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The Memorial Community Pharmacy received a generous donation of pharmaceutical and apothecary antiques and collectibles from the family of Donald “Don” V. Daschka in June of this year. The nostalgic memorabilia was gifted by Don’s Daughter, Michelle Daschka, along with his blessing, to the newly opened Pharmacy at Memorial Hospital. The Hospital and Pharmacy staff were saddened to hear of his passing, over the weekend, as the details for this article were being written. The collection of items throughout the retail pharmacy will be an endearing reminder of the dedication and compassion Don conveyed throughout his career. Michelle Daschka along with Pharmacists, Amy Kloos and Kathy Winkler Donald “Don” V. Daschka Don was a long-time pharmacist in Chester, IL, owning and operating his retired father’s pharmacy, Victor Drugs, until his own retirement and sale of the pharmacy in 2007. In an article by the Herald Tribune in 2007, Don reminisces about, “the soda fountain, making concoctions from scratch, weekend emergencies, and a break-in several years ago.” He witnessed many changes and advancements in drugs and medications throughout his career. The knowledge of young pharmacists and their understanding of all the new medications, enlightened him. Don was a highly respected professional in the community and had a passion for healing and healthcare. He was a valued member of the Memorial Hospital Board as well from 1994 to 2009. Towards the end, he expressed much joy in the opening of a new small town pharmacy at the Hospital. He valued the passion and dedication of the pharmacy to provide affordable medications to the community it serves. On behalf of Memorial Hospital and the Memorial Community Pharmacy, we want to thank the Daschka Family for their generous and thoughtful contribution of relics and keepsakes. They will be cherished with fond memories in the years to come.

James Ramette and Dr. Sangoseni in ER James Ramette visited Memorial Hospital, June 6 through June 8, 2023 through a Rural Health Education program with AHEC (Area Health Education Centers). This program offers students the opportunity to experience rural and underserved communities. It is a unique blend of experiencing opportunities and training on key topics to understand the rural and social determinants. The program is located out of Rockford, IL but all residents in Illinois can take advantage of the Scholars program. James was a graduate of Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville where he was a part of their Medical Explorers Program, which sparked his interest in a medical career. Currently James is a Junior at Missouri S & T majoring in Biology and plans to continue to a Medical School to pursue one of the areas of his interest in Primary Care, Oncology or Cardiology. Memorial Hospital Directors ensured that he was given an opportunity to get the true experience of a rural hospital so he was scheduled in his three days to shadow; Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinic, Emergency Room, Surgery, and Specialty Clinics in Cardiology and Oncology. James said, “I learned many things during my time at Memorial Hospital including, operations of a rural family physician, emergency room physician and many more.” He ended with stating, “This has been an amazing experience that has strengthened my resolve to enter the medical field." Memorial has hosted students in the past from the AHEC RMED (Rural Medical Education) Program and had Medical Explorers attend their Rural Health Careers Camp in Rockford. To learn more about the AHEC Program go to their website at: https://ilahec.uic.edu/ahec-scholars/

Many people with medical conditions use sharps daily. Sharps refer to any medical device with a sharp point or edge that can be used to puncture or cut skin. These items may be used to help treat a variety of conditions: diabetes, allergies, infertility, hepatitis, cancer, osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders and more. For those who use these items every day, they are left with the dilemma of how to properly dispose of their sharps. Properly Dispose of Your Sharps Immediately after using sharps, they should be placed in a disposal container designated for such items. FDA-cleared sharps containers can often be found at pharmacies, medical supply companies, health care providers, or online. These containers are specially designed with puncture-resistant plastic with leak-resistant sides and bottom, and have a tight fitting, puncture-resistant lid. If you are unable to acquire a FDA-cleared container, a heavy-duty plastic household container, such as a laundry detergent container can be used as an alternative. It is important to dispose of sharps safely. Sharps that are not disposed of properly could cause injury or spread infection to others or animals. The most commonly spread infections include Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is important to have a safe way to dispose of your sharps at home, at work, at school, while traveling, and in public places. Never place sharps in public trashcans or recycling bins. Never flush them down the toilet. Negligent disposal of sharps puts trash and sewage workers, janitors, housekeepers, household members, and children at risk of being harmed. What to Do if You Are Stuck If you are accidently stuck by another person’s needle or sharp, wash the exposed area immediately with water and soap or use a skin disinfectant (antiseptic) such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Follow up cleaning the exposed area with a call to your physician or local hospital. Learn more about safe sharps disposal at SafeNeedleDisposal.org .

Manual therapy can be helpful for the treatment of joints that lack adequate mobility and range of motion in certain musculo-skeletal conditions. This limitation of mobility can cause discomfort, pain, and an alteration in function, posture, and movement. Manual physical therapy involves restoring mobility to stiff joints and reducing muscle tension in order to return the patient to a more natural movement without pain. Thus, manual physical therapy may provide pain relief both for patients with chronic joint problems, and acute soft tissue injuries such as a back muscle strain or a pulled ligament. As a group, manual physical therapy techniques are aimed at relaxing tense muscles and restricted joints in order to decrease pain and increase flexibility. In general, manual physical therapy techniques employ the following types of movement: Soft tissue work , including massage, which applies pressure to the soft tissues of the body such as the muscles. This pressure can help relax muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, and ease pain in the soft tissues. Mobilization/manipulation , which uses measured movements of varying speed (slow to fast), force (gentle to forceful), and distances (called 'amplitude') to twist, pull, or push bones and joints into position. This can help loosen tight tissues around a joint, reduce pain in a joint and surrounding tissue, and help with flexibility and alignment. Manual therapy techniques are skilled hand movements and skilled passive movements of joints and soft tissue and are intended to: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion; induce relaxation; mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints; modulate pain; reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction. Techniques may include: manual traction, massage, mobilization/manipulation, passive range of motion. Memorial Hospital’s Therapy and Sports Rehab Center’s physical therapists, prescribe, and implement manual therapy techniques when examination prognosis indicates that the use of these techniques will aid in improving physical function. Schedule your assessment today by contacting the Rehab Center at 618-826-4588.

Memorial Hospital presented service awards individually to employees during their workday this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and for the safety of staff and their family, the Hospital did not host a party this year. Department heads, presented the following employees with their Service Awards: 5 Years , Reymil Alcala, Loegan Anderson, Morgan Bendorf, Morgan Cash, Kaile Eggemeyer, Amanda Johnson, Marci Klein, Gretchen Kocian, Amber Martin, Audrie Otten, Christina Poppen, Jerina Reese, Michelle Tripp. 10 Years , Janine Leclere. 15 Years , Teresa Ball, Tara Johnson, Kathryn Sauerhage, Michael Whitt. 20 Years , Rachel Garniss, Michelle Evans. 25 Years , Brett Bollmann, Cheri Colvis, Cambrea Doeding, Ida Harriss, Angela Schoenbeck. 30 Years , Kimberly Fedderke. 40 Years , Dr. James Krieg, Susan Robinson. Retirees from 2020 for this year received a gift commemorating their time at Memorial. Those honored, included: Linda Stern – 10 years, Gennine Westerman – 18 years, Brenda Ruroede – 22 years, Debra Dudenbostel – 28 years, Joan Kleidon – 35 years, Cynthia Lannom – 39 years, Linda Rellergert – 45 years. The 2020 Israel D. Newmark Memorial Award winner was presented by Chief of Medical Staff, Dr. James Kirkpatrick. This year’s winner, Angela Mohring, RN and Infection Control Nurse at Memorial Hospital, was presented with a plaque. She has worked as at Memorial for 6 years. Dr. Kirkpatrick read the following words from coworkers, “This employee has worked tirelessly all year to keep not only staff, but also their families safe from COVID-19. She has demonstrated the appropriate knowledge and guidance all while maintaining her normal day to day responsibilities. This employee has made herself available to staff 24/7 since the beginning of the pandemic for questions or problems. When a staff member makes these “after hours” calls to her with problems or questions she is always gracious and thoughtful with her responses. She is never weary or frustrated with people reaching out to her for guidance no matter the day or hour. She has worked with management and IDPH and many other resources to make sure we have the most up-to-date policies, procedures and information regarding the pandemic. She has played an important role in the responsible way that our facility has handled the pandemic. She is reliable, knowledgeable, courageous, and determine to keep staff as safe as possible in this uncharted territory, we are thankful she is a part of the Memorial Hospital Team!" "Not only has she participated in our COVID-19 response with policies and research, she has also worked hands-on alongside nursing staff to provide patient care to the positive COVID-19 patients and to help perform testing. We are extremely grateful for the hard, and sometimes thankless, work that this employee has put forth all year. I can think of no one more deserving of the Israel D. Newmark, M.D. Memorial Award for 2020.” Angela, had these words to say about her career at Memorial, “I am honored to receive this award, especially during a year like this. I feel blessed to have my amazing friends and co-workers at Memorial who have supported me, pitched in wherever needed, and adapted to the continuous changes we have all endured as healthcare workers during this pandemic. We have all been fighting tirelessly to keep our patients safe. I look forward to the arrival of the vaccine and what that will mean for our community and healthcare team.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising patients and their families to use antibiotics only when necessary to further reduce antibiotic resistance, the spread of superbugs, and protect patients from side effects from antibiotics. During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and throughout the year, CDC promotes Be Antibiotics Aware , an educational effort to raise awareness about the importance of safe antibiotic use. The Be Antibiotics Aware initiative educates the public about when antibiotics are needed, when they are not, how to take antibiotics appropriately, and potential side effects of antibiotics. CDC encourages patients and families to: Get the facts about antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and the side effects could still cause harm. Ask your healthcare professional about the most appropriate treatment for you or your loved ones’ illness. If antibiotics are not needed, ask about the best way to feel better while your body fights off the virus. If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics. Talk with your healthcare professional if you develop any side effects, especially severe diarrhea, since that could be a Clostridioides difficile ( C. difficile or C. diff ) infection, which needs to be treated immediately. Do your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy by cleaning hands by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; staying home when sick; and getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. CDC encourages patients and families to use the educational resources and learn more about Be Antibiotics Aware by visiting: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/?s_cid=NCEZID-AntibioticUse-023 .

Memorial Hospital's Center for Wound Healing Urges Daily Foot Checks and Immediate Evaluation of Foot Ulcers During American Diabetes Month®, Memorial Hospital's Wound Center wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds – and therefore amputations – than most Americans and that a wound healing center can provide guidance for prevention and treatment. For most Americans, a blister or cut on the foot is a small inconvenience that a Band-Aid™ and time will heal. But that’s not the case for the 29.1 million Americans who have diabetes. Some of the complications of diabetes make feet vulnerable to non-healing foot ulcers that can result in infections and even amputations. Sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet—their early warning systems have been altered or completely shut down by nerve damage. If you notice any skin changes or red patches on your feet and you have diabetes, the Memorial Hospital Wound Center urges you to see your doctor or call the center immediately for an evaluation. The center is here to educate, prevent and provide treatment when necessary. It’s much easier to treat a minor foot problem before it becomes serious. Many patients have a diabetic foot ulcer. This type of non-healing wound is the leading cause of hospitalization and amputation for people with diabetes. A person with diabetes has impaired immunity and often reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. Both can hamper healing, cause infections and cause damage to underlying structures and bones. In some cases, the damage can lead to a toe, foot or leg amputation. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of all diabetic amputations are preventable. Memorial Hospital's Wound Center will provide the best treatment to help your wound heal. However, in order to prevent a foot ulcer from starting, it is vital that patients with diabetes check their feet daily and get regular foot care from their doctor. According to the American Diabetes Association, one adult is diagnosed in the United States every 19 seconds. That’s 1.7 million more people each year at risk for non-healing wounds and other complications. What’s more, one in four people who have diabetes today are undiagnosed and don’t know they’re at risk. Memorial Hospital's Wound Center, clinical wound healing team combines evidence-based best practices and advanced therapies with individualized treatment plans for faster healing to get their patients back to health and enjoying what they care about most. For more information on Memorial Hospital's Wound Center, visit www.mhchester.com/wound-center

Angie Schoenbeck, Chris Goetz, Kristina Jany, Marci Klein, Amy Eggemeyer, Michelle Guebert, Tamara Despain Memorial Hospital’s new Medical-Surgical and Intensive Care Units are now open . The new units are located on the south wing, upper level of the hospital that once housed other inpatient units, including the nursery, many years ago. “We are extremely grateful for the design and construction of our new Medical Surgical Unit,” stated Brett Bollmann, Memorial Hospital CEO. “The primary goal of the New Med-Surg project was to improve patient safety, comfort, and work flow for our staff. We anticipate that the added enhancements will greatly improve the customer experience along with the continued exceptional medical care.” “The new unit offers a relaxed atmosphere that helps decrease anxiety and promote healing upon entering the unit,” informed, Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer. “Between the colors of the walls, the architectural ceiling and lighting and the sound reduction flooring and insulation, patients will notice the difference from our prior units.” The main hall has multiple workstations to improve staff workflows. The Medical Surgical Unit rooms are a mixture of seven private and eight semi-private rooms, each with a window view overlooking the forested area at the side and rear of the facility. Each patient space has built in cabinetry for patient items on the headwall and footwall, including new smart TVs, new patient recliners and visitor seating. Every room on the Medical Surgical Unit has a large, private bathroom that includes a full, adjustable shower, sink and facility that has seamless wall to floor coverage with a beautiful, slip-resistant epoxy coating. All lighting is adjustable to provide optimal patient experience. New features were incorporated into each room with the patient comfort and safety in mind. All patient beds have built in features including stand assistance, verbal cues for fall risk patients, safety lights and advanced controls. Smart TVs in each room include pillow speaker interface and the latest technology. The call system has been upgraded to include direct call buttons for specific items like medication, restroom assistance, and are sent directly to the caregiver responsible. An overhead ceiling lift implemented as part of the Safe Patient Handling Program has been installed to help achieve an even safer lifting environment for patients, reducing the risk of patient injury from transfers and movement, and reducing risk of injuries to staff. The improvements continue for our visitors throughout the newly remodeled Unit as well. Family and visitors are just as important as our patients are in the overall plan of care. New sleeper sofas are available in the private rooms and have multiple comfort zones, including recline and sleep position, a table for belongings and a USB port to plug in your communication devices. Visitors who need to step out of the patient room for a moment can have a seat in the alcove visitor seating designed along the hallway. Memorial Hospital continues to “Build for your future needs.” As a Joint Commission Accredited and 5-Star HCHAPS patient rated hospital these improvements help Memorial continue its efforts in providing the best quality healthcare for the community. As healthcare needs change and technology advances, Memorial continues to improve the critical access of care provided to Randolph County and the surrounding area. Take a virtual, video tour:

The new Medical Surgical Unit at Memorial Hospital is now open. As part of the remodel, local photographs were selected from a photography contest held at Memorial Hospital. From hundreds of previously submitted photos, 35 were selected for the nursing staff to vote on. In all, 5 photos were chosen for the main hallway and 5 were picked to be rotated throughout the 15 patient rooms. The images chosen by the nursing staff are local landscape and bridge scenes that capture the beauty of Southern Illinois and Chester. The rich colors captured by the photographers in the sun sets, sun rises, and light of the midday are the perfect finishing touches to the new space at Memorial. As patients recover in their rooms and walk the halls these images inspire hope and healing. Winners included: Trish Adams, Dee Eggemeyer, Barb Kittell, Elijah Ledbetter, Ben Naeger, and John Reith. Congratulations to our winners!! Each photographer was asked to share a statement:

Each year more than four million adults survive a stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Following discharge, many experience new or worsening physical disability, mental health problems and/or cognitive impairments, known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Characteristics of PICS include: Cognitive impairments Anxiety/depression Physical impairments Neuromuscular complications that often result in poor mobility and falls Without intervention, these complications can last for months or years. Many ICU survivors, including those recovering from COVID-19, could benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy services after hospital discharge. *1 Post-Acute COVID-19 Rehabilitation Complications from COVID-19 can often lead to admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A common assumption is that once a patient is discharged from the hospital and tests negative for COVID-19, the problem is resolved. But physical complications after critical illness may occur in approximately 70% of people and include pain and impairments in: Skeletal muscle strength Pulmonary function Walking ability Activities of daily living (ADL’s) Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s) Along with inpatient healthcare utilization, survivors of critical illness also frequently require ongoing outpatient medical and rehabilitation services.* Healing Through Rehab Rehabilitation has a positive effect on health outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and can include physical, occupational and/or speech therapy for impairments related to: Long-term ventilation Immobilization Deconditioning Other related impairments—respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, cognitive While monitoring the patient’s respiratory and hemodynamic state during rehabilitation, specific interventions can include: Active range of motion followed by progressive muscle strengthening Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to help with strengthening Aerobic reconditioning with walking, cycle or arm ergometer, NuStep or similar crosstrainer Progressively increasing aerobic exercise Education on energy conservation and behavior modification ADL retraining Cognitive Retraining Through a holistic approach, the physical, occupational and speech therapists at Memorial Hospital’s Therapy and Sports Rehab outpatient center can help address the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory aspects of recovery from long stays in the intensive care setting and the aftermath of COVID-19. SOURCES: 1. *James M Smith, Alan C Lee, Hallie Zeleznik, Jacqueline P Coffey Scott, Arooj Fatima, Dale M Needham, Patricia J Ohtake Home and Community-Based Physical Therapist Management of Adults With Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Physical Therapy, Volume 100, Issue 7, July 2020, Pages 1062-1073, 2. *van der Schaaf M, Beelen A, Dongelmans DA, Vroom MB, Nollet F. Poor functional recovery after a critical illness: a longitudinal study. J Rehabil Med. 2009;41:1041-1048 3. *Ruhl AP, Huang M, Colantuoni E., et al. Healthcare utilization and costs in ARDS survivors: a 1-year longitudinal national US multicenter study. Intensive Care Med.2017;43:980-981

Tammy Light and Brett Bollmann, CEO On February 4, 2021 Memorial Hospital CEO, Brett Bollmann named Tammy Light Employee of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter 2020. Tammy has worked at Memorial Hospital since October 2019. She is a Housekeeper during the evening at the hospital. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial Hospital, Light replied, “My coworkers. No matter what department, they give their best to ensure each patient receives quality care.” Her co-workers write, “She goes above and beyond in her nightly routine. She is always sure to check in with each unit to see if there are extra tasks to be complete. Whenever she is on call she is always willing to come in to clean a ‘COVID’ room with a smile on her face and never complains. Even with increased workloads due to COVID, she never voices any complaints. She is always eager to assist in every aspect of patient care from the smallest detail to the largest plan and with a cheerful attitude. Everyone really enjoys working with her and appreciates her very much!” Tammy resides in Chester. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, photography and playing with her grandchildren. Light received a personal plaque, cash prize and parking spot of her choice for the next three months. Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or team work. Four random cards were drawn, Lennet Gibbs, Phlebotomist; CyBill DeRousse and Heather Smith, CMAs at the rural health clinics; and Denise Wilson, Specialty Clinic Secretary, were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021: ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS ENCOURAGES ‘EATING RIGHT FOR LIFE STAGES’ CHICAGO – For National Nutrition Month® 2021, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends people adjust their eating habits to address the nutritional needs of their bodies during all stages of life. “What works for you in your twenties won’t necessarily work for you in your fifties. As you age and evolve, so do your health and nutrition needs. It’s important to eat right for life,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Colleen Tewksbury, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Philadelphia, Pa. In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences. The Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. The new 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide authoritative advice to help people of all ages meet their dietary needs while limiting added sugars, sodium and saturated fat. The federal guidelines are issued and updated every five years. “A registered dietitian nutritionist, a food and nutrition expert, can translate the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines to help people of all ages find the healthful eating plan that works best for them. Modest changes like healthful food choices and regular physical activity can help people manage or reduce their risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity or heart disease,” Tewksbury said. Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator is available for consultations and provides healthful diet and exercise tips on in her WeightLoss Group . Contact her for consultation at 618-826-4581 ext. 1170. Registered dietitian nutritionists can show people how to use MyPlate, which provides practical, consumer-friendly tips to follow the key recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines. MyPlate recommends visualizing your plate as nutrient-rich sections with one quarter reserved for grains, another with protein-rich foods and the remaining half with fruits and vegetables along with a serving of low-fat or fat-free dairy. In addition to maintaining healthful eating habits throughout life, Tewksbury recommends the following tips: Teens to 20s — Build bone density by eating and drinking calcium-rich foods and beverages such as fat-free or low-fat dairy milk or yogurt or calcium-fortified soy beverages. Non-dairy sources of calcium include fortified cereals, beans, some leafy greens and canned salmon with bones. 20s to 30s — Reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease by eating more dietary fiber, including whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Women of childbearing age should include sources of folate, such as beans and peas and dark-green leafy vegetables, and eat foods fortified with folic acid such as breads, cereals and other grain products. A folic acid supplement may also be needed and should be discussed with a health care provider. 30s to 40s — Continue to eat a variety of nutritious foods, especially plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, peas and lentils for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. 40s to 50s — Fine tune your healthful eating habits and continue to incorporate regular physical activity as your body changes due to fluctuating hormones and slowing metabolism. Also continue to focus on ways to limit foods and beverages with added sugars, salt and saturated fat. 60s and beyond — Continue to include a variety of protein-rich foods to maintain bone strength and incorporate strength-building activities to maintain muscle. Good sources of protein include seafood, lean cuts of meat, eggs, beans, tofu and nuts. Animal-based protein foods also provide vitamin B12, which is a concern for some older adults. Foods also may be fortified with vitamin B12 or a supplement may be recommended by your health care provider. National Nutrition Month® National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10. As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth. ### Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.