Harrison Mayor Jerry Jackson recently signed a proclamation declaring March as National Nutrition Month in Harrison. Jackson presented dietitians from North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) with the proclamation and discussed the importance of nutrition for a healthy community.
For National Nutrition Month® 2019, in March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages people to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and activity habits. Each March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. Choosing nutritious foods and getting enough physical activity can make a real difference in your health.
The Academy recommends balancing nutritious foods with physical activity most days of the week. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' physical activity guidelines, adults should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, including at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities. Being physically active up to 300 minutes per week has even greater health benefits.
At NARMC, registered dietitians work with the healthcare team to help patients make nutritional decisions and changes for their health. NARMC dietitians have completed graduate level nutrition education, national accreditation through the Commission on Dietetic Registration and are licensed in the state of Arkansas to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT). MNT is a therapy and counseling service for disease management through behavioral and lifestyle changes to impact long-term eating habits and health. Many insurance providers cover outpatient MNT for patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and other conditions.
You can learn more about the medical nutrition services provided by NARMC registered dietitians by speaking with your primary care physician about a referral. Appointments are scheduled through NARMC Central Scheduling by calling 870-414-4888.
Photo caption: Pictured left to right are NARMC team members J.D. Deleon, chef; Debi Arnold, clinical nutrition manager; Adam Sova, clinical dietitian; and Paula Cantu, director of Food & Nutritional Services, with Mayor Jerry Jackson. Photo courtesy of the Harrison Daily Times.