Hidden Health Risks in Your Neighborhood HOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT SHAPES YOUR WELL-BEING
Have you ever wondered if your neighborhood might be impacting your health? According to
The Dangers of ‘Food Deserts’ Now, let’s talk about food. If your neighborhood has limited access to fresh produce and healthy food options, you might be living in what’s known as a food desert. Research shows that people in food deserts are at a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Our environment influences our health, including the availability of nutritious food. So, having a farmers market or a store with fresh produce nearby can make a huge difference. Steppin’ Up and Out Well-constructed and maintained sidewalks encourage walking, which is essential for maintaining heart health and overall fitness. A safe and walkable neighborhood can significantly impact your daily exercise routine. If your sidewalks are in bad shape, staying active and getting your steps in is harder, so reach out to local leaders or groups to advocate for their repair. Next time you step outside, take a moment to consider your surroundings. Does your neighborhood have plenty of green spaces, easy access to fresh food, and good walkability? These factors might seem small, but they significantly affect your health. Your neighborhood is more than just where you live — it’s vital to your overall well-being.
a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, where you live can significantly influence your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Let’s examine how your
surroundings might play a more significant role in your well-being than you think!
Nature’s Medicine — Green Spaces Imagine waking up and taking a stroll through a lush park. Sounds nice, right? Well, it turns out that having green spaces nearby is more than just pleasant — it’s good for your health! Dr. Sarju Ganatra from Beth Israel
Lahey Hospital in Massachusetts shared with AARP that exposure to green spaces is linked to lower stress levels, better moods, and improved overall well-being. Parks also promote social interaction and community bonding, which are great for your emotional health!
WHAT TRIGGERS AN IRS AUDIT? 6 COMMON RED FLAGS
No one wants to face an IRS audit, but the reality is that the IRS can’t possibly audit each tax return. Instead, they use certain guidelines to flag returns that warrant closer scrutiny. Let’s take a look at six potential red flags that could increase the likelihood of an IRS audit: Deviations From the Norm The IRS uses a scoring system known as the Discriminant Information Function (DIF), which compares deductions, credits, and exemptions to those of other taxpayers in similar income brackets. Though the IRS doesn’t reveal its exact formula, returns that deviate significantly from the norm for your income level are more likely to raise suspicion. Business or Hobby? Taxpayers who consistently report business losses may face increased audit risk. To avoid being labeled a hobby instead of a business by the IRS, your business needs to show a profit in at least three of the last five years.
This distinction can make a big difference in how the IRS treats your losses. Higher Income While the IRS audits less than 1% of individual tax returns overall, audit rates increase as income rises. For taxpayers earning between $1 million and $10 million, the audit rate jumps to 1.3%, and for those earning over $10 million, it climbs to 8.7%. The higher your income, the more likely you are to attract attention. Failure to Report Income The IRS receives income information from employers and financial institutions, so failing to report income is a surefire way to trigger an audit. If your reported income doesn’t match what the IRS already knows, you can expect heightened scrutiny. Claiming Rental Losses The IRS pays close attention to taxpayers claiming rental property losses. Passive loss
rules generally prevent individuals from deducting rental losses unless they are actively involved in managing the property. Real estate professionals who spend more than 50% of their working hours and at least 750 hours annually in real estate may be eligible for these deductions, but the IRS keeps a close eye on these claims. Discrepancies Between Ex-Spouses When divorced couples file individual tax returns, the IRS often compares them for discrepancies, particularly in cases involving alimony. If one spouse claims an alimony deduction while the other fails to report the alimony as income, it can lead to an audit.
2 • CampbellWealth.com
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