schools should let students wear sports uniforms every day
Many students across Australia wear traditional school uniforms. These consist of button-up shirts, tailored trousers, pleated skirts or tunics, and black leather shoes. Traditional school uniform (left) and sports uniform (right) can both include the school logo.
Opinion | How myths about 30kmh speed limits are misinforming public and political opinion
Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer news, local-news, speed, limit, zone, 30kmh, myths Some people have questioned if 30kmh speed limits are urgent and necessary, or are just a so-called "nanny state" policy. In Newcastle, we're trialling 30kmh speed limits along the foreshore. NSW is one of five states and territories trialling or planning 30kmh speed limits.
It's been called a 'nanny state' policy, but 30kph zones could be the key to more liveable cities
Five Australian states and territories are trialling or planning 30 kilometres per hour speed limits and zones. However, some people question if 30kph speed limits are actually urgent and necessary, or are instead a so-called 'nanny state' policy or revenue-raising activity. Low-speed streets are about much more than road safety and increasing fine revenue. By building safer streets, governments and cities around the world are creating more liveable cities.
John Adams doesn’t trust you
(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers) By Matthew McLaughlin President and Ward 1 Councilor The second President of the United States and author of the Massachusetts Constitution, which in turn influenced the United States Constitution, was very skeptical of the public.
Getting people more active is key to better health
Your Name: Your Email: Send Email To: Keep this field blank Here are 8 areas for investment. By Catherine Draper, Charlie Foster, Dr Lindsey Reece, Jacqueline Mair, Jasper Schipperijn, Karen Milton, Matthew Mclaughlin, Simone Tomaz, Sjaan Gomersall, Trevor Shilton 15 Nov 2020 00:52 Experts say encouraging physical activity should be a priority. Getty Images Africa is facing an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases. The lack of physical activity is a risk factor for most of them.
Scale-up of the Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) intervention in secondary schools: 12-month implementation outcomes from a cluster randomized controlled trial
Rachel Sutherland ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0470-76631,2,3, Elizabeth Campbell1,2,3, Matthew McLaughlin ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2870-85561,2,3, Nicole Nathan ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7726-17141,2,3, Luke Wolfenden ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6178-38681,2,3, David R. Lubans ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0204-82574, Philip J.
Cycling and walking can help drive Australia's recovery - but not with less than 2% of transport budgets
What do bike paths and walk-friendly streets have to do with economic recovery from a pandemic-induced recession? How could removing a car parking space benefit a local business? Instead of considering such questions, building roads for cars is often seen as the obvious answer to “kick-start” the economy. In this article, we explain how cycling and walking infrastructure is a better investment for recovery.
OPINION: Cycling infastructure is a better investment for Australia's economic recovery than building more roads for cars
What do bike paths and walk-friendly streets have to do with economic recovery from a pandemic-induced recession? How could removing a car parking space benefit a local business? Instead of considering such questions, building roads for cars is often seen as the obvious answer to “kick-start” the economy. In this article, we explain how cycling and walking infrastructure is a better investment for recovery.
Cycling and walking can help drive Australia's recovery – but not with less than 2% of transport budgets
What do bike paths and walk-friendly streets have to do with economic recovery from a pandemic-induced recession? How could removing a car parking space benefit a local business? Instead of considering such questions, building roads for cars is often seen as the obvious answer to “kick-start” the economy. In this article, we explain how cycling and walking infrastructure is a better investment for recovery.
Associations Between Digital Health Intervention Engagement, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
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Opinion: Why Newcastle needs to be put on a 'road diet'
Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer comment, opinion, streets, road diet, open streets, Mclaughlin I urge the City of Newcastle to open our streets to safe exercise and active travel. It's our collective responsibility to maintain 1.5 metre physical distancing to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
How Simple Nudges Can Increase Lifestyle Physical Activity
A man taking stairs at Washington-Dulles International Airport. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-SA You’ve heard this before, right? Physical activity is good for your heart, your overall health – and, believe it or not, even your bank account. While physical activity used to be unavoidable, over the years, those “helpful” modern conveniences like washing machines, elevators, even electric toothbrushes, have made it that much harder to be active.
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