During National Nutrition Month® 2004 and Beyond: What Can a Registered Dietitian Do for You?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 2, 2004

Media contacts: Kelly Liebbe, Lori Ferme, Tom Ryan
800/877-1600 ext. 4802, 4769, 4894
media@eatright.org
(Please do not publish these numbers)

CHICAGO - If you want to eat healthfully, reduce your risk for heart disease or find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, National Nutrition Month® 2004 is a great opportunity to contact a dietetics professional for help in designing a personalized nutrition program that is right for you, according to the food and nutrition experts at the American Dietetic Association.  

A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition authority who has met academic and training requirements to earn the RD credential - and can provide credible nutrition guidance to the public. Registered dietitians can provide sound advice about your overall nutrition and well-being.

“Know that when you choose a dietetics professional to help with your nutrition or food preparation needs, you're connecting with an individual who has demonstrated professional expertise and excellence,” said registered dietitian Jeannette Jordan, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. 

“Dietetics professionals undergo rigorous academic training and extensive practice experience and work with many different people to help personalize a plan that is right for each individual,” Jordan said. “We work with you to help reduce high blood pressure, provide nutrition therapy for post-surgical patients, identify food intolerances, provide nutritional advice for diabetes care and develop healthy eating plans to help achieve lifestyle and weight management goals.”

Many registered dietitians may have specialized expertise, such as pediatric, maternal or sports nutrition.  Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, universities, food service, journalism and business.
To contact a registered dietitian, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org and enter your zip code in the “Find a Nutrition Professional” box.

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition and well-being.

National Nutrition Month®, created in 1973 and celebrated each March, helps promote healthful eating and provides practical nutrition guidance.