Older Australians are increasingly being urged to be more active but new research is highlighting the importance of encouraging children to be active.

Rockhampton residents will be able to hear the latest on childhood physical activity and its affects on bone heath and development in later life when a noted researcher in the field visits the city this month.

CQU Psychology lecturer Dr Grant Schofield expects Professor Don Bailey’s visit will interest many in the community including teachers, health care professionals and parents.

“Professor Bailey is a world leader in this field and his research has played an important part in health and physical education programs in Canada and abroad,” Dr Schofield said. In recent years Dr Bailey has studied the affects of weight-bearing physical activity on the bone health of children and young women. Dr Bailey will also have input into the 10,000 Steps project to be launched in Rockhampton in May, aimed at encouraging people to be more physically active.

“Get it Right the First Time: Childhood Physical Activity and Skeletal Health as an Adult” is open to interested members of the public. The talk will be in Building 18 at Central Queensland University’s Bruce Highway campus in Rockhampton on Thursday, April 18 from 7.30pm.

Dr Grant Schofield is available for immediate interview. For further information phone Ayesha Gottschleigh at CQU Community Relations on 07 4923 2506.