News Release

ORANGE COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2012

March 7, 2012
Courtesy Orange County Health Department

® Administration on Aging

About National Nutrition Month®

During National Nutrition Month® 2012 and beyond, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) encourages everyone to “Get Your Plate in Shape.” This year’s theme focuses on reinforcing the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. “Get Your Plate in Shape” supports the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA’s new food icon, MyPlate, reminding everyone to be more mindful of the foods we eat.

The MyPlate symbol illustrates the five food groups using a familiar mealtime visual, a place setting. Dividing the plate into four sections: fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins, as well as a glass representing dairy products shows you how you can incorporate the Dietary Guidelines recommendations into every meal.

For more information about the program, go to www.choosemyplate.gov .

National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered Dietitian Day, celebrated March 14th, increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

Join the Orange County Health Department and Orange County Government Offices as we encourage residents and employees to “Get Your Plate in Shape.”

Events and Activities in Orange County

National Nutrition Month® Activities for Orange County Health Department Employees:
The Health Department’s Health Promotion and Education Services Division is planning several activities to help promote National Nutrition Month® and the “Get Your Plate in Shape” theme to include nutrition and exercise seminars, walking groups and nutrition and physical activity challenge.

National Nutrition Month® Events for Orange County Seniors:
Get Your Plate in Shape Seminars
- March 7th, Seymour Center, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- March 21st, Central Orange Senior Center, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Senior Striders Presentation
- March 27th, University Mall, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

For more information, please contact Myra Austin, Wellness Coordinator for the Department on Aging at 968-2073.

National Nutrition Month® Events for Community Groups:
The Health Promotion and Education Services Division will also promote National Nutrition Month® for Health Department clients in the medical and dental clinics and at various community outreach events throughout the month of March.

Registered Dietitian Day
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics proudly announces the fifth annual Registered Dietitian Day. As the nation's food and nutrition experts, registered dietitians are committed to improving the health of their patients and community. Registered Dietitian Day commemorates the dedication of RDs as advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world.

Please recognize the Orange County Health Department Registered Dietitians on March 14th, Registered Dietitian Day:

Renée Kemske, MPH, RD, LDN: Nutrition Program Manager
Breana Lai, MPH, RD, LDN: DSME Program Coordinator
Vanessa Yount, RD, LDN: Registered Dietitian

For more information about Registered Dietitian Day or about a Registered Dietitian, please refer to: http://www.eatright.org .

Nutrition Counseling Services and Diabetes Self-Management Education in Orange County
The Orange County Health Department offers individual Nutrition Counseling Services and Diabetes Self-Management Education for all county residents and county employees throughout the year. For more information, visit http://www.co.orange.nc.us/health/Nutrition.asp.

National Nutrition Month® Website
Check out the National Nutrition Month® website to find more information about the campaign, helpful tips, games and nutrition education resources designed to spread the message of how to ‘Get Your Plate in Shape."

Other Helpful Websites

For More Information:
Renée Kemske, MPH, RD, LDN
Nutrition Program Manager
rkemske@co.orange.nc.us
919-245-2418