Resources
This page is devoted to the thoughtfully curated educational and professional resources that I encounter and apply both in my pursuit of a Master of Health Studies program at Athabasca University and in my everyday role as a Patient Food Services Manager.
Educational Resources
What is Health?
A couple of resources to kickstart my exploration of the concept of "What is Health" and my research into the complexities of defining health beyond the WHO definition. These resources include a peer-reviewed article and a YouTube video. Enjoy!
Social Determinants of Health
Curated resources I have gathered pertaining to the Determinants of Health in Canada and then more specifically to Alberta.
Multilevel Approaches to Understanding Health
Click on the image to dive into the multi-level dynamics of health influence with my curated resources for Unit 4. From 'Spheres of Influence' to 'Social Ecological Impact,' these references uncover the layers shaping health outcomes.
Chronic Disease Prevention and Managment
These resources provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between chronic diseases, food access, and health. Take a deep dive into these articles and documents to better understand the challenges and potential solutions
Marginalized Populations
This curated resource collection explores the impact of food sovereignty for Indigenous communities in Canada, reaching beyond immediate concerns of food insecurity
Marginalized Populations - Continued
This week's focus was on understanding the challenges of Indigenous communities in Canada and exploring support strategies. Partnering with Tanya, we compared Alberta and BC's approaches to homelessness and how they diverge. The resources explore empowering Indigenous communities and reducing homelessness.
The Future of Health and Health Care in Canada
In the future, Patient Food Services will involve a holistic approach to food and health, focusing on nutritional quality, local sourcing for sustainability, and advocating for plant-based options.
Professional Resources
​The Canadian Malnutrition Task Force (CMTF) operates a website dedicated to tackling malnutrition through research, advocacy, and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation within hospital foodservice. The site offers insights into foodservice standards, menu planning, patient satisfaction, and other related topics.
A list of professional regulations made under the Province of Alberta, Health Professions Act.
A Health Canada website that offers a variety of resources on nutrition and healthy eating. It also has information on Canada’s Food Guide and dietary reference intakes which we use to develop the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Diet Guidelines.
The CNS is the foremost Canadian organization that unites various nutrition-related disciplines and professions, such as nutrition scientists, healthcare practitioners, government officials, industry experts, and aspiring leaders. Their membership comprises nearly 1000 professionals from Canada, the United States, and around the world.
This is the external website for Alberta Health Services (AHS) that provides information about patient food services offered by AHS. There is information about our food philosophy and menus, our Meals Matter principles and contact information.
Nourish began with a simple concept: how can hospital trays serve as a catalyst for significant changes in our food and healthcare systems? They strongly believe in the transformative power of food to enhance both individual well-being and the health of our planet.
Patient Food Services in Healthcare
Patient Food Services (PFS) is pivotal in the Canadian healthcare system, providing nutritionally tailored and safe meals to hospital patients. PFS responsibilities involve ensuring balanced, patient-specific diets while accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences. Collaborating with dietitians, we create therapeutic menus to aid patient recovery, adhering to stringent food safety standards. PFS caters to specialized prescribed diets, manages portion control, and coordinates efficient meal delivery, especially in larger healthcare facilities. Our teams contribute significantly to patients' well-being and recovery during their hospital stays.