National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month was initiated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and is celebrated in March to share important nutrition information with the public. This year’s theme is “Personalize Your Plate!” This means there is no “one size fits all” approach to nutrition. We all have different food preferences and different dietary needs, especially as we age. But it is still important to learn about basic nutrition so that we can pick the foods we enjoy but ensure that they also keep us healthy!

Q&A with BayPath’s Dietitian/Nutritionist Traci Robidoux, RD, LDN

Another function of National Nutrition Month is to promote the value that a Registered Nutritionist/Dietitian can provide to your health regimen. To honor this, we sat down with BayPath’s Dietitian/Nutritionist Traci Robidoux, RD, LDN to learn more about her role at BayPath.

Caregiving Chronicles (CGC): How long have you been a registered dietitian?

Traci: I have been a registered dietitian for 19 years. Before BayPath, I served as a clinical dietitian in New York and Massachusetts hospitals, where I managed four dietitians and a nutrition supervisor for acute care patients. 

CGC: What is your main focus as a Nutritionist/Dietician at BayPath?

Traci: My current role involves four main areas: menu planning for MOW [tooltip link='Service that provides home-delivered meals to elderly and disabled persons who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals.' tooltip='' text='Meals on Wheels'], kitchen inspections, nutrition education in the community, and processing the nutrition assessments of older adults.

CGC: What led you to focus on Elder Nutrition?

Traci: After 10+ years of working in acute care, I was ready for a new challenge, and though I worked with patients of every age, it was working with the older adults that I enjoyed the most. 

CGC: What is the most rewarding part of helping older adults?

Traci: I would have to say the most rewarding part is that the folks I interact with are genuinely grateful for the help I have to offer them. It is gratifying to feel like I am making an impact on their lives. A bonus is that they have a treasure trove of stories to tell – I love listening to their perspective on life and being on the receiving end of the wealth of knowledge they share.

CGC: Are there any quick tips you can provide on how to eat healthier?

Traci: It is important to remember that a healthful eating style can be as unique as you are!