Media Releases

Dietitians in aged care: a recipe to save millions

Engaging Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) to support food and nutrition in aged care is projected to save more than $80 million per year which would otherwise be spent on costly malnutrition treatment.

That’s just one of the revelations outlined as part of eight aged care position statements released today by Dietitians Australia. Media release

It’s time for action: improving food security in remote communities

Dietitians Australia applauds the recommendation to develop a strategy on food security and nutrition for remote First Nations communities. This strategy is one of 16 recommendations in the final report from the Senate Inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities, which was tabled earlier this week. Media release

Food a human-rights issue for people with disability

Supporting the rights and needs of people with disability for equal access to safe, nutritious and enjoyable food is the call behind Dietitians Australia’s latest submission to the Disability Royal Commission. Media release

Promising changes ahead for older Australians

The elevation of nutrition in aged care is a welcomed inclusion of the proposed recommendations presented by the Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. In a response to the recommendations made, Dietitians Australia commends the Counsel for putting nutrition first. Media release

Food security essential for remote communities to thrive

Dietitians Australia is calling for the Government to ensure all Australians have access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food, regardless of their location. This comes ahead of the final report from the Senate Inquiry into Food Pricing and Food Security in Remote Indigenous Communities, due to be handed down next week. Media release

Stronger together: reducing racism in healthcare organisations

The impact of institutional racism in healthcare — and the steps organisations can take to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples — is just one of the topics being explored as part of Dietitians Australia’s inaugural webinar series for NAIDOC week (8-15 November 2020). Media release

Urgent focus needed to reduce the impact of poor nutrition

Australia’s poor nutrition report card demands a coordinated response in the form of a National Nutrition Policy; this is one of the key areas highlighted in Dietitians Australia’s recent response to the development of the National Preventive Health Strategy. Media release

Feeding good mental health is key for young Australians

As we count down to World Mental Health Day tomorrow, and with final exams for Year 12 students just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to consider the connection between healthy food choices and the mental wellbeing of young Australians. Media release

It’s time to tackle malnutrition

Identifying and treating malnutrition is the focus of the latest virtual issue by the Journal of Dietitians Australia, Nutrition & Dietetics.  Released this week, the issue of freely available papers includes 14 recently published research articles that raise awareness about the need to proactively screen, diagnose and treat malnutrition, particularly as our population ages. Media release

Do not forget food: the essential ingredient in health and wellbeing of older Australians

The importance of providing nutritious food and satisfying mealtimes in the wellbeing of older Australians must be recognised if the recommendations from the Royal Commission’s report into the impact of COVID-19 on aged care are to improve quality of life for residents.  Media release

Telehealth extension good news for Australians accessing dietetic services 

Dietitians Australia welcomes the announcement by the Federal Government to extend telehealth appointments for allied health practitioners until 31 March 2021. Media statement

Continuing telehealth is essential to keep Australians connected to healthcare

During this time of prolonged uncertainty triggered by the global pandemic, telehealth is the lifeline keeping Australians connected to their dietitian. But without government action, this support will soon be cut short, with current telehealth arrangements due to expire at the end of the month. Media release

Digesting rest: meal quality and timing linked with better sleep in female AFL players

Limiting food intake before bedtime could be the answer to achieving a good night’s sleep for elite female athletes, according to new research published today in Nutrition & Dietetics. The research conducted by Dr. Dominique Condo, Lecturer in Sports Nutrition at Deakin University, APD and AccSD, highlights the impact nutrient intake, quality and timing of meals has on sleep duration and quality in Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) players. Media release

Virtual Reality: Interning at the World Health Organization during a pandemic

As coronavirus was declared a pandemic, media, organisations and the public looked to the World Health Organization (WHO) for information. Joyce Haddad, Accredited Practising Dietitian, had just commenced an internship at WHO Headquarters in Switzerland, and was there to see it all unfold. Speaking today at Dietitians Australia’s Virtual Plenary Program she shares her experience as an intern and her top 4 tips for living well during quarantine. Media release

Urgent action needed to stop malnutrition being COVID-19’s lasting legacy 

As aged care homes across the country continue lockdown precautions in a bid to keep COVID-19 at bay, the sad reality is that another crisis – malnutrition – is building for many older Australians. Dietitians Australia calls for an increased focus on nutrition care during these times. This includes having a dietitian engaged at all aged care homes and swiftly implementing innovative health care measures.