Contact: Olga Connor                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                     Rosa Oses-Prealoni             

                                                                                                                                 (786) 336-1276

                                                                                                   olga.connor@flhealth.gov

                                                                                                    rosa.oses@flhealth.gov

 

(Miami, March 4, 2015) – The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County recognizes March as National Nutrition Month® - a time where individuals are reminded of the importance of healthy eating.   This year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages everyone to adopt habits that focus on healthy eating and physical activity, and “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.” 

This year’s theme “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” focuses on reducing daily caloric intake, making informed food choices, and engaging in daily physical activity in order to reduce risk of chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight and to improve overall health.

"This national observance serves as a reminder of the importance of making informed food choices and developing physical activity habits," said Lillian Rivera, RN, MSN, PhD, Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. "With simple changes to our daily eating and exercise habits, we can benefit for a lifetime."

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics more attention should be placed on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.    

Initiated in 1973 as a week-long event, "National Nutrition Week" became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition. In collaboration with National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also takes the time to commemorate the dedication of registered dietitians/nutritionists as the leading advocates for improving the nutritional status of Americans. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day is observed on the second Wednesdays in March.

The eighth annual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day will be celebrated Wednesday, March 11, 2015. On this day we want to promote the awareness of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist as the expert provider of food and nutrition information and services. Registered Dietitians play a key role in educating our community on the benefits of healthy eating.

While National Nutrition Month is designated to the month of March, it is important that individuals engage in routine activities that promote a healthy nutritional lifestyle on a daily basis. Everyone is encouraged to take some steps toward adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as consuming fewer calories, avoiding sugary beverages, eating fruits and vegetables daily, and engaging in daily physical activity.   Most importantly, make a healthy promise pledge to bite into a healthy lifestyle – the benefits are priceless.

For additional healthy eating tips, information, and to find a Registered Dietitian in your area, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) and Nutrition program promotes the theme of National Nutrition Month year-round by providing their participants with nutrition education and counseling, and breastfeeding promotion and support by Registered Dietitians and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. For more information about the WIC program in Miami-Dade County please call 786-336-1300.

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