
“Eat Smart, Stay Healthy” During National Nutrition Month® 2004 and Beyond
March is the month to be healthy! 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.
Kathy Stewart, a licensed registered dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at St. Alexius Medical Center says that a lot of education comes with such a title. “Dieticians need to complete at least a baccalaureate degree at an approved college or university. The dietetic program combines on-the-job training at facilities such as hospitals and community agencies. Dietitians need to pass a national exam to become registered. Some states, including North Dakota, also require licensure,” says Stewart. “This assures the public that a Licensed Registered Dietitian (LRD) is the expert on reliable nutrition advice. Continuing professional education is required to maintain registration and licensure.”
A registered dietitian is the only professional who can provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)- a defined educational approach for treating conditions such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease, and eating disorders. MNT is a covered service by Medicare, Medicaid and some health insurance companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Many registered dietitians may have specialized expertise, such as pediatric or sports nutrition, or diabetes education. To find out what a registered dietitian at St. Alexius can do for you, contact Food and Nutrition Services at 530-7860. Weight management, sports nutrition, or just general healthy eating advice is available. To receive nutrition therapy for specific health conditions, ask your doctor to refer to you a licensed registered dietitian.
National Nutrition Month®, created in 1973 and celebrated each March, helps promote healthful eating and provides practical nutrition guidance. To find out more about the month-long celebration, visit the American Dietetic Association website at www.eatright.org
