Dear MAHN students,

 

Please see attached resource produced by the Manitoba Eating Disorders Committee for all healthcare providers on helpful language when discussing eating, weight, and mental health. They are hoping to spread the attached resource far and wide – particularly to doctors, nurses/NPs, mental health workers, etc. across the province.

 

NEW LEARNING RESOURCE: Enhancing conversations about eating, weight, and mental health: a starting point for Manitoba healthcare providers

Situation

Based on data from international research suggesting a 4-5% prevalence rate in North America, an estimated 53,000 to 67,000 people in Manitoba have symptoms sufficient for an eating disorder diagnosis. Even more are impacted with eating, weight, or mental health challenges that have not been supported yet. 

 

Language matters, and many healthcare providers are unsure about how to talk about these topics in a way that builds trust and contributes to effective patient care. 

What we’ve done

Healthcare providers across Manitoba who have experience working in eating disorders met over the period of 6 months to co-write an introductory, four-page guide that any healthcare provider can pick up and use.

 

This resource provides suggestions for how healthcare providers can implement weight-inclusive language when talking about weight, disease management, and behaviour changes with adult patients. 

What we want you to do
  1. Read this resource. Consider how to implement its learnings into your practice. 
  2. Share with fellow healthcare providers (e.g., team meetings, newsletters, online messages, conversations)

For questions, contact: 

 

Katie Kroeker

kkroeker@pmh-mb.ca

 

Regards,

 

Kam Wan

Master of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN) Program Assistant

Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences

Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

University of Manitoba

190 Dysart Rd | W575 Duff Roblin

204-474-6564

 

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