Are you concerned about how food affects your health?

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Every stage of the human life cycle has different nutrition needs to maintain health. Parents, grandparents and other caregivers face daily challenges to prepare healthy meals for their family as they grow through the various stages of life. If you are a baby boomer, you may be dealing with the competing nutrition needs of grandchildren, aging parents, your own health needs and those of your partner.

Where can you get reliable and safe advice for healthy eating to meet all those needs? 

Registered Dietitians can help. As regulated experts in nutrition, they are a trusted source for nutrition information. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to help you plan healthy meals through all stages of life. They are experienced in translating medical and nutrition information into practicaeating plans, recommending the right supplements and suggesting strategies to keep you and your family healthy.

Dietitians can help with weight management,
food allergies or sensitivities. They also help anyone suffering from nutrition-related diseases and health conditions including, diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, digestive issues and food allergies. Registered Dietitians support people of all ages to achieve nutrition goals such as increased energy, weight loss and overall well-being.

Registered Dietitians are regulated health professionals who must be members of the College of Dietitians of Ontario to practice in Ontario.  “They are accountable to the College for ongoing competence and offering quality nutrition services throughout their career,” says Mary Lou Gignac, Registrar & ED of the College.

Registered Dietitians achieve the College standards for academic and practical education, ethics, professional conduct, and continuing competence. “All dietitians must participate in our Quality Assurance Program for professional development and continued competence”, says Gignac, “You can expect that dietitians in Ontario bring a high degree of skill, judgment and knowledge to provide safe nutrition services for you, your family and your community”.

How can you tell that that your nutrition consultant is a Registered Dietitian?

Look for the RD after a person’s name to make sure they are a Registered Dietitian. The Register of Dietitians will tell you whether a person is allowed to practice as a dietitian in Ontario. The Register is current and contains business contact information, restrictions on a Registered Dietitian’s practice if there are any, and gives important information about any registration and discipline history. To access the Register of Dietitians online, click on Register of Dietitians.

How can you find a Registered Dietitian?

Many Canadians search online for nutrition information. Make sure you search reliable websites and that you check with a qualified Registered Dietitian that the information you are using is safe for you.

You can access the services of a Registered Dietitian by consulting your physician or other primary care provider, by searching online for a “Registered Dietitian” in your area or by going to www.dietitians.ca and clicking on Find a Dietitian.

Although dietitian services are not covered by OHIP, there are many government funded services through Family Health Teams, Community Health Centres, Diabetes Education Programs, Hospitals and Long-Term Care Residences. Many insurance companies also offer benefits for nutrition services by Registered Dietitians.

Free and reliable nutrition information is available through Eat Right Ontario, “Ask a Dietitian”. This service provides a direct link to Registered Dietitians to answer your questions. Call 1-877-510-5102 or visit www.eatrightontario.ca

The College of Dietitians of Ontario works to protect the people of Ontario.

Registered Dietitians are a trusted source for nutrition information. Look for the RD to make sure that your nutrition consultant is a regulated health provider.

Go to www.mydietitian.ca