Growing and Managing Online Communities

-

In the 2016, September edition of the Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Tony Peregrin writes about the growth and expansion of online communities.  With social media use increasing from 8% in 2005 to 72% now, it is important for registered dietitian nutritionists to use this platform to broadcast nutrition information to online communities.  Social media is a great method to reach out to people and build a following.  Online communities are present in a variety of networking sites including Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even smart-phone applications.

Social media can be an important tool for clinicians and health care providers to deliver accurate information to community members about treatment, diagnosis, nutrition information, and etc.  The majority of people research health related question on the internet, which is not always the most reliable method due to non-accredited sources.  Another benefit for clinicians using social media accounts is to stay up-to-date with new research.  Social media provides a place to post the latest findings; for example, Twitter and Facebook can be used by Medline to share articles of recent scientific research.  Online communities are rapidly growing; today’s culture involves reaching people through a screen.  Health care providers and other organizations should manage their online communities and social media accounts to deliver accurate and resourceful information to their following.

Management of online communities is especially important for dietitians to foster.  The science of nutrition is constantly changing and there are a lot of self-proclaimed “nutritionists” trying to dupe people into thinking trendy diets are the best method to weight loss.  These “diets” could also be potentially dangerous and there is no evidence based research to corroborate their statements.  Registered dietitian nutritionist can use social media platforms to provide safe and effective interventions for people as well as debunking nutrition myths and educating metabolically why these diets do not work.

Peregrin, T. (2015). Best Practices for Growing and Managing Online Communities. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more