HOUSE MEMORIAL 62

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Deborah A. Armstrong

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH 8, 2017 "REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND PROCLAIMING MARCH 5 THROUGH MARCH 11, 2017 "NEW MEXICO ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS WEEK".

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists are food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico registered dietitian nutritionists are licensed by the state as licensed dietitians in addition to having a national registration; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists have degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health or a related field from well-respected, accredited colleges and universities, have completed an internship and have passed a national examination; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists use their nutritional expertise to help individuals make unique, positive lifestyle changes; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists are advocates for advancing the nutritional status of New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists work throughout the community in hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, food management, the food industry, universities, research and private practice; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists serve high-risk populations, including women, infants and children program participants; supplemental nutrition assistance program participants; group-home residents; children in early care and education settings, such as head start and pre-kindergarten; and senior program participants at congregate dining centers and meals on wheels; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists play a key role in preventing and managing nutrition-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionists provide medical nutrition therapy, which involves in-depth individualized nutrition assessments, diagnosis and interventions designed to meet a person's nutritional needs and goals of prevention, wellness and disease management; and

     WHEREAS, medical nutritional therapy provided by registered dietitian nutritionists is linked to improved clinical outcomes and reduced health costs related to physician time, medication use and hospital admissions for people with obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico academy of nutrition and dietetics, the state affiliate for the academy of nutrition and dietetics, has as its mission to promote optimal nutrition and well-being for all New Mexicans by advocating for its members; and

     WHEREAS, the majority of New Mexico academy of nutrition and dietetics members are registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians; and

     WHEREAS, registered dietitian nutritionist day and the New Mexico academy of nutrition and dietetics week promote the New Mexico academy of nutrition and dietetics members and registered dietitian nutritionists to the public as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 8, 2017 be declared "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day" in the house of representatives and that March 5 through March 11, 2017 be declared "New Mexico Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Week"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the New Mexico academy of nutrition and dietetics.

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