Cork Nutrition is proud to support Carrigaline underage basketball club by sponsoring the Boys U16B Basketball team for the 2017-2018 season. Best of luck to all the team!

Did you know you can claim back a significant portion of private dietetic fees from your health insurers? VHI healthcare, Aviva, LAYA & GloHealth include registered dietitians on most of their out-patient / day-to-day plans. You can claim between €13 and €80 back per visit to a registered dietitian in private practice! Your dietitian must be qualified, registered and insured with the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute https://www.indi.ie/ and/or CORU, the new statutory body for regulation of health and social care professions in Ireland http://coru.ie/.

A lot of confusion exists between the various titles within the of nutrition profession. Dietitians who are trained in Ireland have dual qualifications and are nutritionists as well. However, other nutritionists or nutritional scientists have no medical training are not permitted to do one-to-one consultations. The term Nutritionist is not protected by law, so people with different levels of training , or in some cases no training at all, can call themselves a “Nutritionist”! In fact, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist!

Other titles such as holistic nutritionist, wellness coach, nutritional therapist, nutritional advisor, nutrition coach and a multitude of other self-professed diet experts are not covered either so you cannot claims back any portion of monies to paid to them!

Here is an article called Know the Difference, published by the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute: Know the Difference V7 short version – April 2016

Here is another good explanatory table from the British Dietetic Association: Dietitian, Nutritionist & Nutritional Therapist (BDA_2014) Trust A Dietitian Campaign

Join me in welcoming our new dietitian, Michelle Lane, to the team at Cork Nutrition Consultancy & Private Practice! 

Michelle Lane RD MINDI

• BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition & Dietetics, TCD (2013)
• BSc (Hons) Finance, UCC (2004)
• PgCert FODMAPs , Kings College London (2014)
• Counterweight practitioner (Evidence-based weight management programme)

State Registered Dietitian & Nutritionist

Michelle is a state registered dietitian, nutritionist, and member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, the professional body for dietitians in Ireland. She is a first-class honours graduate of Trinity College Dublin & Dublin Institute of Technology, and also holds an honours BSc in Finance from University College Cork. As part of her four years at university studying nutrition, she successfully completed challenging placements in St James Hospital Dublin, South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital Cork, and The Mercy University Hospital Cork. Through her hospital placements, she has gained experience in many fields including general medicine, diabetes, oncology, upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery, and cardiology. Michelle completed a research thesis in the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital Dublin, which investigated the link between socio-economic status and diet in pregnant women.

Since graduating as a dietitian in 2013, she has worked in an acute hospital, nursing homes, private practice and in corporate wellness, and joined Cork Nutrition in April 2015. She has a keen interest in working with patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Coeliac disease, gut disorders, and weight management issues, and is passionate about providing practical methods of lifestyle change to her patients.  She believes that nutrition has a major role in not only extending the length of an individual’s life but also greatly improving the quality of that life.

Michelle loves to cook!  She is interested in all types of recipes and foods but her personal favourite has to be Thai food following a month spent travelling around that beautiful country many years ago.  She also loves getting outdoors and plays tag rugby, hikes and cycles in her free time.

Following on from my interview with PJ Coogan this morning on the Opinion Line on Cork’s 96FM, here is a link to the podcast if you wish to listen back http://utv.vo.llnwd.net/o16/96FM/2015/03/24/2303OPINIONLINE2.mp3

… and here are some key summary points on Coeliac Disease:

Definition

Coeliac Disease isn’t a wheat intolerance or Gluten allergy. It’s an Autoimmune Disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.  Coeliac disease causes sufferers to react to gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and malt. Some Coeliacs are also sensitive to the protein found in oats. If a Coeliac eats gluten, the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged and reduces the ability to absorb nutrients from food. If undiagnosed, it can potentially lead to many complications such as osteoporosis, cancer, infertility, nutritional deficiencies & malnutrition.

Signs & symptoms vary in type and severity from one person to the next. The classical symptoms are diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, pale stools, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, fatigue, vomiting, weight loss, unexplained anaemia (iron, vitamin B12, folate deficiency), recurrent mouth ulcers and alopecia (hair loss). It is a common condition in Ireland, affecting 1 in 100 people. However, it is a significantly under-diagnosed disease; for each person diagnosed there are likely to be 5-10 people who remain un-diagnosed. It is also possible to have Coeliac disease without any symptoms! It is damaging to your health if it goes undiagnosed and untreated.

Special cases

Coeliac Disease should be ruled out in women with fertility issues. It should also be considered and investigated in people with premature unexplained Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Type 1 Diabetes, and abnormal thyroid function. People with Down Syndrome have a 40 times higher incidence of Coeliac Disease and so should always be screened.

Investigations & diagnosis

Prior to being tested for Coeliac Disease, a high-gluten diet should be consumed for at least 6 weeks prior to any blood tests or biopsies. Because the symptoms of Coeliac disease can mimic other serious conditions such as Cancer or Crohn’s disease, thorough investigation by a qualified medical doctor is essential. Your GP can take a blood test for antibodies – Immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA tTG) and anti-endomysial antibodies (IgA EMA). If antibody results are positive then you should be referred to a consultant gastroenterologist for a biopsy.

Dangers of Self diagnosis

People often self diagnose their gut symptoms as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a very dangerous practice indeed! Self-diagnosis kits sold in many pharmacies are also strongly discouraged; they can be difficult to use, and they can give false results. In the event that the kit yields a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease, patients typically proceed without nutrition and dietetic treatment, and without medical follow-up regarding long term complications.

A word of caution

Unreliable tests offered by alternative practitioners and many health food shops include Vega testing, Pulse testing, Kinesiology, saliva testing & so-called “Food Intolerance tests” costing up to €250! This is all pseudoscience! There is no scientific evidence to support such claims, diagnostic methods or diagnoses. The most common diagnosis resulting from such quackery is wheat and dairy intolerance which leads the unsuspecting person to embark on a DIY wheat-free diet! Residual gluten will still be present in the diet of an undiagnosed Coeliac on a DIY wheat-free diet, and there would a high risk of long term medical complications.

Treatment

Once a positive diagnosis has been made by a medical doctor, the only treatment is a 100% gluten-free diet for life. All Coeliacs, particularly at initial diagnosis, should have a lengthy one-to-one consultation with a qualified state-registered dietitian (RD or clinical Nutritionist www.indi.ie). Whilst nutrition information from other sources such as social media platforms, family members, friends, work colleagues, other Coeliacs and even other health professionals may be very welcome, it is frequently incorrect! Coeliacs should also join the Coeliac Society of Ireland for ongoing support.

Date:                          19^th January 2015.

Introduction: 

Are you self-motivated, enthusiastic and ambitious? Do you have a fun and outgoing personality? Would you like the opportunity to join the longest established nutrition consultancy and private dietetic practice in Cork? There is also fat loss Boston for people who want to lose weight.

Hours:    

2.5 days per week initially, but would expect this to grow to a fulltime post quickly. There will be an initial 3 month probation period.

Qualifications:   

BSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics (Trinity College Dublin) & Diploma Dietetics (DIT), or UK equivalent of this qualification.

FODMAP training will be a distinct advantage but not essential as training can be undertaken in due course.

Experience:

Minimum of 1 year post qualification experience, but ideally 3 years experience, to include acute clinical dietetics, running busy OPD clinics, community nutrition, workplace health promotion. Proficient use of nutritional analysis programmes would be a distinct advantage. Candidates must have excellent communication and presentation skills. Must be a car owner with full clean driving licence, as travel will be required for corporate work.

Registration: 

INDI membership (which includes professional indemnity insurance) is essential. Evidence that you have applied to CORU and are awaiting state registration and Garda vetting is also essential.

Salary:    

Commensurate with experience

How to apply:

Please email cover letter & CV to Niamh O’Connor RD MINDI info@corknutrition.ie

Closing date for applications: Sunday 22^nd February 2015. Candidates will be short listed and invited to an informal interview in March.

And finally! I know the high level to which all RD’s are trained so that is not what I will be assessing! Make your cover letter stand out! One of the most important criteria for the person I will choose to join Cork Nutrition will be personality! Good luck!

Niamh

Niamh is delighted to announce that she will be opening another new nutrition & dietetic clinic at The Mater Private Hospital Cork on Tuesday the 28th January 2014. Clinics will be on Tuesdays from 10am to 7pm, by appointment only, for inpatients, out-patients, GP referrals and self-referrals.

If you would like a practice information leaflet with further details, please email Niamh directly – info@corknutrition.ie

Here are the contact details for the new service:

Dept of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics,

Suite 12

Mater Private Hospital,

Citygate, Mahon, Cork

Appointments: (021) 601 3200

Secretary: Ms Susan O’Connell, suite 12

Location/map/directions: http://www.materprivate.ie/cork/

What is the difference between a Dietitian, nutritionist or nutritional therapist, and how to find a qualified registered Dietitian or regulated nutrition expert

 Whilst the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) recognises the choice of the consumer and patients to use complementary or alternative therapies, a key role of the INDI is to ensure that the public are protected from unregulated or inappropriate advice on nutrition. This leaflet informs the public on how to select or check the credentials of any nutrition advisors or practitioners, and to provide information on how to find a qualified Dietitian. The key differences between the roles and functions of Dietitians (clinical nutritionists), nutritionists and nutritional therapists are outlined.

Many people claim to be experts in nutrition yet have very limited knowledge and do not offer protection to the public. Choosing the right person from whom to seek help and advice can sometimes be a confusing task. This is not helped by an increasing number of self- proclaimed or alternative ‘nutrition practitioners’ emerging from informal courses. Such courses are not recognised by the State or by Irish Universities.

Unfortunately, for those who use the services of these unqualified ‘nutrition practitioners’, the advice or therapy provided may be ineffective, inappropriate and potentially unsafe. 

What is a Dietitian?

A Dietitian is a health professional who has a Bachelor’s degree specialising in foods and nutrition, as well as a period of practical training in a hospital and a community setting. It takes at least four years of full-time study at a university to qualify as a Dietitian.  Many Dietitians further their knowledge by pursuing a master’s or Doctoral degree. Dietitians apply the science of nutrition to promote health, treat and prevent malnutrition and provide therapeutic dietary guidelines for patients, clients and the public in health and illness.

The title “Registered Dietitian” and “Dietitian” will be protected by law so that only qualified practitioners who have met the required education qualifications and continue to maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing professional development, can use that title. CORU is responsible for regulation of health and social care professions under the Health and Social Care Professional’s Act, 2005, in Ireland.  Dietitians have public protection as their mandate. Dietitians are held accountable for their conduct and the care they provide both through the regulation process and also through membership of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI). All members of The INDI are bound to comply with the code of ethics and professional practice

The term Nutritionist is not protected by law so people with different levels of training and knowledge can call themselves a “Nutritionist”.

How to find a Qualified Dietitian/clinical nutritionist or regulated Nutrition Expert

Outside of the state regulation of Dietitians, nutrition advice is largely a self-regulated industry where anyone can set up and practice without a recognised or regulated qualification, meaning there is no real protection for consumers or patients.

When looking for nutritional advice in relation to your health, it is advisable to ask the practitioner about their background and qualifications to ensure they are appropriately qualified and regulated. You can find a qualified Dietitian by:

• contacting your local hospital, GP surgery or Primary Care Centre

• searching under the Find A Dietitian section on www.indi.ie

The INDI is the professional organisation that represents over 600 Dietitians across Ireland. INDI sets national standards for undergraduate dietetic programs, dietetic placements, and graduate degree practicum programs. www.indi.ie. For more information on the regulation of health care professionals in Ireland see www.coru.ie.

NutriCount^TM provides professional menu analysis & calorie posting for food businesses in Ireland, and is a sister company of Cork Nutrition Consultancy.

Browse our new website today!  www.NutriCount.ie

NutriCount^TM name and logos are registered Trademarks in the Republic of Ireland (Irish Patents Office), and are owned by Niamh O’Connor.

NutriCount^TM is also registered with the Companies Registration Office of Ireland (CRO registered no. 475125).

It’s that time of year again – time to join RTE’s Operation Transformation and choose a leader to help you on your journey to health and wellness! Cork Nutrition Consultancy is delighted to support Cork’s own Deirdre Galvin-Hosford, who is origially from Bandon and now lives in Whitechurch Co. Cork with her husband Will, and their two young sons Jack & Cian.

Deirdre’s sister Imelda runs the Bread Basket in Bandon, a business which was set up jointly with their late father Finbarr, and which Imelda now runs. Before any of us knew that Deirdre would be leading the nation, I had been working with Imelda analysing the menu at the Bread Basket, to help her customers choose healthier options and being mindful of the calories. This Calorie posting initiative was launched at The Bread Basket’s 1st Anniversary on Friday 9th November 2012.

When Deirdre was chosen as a leader for RTE’s Operation Transformation we then decided to go one step further and we designed a new “Operation Transformation Menu” for The Bread Basket! This menu offers a wide variety of low calorie meal options suitable for most people on weight reducing diets who want to choose a healthy lunch to help them lose weight.

Have a look at the menu here!

Bread Basket Bandon: Operation Transformation Menu January 2013

You can also meet Deirdre and show your support this coming Saturday 19th January 2013 at the first of the Operation Transformation Roadshows, sponsored by SafeFood, at Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork. The event runs from 12 midday to 3.30pm and includes “Swap & Save” presentations by Dietitians from the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute. The one and only Karl Henry will also be on hand with his expert advice on exercise and fitness. See you there!

Details of all the nationwide roadshows here:

http://www.safefood.eu/News/2013/safefood-and-Operation-Transformation-get-the-show.aspx

Follow me on Twitter @CorkNutrition and @NutriCount_IRL for more updates and health tips!

Niamh

Introducing a Clinical Nutrition Referral Service to the Cork Fertility Centre

Nutrition is the cornerstone of good health and wellbeing. It is particularly crucial at certain stages of life including fertility, conception, pregnancy, foetal brain development, childhood growth, and has a significant role to play in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. The specific types of nutrition consultations relevant to fertility are outlined briefly here:

• General Nutrition and dietetic review to check overall nutritional adequacy of the diet
• Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to Gluten. Undiagnosed Coeliac Disease can lead to impaired fertility in women, so all women with impaired fertility should have blood tests carried out to diagnose or rule out Coeliac Disease.
• Weight management, Fertility & Pregnancy (Overweight, underweight & eating disorders)
• PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). PCOS is one of the leading causes of fertility problems in women and, if not properly managed, can lead to additional health problems such as diabetes in later life. Dietary and lifestyle management have been shown to improve symptoms; research has shown that weight management  & low GI diet is advocated as the primary therapy in overweight women with PCOS. Women with PCOS should also have an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) carried out to determine whether or not impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance has developed.
• Sperm DNA fragmentation. As you may already know, Cork Fertility Centre is currently conducting a research study examining DNA damage in sperm and its effect on Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) outcomes. The results of this study will determine if these tests of sperm DNA damage are useful in deciding the best treatment options for future couples.  Although it is likely that nutrition has a clear role to play here too, there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence on the benefit of dietary supplementation. However, the levels of Certain vitamins and minerals in the diet may improve sperm count and/or sperm quality. They include zinc & vitamin C.

Download the full informtion leaflet here

Nutrition info FAQ leaflet for Cork Fertility Centre _Jan2013_Final_PDF