Key trends affecting the dietetics profession and the American Dietetics Association

-
            In an ever-changing landscape of technological, social and political environments the need for environmental scans is as important as ever. The purpose of an environmental scan is to identify emerging issues and trends so that attention can be strategically focused and future opportunities assessed. There are several factors that will have a significant impact on dietetics in the years to come.
One issue is a greater need and interest in diet and nutrition in the general public. This growing interest presents many new opportunities for dietitians. However, dietitians must strategically place themselves in order to take advantage of these new opportunities. This rise in interest in nutrition also presents new sources of competition in the form of web-based information and alternative medicine practitioners. Another factor impacting dietetics is the growing population. There is a rise in the cultural and ethnic diversity in the US which could possibly lead to an increase in underserved populations. Finally, the food system of the US is changing. The home is no longer the center of eating. The new understanding of diet’s role in chronic illness, and the concerns of the aging population are changing the role of diet in healthcare. This changing food culture highlights the need of the nutrition professional to be ever vigilant in promoting the importance of diet to legislators in an ever present battle for resources.  
-SG

Jarratt, Jennifer; Mahaffie, John B. American Dietetic Association. Journal of the American Dietetic AssociationDescription: http://search.proquest.com/assets/r20161.9.0.325.841/core/spacer.gif102.12Description: http://search.proquest.com/assets/r20161.9.0.325.841/core/spacer.gif (Dec 2002): S1819-39.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more