Dieticians Week

In celebration of Dietitians Week, we sat down with Rocky Bay Dietitian Alex Chung to learn more about his role, the importance of Dietetics and how he supports our customers to live healthier, more confident lives. Alex shares why dietetics is about so much more than what’s on your plate.

1. Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Dietitians Week?

Celebrating Dietitians Week is a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the important work we do as dietitians. It allows us to highlight the unique skills and knowledge we bring to healthcare, particularly in supporting individuals with diverse and complex needs. It’s also a chance to raise awareness about the impact of good nutrition and how dietitians contribute to improving health outcomes every day.

2. What message would you like to share for Dietitians Week?

Dietitians play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our Rocky Bay customers. Through personalised nutrition care, we help our customers live healthier, more independent lives. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all our colleagues who help identify nutritional risks and refer customers to our dietetic services. Your collaboration ensures we can provide timely and effective support where it’s needed most.

3. How would you describe the role of dietitians in the disability sector?

Working as a dietitian in the disability sector is both fun and exciting. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to be creative, adaptable, and person-centred in our approach. We work closely with customers, families, and support teams to tailor nutrition strategies that are practical, enjoyable, and aligned with each individual’s goals and preferences.

4. What would you like more people to understand about nutrition and disability?

Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting the overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people living with disability. Individuals with disability may face unique challenges that impact their nutritional status, such as feeding difficulties, mobility limitations, medication side effects, or conditions that affect digestion and metabolism.

A well-balanced and personalised approach to nutrition can help:

• Promote healthy growth and development (especially in children)
• Maintain strength, energy, and independence
• Support immune function and reduce the risk of illness or infection
• Prevent and manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues
• Enhance overall quality of life and participation in daily activities
• Dietitians working in the disability sector assess individual needs and develop tailored nutrition plans that consider physical abilities, preferences, medical conditions, and social or environmental factors. They also work closely with families, carers, and support teams to implement practical and sustainable dietary strategies.

You can learn more about Dietetics at Rocky Bay here.

Good nutrition is not just about food, it’s about enabling people with disability to live their lives to the fullest with dignity, choice, and optimal health!