There is mounting evidence that nutrition plays an important role in the healthy growth and development of young people, and in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity (WHO Newsroom, 2020). However, nutrition education in Canadian medical schools is limited (Collier, CMAJ, 2009). Many physicians also report feeling ill-prepared to counsel patients on nutrition and diet (Vetter et al., J of American College of Nutrition, 2008).
In primary care, especially, there is an opportunity for health care providers to help patients determine how nutrition can figure into a preventative health plan and improve overall well-being.
The new Child Nutrition digital series, hosted by Continuing Professional Development and the Joannah & Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, will offer health care providers clinically-informed and practical nutrition guidance relevant to their youngest patients. Each of the 10 live, hour-long sessions running from February 2 – June 8, 2023, will focus on a different, current topic in child nutrition.
Topics will include:
- plant-based diets and iron deficiency
- food insecurity
- allergies
- breastfeeding and breast milk substitutes
- healthy weights
- and more
Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of these nutrition topics, learn how to discuss each topic with their patients, and take away key messages and approaches to incorporate into clinical practice.
Upon completion of the series, learners will be able to:
- Describe the nutritional requirement of infants, toddlers, and children
- Summarize clinical practice guidelines relating to child nutrition
- Identify effective strategies to promote healthy eating behaviours and speak to patients and their families about nutrition
- Select appropriate nutrition screening tools and resources to use in clinical practice in order to improve nutrition knowledge and guide the behaviour of patients and their families
Pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, nutrition scientists, and education specialists will find the content of the series particularly valuable.
Visit the series website to learn more and register today.