15 December 2017: The University of Canberra has a stocking full of experts available to comment on all sorts of story ideas this merry season.
Surviving the festive season
Christmas is a time to relax and we often overindulge a little more than we should. The University’s body image expert Dr Vivienne Lewis can discuss coping with excessive eating and drinking over the festive season and dealing with body image concerns. Dr Lewis, Assistant Professor of Psychology, can also discuss family stressors and relationship strains – which can become more common over the Christmas break.
Can a Christmas feast be healthy?
Indulging in ham, turkey, prawns and pudding at Christmas is a given, but can you eat healthy over the festive season? Or is it ok to break the diet at this time of year? Which is better to eat – three small rum balls or 20 prawns? Dietitian in residence Caroline Salisbury can offer tips to keep our eating in check so piling up our plates doesn’t end up in piling on the kilos. Ms Salisbury can also discuss how to approach Christmas if you have diabetes or allergies.
Christmas spending and debt
Credit card debt continues to grow in Australia and Christmas sees the plastic get a work out around the country. PhD candidate Gregory Mowle can discuss the impact of putting our Christmas spending on a credit card. Mr Mowle, a former financial counsellor with Lifeline Australia, can also discuss the impact of financial stress, debt and the practices of short-term or payday lenders on individuals and their families.
Online scams
We all love a bargain and online shopping offers convenience and prices that often cannot be matched at the local shopping centre. However, it could pay to keep the phrase ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably is’ in mind. Director of the Centre for Internet Security at the University, Nigel Phair, can offer tips on how online shoppers can be safe in the lead-up to Christmas.
Dear Santa…
Writing a letter to Santa and sending well wishes on a Christmas card teaches children to write with purpose. Associate Professor in Language and Literacy Dr Misty Adoniou, said Christmas is a great time of year to show children that writing can be fun, while learning important skills which will help them in the classroom and beyond.
Give the gift of reading
A book may not be the first item on a child’s Christmas wish list, but encouraging a love of reading and books could benefit them for years to come. Dr Tessa Daffern, an education expert with a focus on spelling and literacy, is available to talk about how the gift of a book can put a child on the road to success.
Have an ‘Appy Christmas
What should parents thinking of purchasing an app or two for their kids over the holidays be on the lookout for? Are the holidays just for fun or can gaming apps also be educational? Assistant Professor of Primary and Early Childhood Education Dr Kym Simoncini, can explain how the right app can help kids when they return to school and advise parents on picking a good educational app from thousands of options.
Don’t sweat it
Should we exercise in the heat or should we save it for the morning or evening to avoid over exerting ourselves? Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Science Dr Naroa Etxebarria works with elite athletes, pushing them to new heights by training in hot conditions. But can amateur athletes access similar gains by exercising when it’s hot?
Holidaying at home
The secret is out with Lonely Planet naming Canberra the third best city in the world to visit in 2018. Tourism expert and Assistant Professor of Management Dr Naomi Dale can discuss why Canberra is an attractive tourist destination and how tourism dollars help our local economy.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415
Marcus Butler: 0438 447 810
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919