Pediatric Registered Dietitian Ashley Stepro joins The Lighthouse Podcast to explain some of the misconceptions of nutrition when it comes to childhood cancer, and how dietitians can partner with families to help their child thrive while on treatment. She shares some of the reasons she might get referrals to work with patients—or requests directly from the parents—as well as some of the biggest barriers that keep people from seeking out help from a dietitian. Ashley stresses the partnership aspect of the relationship between dietitian and the patient/family, shares one thing she wishes families would ask her, and dispels the notion that dietitians are the "food police," instead emphasizing "moderation in all things." As a registered dietitian with in-patient cancer patients, Ashely also plays a role in helping with the initiation of feeding tubes, and she describes some of what that might look like for a patient. She also shares where families can find resources and search for dietitians if they aren't readily available in their hospital. Ashley admits that she loves eating but hates cooking, and she shares how she approaches her own meals.
