IMPRESSIONS OF CHRISTCHURCH NZDA CONFERENCE. 3-5 SEPTEMBER 2007

摘要

This conference showcased the breadth of dietetics and jolted me into reviewing some of my long-held beliefs. Sally Keeling detailed some of the food practices that have formed our attitudes towards food and today's eating patterns. 'Ladies a plate and men a crate' summarises the old ideas of always sharing food at social occasions. There's a lot more to food than just nutrition. Peter Lipski's photos and stories of elderly people living in the community and failing to look after themselves were truly shocking. Our belief that keeping people in their homes at all cost needs to be rethought梞any of them are malnourished people, and are in a horrifying state. Many of these people fail to eat sufficient nutrients, not only because they don't have the energy to cook, but also because they can't go shopping to collect the ingredients. Both men and women are affected in their later years. Especially telling was the before-and-after photo of an extremely malnourished woman and her transformation back to normal weight after six months on a high-calorie, high-protein diet. People living in our community need more assistance if they are to maintain weight, energy levels, and remain well and enjoy life. Peter's message was followed by strategies to evaluate these people before they become badly malnourished. Health professionals need to use a good nutrition-screening tool and provide nutritional expertise to those at risk.