HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-06-2008-11a.~n-Formq ~ i on S-Hen-~
Orange County Health Department
Celebrates
National Nutrition Month®-March 2008: It's a Matter of Fact
National Nutrition Month® (1~1NM) is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored
annually by the American Dietetic Association which is the nation's largest organization of food and
nutrition professionals. Through NNM, the American Dietetic Association promotes healthful eating by
providing practical nutrition guidance and focusing attention on making informed food choices and
developing sound physical activity habits. NNJ~I also reminds consumers that Registered Dietitians
(RD) are their most valuable and credible source of timely science-based information.
The theme for 2008 is Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact. The American Dietetic Association urges
consumers to look beyond the myths of nutrition and focus on the facts. This year also marks the first-
ever `Registered Dietitian Day', March 10`". As the nation's food and nutrition experts; RDs are
committed to improving the health of their clients and community. Registered Dietitian Day will
commemorate the dedication of RDs as advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and
people around the world.
Orange County Health Department's Promotion of National Nutrition Month:
• Promotion in health clinics: educational displays and material, recipes, games for clients.
• Promotion to county employees: educational email and interactive learning information, article
in employee newsletter.
• Promotion to community: print articles to the media, coalition groups and school officials to
spread the word; providing classes at the senior centers and to community groups.
Orange Country Health Department Programs to Promote Health and Wellness:
• Clinical Nutrition Services: provides individual nutrition counseling to clinic clients and those
referred by community medical providers.
• Community Nutrition/Health Education Programming: Offers asix-week diabetes program
and nutrition-related classes for seniors with the Department on Aging, provides interactive
educational health exhibits at community events, and coordinates the Orange County Churches
Eating Smart and Moving More program to establish better eating and physical activity habits.
• Community Coalitions: coordinates Healthy Carolinians: a network of agencies and citizens
who work collaboratively to find creative solutions to the top health concerns in the county and
promote health and wellness for all residents. Provides technical assistance to the Orange on the
Move coalition and the Orange County Partnership for Young Children, two groups working on
child overweight and obesity. Serves on the Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill Carrboro
City Schools' School Health Advisory Committees. Participates on the county's In Home
Breastfeeding Support Program.
• Employee Wellness: Coordinating and conducting programs with the Human Resources
Department to improve healthy behaviors; currently working to seek funding for nutrition and
physical activity programs.
For more information about National Nutrition Month®, please refer to the American Dietetic
Association, www.eatri h~org or contact Renee Kemske, MPH, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian, Orange
County Health Department, rkemslce cr,co.orange.nc.us .