In 2013, Canadians drank 2.4 billiion litres of bottled water! 1 Bottled water has become a popular choice because it is healthy, calorie-free, and convenient! However, there has been much controversy over whether bottled water is better and safer than tap water. Let’s take a closer look at the facts… Your wallet Bottled Water: Can cost Canadians anywhere from $0.08 … Read More
Unwanted Bugs in Your Food
If you think you may have a food poisoning, see your health care provider and contact your local public health unit. Here are the bugs most likely to cause you food poisoning: Campylobacter It is the most common cause of food poisoning. It is found in undercooked poultry, pork, raw milk and unchlorinated drinking water. I causes symptoms such as … Read More
Let’s Talk About It…
Let’s Talk About It…Healthy Sexuality for the Middle School Age Child (9-12) Most children in this age group will begin a rapid phase of transition from childhood to adolescence. The term puberty refers to a stage of physical maturation where a person becomes capable of reproduction. It is important for parents and educators to ensure that children are fully aware … Read More
Nutrition Month 2016: Take a 100 Meal Journey!
Did you know that the average Canadian eats 100 meals each month? March is Nutrition Month. This year dietitians are encouraging Canadians to make small, sustainable improvements to their health one meal at a time. Here in Canada, 3 out of 5 adults are living with chronic disease, and 4 out of 5 adults are at risk of developing chronic … Read More
Changes to Ontario dental programs
Ontario dental programs are still available until December 31st. As of January 1, 2016, the following 6 publicly funded dental programs will be combined into the new Healthy Smiles Ontario program: dental benefits for children under Ontario Works dental benefits for children under the Ontario Disability Support Program dental benefits for children under the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities … Read More
Confused about labels and peanut free lunches?
Schools work really hard to keep the school allergy safe. As a first step, we encourage parents to find out your school’s policy on food allergies. Once you know about the foods that need to be avoided, keep them in mind when reading the ingredient list on food labels and when packing lunches. Schools that are nut aware includes walnuts, … Read More
Preventing Pregnancy after Sex
Missed pills? Broken condom? No protection? When accidents happen you’ve got a back-up plan! It’s called emergency contraception, also known as the “morning after pill” or Plan B. You risk an accidental pregnancy when condoms break, when birth control is taken incorrectly, or if you were unprepared for sex. Unprotected sex, even if it’s just once, can lead to an … Read More
Let’s move to a new beat: Increasing physical activity and reducing sitting time at work
“Sitting is the new smoking” Physical activity, or rather physical inactivity, in the workplace has received a lot of attention over the past few months. A report by the Conference Board of Canada has started a new wave of concern around low activity in Canadians. This report is responsible for the catchy new saying, “sitting is the new smoking”. What … Read More
Dietitian? What is That?
Who are Registered Dietitians? We are the regulated experts, (like nurses or doctors) in food and nutrition! The term “Registered Dietitian” is protected, and only those who have received specific university and internship training are allowed to call themselves Dietitians. Be wary- anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist! Dietitians can help you navigate all the confusing nutrition research, and make … Read More
Shifting Gears – Managing Healthy Eating on Shift Work
Did you know that shift workers are at a higher risk for a number of diseases? Some research has found that shift workers are at a higher risk for sleep disorders, Type 2 diabetes, stomach upset, some cancers, injury at work, and heart problems (heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure)! Shift workers also report more indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn, and constipation. … Read More