Celebrating National RDN Day
I am proud to be an RDN with Morrison Healthcare every day, but today it carries special meaning. Today we celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day, a time when we recognize all the food and nutrition experts who play such a critical role in translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living.
RDN Day was established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and recognizes nearly 100,000 dedicated food and nutrition experts and RDNs in every arena of practice.
History of National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
In 2008, the American Dietetic Association (now named the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) created RDN Day to, “increase the awareness of Registered Dietitians as indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and to recognize RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. Registered Dietitian Day and National Nutrition Month promote Academy and RDs to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, evidence-based food and nutrition information.” RDN Day is celebrated each year on the second Wednesday in March.
The Role and Power of Food in Our Lives
Regardless of cultural beliefs or traditions, food has always held a role in times of joy or sorrow, celebration or grief.
Consider the power food has to bring people together, comfort, restore and as we also believe, heal. Because food holds such a unique and central place in all our lives, registered dietitian nutritionists are blessed to be placed in a position every day to empathize with others around something of significant meaning. Through knowledge and compassion, food and nutrition experts have the opportunity to make a massive impact on individuals, communities and our Nation.
There is a Sanskrit shloka (verse) that I find both simple yet profound:
दीपो भक्षयते ध्वान्तं कज्जलं च प्रसूयते |
Dipo bhakShayate dhvAntam kajjalam cha prasUyate |
यदन्नं भक्षयेन्नित्यं जायते तादृशी प्रजा ||
Yadannam bhakShayennityam jAyate tAadshi prajA ||
In layman terms, this shloka means, we are what we eat and when the lamp burns, it takes away the darkness. While this verse was penned hundreds of years ago, it still holds true today and I believe applies specifically to the power of food and our profession. Each year we see more and more evidence that what we eat not only impacts our health but can change the quality of our lives. Additionally, as RDNs we can bring people who do not understand how to lead healthy lives out of the darkness and into a healthier light. We have the privilege of using our nutrition expertise to help individuals make personalized, positive lifestyle changes.
The quality of our profession depends upon the knowledge and care we give back as owners of this incredible field. As food and nutrition experts, we work hard and smart to make a difference in people’s lives by providing evidence-based information in a timely and efficient manner. We should be proud to serve alongside each other in such a meaningful profession.
Join the Morrison Healthcare Family
Looking for meaningful work helping people? Do you want to marry your passions and serving others? Check out available team member or management opportunities to join the Compass One Healthcare and Morrison Healthcare family. We believe in the Power of Food to change lives and are proud of the opportunities we have each day to help people and serve alongside world-class clients.
Morrison is a proud part of Compass One Healthcare and Compass Group USA.
About the Author
Mudita Arora, MMsc, RD, LD is the Director of Food & Clinical Nutrition at UK Healthcare and President of the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a proud part of the Morrison Healthcare family.
