Why First Nations?
I was very lucky to work with 2 First Nation communities for about 4 years. I discovered a fascinating culture. It broke my heart to have to leave these joyful people but mostly to know that my job position wouldn't be easy to fill again upon my departure.
Many First Nation communities face this reality and don't have access to nutrition services. Many others, lack the necessary staff to manage the heavy work load. This is what motivated me to start my own practice.
My goal is to help the communities who do not have a nutritionist on site and to alleviate the work of the nutritionists already working within the communities. Below are some of the services that could be of help to you:
Consultation
Many members of First Nation communities have to live with health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, obesity, etc. The nutritional knowledge of other health professionals such as nurses and doctors are often not enough to fully help these people. Tips from a dietitian can complement the work of other health professionals and greatly help community members attain a better health. Consultations can be performed individually, as a couple or with your family over the telephone or the Internet. I use a visioconference platform that is safe, confidential and easy to use. An agreement can also be made to perform consultations within your community.
Group Workshop/Conference
Group workshops and conferences reach more people at the same time. Even if the information is more general, it is often enough to motivate some participants to start a process of improving their life habits. The conversations that generate from this type of activity are often inspiring and reassuring to participants. Therefore, this type of activity can have a great impact on improving the health of a community. Workshops or conferences can be created according to your needs and can be held in your community. If the resources are available, it can be done in collaboration with one of your employees. Under certain conditions, this employee could be in charge of leading the workshop and save you some traveling expenses.
Some forms of workshops:
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Cooking workshop
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Grocery visit
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Discussion group
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etc.
Some possible subjects:
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Diabetes
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Nutrition during pregnancy and lactation
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Introduction of complementary foods for infants
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Sport nutrition
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etc.
Media communication
Nutritional information is easily accessible but often confusing. Flyers, newsletters, radio announcements and social media publications can be useful to provide educational information. If you wish to add a health/educational aspect to your resources with reliable nutrition information, I can help! It will be my pleasure to write articles/communications that meet your needs. Subjects similar to those of conferences can be discussed and many more.
Support to Elaborate Food Strategies, Projects and/or Politics.
You have wonderful projects in mind such as reviewing the day care menu, creating a health program at work or a healthy calendar but you are running out of time and/or resources? Contact me! I am available to accomplish any projects you would entrust me with. I will accomplish your project according to your expectations and needs. My goal is for your community to benefit from your brilliant ideas as quickly as possible!
Teaching Material Conception
You don't have a nutritionist on site and your staff feels they are lacking the necessary resources when it comes to answering questions related to nutrition from clients with specific health conditions (ex.: diabetes, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal diseases...)? The available resources are outdated or incomplete? Contact me! It will be my pleasure to adapt your current teaching material or offer you new ones. Your health professionals consultations will be easier to perform, the client comprehension will be better and your health services will be more efficient. **A NOTE OF CAUTION** This service can never replace or equate to a professional dietitian consultation.
You have a dietitian on site but his/her teaching material is outdated or incomplete? He/she would like to adapt the documents to the First Nation culture or create new ones. Contact me! I will make your dream come true by putting on paper your ideas. Therefore, your nutritionist will be able to focus on her other tasks and his/her consultations will be made easier and more efficient.
Of course, many other options are possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any ideas, questions or suggestions!
