Reed encourages Hoosiers to observe Registered Dietitian Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, March 7, 2008
Media Contacts:
Lynelle A. Miller, 317.232.6614, lamiller@doe.in.gov
Beth Foland, 317.232.0870, efoland@doe.in.gov

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed and the Indiana Department of Education are encouraging Hoosiers to observe the first-ever Registered Dietitian Day on Monday, March 10. Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, the day recognizes the nation's food and nutrition experts’ efforts to advance the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world.

“New information about food and diet appears almost daily, making it difficult for people to separate truth from the fiction when it comes to nutrition,” said Reed. “Registered Dietitian Day is a great opportunity to acknowledge the important role dietitians play in improving health and wellness in our schools and communities.”

Beyond the myths

Registered dietitians with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) urge Hoosiers to look beyond the myths of nutrition and focus on the facts in March, which is recognized as National Nutrition Month® by the American Dietetic Association, the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals

“An e-mail about ‘secret’ calories in soft drinks, a friend’s personal endorsement of a trendy diet, news reports about conflicting research on red wine – with so much information available on the Internet, it can be especially challenging to decipher the truth,” said IDOE dietitian Beth Foland. “People need to learn strategies to distinguish between marketing hype and scientific research.”

During National Nutrition Month, consumers are reminded of the importance of healthful eating by making informed food choices and developing sound physical activity habits. This month also reminds consumers that registered dietitians are the most valuable and credible source of timely, science-based information.

Nutrition event in Indianapolis

Registered dietitians throughout Indiana, including members of the Central Indiana District Dietetic Association (CIDDA), are conducting special nutrition events in celebration of National Nutrition Month and Registered Dietitian Day.

Denise Ferguson, a CIDDA member and dietitian with the Marion County Health Department, will host a booth at the downtown City Market in Indianapolis on March 10. Consumers can ask nutrition questions and pick up free resources at the booth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit www.eatright.org.