FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 15, 2007

CONTACT: Margaret “Peggy” Salisbury Tel (908) 771-5730; Pager 908-539-6418
Norma T. Sheld (908) 771-5815

“The Dietitian Was In”
at RUNNELLS Hospital in observance of
National Nutrition Month

Focus on overall health; develop an eating plan for lifelong wellbeing rather than the latest food fad.
The members of RUNNELLS Department of Food and Nutrition Services used National Nutrition Month® to promote eating a diet that is 100% Fad Free.The Nutrition Month campaign reinforced the importance of nutrition as a key component of good health, together with physical activity. In photo: (rear row, L-R) Hedva Gill, MS, RD of Springfield; Garry Feuerberg, DHCFA, Director of Food & Nutrition Services of Elizabeth and Suellen Gilmore RD of Plainfield. (front row, L-R) Priya Solanki, RD of Cedar Knolls; Rosemarie Fenchel, RD, of Florham Park, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Chyiru Lee, MS, RD of Livingston.

Residents, patients, staff and visitors stopped in to the National Nutrition Month® exhibit at RUNNELLS SpecializedHospital of Union County recently. They came to try wholesome alternatives to junk food snacks, pick up solid nutrition information for a healthier lifestyle, learn their Body Mass Index and talk to the staff dietitians.

“National Nutrition Month® is the American Dietetic Association’s nutrition education and information campaign, promoted by RUNNELLS Department of Food & Nutrition Services,” said Union County Freeholder Chester Holmes, liaison to RUNNELLS SpecializedHospital. “The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.”

The members of Food & Nutrition Services at RUNNELLS endeavor to deliver the healthiest sources of nutrition for the residents and patients. RUNNELLS employs Registered Dietitians (RD) who have completed college or graduate level courses. They have also passed a national exam and received professional credentials (RD).  Those who call themselves nutritionists often lack credentials. Good nutrition is vital to everyone, especially the elderly. Proper nourishment can aid in the prevention of pressure ulcers. Additionally, it plays a significant role in inhibiting coronary heart disease, some types of cancer, as well as stroke, hypertension and osteoporosis. The on-going monitoring of patients and residents by staff dietitians ensures that patients and residents receive optimal nutrition and hydration. At RUNNELLS, specific diets are tailored to meet the needs of individual residents and patients daily.

Anyone concerned about special dietary needs being met if they or their loved ones are cared for at RUNNELLS whether in long term care, The Rehabilitation Center or sub-acute care may call the admissions office at (908) 771-5901.

Note to editor: "National Nutrition Month®" is a federally registered service mark of the American Dietetic Association. To protect this mark, the "®" symbol should be used after the words "National Nutrition Month" to indicate its registration status.