Health Info

Dietitians are specialist practitioners who have a vast knowledge of food and nutrition, as you would expect, as well as other related areas such as biochemistry, physiology and social science. They use this expertise to encourage healthy eating, prevent disease and to help in the management of illness.

One of the most common reasons for going to a dietitian is for weight loss. You should be aware that a dietitian will never recommend a fad diet because they simply don't believe that they work. What they will recommend, however, is a healthy eating plan for life.

Quite apart from weight loss, there are many other reasons for visiting a dietitian. You might want to work out a healthy eating plan to take greater control of your health in a whole variety of situation, including:

• Pregnancy & breastfeeding
• Children's health
• Coeliac and gluten free diets
• Sports nutrition
• Nutrition during menopause
• Conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
• High Cholesterol

In Ireland, the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI) is the professional organisation for Clinical Nutritionists and Dietitians. Before you place your health in the hands of any particular dietitian, it's worthwhile checking if they're a member. If you log on to their website - www.indi.ie - they have a handy 'Find a Dietitian' service which lets you find someone who's convenient to where you live or work and who also adheres to the professional standards of the INDI.

Most dietitians will have a BSc qualification in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, or a Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics or a recognised qualification received prior to 1987.

And while you're checking that the dietitian you select is properly qualified, check also that they carry public liability insurance. If you don't know for sure, simply ask them.

If you are a private patient, you do not need a referral to visit a dietitian, although it's quite commonplace to be referred by your G.P. if diet and nutrition are contributory factors in any health problems you may be experiencing. If you are a public patient, you will usually be referred by your G.P. to a hospital dietitian.

The cost of a visit to the Dietitian will depend on whether it is a first visit, follow up or part or a series of visits. Expect to pay between €50 and €70

The first session will take about an hour and will be used by your dietitian to build up a picture of your full medical history. You will also be asked about your family's medical history and any illnesses and tests you have had. Naturally enough, you will be asked questions about your diet, any supplements you are taking and your lifestyle and exercise habits. Your height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) will also be recorded.

Don't be surprised to be asked about your social history, your emotional state and general life experiences as your psychological state has a huge bearing on your overall health.

Keep a record of your eating habits over a period of a few days before you visit your dietitian for the first time. Write down everything you eat and drink, as well as how your gut and tummy is behaving and any other symptoms you have. This will help you to remember all the details and will be really useful to your dietitian.

It's your health that's being discussed so don't be too shy to ask questions or take notes if you want to. If you write down your questions in advance, you're much less likely to forget something important during your consultation.

Don't be disappointed if you don't get a diet sheet after the first visit. You will be given a limited amount of information at the first visit and you may need a series of regular consultations before you manage to make the dietary and lifestyle changes suggested by your dietitian.

Remember the advice from the INDI - Fad diets don't work and you should never diet without consulting either your G.P. or Dietitian. The INDI have some useful fact sheets on healthy eating on their website www.indi.ie

Hibernian Aviva Health covers a wide range of day-to-day practitioners - including dietitians - on your day-to-day a and day-to-day 50 plans.