Ontario Diabetes strategy announces measures to increase access to Registered Dietitians

Toronto - It’s welcome news to Dietitians of Canada (DC) that new initiatives to prevent and manage diabetes have recently been announced by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and the Ministry of Health and Long Term. Linda Dietrich, Regional Executive Director for DC’s Central and Southern Ontario Region, says “the creation of additional diabetes education teams and resource tools will provide more Ontarians with supports to help prevent diabetes, manage an existing condition, and prevent complications. Access to Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) focussed on diabetes treatment will help prevent long term complications.”

Healthy eating, recognized as a key element in diabetes prevention, is currently provided by Registered Dietitians as an integral part of the diabetes strategy through a partnership between the Ministry of Health Promotion and DC. This partnership enables residents of Ontario to easily access RDs at no charge through EatRight Ontario (ERO by:

- calling the toll-free phone line at 1-877-510-510-2 on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and extended evening hours to 9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

- visiting the EatRight Ontario web site at http://www.ontario.ca/eatright to email a question to an RD, or to view the many articles, recipes, as well as videos on interpreting nutrition information on food labels.

“We are particularly proud of the ERO resource My MenuPlanner,” says Helen Haresign, Program Director for EatRight Ontario. “The tool can be used to build a personalized 7-day menu plan that meets Canada Food Guide recommendations. The interactive menu planning tool also provides recipes and a shopping list that support healthy food choices ”, continues Haresign. “Increasing access to the professional nutrition advice of Registered Dietitians is a key component in preventing and managing diabetes.”

Dietitians of Canada represents almost 6,000 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC’s regular nutrition updates, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at http://www.dietitians.ca.