Many of us are confused about diet and nutrition because we are constantly inundated with the latest fads and we don’t know where to go for credible help. When you have questions about fibre or calcium, how to read food labels or even where to find a dietician who makes house calls, who ya gonna call?
Credible help is as close as a phone call away with a service called Dietician Services at HealthLinkBC (formerly known as Dial-A-Dietitian). This free non-emergency service allows you ask a Registered Dietician about nutrition and healthy eating, says Lori Smart, Manager of Dietician Services at HealthLinkBC. It is available weekdays (8am-8pm, Monday thru Thursday and 8am-5pm Fridays) in Greater Vancouver at 604-732-9191. A toll-free number, in BC only, is 8-1-1 (7-1-1 for the hearing impaired). Translation services are available in more than 130 languages.
A Registered Dietician (RD) is the “rocket scientist” in the field of food science. Nutrition is a complex science and it takes years of applied knowledge to comprehend the many issues relating diet to good health. RDs spend a minimum of five years completing their degrees.
Though we’re quick to spend money on the latest diet book, consulting with an RD is more effective. Their knowledge allows us access to credible, sensible and more personalized dietary information.
Registered Dieticians are found in private practice, or are connected with health centres, clinics and hospitals. And they are also a phone call away at 8-1-1.
HealthLinkBC also offers Nursing Services at HealthLinkBC (anytime, non-emergency only), and Pharmacist Services at HealthLinkBC (every night from 5pm to 9am, non-emergency). Callers with multiple concerns can be connected to a dietician, a nurse and/or a pharmacist, all in the same call, says Smart. And the 8-1-1 toll-free number makes it affordable, as well as convenient, for those living outside the Greater Vancouver area.
These health services can also be accessed round-the-clock by a mobile app, or via the website: HealthLinkBC.ca This website offers a Resource Order Form, to order information brochures, posters and magnets. Other services offered by HealthLinkBC include BC HealthFiles, and the BC HealthGuide.
Dietician Services at HealthLinkBC has been around for some time, says Smart. It began serving the Lower Mainland in 1972 as Dial-A-Dietician and became a province-wide, toll-free service in 1991. In 2008, it joined HealthLinkBC. Two years later, HealthLinkBC officially joined the BC Government Ministry of Health.
For sensible and credible dietary information, or to find an expert in your area (who may even make house calls), put 8-1-1 on speed dial!
Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker. www.artnews-healthnews.com
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Eve Lees has been active in the health & fitness industry since 1979. Currently, she is a Freelance Health Writer for several publication and speaks to business and private groups on various health topics.