READING through an academic paper can sometimes be a challenge.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why Creswick-based author Dr Roy Hardman has aimed to deliver his research into health in a more fun and accessible way.<\/p>\n
Dr Hardman has released two children\u2019s books, and a non-fiction title, in collaboration with Geelong\u2019s Dr Melissa Formica, based on his 2018 thesis looking at the impact of everyday diet and activity on the onset of dementia.<\/p>\n
He said he wants the findings of his studies to be easy for everyone to understand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe amount of information and research that academics do is internalised and only read by other academics,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy question is, why don\u2019t we have a situation where that information is passed out to the community? How can they benefit?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe research was about changing cognitive outcomes through Mediterranean-style diet, and low-intensity regular exercise, even if that\u2019s walking 20 minutes a day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Hardman has a background in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry, and received his doctorate at Swinburne University\u2019s Centre for Human Psychopharmacology.<\/p>\n
Alongside Dr Formica, he has packaged parts of the research into two children\u2019s books titled My Brain is my Best Friend and My Brain has made Friends with my Guts.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve also released a book called Recipe for a Healthy Brain, which is aimed at conveying the findings to a general adult demographic.<\/p>\n
Produced locally by Shawline Publishing, the books can be found at Skipton Street\u2019s The Independent Bookstore as well as online.<\/p>\n
Dr Hardman said he plans to add to his children\u2019s series with Dr Formica next year, and that they collaborate well.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe did her undergrad in psychology. I did mine in science. We have a different way of thinking, and her ability to simplify my ideas and deliver a thesis for children is incredible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first book is about diet, the second is mind-body interaction where we introduce the idea of microbiomes to children. Recipe is a summary of both our theses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe next children\u2019s book will be about the circulation of food between the brain, guts and heart, and the last one will be an overall perspective of a growing, healthy body.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
READING through an academic paper can sometimes be a challenge. That\u2019s why Creswick-based author Dr Roy Hardman has aimed to deliver his research into health in a more fun and accessible way. Dr Hardman has released two children\u2019s books, and a non-fiction title, in collaboration with Geelong\u2019s Dr Melissa Formica, based on his 2018 thesis […]<\/p>\n