Have you ever wondered why some foods give you energy while others make you crash? If you’ve ever been curious about the science behind nutrition, or what foods you should be eating to feel better both mentally and physically, consider consulting a registered dietitian. “We’re not the food police, so we’re really trying to correct that misconception about our role,” says Chantal Morais, a registered dietitian at Prairie Mountain Health. “Dietitians work across the health system, providing nutritional advice and recommendations in a variety of settings, from health promotion and chronic disease prevention to personal care homes and intensive care units.” Dietitians have long been important members of health care teams working across Manitoba, but the importance of their role has increased during the pandemic with the need for appropriate nutrition and hydration policies in all settings. “We know that a good basic diet and good nutrition can help keep people out of hospital, or if they are admitted for care, it’s for a shorter period of time,” says Morais. “When someone is malnourished, they are at greater risk of readmission to hospital, so our work to support patients to develop the knowledge and tools to stay nourished reduces recovery time and the chances of readmission.” For Morais, every working day is a little different. As a dietitian working in health promotion, she works with community groups and organizations to promote healthy eating with a particular focus on nutrition, nutrition skills training and healthy eating environments. With the cost of food rising, food security is at the heart of many groups and organizations Morais works with. Chantal Morais (right) prepares food with a participant in the Cooking in Canada program working with Neepawa and Area Immigrant Settlement Services. From left to right: Chantal Morais’ husband, daughter and son pet a calf on their family farm between Hamiota and Virden. “Because we work with different groups of people and communities, we need to be caring, compassionate and aware of social justice and the right to food security,” adds Morais, who also leads various sessions for First Nations communities and healthcare providers. and facilitates regional programs including Strive to Thrive and Craving Change. “People are looking for food ideas that are culturally relevant to them and nourish their mind, body and spirit within their current budget. We can help you with this.” Passionate about her work and her profession, Morais is excited to talk about bringing communities and community partners together to improve and support the health and well-being of a community. “Working with different public health nurses and visiting different communities, I have a lot of variety of work that I can do,” says Morais. “Seeing communities come together to develop wellness activities and maintaining that momentum in that community is what makes my job worthwhile. Supporting the health and well-being of a community is so rewarding.” Morais comes from her commitment to the community and her passion for food and nutrition of course. Her family runs a small cattle ranch located between Hamiota and Virden, and although she doesn’t refer to herself as a farmer, she believes living on a farm gives her an appreciation for the role of agriculture and its importance to her culture. countryside. communities. “Understanding agriculture, the largest industry in southwestern Manitoba, helps me better connect with the communities and people I work with on a daily basis,” says Morais. Morais has worked in rural Manitoba since graduating from the University of Manitoba. She first worked in Virden alongside a clinical team and then, after completing a Masters in Public Health, moved into her current role supporting health promotion in Hamiota and the surrounding area. “There are so many opportunities and so much you can do as a dietitian,” says Morais. “Working in the field, I’m part of a really great interprofessional team and a great team of dietitians. I know working in the field can be a bit lonely, especially if you are the only dietitian in a particular location, but there is a whole team to stay connected with and always someone to consult with. There is always support here.” Allied health providers, such as dietitians, work in every community, across the continuum of care needs and throughout the lifespan of the patients they serve. “Our allied health providers are always there,” says Morais. “We often work behind the scenes in hospitals, long-term care facilities, primary care facilities and in prevention. If you’re interested in nutrition, there are so many opportunities to grow and shape your practice to align with your interests and what you like.” From November 6 to 12, Manitoba’s health care organizations are celebrating the diverse and highly specialized skills of our province’s allied health professionals. Representing nearly 200 disciplines working in every sector and area of our health system, allied health professionals are vital members of our healthcare teams.
