On 6 June, first year students from Central Queensland University studying a Bachelor of Learning Management are organising a Health and Fitness Expo, for grades one, two and three at Bundaberg North State Primary School.

There will be a total of 220 students and 54 student teachers involved on the day.

The aim of this Expo is to introduce and encourage children to choose exercise over watching television and to choose healthy foods over quick and easy snack foods.

The student teachers will endeavour to show children exercise and healthy foods need not be boring but on the contrary can be exciting and fun.

The Bachelor of Learning Management students will, by using several activities introduce the children to many forms of exercise.

The percentage of Australian children becoming overweight is on the rise. A contributor to the rising percentage of obese children is a reduction in their levels of physical activity. Studies have shown that creating good exercise habits at an early age will actually set a good habit forming pattern relating to exercise.

Another habit which is developed by children is ‘snacking’ with inactivity related to hours that are spent watching television, increasing the amount of unhealthy foods chosen to snack on. Not only is there a decrease in exercise but there is a decrease in the consumption of healthy foods. These habits result in an increase in weight.

The focus of the Expo on the day will be the importance of healthy food and exercise habits developing at an early stage in life. Through this message it is hoped that a reduction of heart disease related to obesity can be achieved resulting in fit and healthy children in the future.