If we follow the new Canada Food Guide, are we likely to live healthier lives? (Part 1)

The new Canada Food Guide was recently released and includes an online suite of resources that better meets the needs of different users including the general public, policy makers, health professionals, healthcare centres, childcare centres, and schools. The Canada Food Guide has a long history of being used and is promoted by health professionals when supporting Canadians to eat well. The Food Guide can help influence the foods served and sold in Canada’s public institutions like workplaces, healthcare centres, recreation centres, and schools. The speaker will provide guidance on the issues surrounding nutritious foods and beverages that are the foundation for healthy eating and as well, foods and beverages that can have a negative impact on health when consumed on a regular basis. Food skills as a practical way to support healthy eating will also be discussed along with current evidence on topics such as sodium, saturated fat and sugars, supportive environments for healthy eating. Creating supportive environments across settings, such as schools, healthcare centres, recreation centres and workplaces can help increase the influence of the guidelines and build understanding about the key features and content of the Food Guide. Speaker: Heather Mathur Heather is a Registered Dietitian with AB Health Services and has spent the last 22 years working as a Population and Public Health Dietitian. Previous to this position, Heather has worked in Edmonton, Stettler, Coronation and Thousand Oaks, California. Heather graduated from the University of Alberta and completed her two-year dietetic internship at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Heather’s current position concentrates on the social determinants of health with a focus on nutrition throughout the life cycle. Her work involves community development and nutrition education. Heather sits on various committees including Healthy Communities Association of Lethbridge and Area and the Better Beginnings Steering Committee. Heather is registered with the College of Dietitians of Alberta and the American Dietetic Association. Moderator: TBA Date: Thursday, October 24, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required