Registered Dietitian Day Is March 13, 2013:
Let’s Celebrate

March 13, 2013, will mark the sixth annual Registered Dietitian Day. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), formerly known as the American Dietetic Association, Registered Dietitian (RD) Day and National Nutrition Month (March) promote AND and RDs to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information.

The key messages for various audiences include:

• RDs are the food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living.
• RDs have degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or related fields from well-respected, accredited colleges and universities, have completed an internship, and have passed an examination.
• RDs use their nutrition expertise to help individuals make unique, positive lifestyle changes.
• RDs work throughout the community in hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, food management, the food industry, universities, research, and private practice.
• RDs are advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world.

Community education ideas are available on the AND Web site at http://www.eatright.org/NNM/content.aspx?id=10800, including tips for hosting family-focused events, events at schools, workplaces, grocery stores/supermarkets, and charitable endeavors. Hints on how to get everyone involved also are provided.

AND also is offering tips and a free proclamation template to aid dietitians in urging their governors or mayors to issue a proclamation. The basic recommended steps are available at http://www.eatright.org/NNM/content.aspx?id=10793 and the proclamation template is available at http://www.eatright.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=10792.

AND offers the following ideas for nutrition managers:

• Display photos and bios of the RD staff on the company’s bulletin board, including name, position, length of service, special credentials, and alma maters. Mention the combined number of years of nutritional expertise of your team.
• Highlight the contributions of RDs in your employee or community newsletter.
• Present certificates of appreciation to RDs at a special “thank you” lunch or a reception for all staff. Some suggestions:
• Innovative ideas for improvement of the Clinical Dietitian Department
• Superb abilities in teaching nutrition to children and families
• Excellence in elevating nutritional care to the highest level
• Purchase an RD pin or other RD gift for each staff RD from the National Nutrition Month catalog (available online).
• Encourage staff members to sign a “thank you” card or write individual notes of appreciation to the RDs in your organization.
• Provide a free lunch or a restaurant gift card for RDs on Registered Dietitian Day.
• Consider these gift ideas:
• RD mug, padfolio, tote, pin, or pen from the National Nutrition Month catalog
• Flowers or a potted plant with a note: “Please don’t eat the flowers.”
• Gift basket
• Goody bag with fruit, chocolates, and staff photo
• Chair massage
• Offer expressions of appreciation:
• Handwritten note from department head or vice president of Human Resources
• Announcement in community newspaper or company newsletter

For a full list of ideas, visit: http://www.eatright.org/NNM/content.aspx?id=7832.

Review Date 7/12
G-0541