Tetyana Rocks

Tetyana  Rocks

Dr Tetyana Rocks is Senior Research Fellow and Head of Education & Training at the Food & Mood Centre, Deakin University. Tetyana is Accredited Practicing Dietitian passionate about public health.

Location Deakin University, Geelong, Australia

Activity

  • @FayKarpouzis This recipe looks great, thanks for sharing Fay!

  • @zeeniaalmani Thank you for your participation through comments and positive feedback, Zeenia!

  • @zeeniaalmani Agreed! To me, PERMA could be great motivational tool, too.

  • @JanelleBooker Thank you for your honest reflection, Janelle. Your comment inspired me to take a 10-minute walk (after sitting most of the day)! I'm happy to report the world didn't end, though the emails are still rolling in—but I do feel more re-energised!

  • @JanelleBooker
    Research on the gut microbiome, its connection to mental disorders, and the impact of medications is ongoing. Here are a couple of recent papers focusing on the gut microbiome and its connection to mental health, which might be of interest to you and other clinicians in the course:...

  • @JanelleBooker
    I truly believe we can't overdo it when it comes to supporting people in making positive changes, so any prompts that help are great!

  • @JanelleBooker Great comment, Janelle. I like the connection you make between positive reinforcement and the willingness to take risks in pursuing further change! It's great to see your enthusiasm for applying this method with your clients.

  • @MelissaPhillis Great question, Melissa. I wonder what the other participants are thinking, and what they can add here?

  • @zeeniaalmani Hi Zeenia. Great to have you joining the course!

  • @MichelleThomas Hi Michelle. Yes, absolutely. Please reference Deakin.

  • @MichelleThomas I agree—personalised nutrition is valuable but often inaccessible for many. The challenge is finding ways to make tailored advice affordable and available to everyone who could benefit from it.

  • @MichelleThomas Thanks for the feedback, Michelle.

  • Thanks for calling this out, @MichelleThomas. I get my colleagues to address this ASAP.

  • @JanelleBooker Thank you for your interesting reflection, Janelle.

  • @JanelleBooker I like your thought on incorporating a discussion on strategies to get back on track after encountering a barrier. It would be very helpful in building resilience.

  • @JanelleBooker Yes, studies do show that people who stop smoking may experience improvements in their mental health, such as reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.

  • @SarahAlbahrouh What a great approach, Sarah!

  • @JanelleBooker
    You’re absolutely right—the cycle of sleep deprivation, substance use, and increased stress is a tough one to break. It interesting to think about sugar in this context, too. I wonder what others think?

  • @JanelleBooker What a fantastic comment, Janelle! Absolutely, Positive Psychology's emphasis on strengths and well-being offers a refreshing shift from traditional deficit-focused approaches.

  • @JanelleBooker You might be interested in our other CPD course, Introduction to Nutritional Psychiatry https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/introduction-to-nutritional-psychiatry-nutri-psyche-

  • @LissieSwingler We offer a range of practice-ready resources in week 3, Lissie. I hope you'll find these helpful in your work.

  • @SarahAlbahrouh What a great example, thanks for sharing Sarah!

  • @Deborah-AnnMackay
    Thank you for your thoughtful feedback, Deborah-Ann. I’m glad you found the introduction to the role of diet in mental health promising. Your insights on how we can enhance the continuity of this focus throughout the course are very helpful, and I’ll certainly take them on board.

  • @Deborah-AnnMackay Thanks for the feedback, Deborah-Ann. I hope you'll find the resources we developed useful in your practice.

  • @Deborah-AnnMackay Deborah-Ann, you make an excellent point about the need for greater emphasis on prevention in mental health care, particularly through the role of nutrition professionals. However, one of the significant challenges is the current lack of funding and resources allocated to preventive measures. The current system is focused on treating...

  • @LissieSwingler Hi Lissie and welcome to the course! Great to have you here. Just FYI, we have another CPD course accredited by the RACGP specifically on lifestyle medicine: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/lifestyle-medicine-for-mental-health-services/4

  • @SarahAlbahrouh Great reflection, Sarah! Social connection is crucial, as it provides emotional support, reduces feelings of isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging. Strong social bonds can also be great buffers against stress and anxiety. Good to remember that some individuals may require additional guidance and support to develop the skills and...

  • @MelissaPhillis Thanks for the feedback, Melissa.
    Our group also developed an introductory level course on food and mood, which is very popular with consumers and clinicians alike. You might find it useful https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/food-and-mood

  • @SarahMetcalfe Could not agree more with you, Sarah. I am not a GP myself but have several dear friends and colleague who are GPs and can see the pressure they are put under every day!

  • @JanelleBooker Hi Janelle and welcome to the course! Talking about sensitive bodies and minds, I've just recorded a podcast with Mammamia and we did touch (very briefly) on challenges some people have with various food textures.
    Looking forward to reading your comments in this course!

  • @CaitlinDoyle Hi Caitlin! Great to have you here :)

  • @SarahMetcalfe Excellent approach, Sarah!

    Please keep in mind that because this course is considered premium by FutureLearn, you have an unlimited access to the content and can complete the tasks at your own time. If you do, however, wish to apply for the CPD hours from the RANZCP, you will need to complete the tasks during this calendar year (or in...

  • @SarahMetcalfe Hi Sarah and welcome to the course!

  • @SarahAlbahrouh Hi Sarah! Thanks for introducing yourself and welcome to the course. I am looking forward to reading your comments and reflections. Tetyana

  • @ChloeWaddell SCOFF is the most used, agreed.
    Not sure if you are familiar with them, but Australian National Eating Disorders Collaboration provide some suggestions for screening and risk assessment - could be useful https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/early-intervention/health-professionals

  • @Deborah-AnnMackay Great comment, Deborah-Ann!
    Additionally, various modalities and lifestyle-based approaches offer us the opportunity to choose methods that best support a more individualised and comprehensive therapeutic experience. By tailoring our strategies to fit personal needs and preferences (not everyone appreciates food and eating, after all!), we...

  • @KrishnakanthManepalli I will search the literature for you, Krishnakanth, but I don't think we will find any RCT that would use FODMAP in people without IBS symptoms.

  • @KrishnakanthManepalli Thanks for the feedback, Krishnakanth!
    I'll pass on your comment to Anu.
    I'll also work with our IT team to update the image.

  • @Deborah-AnnMackay Hi Deborah-Ann. I'd love to discuss this further. Could you please elaborate on evidence that support the benefits of gluten-free diet in healthy individuals?

  • @ChristianJäger Good feedback, thanks Christian. To my knowledge, there is limited published evidence for the above, but I will do a bit more searching and get back to you.

  • @KrishnakanthManepalli
    There is limited (aka no) RCT with the efficacy in depression as the primary outcome, but several investigated the efficacy for IBS with depression as secondary and found mixed results that were deemed non-significant in this meta analysis https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12876-024-03311-x Basically, we need to wait for more...

  • @MichelleThomas Let us know how you went, Michelle! :)

  • @KerryNeville Agreed! ISAPP developed a lot of very useful infographics https://isappscience.org/for-consumers/infographics/

  • @MichelleThomas Agreed, very interesting!
    Usually, mitochondria is isolated from healthy donor cells through centrifugation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10547968/

  • @KrishnakanthManepalli Another interesting question from you, Krishnakanth. Thank you!

    Indeed, there are several possible definitions of Mediterranean diet based on: historical factors, traditional regional cuisine, food groups, nutrients and bioactive compounds etc. In the scientific literature, there are some inconsistencies in these definitions...

  • @Deborah-AnnMackay Very much agree with your point on the importance of seeing the body as a whole. Also, would like to add that it's important to appreciate and accept the body's limitations.

  • @KrishnakanthManepalli Good question, Krishnakanth!
    In general and based on the current evidence on the topic, it can be suggested that additional fibre and micronutrients are of value. For example, this study showed a positive impact on alpha diversity and SCFA producers https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11013647/

  • @ChristianJäger Interesting point, Christian.
    Yes, psychotropic drugs can sometimes lead to weight gain and inflammation, which may exacerbate psychiatric symptoms. It’s important to balance these side effects with the benefits of the medication. And consider lifestyle-based support (see paper from the Keeping the Body in Mind program team, incl. Dr Scott...

  • This looks so good! Thanks for sharing, Chloe!

  • Note for Australian GPs:
    For Australian GPs wishing to claim CPD points with the RACGP please complete tasks in steps 1.10, 2.3, and 3.4 and email related documentation to Tetyana tetyana.rocks@deakin.edu.au

  • Hello everyone and a warm welcome to the course!

    I am one of your lead educators and I am very much looking forward to the next few weeks of learning with you. A little bit about me: I am a senior researcher at the Food & Mood Centre, an educator, and a dietitian. I also lead the Food and Mood Academy - an educational centre focused on translating research...

  • @MichelleThomas You are welcome, Michelle.
    The tests cover only the main course material.
    Please note that to date, we have encountered no issues or challenges with them, which suggest that they are not particularly difficult to complete. However, if you have any questions or need any further clarification, please let me know.

  • @MichelleThomas Hi Michelle. Great question about the MIND diet.

    For everyone here, the MIND diet is a combination of Mediterranean-style diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet developed to preserve brain function during ageing. It based around a high consumption of plant-based food (e.g. vegetables, particularly leafy greens,...

  • @ChloeWaddell Thanks, Chloe. We also have a very accessible free online course that many consumers find helpful
    https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/food-and-mood

  • @ChloeWaddell I like how you unpack the cases here, Chloe.
    Going back to your point on taking comprehensive history including eating behaviours. Are there specific tools you use in practice to assess disordered eating?

  • @KrishnakanthManepalli Anytime. Please do let me know if you are missing any links or need help finding information. Tetyana

  • @ShayHiggins Hi Shay and welcome. My background is in dietetics and I am an APD. Let me know if you have any questions or issues.

    Would be great to hear if we have any other nutritionists or dietitians :)

  • @MelesaOsborne Hi Melesa. Great to have you as part of our learning group!

  • @BRIGHTBOADU Hi Bright. Welcome to the course!

  • @ChloeWaddell Thanks for tagging me, Chloe. Indeed, it's much easier for me to see your question this way. Tetyana

  • @ChloeWaddell @MichelleThomas Hi Chloe and Michelle.

    You are welcome to go through the course at your own pace. This course is FeatureLearn "Premium Course" meaning unlimited access. One thing to remember, if you'd like to receive apply for 2024 CPD hours with the RANZCP, you will need to complete the course in this calendar year. I hope this answers your...

  • @AnnelishaJohnson Thanks Annelisha! The Mediterranean diet is fantastic, isn't?

  • @AnnelishaJohnson Thanks for the feedback Annelisha! You can always follow our Food & Mood Academy via our website and socials https://foodandmoodcentre.com.au/academy/

  • @JacobKnauth Thanks for sharing Jacob.

  • @EmmaSharp Hi Emma! Welcome to the course!

  • @KerryNeville Thanks for the feedback, Kerry. Good to know you find the resources useful in practice.

  • @KerryNeville Great point, Kerry. FODMAP should be a short term strategy, regularly reviewed by a specialist, which is not always the case.
    In step 2.15 Dr Heidi Staudacher will talk a bit more about this. We will also refer to her recent TANDIM study, showing that a Mediterranean diet is feasible in IBS and leads to improvement in gastrointestinal and...

  • @KerryNeville Good questions, Kerry. Feel free to review the guidelines for further information. Additionally, we will be discussing probiotics, nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals and their use in steps 2.9 and 2.12.

  • @MichelleThomas I like your thinking, Michelle.

  • @KrishnakanthManepalli Hi Krishnakanth. We will discuss many key studies through the course. Any specific references you'd like to follow up on?

  • @ChristianJäger Vitamin D is definitely something to keep in mind, particularly in people who do not have adequate sun exposure.

  • Hi team. Great to see your thoughts and comments. Let's keep these cases in mind as we progress through the course.

  • @KerryNeville Hi Kerry. Could you please try again as all is working from our side. If you continue experiencing issues, please refer to the FutureLearn support team (pink Support button at the right bottom corner of your screen).

  • @LorraineDavison Good plan, Lorraine. Please remember, you do have unlimited access to all of the material, so there is always option to comeback and keep learning.

  • @MichelleThomas @LorraineDavison Great to see conversations starting already!

  • @LorraineDavison Hi Lorraine and welcome! Looking forward to reading your comments and reflections.

  • @KRISTENRILEY @ChloeWaddell Hi Kristen and Chloe! Thanks for introducing yourselves and welcome to the course.

  • @Deborah-AnnMackay Great to have you here, Deborah-Ann!

  • Hello everyone, and welcome to the course!

    I'm your Lead Educator, and I'm excited about the journey we’ll embark on together over the coming weeks. Here’s a bit about me: I lead the Food & Mood Academy, serve as a senior researcher at the Food & Mood Centre, and am a dietitian.

    In this course, we'll explore a range of topics within Nutritional...

  • What a great reflection, thanks for sharing Leonardo! @LeonardoJuliani

  • @AlisaShinkarenko Hi Alisa. You are very welcome to the course! Slava Ukraini!

  • @ShaneHatten Hi Shane and welcome to the course! I am looking forward to reading your comments!

  • @LeonardoJuliani Hi Leo! Thank you for your introduction, it's great to have you here! Tetyana

  • @AnaPaulaCarvalho Great reflection, Ana :)

  • @NanLauchlan Planning is a very important step, Nan! It's a great approach to start with the menu planning. I wonder if you'd be keen to share your plans, when ready?

  • @DarienCipta In Australia, FMT is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care) https://www.tga.gov.au/products/biologicals-blood-and-tissues-and-advanced-therapies/biologicals/faecal-microbiota-transplant-products-regulation
    Some companies, like Lifeblood, are licensed to deliver FMT...

  • @purnisedara Hi Purni and welcome to the course!
    Everyone is a little bit quieter now, and many of this cohort already completed the course, but I am here and happy to help, should you need anything. Looking forward to reading your comments.
    Tetyana

  • @AshaJuniper Thank you for your excellent contribution to the course, Asha! I enjoyed reading your comments and reflections - great stuff!

  • @AshaJuniper I am certain of it!

  • @BA Great resource, BA! Thank you for sharing.

  • @AshaJuniper Re: red meat recommendations in the SMILES trial. The diet was adapted to the likes and needs of the expected participants of the study: women (often low in iron) and Australians (one of the highest consumers of red meat globally).

  • @nataliek Thank you for the feedback, Natalie!

  • @DrMicheleRogers I would strongly recommend working closely with a dietitian to support this case.

  • @BA :)

  • @nataliek I think it could be helpful to view FMT and any other treatments as an additional therapeutic avenue. But of course to get most out of FMT, complex lifestyle changes would would be needed.

  • @nataliek Hi Natalie. Feel free to email me, should you have anything to discuss tetyana.rocks@deakin.edu.au

  • @DrMicheleRogers I am looking forward to hearing your feedback, should you went ahead and tried the recipes!

  • @DrMicheleRogers Great points here, Michele!

  • @nataliek Various factors can impact BDNF production. While some research suggests that the ketogenic diet may increase BDNF levels, particularly in neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy), we really do need more evidence to fully understand diet-related impact on BDNF production and its implications for brain function.