The richer you are, the healthier you are likely to be.

But even if you're poor, a good house and a nice neighbourhood can be just as big a boost to your health as money, according to research.

Jim Dunn, an associate professor at McMaster University, says while it's generally well-known that poverty is not good for health, it's less well known that housing plays a role in health too, independent of poverty.

"Your home is your only space where you are socially and in many ways legally sanctioned to have complete control and if you lack that, then that's going to be highly stressful," says Dunn, who speaks tonight at The Spectator.

It's part of McMaster's Social Science in the City series.

Dunn, a professor in the department of health, aging and society, says poor housing can lead to stress that can lead to poor health.

People's health generally declines the farther down the financial scale they are.

But Dunn says some research suggests it's the higher-quality housing and neighbourhoods that explain the inequalities in health between the rich and the poor.

Dunn will talk about why health is affected by financial status. And he will share his own research and describe how housing and neighbourhoods can provide a way out of poverty and lead to better health.

rdelazzer@thespec.com

905-526-3404

NEED TO KNOW

Housing, neighbourhoods and health: Poverty Traps or Trampolines?

Today.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Lecture at 7 p.m.

Hamilton Spectator Auditorium

To reserve your seat, e-mail sciencecity@mcmaster.ca or call 905-525-9140, ext. 24934.