Developing an angle

I am pretty set on looking at the impacts a recession can have on health, but have found that I need to develop a unique angle. It goes without saying that the impact a financial crisis can have on mental health and nutrition has been reported to an extent.

A recent example was in the Sydney Morning Herald's lifestyle section, which reported on a study that claimed a recession could encourage lower-income families to make healthier choices. Click here.

The global recession is bad news for most, but it might be having a positive effect on Australians' physical health if not their financial health.

A survey of 1,500 people found Australians were cooking at home more and eating more vegetarian meals as they cut back on costly options such as eating out or takeaways.

The survey conflicts with Australian Bureau of Statistics evidence in January that found spending on fast food up 11.2 per cent as Australians from lower socio-economic groups opted for cheaper, unhealthy options.

The survey by food group Heinz found that people were saving money by eating at home with one third starting a vegetable patch in the past six months.

I don't really agree with this study, it seems illogical and a bit shady considering it comes from a food company, but I have decided to go on a different road anyway.

I read somewhere (off a whim, didn't clip the article) that a recession can have a negative impact on public health services. As people become financially insecure, they will opt out of renewing private health insurance, and will fall back solely on Medicare. I'm not sure on the reliability of this data, but I think its an interesting question to ponder nonetheless.

It will also be interesting to see how much funding the Rudd government allocates to health in next week's budget. I don't think health will take a serious cut,but I read in a World Health Organisation report that in some countries, health funding does suffer.

So I want to look at the strain on public health services. Possible interviewees include the Australian Health Insurance Association, who are based in the ACT, and maybe even a doctor.

I guess if I narrowed it down a bit I could also look solely at student experiences. I don't have private health insurance, and thus rely on the Uni of Canberra health service, so that is also a possible avenue I could take. I imagine there are many students who don't have private health insurance, although they may be covered by their parents.

I have begun researching this topic extensively and will begin searching for interview talent when I have all my thoughts together.

In other news, today is the day of our radio writing tests! Wish me luck :-)