Mackay's first 'Unplugged' event provides food for thought
Published on 23 March, 2011
Mackay is about to experience its first 'Research Unplugged' event and it will literally provide food for thought...
The informal, chat-style Unplugged format has proved popular in Rockhampton and one of the most popular Rocky presenters, Dr Karena Burke, will present to Mackay people on the theme: Do you know what's in your food? How food can affect our health and behaviour.'
This FREE event will be held from 6pm-7pm on Thursday, April 14, at Mackay's Shamrock Hotel at 136 Nebo Road and will be presented by CQUniversity's Institute for Health and Social Science Research. Details and RSVPs (due by April 7) are via Renette Viljoen on 4940 7875.
Karena, who is a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, says a growing body of worldwide research suggests that what we eat can have a significant impact on our day-to-day health and well-being - from attention, focus and behaviour in children, to migraines, eczema and long-term chronic disease in adulthood.
"Some of this research has sparked concerns in Australia and overseas from scientists and lay people alike," she says.
"This presentation will discuss some of the current research that points to the role of food in health and behaviour, and reports data from three Australian studies examining the factors that influence what we buy - one of which was undertaken in Rockhampton and surrounding areas - and the prevalence of individuals suffering from food sensitivities.
"The level of perceived risk from food is examined, and the perceived links between food and children's behaviour in particular will be explored.
"The presentation will address some of the concerns surrounding the use of artificial additives in our food supply, and discuss the link between food sensitivities and health and behaviour of children and adults."