Chicken Farmers of Canada
Chicken Farmers of Canada is pleased to introduce its guest blogger, Hélène Charlebois, Registered Dietitian with HC Nutrition Consulting & Wellness. We asked Hélène to write about Dietitians and what they can do for Canadians.
Registered Dietitians are the nutrition experts in food and nutrition matters for your health needs. Whether it be for dietary counseling on weight management, diabetes care or any disease state, for advice on food chemistry, food components, food safety, recipes, nutrition questions, Registered Dietitians are your “go-to experts.”
What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD), a nutritionist or a medical nutrition therapist?
Anyone can be called a “nutritionist” as it is not a protected professional name under health regulations. This is not so for Registered Dietitians (RD). RDs are the only nutrition-related professionals who have a regulatory body, which is usually in the form of a College of Dietitians. This College regulates how we practice the science of nutrition.
What does this mean?
Public protection and client-centred care are basic principles of the regulated health-care system in Canada. The Regulated Health Professions Act and the Dietetic Act set out the responsibilities, powers and procedures for dietitians to regulate the profession of dietetics to ensure that dietitians meet legal and professional standards for safe, ethical and quality health care.
What does public protection and quality dietetic care mean for the consumer?
Like in most fields, regulated professionals must meet high academic and practice standards. As professionals, RDs are accountable for the quality of their practice.
As a consumer, one of your best sources for accurate nutrition advice and care is a Registered Dietitian. Go to www.dietitians.ca click on “Find a Nutrition Professional” for a dietitian in your area.
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