FAQsQ.
My doctor told me that I have some health issues and that I need to eat healthier. I'm ready to make some changes, but I don't know where to start. Where can I find a dietitian? How can they help me? Do I have to pay for this service? A.
It's great that you're ready to make some changes to the foods you eat! A registered dietitian can help you do just that. Dietitians are nutrition experts who take a look at your current eating habits and what your body needs. Then they work with you to slowly make changes that help you eat healthier in a way that fits your lifestyle. After an initial assessment, they will meet with you regularly to provide the support and knowledge you need to make long term lifestlye changes. Dietitians work in hospitals, community health centres, access centres and private practice. Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian for a specific health issue. You can also book an appointment to see a dietitian yourself at a Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Access Centre or a community health centre in your neighbourhood such as Centre de Sante or Mount Carmel Clinic. These services are free. If you are a member of the Wellness Institute or the Reh-Fit Centre, you can make an appointment to see a dietitian at these centres. There is usually a fee for this service. Dietitians also work in private practice and have their own clinic or are part of a group medical clinic. You can find these dietitians through the Dietitians of Canada database of private practice dietitians. Some health insurance plans cover the cost of a dietitian. If you're still not sure where to find a dietitian in your neighbourhood, call Manitoba's Dial-a-Dietitian hotline at (204) 788-8248 and a dietitian will help you find one in your community.
Q.
Hi, I would like to know if when you're trying to lose weight, is exercising every day bad for your body? Do you need to give your muscles a rest? If you can exercise every day - what is good enough so I am not overworking myself? Angela :) A.
Angela: Modifying your daily habits by being more active and making healthy food choices will lead to improvements in your body composition and help you maintain weight loss in the long term. Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, the Canada's Physical Activity Guide and Canada's NEW Food Guide provide some effective and safe guidelines for you to follow. Canada's Physical Activity guide states, "Scientists say accumulate 60 minutes of physica activity every day to stay health or improve your health. As you progress to moderate activities you can cut down to 30 minutes, 4 days a week. Add-up your activities in periods of at least 10 minutes each. Start slowly...and build up." The guide also recommends that adults choose a variety of physical activities that include the following components:
Remember - variety is the spice of life and adding variety can help to keep your workouts fun, exciting and effective in improving your health! The safest way to get "in motion" is to listen to your body, start slow and build up your activity levels gradually. Good luck and good health!
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