Some services offered by Lesley Hewston, RD are educational programs designed to provide general nutrition education, behaviour change strategies and group support. Participation in these programs does not establish a dietitian-patient relationship. Individual nutrition counselling services, when specifically booked and agreed upon, are provided separately under a professional dietitian-client relationship and are governed by applicable professional standards, privacy legislation, and informed consent requirements.

Ethical Standards

Lesley Hewston, RD is a member in good standing with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, abides by their codes of ethics and is accountable to their governing body for ethical and professional standards. You may ask to see these codes at any time. Should you feel that an ethical violation has occurred, you have a right to register a complaint with the Ethics Committee of the College of Dietitians of Ontario.

Records and Personal Health Information

The programs are designed to provide education, guidance and support in a group setting. Participation in the programs offered does not establish a dietitian-patient relationship with Lesley Hewston, Registered Dietitian, and individual nutrition assessment, diagnosis, or personalized nutrition intervention is not provided as part of the program. The programs are educational in nature and participants are not expected to provide personal health information to Lesley Hewston for the purpose of nutrition assessment or treatment. Personal health records are only created and maintained for those clients receiving personalized nutrition assessment and intervention with Lesley. The personal contact information you provide when registering for the programs will be used only for program administration and communication and will not be shared except as required by law or as outlined in our Privacy Policy. To protect your privacy, please do not send personal health information, medical records, or other sensitive health details by email, through shared documents or within the group community. If you choose to share personal experiences during group discussions, you do so voluntarily and understand that confidentiality within the group cannot be guaranteed.

Lesley's role is to facilitate learning, provide education and support participants in implementing the concepts and strategies taught throughout the programs. Any guidance provided is intended for the benefit of the group as a whole and should not be considered individualized nutrition advice, assessment, or treatment. If you require individualized nutrition assessment or nutrition intervention, you are encouraged to schedule a private consultation with Lesley Hewston, RD.

Confidentiality

Everything that is said via email or in the context of the conversations between service provider and client is kept confidential. There may be times when consultations may be made with another therapist or health professional. This is similar to a physician getting a “second opinion” and can be very helpful in therapeutic treatment. If consultation does occur, identifying information such as your name will not be disclosed.

There are a few exceptions to confidentiality which you should be aware of:
1. When the client gives written permission (a signed release form) to have information from the counseling sessions communicated to another person.

2. When the client is at risk to hurt themselves or others, as when there is danger of suicide or assault.

3. When there is reason to believe that a child has, is, or may be in danger of sexual or physical abuse or neglect. 

This includes:

- When domestic violence is reported and there is a child or children in the home. 

- When a client discloses that he/she was abused in childhood, there is a possibility that the abuser may be a danger to other children now. In these situations I am legally bound to report to Family & Children’s Services
4. When mandated by a court order:

At times it may be suggested that I make contact with other professionals or family members in order to obtain information that will be helpful in your treatment. A signed ‘Consent for Release & Exchange of Information’ form is required and you have the right to refuse your signature. Should information be requested by anyone outside of my office, you will be notified. If it is not an emergency situation, then signed consent is required and the person/agency requesting the information will not receive it, or be informed you are attending sessions, until the proper signature is received from you. If it is an emergency situation you will be informed via telephone, email or in person, as soon as possible. An emergency situation would be an urgent police, medical or child protection situation. Should there be proceedings before the courts and your records are subpoenaed you will be notified as soon as possible.

Your Rights

As a client you have the right:

1. To ask questions at any point in time regarding program processes and procedures.

2. To stop the program at any time.

3. To ask about alternative procedures available for meeting your goals.

4. To review all documentation in your client file, as applicable.

5. To complain to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada If you are not satisfied with the Privacy Policy in place.

Refund Policy

We are committed to providing a supportive, high-quality learning experience. To ensure fairness for all participants, the payment and refund policies described in these Terms apply to all program registrations.

Digital Products

Due to the immediate access provided to downloadable digital products, including ebooks, guides, templates and other digital resources, all sales are final.

Refunds, exchanges, or credits cannot be provided once your purchase has been completed.

If you experience technical difficulties accessing your purchase, please contact us and we will work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Self-Paced Digital Programs

Your purchase provides immediate access to proprietary educational materials and program content. Because of the nature of digital products, purchases of self-paced programs are non-refundable.

If you experience technical difficulties accessing your program, please contact us so we can assist you.

Live Group Programs

We want you to feel confident that you're joining a program that's the right fit for you. If after attending the first live group session and reviewing the initial program materials, you feel the program is not the right fit, you may request a refund within seven (7) days of the official program start date. After this period, refunds will not be available due to the immediate access provided to program materials and the nature of the live coaching experience.

Refund requests must be submitted in writing. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from participating, please contact us as soon as possible. While refunds may not be available outside the refund period, we will make reasonable efforts to discuss alternative options at our discretion.

Educational Purposes Only

The information provided through our programs, digital products, coaching sessions, webinars, online communities and educational materials is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated as part of an individual nutrition counselling service, the information provided does not constitute individualized nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, diagnosis or treatment and should not replace advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Participants are responsible for making decisions that are appropriate for their own health circumstances and are encouraged to seek individualized medical or nutrition care when needed.

Results

Every individual is unique, and your success depends on many factors, including your personal circumstances, commitment, consistency, and implementation of the information provided. While our programs, products, and educational resources are based on current evidence and professional experience, we cannot guarantee any specific health, behavioural or weight-related outcomes. The information provided is intended to educate and support you in making informed decisions. It should not be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of any particular result.

Program Length & Fees

The length of your access to a program, product or service depends on the specific offering you purchase.

Digital Products

Digital products, including ebooks, guides and downloadable resources, are available immediately upon purchase. Unless otherwise stated, you will receive ongoing access to these materials for your personal use.

Self-Paced Programs

Self-paced digital programs provide immediate access to all available program materials. Access will remain available for the period specified at the time of purchase.

Live Group Programs

Live group programs are offered over a specified timeframe, as outlined on the program registration page. Program dates, session schedules and delivery format will be communicated before the program begins.

Fees and Payment

Program fees are clearly outlined at the time of registration. Payment must be received before access to any digital product, program or service is provided unless an approved payment plan has been arranged. If a payment plan is selected: Payments will be automatically processed according to the agreed-upon schedule. You are responsible for ensuring your payment information remains current. Missed or declined payments may result in suspension of access to program materials, coaching sessions or community resources until your account is brought up to date. All fees are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD) unless otherwise indicated. Payment can be made via credit card only. Prices are subject to change without notice; however, changes will not affect purchases that have already been completed.

Missed Sessions

Live coaching sessions are scheduled in advance and begin promptly at the designated time. If you are unable to attend a live session, you understand that individual make-up sessions will not be provided. Where available, session recordings or summary materials may be provided at Lesley Hewston's discretion. Access to recordings is intended solely for registered participants and may not be downloaded, shared or distributed.

Cancellation

Participants may discontinue their participation in a program at any time. However, cancellation of participation does not change the refund policy outlined in these Terms of Service.

Consent

By completing my registration, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service. I understand the nature of the program I am purchasing and acknowledge that it is an educational program designed to provide nutrition education, behaviour change strategies and group support. Unless I have separately engaged Lesley Hewston for individual nutrition counselling services, my participation does not establish a dietitian-patient relationship.

I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to review these Terms of Service and that any questions I had were answered to my satisfaction prior to enrolling. I understand that my participation in the program is voluntary and that I may discontinue my participation at any time. I further understand that discontinuing my participation does not alter the Refund Policy or any payment obligations outlined in these Terms of Service.

By enrolling, I consent to participate in the program under the guidance of Lesley Hewston and acknowledge that I am responsible for my own health decisions and for seeking individualized medical or nutrition care when appropriate. I understand that the information and guidance provided through this program are intended for educational purposes and are not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice.

I understand that an electronic acceptance of these Terms of Service has the same force and effect as my handwritten signature, and I agree to retain a copy of these Terms for my records.