What's New at Physio Sport Med

Physio Sport Med of Oakville welcomes Danielle Boudreau to our clinic.  Danielle is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Dietitian with Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Guelph and Ryerson in Applied Human Nutrition and Nutrition Communications.  She is ready and able to provide group and one-on-one counseling.  She is excited to combine her loves of food, nutrition and fitness to help others achieve their goals while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

We are constantly being bombarded by nutrition information from family, friends, and the media.  It can be overwhelming to make sense of it all.  If you have tried finding a professional to help sift through these messages, you may have come across Registered Dietitians, nutritionists, holistic nutritionists, and many others.  Although these titles are often used interchangeably, there are a few main differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist.  

Dietitians are Regulated Professionals.  Registered dietitians are governed by a college that strives to protect the public.  In Ontario, “Registered Dietitian” is a protected title but Nutritionist is not.  This means that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their qualifications. An individual can only call themselves a Registered Dietitian if they have met the educational requirements and continue to prove their competence. 

Education.  The first step to become a Registered Dietitian is to complete an accredited four-year undergraduate program in nutrition.  Following this program, students must complete an internship or a Masters program that will provide practical training.  The final step in becoming a Registered Dietitian is to complete a registration exam. This may sound like a lot, but the education continues! Registered Dietitians are expected to continuously upgrade their knowledge in order to maintain their license.

Nutritionists aren’t required to have such intensive education and training - some may not have even studied nutrition.  This doesn’t mean that nutritionists aren’t knowledgeable.  The problem is that you can’t be sure of their educational background or where they are getting their information.  Some nutritionists may be following media trends while others are providing evidence based information.  When you see a Registered Dietitian, you are better provided with safe, current, and reliable information.  

Evidence-Based Practice.  Registered Dietitians base their practice on evidence from scientific literature.  Their education has given them the skills to evaluate research and translate the findings to the public.  In addition, they have the skills to tailor this information to the needs of their clients and make individualized recommendations and care plans.

If you are looking for nutrition information or support, reach out to our Registered Dietitian!

It is that time of year again.    A time of fresh starts and new beginnings – and of course New Years Resolutions.   For some, it is a return to the healthy attitude and habits that they had before the splendors of the holidays.   But for many of us, it has been more than a few months or years since we have been active and fit.    In that case, it can be overwhelming to get started even when we know that it would good for us.   Here are some things to think about to help you get started.

1. If you have underlying joint pains,  talk to a sports medicine doctor or a physiotherapist regarding what exercises can help you and what you should avoid.  Personal Trainers are expertly trained in prescribing exercises for health joints and muscles, but injury can change what works best for you.  We often hear that pain prevents exercise, which causes more weight gain, which causes more joint stress and pain.   That cycle needs to be broken safely.
   
2. Start slow.   Often people hit the gym with too much gusto causing injury and overuse damage.  If it has been years since you regularly exercised, increasing your walking and non-sedentary times can make a big difference.   This can be as simple as getting off the bus a stop sooner, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  But if you are ready to start something more serious, slowly ramp up the duration and intensity of exercise.     Start with approximately 15 minutes of exercise at an intensity that makes you feel like you are working, but still able to hold a conversation easily.
   
3. Strength training is essential.     Although cardio exercise such as running, walking or biking is great for heart and lung health.   To achieve most fitness goals, including weight loss, strength training is essential.    It not only increases your metabolism to allow you to eat a few extra calories, but strong muscles work as shock absorbers for your joints preventing damage and osteoarthritis.
   
4. If you are a finicky eater, or have a rushed schedule that prevents you from making proper eating choice, consider talking to a dietician.   They are the experts in food and our relationships with it and can create a program that will work for you.   Check your extended health care benefits,  this is a service that is often covered, but not often utilized.
   
5. The best medicine is prevention.   You have already started this by committing yourself to being active and making healthy changes.    And some muscle pain may occur when you first start pushing yourself.  However, if the pain is lasting more than three days, or is preventing sleep and normal everyday activities, seek advice from medical sports experts.  Early intervention will allow you to adapt your program before pain force you to stop exercising completely allowing you to keep your momentum going and your goals in sight.
   

If you need some help with the aches and pains or would like to consult with a dietition.  Give us a call.  We're here to help.