People who have cardiovascular disease, are recovering from a heart attack or are in a cardiac fitness program will work with a local family physician and/or local cardiologist. A local cardiologist is a medical doctor who is trained in treating diseases of the cardiovascular system. Whether you’re trying to prevent heart disease, recover from heart valve surgery or fuel your body for cardiovascular exercise, working with a local nutritionist can also be beneficial. A local nutritionist is a wellness provider who has taken education in nutritional science. Some of the ways a local nutritionist can help you include sodium reduction, saturated fat reduction, weight loss, understanding a high fibre vs. a low fibre diet, learning about the benefits of water and good protein and more. A local nutritionist can help you create heart-healthy meals rich in fruits and vegetables; whole grains and plant sterols; increase energy levels with sports nutrition and educate you about potential food and medication interactions. If you’d like to learn more about how a local nutritionist can be a valuable member of your cardiovascular health team, start a conversation with your local cardiologist or local family physician.