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Since its release in 1992, the Food Guide Pyramid has become one of the most recognized nutrition education tools in US history. As such, it has been subject to criticism, particularly in several recent media reports that implicate it as the culprit in America's current obesity epidemic. What these reports often overlook, however, is that the diets of many Americans do not adhere to the dietary guidelines illustrated by the Pyramid, refuting the notion that the Pyramid is the cause of the nation's obesity problem. Data indicate that the more likely causes of escalating obesity rates are increased per capita caloric consumption and larger portion sizes, along with a lack of adequate physical activity. Although the Pyramid graphic was designed more than a decade ago, it still communicates three key concepts that continue to be the cornerstone of federal dietary guidance: variety, proportionality, and moderation. As such, it remains a viable and relevant nutrition education tool, especially when used by dietetics professionals as a component of individualized, comprehensive nutrition education and behavior modification interventions. As the United States Department of Agriculture begins to investigate whether the food intake patterns illustrated by the Pyramid are in need of updating, research is urgently needed to determine how nutrition education tools, including the Pyramid, can be most effectively implemented to help consumers adopt healthful eating behaviors and to improve the public health of America. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104:1141-1147.

Standing on the brink of the 21st century, dietitians have an opportunity - a chance to alter history. We have played a key role in propelling nutrition into the limelight. [...]

Malnutrition is not a new or a rare problem. In studies involving more than 1,327 hospitalized adult patients, 40% to 55% were found to be either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition, and up to 12% were severely malnourished. Surgical patients with likelihood of malnutrition are two to three times more likely to have minor and major complications as well as increased mortality; and their length of stay can be extended by 90% compared with the stay of well-nourished patients. Hospital charges are reported to be from 35% to 75% higher for malnourished patients than for well-nourished patients. Obtaining data to assess the nutritional status of patients is essential to optimal patient care, especially for patients at high risk for malnutrition. Nutrition assessment can be done with readily available and relatively inexpensive methods. But it is not enough to assess and identify malnutrition. Outcomes are improved and costs are saved only when appropriate intervention follows. This article identifies many well-conducted, published studies that support the findings that health outcomes of malnourished patients can be improved and that overall use of resources can be reduced by nutrition counseling, oral diet and oral supplements, enteral formula delivered via tube, and parenteral nutrition support via central or peripheral line. Early nutrition assessment and appropriate nutrition intervention must be accepted as essential for the delivery of quality health care. Appropriately selected nutrition support can address the problem of malnutrition, improve clinical outcomes, and help reduce the costs of health care., Malnutrition is defined as a state of nutritional insufficiency attributable to either inadequate dietary intake or defective assimilation or use of food ingested (1). Clinically important malnutrition is frequently diagnosed [...]

As we approach the year 2000, women's health has emerged as both a powerful political platform and a dynamic public health issue. It has long been recognized that women have [...]

Osteoporosis, along with heart disease and breast cancer, is one of the three most serious diseases affecting women. Few people appreciate the following facts: * Nearly half of all women [...]

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to your 1992-1993 leadership team. This is a distinguished group of professionals; together they are living proof of how well our elective [...]

The field of long-term care holds significant strategies opportunities for expansion of dietetic services. As health care emphasizes cost-effectiveness and early hospital discharge, more nursing facilities are admitting sicker patients [...]

Winning strategies to excel in dietetics Strategy has become a basic element of modern marketing: it is the overall philosophy that gives tactics their direction; it is the program that [...]

I have asked Susan Calvert Finn and Judith L. Dodd to coauthor this President's Page with me. Susan Calvert Finn, PhD, RD, with the support of her company, Ross Laboratories, [...]

'The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse' Those of you who are fans of American poet Walt Whitman--and those of you who remember Robin Williams' portrayal [...]

ABSTRACT Objective To ascertain perceived access of dietitians to power in the workplace. Design The conceptual framework was Kanter's theory of organizational power. The Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire was [...]

The national focus on health care reform has prompted health care organizations to take a closer look at outcome measurements and documentation supporting the value of their services. As the [...]

The prominence of health care reform has made this an exciting and eventful year for ADA. The debate has given us an opportunity to advance ADA's mission to serve the […]

Runaway spending and 37 million Americans without insurance -- these are the symptoms of an ailing health care system. The treatment? Cost containment and universal accessibility. Over the past decade, [...]