Twitter Chat Summary: Nutrition and Food News – Strategies to Deal with the Latest Headlines
The Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute, in partnership with The Diabetes Influencers Network, has launched a series of Twitter chats from August through December 2016 geared to diabetes healthcare professionals. Topics will cover the gamut from using social media for career growth to helping clients accept the diagnosis of diabetes to offering guidance on healthy restaurant eating.
These lively Twitter chats will be facilitated by Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, BC-ADM. Warshaw is a Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute Faculty member and is serving during 2016 as president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Our recent Twitter chat took take place on Thursday, September 22 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET, 1:00 – 2:00 pm CT, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PT. The topic was: Nutrition and Food News – Strategies to Deal with the Latest Headlines. Following is a summary of that Twitter chat.
Q1: What are a few common questions, concerns you get from clients w #diabetes due to food & nutrition headlines? #DiabetesINFL
| maureensrn | Clients sometimes want basics and quick fixes. Education & Empowerment changes mindset. #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | what should I eat to manage #diabetes? #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Pts are concerned they can’t eat anything white #diabetesmyths #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | It’s usually what foods can/can’t I eat, what do I need to avoid? Or what “diet” do I need to follow? Others you get? #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | How safe are artificial sweeteners? Will they affect my diabetes in a negative way? #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Lots of questions on low carb diets. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | So how do you deal with this? #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/Nbvy1g4rPi | |
| avivamenche |
Questions about reading and understanding labels #DiabetesINFL |
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| hopewarshaw | YES! So how do you deal with this? #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/HWyfcD1VaN | |
| reneficek | @HopeWarshaw The most common concern I receive is about carbs– The message clients receive is that they cannot have any! #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Collaboration with client; provide solid understanding of nutrition basics.#DiabetesINFL | |
| fiberfriendly | also, who is it out there telling people w/ #diabetes that they can’t eat bananas??!! #diabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | No carbs ever again! is something I hear often #diabetesmyths #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/koYTPrN1tl | |
| hopewarshaw | So true, so frustrating!! #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/RO8zRkTgy0 | |
| hopewarshaw | Some ppl want to follow latest, greatest “diet” b/c they’ve heard its newest miracle “cure” or “reversal for” #diabetes. #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | @fiberfriendly Yes, I hear that often too! #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | @fiberfriendly I hear this all the time. “Don’t eat bananas!” bc they are difficult to measure #DiabetesINFL | |
| marlenekoch |
Doctor says just don’t eat anything white! #DiabetesINFL |
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| hopewarshaw | What about weight loss, what messages do you think people hear? #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | @eatsmartbd yes, so often I hear Fruit is bad for me because it is high in sugar #diabetesmyths #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Exactly! A loaf of whole grain bread isn’t white but it isn’t going to control blood sugar either! #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/DcdSJPRNaK | |
| maureensrn | Very difficult to educate, stay objective sometimes. Patient -focused! #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | msgs about weight loss – eat low carb, nothing processed, clean eating, paleo even #DiabetesINFL | |
| marlenekoch | Same folks #diabetes that are saying “no white.” There is often no education offered. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Yes, ID small changes ppl willing to make can result in BIG impact #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/tmoOlGhxTs | |
| eatsmartbd | Weight loss needs to be associated with portions sizes rather than ‘allowed & avoid’ lists. #DiabetesINFL… https://t.co/p6KpJQAxul | |
| marlenekoch | @eatsmartbd So true! A loaf of whole grain bread has more carbs than a piece of white! #diabetes #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | ‘Processed foods’ = confusing to some. Unless you’re eating a stalk of wheat, even your whole grain bread is proces… https://t.co/Yx6eBW2Mbx | |
| eatsmartbd | This will help clear up the confusion about #processed foods: https://t.co/7emt83C07W #diabetes #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | @eatsmartbd True, this can be so dangerous in good diabetes management #DiabetesINFL |
Q2: How do you as a HCP work w, approach clients who are influenced by food & nutrition headlines? #DiabetesINFL
| maureensrn |
Motivational interviewing; find what is “driving” client; dispel misconceptions. Team build. #DiabetesINFL |
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| maureensrn | Always listen; youll hear the underlying concerns. Address those and move forward. #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Provide recommendations supported by scientific facts #evidencebased #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | as an education resource, we focus on providing correct nutrition information to #women living with #diabetes #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Seems we have a boatload of misconceptions to undo b/4 we begin to teach, help ppl make changes #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Assure them quick fixes are not a healthy options.#LifestyleChange #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Steer them clear of “diets” that eliminate entire food groups or have unrealistic restrictions #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | As a counselor, you should use your ears more than your mouth. #apathy #understanding #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/9GI6gDTTPd | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Asking questions to figure out where their beliefs are based, and address them respectfully #DiabetesINFL #respect | |
| maureensrn | “slow and steady” is the name of the game. Lets be realistic, together, moving forward.#DiabetesINFL | |
| marlenekoch | Go back to basics. If they are asking, they want more help, meaning they are open to a more sensible opinion. #DiabetesINFL | |
| mylighttrackrd | Try to separate fact from fiction and keep it simple for them. Not good/bad, but sonetimes/always foods #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Concerns me as RD too much focus on low-carb as means to control BG. Not necessarily healthy eating/habits for kids #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | If you don’t know the answer, your health professional will do the research and find out! #DiabetesINFL | |
| fiberfriendly |
– It’s helpful to remind #diabetes clients there’s no magical diet they’re missing out on. Eating right can be “boring” 🙂 #DiabetesINFL |
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| hopewarshaw | I encourage ppl to use reliable, trusted online resources, incl: gov sites, assoc sites, reliable experts. Your advice? #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | If recom, advice is safe, I may encourage client to do an “experiment”. Try it out. See how it works. Then report back. #DiabetesINFL | |
| marlenekoch | Make it easy for it to fit into THEIR lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits all “diabetes” diet. #diabetes #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Yes! Headlines are often magnetic, attracting an audience with hype instead of help. #diabetes #media #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/HfINTfaFKB | |
| hopewarshaw | If recom, advice is not safe, I encourage against trying and provide rationale along with a healthier approach. You? #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | In fact there’s no “diabetic diet” right @AmDiabetesAssn #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/Qbld7ned2i | |
| maureensrn | I always stay culturally competent as well. Food has “many meanings in many cultures” #DiabetesINFL | |
| marlenekoch | @HopeWarshaw Exactly Hope. Unfortunately the word “diet” is synonomous with diabetes (and right in the word!).#DIabETes #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | The word “diet” actually means “way of life”…not “weigh” of life! It’s not just abt the numbers on the scale!… https://t.co/NuD6lWZhI5 |
Q3: What are your go-to resources and references to provide clients with #diabetes accurate, science-based advice? #DiabetesINFL
| hopewarshaw | I point ppl to guidelines, guidance from @AmDiabetesAssn @aadediabetes @eatright if topic covered at right level 4 client #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Reliable resources and websites: https://t.co/tCX6c5BDYc #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | I point ppl to accurate, science-based articles, entities and colleagues’ resources, writings on various topics. You? #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | https://t.co/U9sbOBsG7M #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | @amdiabetesassn provides good resources to start along with @kellyoc for nutrition facts #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | https://t.co/PG50KQzIAh #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Fav diabetes resources @AmDiabetesAssn #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | If request on a topic, ex update tech, product, advance and I know good article on @diabetesmine @diatribenews I link #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | https://t.co/rpQ2vRp1x5 | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Favorite diabetes resources @StopDiabetesDC #DiabetesINFL | |
| marlenekoch | Mayo Clinic. https://t.co/fnE3jdRvSN https://t.co/8RkEO7QlEl https://t.co/ynljPo50I3 Many good resources #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Any other go-to resources and references before we move to Q4? #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | More great #diabetes resources: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases @NIH #DiabetesINFL @DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | @NDEP National Diabetes Education Program is terrific #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/c9WUPiZKNW | |
| maureensrn | I love sites that offer Multicultural/Multilanguage focused resources! #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetesinfl | More great resources here too #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/DkVBet6LZw #Diabetes #Recipes | |
| eatsmartbd | Don’t forget to check WHO is writing the story! It’s not just about what is being said. #credibility #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/CMxOB0jY29 | |
| avivamenche | Out blog https://t.co/2RGA0C6R2d has posts by CDEs referencing their professional experience and other reputable sources #DiabetesINFL |
Q4: How do you react, what actions do you take when you see a headline posted that isn’t accurate, science-based? #DiabetesINFL
| eatsmartbd | Write a Letter to the Editor of the publication or site. Let your voice be heard. #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/siyRnyaPbr | |
| hopewarshaw | Depends on who, what entity posts and whether correcting inaccuracy is likely to correct in any meaningful way. You? #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Research the basis behind the claims, so you have backing if asked about it by a client or media #DiabetesINFL #evidencebased | |
| maureensrn |
Try and stay objective; contact resource; offer insights; share resources; networking pays off. #DiabetesINFL |
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| fiberfriendly | fighting bad science diet headlines is a losing battle. I try to tackle misinfo w/ humor & facts for #diabetes clients #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | misleading information makes me anxious/nervous, i.e. cinnamon as a cure #diabetesinfl | |
| t1dexchange | We vet articles before sharing on social and sometimes have responded w/open letters to publications re: inaccuracies #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | To me coherent message is choose healthy foods, in proper portions…find plan works to achieve health,… https://t.co/YerhdeTze6 | |
| maureensrn | Often:( by unrealistic headlines; “lose 20 pounds this weekend”. Respond supportively w/ research to support your feedback #DiabetesINFL | |
| marlenekoch | Yes, always go back to the source. #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Discuss with fellow RDs to hear their thoughts #DiabetesINFL #registereddietitian | |
| diabetessisters | We have pulled “expert” articles to our site if the information is inaccurate or promises cures #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | If worth correcting, I’m gracious, use friendly, respectful words, tone. May include link to accurate source 4 correction #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Might be helpful to mention that sometimes headlines are NOT written by RDN authors! #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Must remember that anyone can post on social media…keep list of solid research based information #DiabetesINFL | |
| reneficek | @HopeWarshaw Most media outlets are looking for headlines that contrast nut. science, in hopes of more “clicks” #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Agree. Throw an RD fit…then shake it off and spread the responsible diabetes management knowledge… https://t.co/kRAAeA34mo | |
| hopewarshaw | You mean the headline on the article written by the RD/RDN? Oh yes, very true #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/k8DVFAP3sR | |
| hopewarshaw | If I’ve written article on topic I offer link to it w a tone of you may be interested in this science-based article. You? #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | I’m always happy to point ppl to accurate, science-based article written by #diabetes or dietitian colleagues. #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | The word “Healthy” on a food label hasn’t been updated in 20 years! #fat #sugar #DiabetesINFL #ReadItB4UEatIt https://t.co/nD8WlGq5iT | |
| hopewarshaw | Will meaning of nutrition, health claims change with new nutrition facts label in ’18? #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/UoQniReN6W | |
| maureensrn | The world of diabetes is everchanging. Stay open, objective, willing to listen and collaborate. #DiabetesINFL |
Q5: What if inaccurate post is posted by a #diabetes or food & nutrition colleague, entity you know? #DiabetesINFL
| hopewarshaw | I pick, choose. If I correct, I do so with a soft tone, suggestion of you might want to read (w link) to accurate source. #DiabetesINFL | |
| fiberfriendly | not all nutrition “experts” are always up on latest research. I try to share current best practices w/ colleagues #DiabetesINFL | |
| avivamenche | Send them a private message and politely let them know of their error. You are helping them by telling them! #DiabetesINFL | |
| reneficek | @HopeWarshaw kindly respond with accurate science based information! #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | if that happens, I question the organization that posted, I lose a bit of faith in them #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | I may offer accurate info from respected, reliable source like a professional pub or association. #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Sadly, some people that are looked upon as nutrition “experts” are just those that have loud voices. #credibility… https://t.co/Z8WK2lkXyZ | |
| mylighttrackrd | Politely contact and make them aware in an email. Give them the opportunity to correct themselves. #DiabetesINFL | |
| avivamenche | It’s very possible they overlooked the mistake and won’t be upset if you tell them the right way #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn |
Contact sources and share concerns/finding and supporting research. #DiabetesINFL |
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| maureensrn | Offer to collaborate; shared knowledge is power. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Bottom line: don’t be nasty, don’t call person, entity on carpet. Simply correct with science-based info. #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | @eatsmartbd If the information is posted to social media, must take it with a grain of salt as well #everyoneisNOTanexpert #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Calories will appear larger, cals from fat will be ditched, sugar will be called out + other exciting stuff!… https://t.co/6wNivu3JVC | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Comment with your point of view, in a non-threatening manner and provide sources #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Not too much salt! ;)) #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/HHl0PrtuTS | |
| maureensrn | These encounters often lead to the best networking & collaboration. Stay professional! #DiabetesINFL | |
| barbruhsrd | Unfortunately, with social media, there isn’t a lot of accountability for accuracy. Once info gets out…hard to correct #diabetesinfl | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Open up the channels of communication so that all providers are counseling with accurate information #DiabetesINFL |
Q6: What is your response if your information is challenged, someone engages w you negatively? #DiabetesINFL
| maureensrn |
Remain calm, objective; share research and supporting evidence to your information. #DiabetesINFL |
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| hopewarshaw | If person or entity’s tone negative and inciting I use “radio silence”. Translated – do not respond. Not worth it! You? #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Never badmouth the original source. Stay objective and supportive. #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Agree to disagree, but always thank them for input, time and energy. I do learn from every encounter/inquiry. #DiabetesINFL | |
| mylighttrackrd | Provide your sources, tactfully explain your point of view. Like Q5, stay professional. There will always be negativity. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Over the years of engagement in social media, I’ve had some interesting experiences. I’m battle tested. #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | I do get a lot of international inquiries on diabetes. Always a chance to learn something new. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Can you summarize key thoughts #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/cw00Wj1Uta | |
| maureensrn | Oftentimes, I “think” I’m being asked only because they don’t like the first educators input. Stay objective. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Advice: not worth HCP time or reputation on social media to engage negatively. Agree? Share your words of wisdom. Agree? #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Provide the source your information was based on #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Agreed. Discuss information in private message, do not start a public battle #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/YHBJLSx434 | |
| diabetesinfl | If the engagement continues to get even more negative, blocking the person might be necessary, thoughts? @HopeWarshaw #DiabetesINFL | |
| morethanfoodinc | An authoritarian posture usually escalates the conflict; I like exploring what’s behind the resistance… https://t.co/21V4iIHCQQ |
Q7: What R UR go-to resources, references to provide ppl, entities on social media w accurate, science-based #diabetes advice? #DiabetesINFL
| maureensrn | https://t.co/pRWZz5wjlX #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | I point ppl to guidelines, guidance from @AmDiabetesAssn @aadediabetes @eatright if topic covered at right level #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | @AmDiabetesAssn #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | https://t.co/6w1qGntQJD #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | https://t.co/O2lSNQhzOx #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | I point ppl to #diabetes resources, blogs, websites w/ accurate info. You? #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases @NIH #DiabetesINFL @DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | I enjoy promoting science-based colleagues so I’ll will often suggest and include their handle or resource in response. #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | https://t.co/3NrnC0shOU #DiabetesINFL | |
| myglu | @t1dexchange provides science-based #diabetes info through registry data, clinical and online patient-based research. #DiabetesINFL |
Q8: What, where are the best social media venues/vehicles to get your science-based advice out to the public? #DiabetesINFL
| maureensrn | personal blogs #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | You mean your personal blog? #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/0b4MQBfzkr | |
| maureensrn | Guest blogs on health media sites. Networking is so important. #DiabetesINFL | |
| diabetessisters | fcebook groups, #dsma feeds, but always with the notion that #ydmv (@badshoe, thanks!) #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | @Twitter and Facebook and blogs #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/xJluddgLKG | |
| hopewarshaw | I’m a Twitter fan. I like rapid-fire form of dialogue. Anyone use Facebook, Linked in regularly, successfully for this? #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | @HopeWarshaw Yes, personal website blog. #DiabetesINFL | |
| mylighttrackrd | My website: https://t.co/Qm0aBnwtbL I try to mix my blog posts with some research-based news. #DiabetesINFL | |
| avivamenche | Personal blog, guest posts, relvent groups on social media, “write an article” on LinkedIn and share… #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Why limit yourself? #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/ruCn6meO1c | |
| maureensrn | personal newsletters & cross promoting other HCP. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | Meaning, what else do you, would you suggest #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/zgT2kvOrgi | |
| maureensrn | Radio show interviews #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | I often do community presentations for those not into social media. Great feedback face-to-face #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | I like to combine my stories +hot nutrition + diet topics in one weekly newsletter: https://t.co/EaWj98aGKs… https://t.co/1XPR3Ysd6C | |
| hopewarshaw | Yes, excellent. Or podcasts. CDE colleague @MelissaJoyRD is doing great job getting out science-based info via… https://t.co/q8gAm8RnPF | |
| avivamenche | Post to groups based on where your audience hangs out. Health care professionals vs. people with Type 1 vs. people Type 2 #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | Join speakers bureaus. #DiabetesINFL | |
| hopewarshaw | When space I include handles of like-minded HCPs so they promote further with their handle. It can be effective, viral! #DiabetesINFL | |
| rebeccabitzerrd | Yes, I also use linked-in and facebook to broaden the reach of providing information. https://t.co/ncSSQF9bdm | |
| hopewarshaw | I’ll e-mail like-minded colleagues, include the post, ask to tweet or RT my post. If you return favor, it will get done. #DiabetesINFL | |
| fiberfriendly | I love simplifying complex nutrition info in easy-to-read blog posts that #diabetes clients can digest #DiabetesINFL | |
| maureensrn | So much needed education in society .Put yourself out there & you will be rewarded. #DiabetesINFL | |
| eatsmartbd | Yes — our role is to make sense of science! #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/dn5UO4PQzR | |
| hopewarshaw | WOW love this, so true! #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/xTYBJZuobJ | |
| maureensrn | The “a ha ” moment when a client “gets it” is second to none. Very rewarding. #DiabetesINFL | |
| barbruhsrd | I think other RDNs can be good sources. Also, @CSPI @AHA_Dallas @mnt @HHSGov @HarvardChanSPH @NIH #diabetesinfl |
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