Do You Know Who Your R.D. Is?
To Mark the Annual Registered Dietitian Day, the American Dietetic Association Urges Everyone to Have an Annual "Nutrition Checkup"
On this page:
- You know who your doctor is, but who is your registered dietitian (R.D.)?
- How can I schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian at PAMF?
- What are the most important things I should know about nutrition?
You know who your doctor is, but who is your registered dietitian (R.D.)?
"In the same way that you have a physician whom you see regularly to manage your medical needs, everyone should also see an R.D. routinely for help in managing your nutritional needs," says registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesperson Joan Salge Blake.
Salge Blake encourages all consumers to mark National Nutrition Month and the first annual Registered Dietitian Day on March 11, 2009, by establishing an ongoing relationship with the food and nutrition expert: an R.D. A faculty member at Boston University, Salge Blake says her students - and their families and friends - are amazed to discover how small lifestyle changes, such as adding more vegetables to their daily eating plans, quickly add up and pay big health dividends over time. Registered dietitians use their nutritional expertise to help individuals make just these types of unique, positive lifestyle changes.
"Through annual visits to a registered dietitian for a nutrition checkup, individuals can obtain dietary advice and guidance based on their changing health needs," Salge Blake says. "These checkups enable you to not only address nutrition and health problems as they occur, but most importantly, prevent problems that are potentially looming down the road.
"Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Are you dangerously overweight or even just have a few pounds to lose? Don't wait until you have a stroke or a heart attack. The R.D.'s role is to take our expertise based on the current nutrition science and personalize it to fit your individual lifestyle," she says.
"People often are not aware that many health insurance plans now cover visits to a registered dietitian, sometimes without a doctor's referral," Salge Blake adds, "so check with your insurance company." In 2002, Medicare began reimbursing for medical nutrition therapy provided by an R.D. for people with diabetes and kidney disease, and private insurers increasingly are covering visits to registered dietitians for treatment of obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels.
PAMF HMO and EPO patients can be seen by any of the PAMF registered dietitians with just a co-payment - among the many benefits of seeing a R.D. PPO patients should check with their insurance company to determine if they have any nutrition benefits. Coverage varies depending on PPO insurance plans.
Salge Blake cautions consumers to be aware of seeking dietary advice from someone calling himself or herself a "nutritionist," such as a personal trainer or health food store employee. Nutritionists may have little or no qualifications for dispensing nutrition advice, she says. "Only an R.D. has the education and the experience to give you the latest personalized information based on solid scientific evidence."
With more than 67,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.
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How can I schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian at PAMF?
To schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian at PAMF, contact one of PAMF's following clinic locations:
- Fremont Center: 510-498-2184
- Palo Alto Clinic and Redwood City Center, call 650-853-2961.
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What are the most important things I should know about nutrition?
The National Nutrition Month® campaign reminds Americans of these "Top Ten Facts about Nutrition" from the Experts at the American Dietetic Association:
1. Eating right doesn't have to be complicated. Use Mypyramid.gov to develop a personalized plan for lifelong health.
2. The best nutrition advice is based on science. Before adopting any changes to your diet, be sure the information is based in scientific fact.
3. Get your food and nutrition facts from the expert: a registered dietitian. R.D.s are uniquely qualified to translate the science of nutrition into reliable advice you can use every day.
4. Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness.
5. Think "nutrient-rich" rather than "good" or "bad" foods. The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients - and lower in calories.
6. Look at the big picture: No single food or meal makes or breaks a healthful diet. Your total diet is the most important focus for healthful eating.
7. Prepare, handle and store food properly to keep you and your family safe from food-borne illness.
8. Don't fall prey to food myths and misinformation that may harm rather than benefit your health.
9. Read food labels to get nutrition facts that help you make smart food choices quickly and easily.
10. Find the healthy fats when making food choices. By choosing polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, you can keep your saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol low.
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