Explanation Exasperation!

Do your eyes bug out when you reach explanation exasperation? You wonder, "What were they thinking, or were they...?" Well, of course they were thinking, maybe even over-thinking! Perhaps this is something that bugs only a few of us. It's just that we like things kept succinct, simple and clear for every one's sake. 



This is  about good ideas.  It's about the word dietitian. At this point I could get serious or silly. Was it a good idea to select the term dietitian to label who we are? Over time I've learned the word is causing problems, especially after choosing a name for my blog in Blog 101 class. (Don't get me wrong. I loved this class; it was a learning highlight, and I'll always be grateful for everyone involved in that program!) "Downtown Dietitian" may have missed the boat in terms of a dual spelling problem. 

You see I learned to spell dietitian with a -tian and not a -cian at the end. But over time I've noticed that most folks spell it with a "c", and checking the dictionary you find both spellings are acceptable. I do not want to miss connections with folks who want to connect with me as much as I want to connect with them because of a "c" or a "t". I kind of like the ring of "Downtown Dietitian" since I live within a metropolitan area.

Then there's that constant question, "Exactly what is a dietitian?". The answer I was taught: a dietitian is a food and nutrition expert. One might think that this is also the definition of a nutritionist. A registered dietitian (RD) is a credential similar to registered nurse (RN). To hold this credential one must meet certain criteria in education and training. Everyone understands the connotation of registered nutritionist without much confusion. However, confusion would result with the designation of "RN" for registered nutritionist since the registered nurses already use it. Hence, the label dietitian or dietician came to be. But are folks unclear about this term and its designation?

Can you identify the dietitian in this photo? I typed in "health care professionals" to find a picture of a dietitian. Within this group shot of a hospital team is a dietitian, let's say the one on the right in the labcoat. Dietitians usually wear labcoats in hospitals and sweats or warm-ups while working at the Army Physical Fitness School! One can't always identify a dietitian by the clothes.

"The American Dietetic Association" is no longer the name of the national professional organization for dietitians. It's been changed to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietitics. I'll take it! It's a big move in the right direction. What do you think dietitians should call themselves and how should their credential appear since "RN" is already taken? Help me cure my explanation exasperation in this matter. Nutritionist or Dietitian?

Cheers! with skim milk...,

Terrie

What? No Milk!

Can you imagine a day without the rich nutrition of dairy foods? I certainly cannot, no way, not me! I've been drinking milk and eating cheese and ice cream ever since I can remember. Without diary foods in my daily diet I would run the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Read on and, oh, pass the milk please!


On June 22, 2010, I found myself at the Dairy Science Forum in Alexandria, Virginia, to explore the science and solutions for a condition known as lactose intolerance. I joined fellow health and nutrition experts and leaders from across the country in a two-way dialogue on the best approaches for translating the latest scientific guidance on lactose intolerance into a road map of practical solutions to share with you, my clients, my friends and the public.



This was a communications workshop designed to come up with an action plan to plot a new course to address lactose intolerance myths and provide a variety of tailored solutions for those who live with lactose intolerance.
Most of us have heard of lactose intolerance. Yes, and some of us live with it. It's a relatively rare condition that leads one to eliminate milk products from one's diet. Those with lactose intolerance are not able to completely digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk, because they do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase which digests the lactose. The incomplete digestion of lactose can result in some abdominal discomfort which is why people with this condition start to avoid milk products.


This is most unfortunate because when we eliminate those nutritious milk products in an effort to 
stop the abdominal discomfort, we invite a whole set of health risks, like diabetes and obesity. The myth that people with lactose intolerance cannot have milk products is, well, a myth! Small amounts of lactose can be tolerated by those with lactose intolerance when it is introduced into one's diet gradually in small amounts. 


There is another great option that can be used to stay well nourished if one must contend with lactose intolerance. Products such as Lactaid are widely available. Lactaid is real milk which has been processed to eliminate the sugar lactose. Lactaid has all the same great nutrients that real milk has and can be used in recipes just like real milk because it is real milk. Contact me for a free coupon!


      Now here's my quickest and simplest 
         Recipe for Pineapple Smoothie:
1. Pick out a fun glass.
2. Mix pineapple juice and buttermilk to taste.
3. Enjoy!


Aaahhh! Life with dairy is so good!
Peace,
Terrie