Clinical Nutrition

Canadian Cancer Society Information regarding prevention and treatment of cancer, research and support services for people fighting cancer

Canadian Celiac Association Valuable information on nutrition and celiac disease

Canadian Diabetes Association Valuable information and resources for educators and public regarding diabetes management

Canadian Healthcare Association Information about health policy development and links to courses available through CHA

Canadian Obesity Network Resources and news about obesity in Canada for health care professionals

Canadian Society of Intestinal Research Resources and updates regarding gastrointestinal diseases and disorders

Dairy Farmers Of Canada It is not just about milk and contains great nutrition information.

Dial-A-Dietitian Offering quality nutrition information and resources and program information

Dietitians of Canada This site offers you credible information from nutrition professionals

5-10 a Day for Better Health National campaign promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among Canadians

Health Canada Great website to get more information on health related issues

Health Canada – Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide Direct link to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and related resources

Heart and Stroke Foundation Valuable information on heart healthy eating and lifestyle

The Kidney Foundation of Canada Education and support for those dealing with kidney disease

La Leche League Canada Valuable information and tips about breastfeeding

National Institutes of Health Information about the national medical research agency (American)

New Brunswick Department of Health Information about health care in nutrition

Osteoporosis Canada Tips for prevention and management of osteoporosis

Public Health Agency of Canada – Physical Activity Guide Direct link to Canadian Physical Activity Guides (for variety of ages)

How do I access a registered dietitian within Horizon?

Dietitian services can be accessed by referral from a health-care provider only. Self-referrals for dietitian services are accepted at Community Health Centres.

Is there a cost involved?

There is no cost to see a registered dietitian as it is covered by Medicare.

How long is the waiting list?

The waiting list to see a dietitian varies, you may wait as little as 2 weeks or as long as 6 months.

How long does an appointment take?

If you are referred to a registered dietitian for an education class, the length of your visit will vary between 30 minutes and 1 hour. It will depend on the information to be covered and how many questions you may have.

How do I make an appointment?

In most cases the dietitian you have been referred to will contact you to set up an appointment.

What’s the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

A dietitian is a health professional who has a Bachelor’s degree, specializing in foods and nutrition, as well as a period of practical training in a hospital or community setting.

Dietitians are members of a provincially regulated profession that has Public Protection as their mandate.

The term Nutritionist is not protected by law in all provinces so people with different levels of training and knowledge can all themselves a “Nutritionist”.

For further information, please see: http://www.dietitians.ca/Find-A-Dietitian/Difference-Between-Dietitian-and-Nutritionist.aspx

How do I find credible nutrition information online?

The following document contains information regarding this subject: http://www.dietitians.ca/Nutrition-Resources-A-Z/Factsheets/Healthy-Eating—General/How-many-calories-and-nutrientsin-the-food-I-eat.aspx  

How do I recognize a fad diet?

Please read the following article for more information: http://www.dietitians.ca/Nutrition-Resources-A-Z/Factsheets/Weight-Loss-and-Control/Guidelines-for-Choosing-a-Weight-Loss-Program.aspx

Summer Holidays

During your summer vacation you’ll most likely be enjoying a barbecue or two. Ensuring the safety of our food can be challenging this time of year because of the hot summer weather and we often cook outdoors during picnics, barbecues or on camping trips.

For tips on keeping your family safe this summer visit the Government of Canada’s Healthy Canadians website.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s day is often celebrated with gifts that might not be very healthy options, such as chocolate or candy. To make this special occasion a little healthier try one of these ideas instead:

• send a Valentine’s day card
• send a singing telegram
• bake homemade healthy cookies
• send a fruit basket or flowers
• give gift certificates
• send your loved one for a massage
• write a love poem
• make a CD of love songs
• give a stuffed animal

In keeping with the colour of love here are a few healthy Valentine’s day treat ideas to share with the ones you love:

• fresh strawberries (any red berry will do) and low fat whipped Cool Whip®
• red Jell-O® with low fat Cool Whip®
• red peppers in your salad (place them in a heart shape)
• red jam on toast, crackers, etc.
• red Fruit to Go®
• red juices

Chocolate

If you’re really set on giving chocolate then opt for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate,also known as “bittersweet” or “semisweet” chocolate, contains a high percentage (70%) of cocoa solids, and little or no added sugar. Dark chocolate has a rich, intense flavour, and is found in candies and some kinds of chocolate chips used in baking.

The potential health benefits of dark chocolate include having high levels of antioxidants which are also found in a variety of foods including tea, red wine, and various fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants may help decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol oxidation. Dark chocolate can also reduce the risk of blood clots, increase blood flow in arteries and it may lower high blood pressure.

The cocoa found in dark chocolate may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels because it consists mainly of stearic acid and oleic acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fat but unlike most saturated fatty acids, it does not raise blood cholesterol levels. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, does not raise cholesterol and may even reduce it. Dark chocolate may also improve mood and pleasure by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain and contains a number of beneficial minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Have a Healthy Happy Halloween

Trick or treating at Halloween traditionally involves giving and receiving candy, chocolate and various other treats. However, there are many healthy options that be can given out instead. For some great ideas please visit Healthy Halloween Treats.

Health Canada also provides information for having a safe and healthy Halloween:

• Safe Halloween Tips

Healthy Eating For the Holidays

Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, along with many other holidays, are all times when we tend to splurge on eating.

There are many ways to eat healthy over the holidays and to make better choices. For information about eating healthy during holidays, please visit the following:

• Health Canada Holiday Food Safety
• Let’s Talk Turkey
• Responsible Holiday Drinking
• General Holiday Safety Tips 

• Fredericton Area
• Miramichi Area: Clinical Outpatient / Diabetes Program
• Moncton Area: Ambulatory Care / Lipid-Lowering Clinic / Sackville Memorial Hospital / Albert County Health and Wellness Centre
• Saint John Area