Patient Info

Registered dietitian Rika Mansingh takes care of her patients by sharing sound advice and valuable information. Here is some general information that can be of help to you.

Dietitians have both the scientific knowledge and counseling skills necessary to provide helpful food and nutrition advice tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

A REGISTERED DIETITIAN CAN HELP YOU:

Eat healthily to manage your health conditions, allergies and food restrictions

Reduce your risk of developing a diet-related chronic disease such as diabetes

Live a longer healthier life, if you have a chronic disease

Get the most out of your workouts; boost your energy and mood

Navigate the grocery store

Improve your relationship with food

Improve general eating behavior’s associated with good health

Reduce medication

Dietitians deliver cost-effective nutrition interventions and play a vital role in primary health care.

LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS (NUTRITION COUNSELLING, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION) CAN:

Reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 70 % in adults at risk

Improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Decrease body weight by about 3-6 kg

To be sure you are accessing a qualified nutrition professional look for the initials RD or PDt after the health professional’s name or ask if they are a registered dietitian.

Facts to factor in from Dietitians of Canada

Diabetes rates in Canada have almost doubled over the past decade and will continue to rise

It is estimated that over 50% of type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed with healthier eating and increased physical activity

Canadian adults with diabetes are 2 times more likely to see a family physician and 3 times more likely to be hospitalized and for longer periods

Heart disease is the second most costly contributor to the total health care costs in Canada

62 % of Canadian adults and 32% of children and youth (6-17 years) have excess weight or obesity

89 % of seniors have at least one chronic condition

45 % of seniors admitted to Canadian hospitals are malnourished. These seniors stay 2-7 days longer in hospital and cost the health system 60% more than well-nourished seniors.

Health care plan

Call your extended health care plan and ask:

Do I have coverage to see a registered dietitian?

Do I have a health spending account?

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

How much coverage do I have in a calendar year and do I have this amount for each family member?

If you have a health spending account, this can be used for your dietitian services

Many extended medical insurance plans cover nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian. The following insurance companies and programs offer coverage of up to $ 500 for registered dietitian services:

Blue Cross • Chambers of Commerce Group • Clarica • Great West Life • Liberty Health • ManuLife Financial • Sun Life

If you do not have coverage, let your employer know you’d like dietitian services added to your plan. Visit the Dietitians of Canada website for steps you can take to get coverage.

TAX CREDIT

In the province of British Columbia, registered dietitians are classified as “Authorized Medical Practitioners”. If a client’s plan does not cover the services of a registered dietitian, they can save their receipt for a non-refundable tax credit. Dietitian services are also covered up to $1000 per person for Vancouver/Coastal and Fraser Health Management staff.