The Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is an organization of nutrition professionals providing expert food and nutrition services to the residents of Wisconsin. WAND is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consisting of approximately 1000 nutrition experts commonly known as Registered Dietitian (RD) and Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR).
MISSION
Empower members to be Wisconsin’s food and nutrition leaders.
VISION
Optimize Wisconsin’s health through food and nutrition.
OFFICE
ADDRESS 563 Carter Court, Suite B, Kimberly, WI 54136
CONTACT
920-560-5619 | eatrightwisc@gmail.com
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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
CHAIR/PRESIDENT-ELECT MEAGAN MARITATO
PRESIDENT/PAST-CHAIR
ADRIAN LEQUE
PAST PRESIDENT DEBORAH TANG
STATE MEDIA REP EMILIE WILLIAMSON
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PLANNING (PEP) CHAIR
CASEY ROSENBERG
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PLANNING (PEP) CHAIR ELECT
ANNIE WEISS
MEMBERSHIP & DIVERSITY CHAIR
EMILY OSCHMANN
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
FAITH ANDERSON
MEMBER
JENNIFER ADAMCZYK • MEAGAN MARITATO
STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ERIC OSTERMANN
ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR EMILY DIERINGER
OFFICE MANAGER
SANDY SHIMON
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
SKYLER WOLFF
ADRIAN LEQUE
EMILIE WILLIAMSON
LIZ FITZSIMMONS
ANNAMARIE RODRIGUEZ
DEBORAH TANG
CONTRIBUTORS
NATHAN BUTZLAFF
MEGAN MARITATO
JEN ADAMCZYK
JAMIE WEBER
HEIDI KATTE
CHERON COPELAND
AMY STINSON
KIRSTEN DEUMAN
Thank You: Engage with WAND
Food is Medicine: Wisconsin Eats Healthy
Food is Medicine Advocacy Day
State Policy News
Dietitians in the News
Mount Mary University sponsored the Networking Reception at WAND's Annual Conference earlier this year and created three signature "mocktails" for the event! Check out the recipes at: https://www.eatrightwisc.org/ page/2024AnnualConference ON THE COVER:
2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADRIAN LEQUE,
MS, RDN, LD, FAND president | aleque@samaritanbethany.com
ANNAMARIE RODRIGUEZ,
RDN, LD, FAND past-pep chair | annamarierd@ hotmail.com
TRACEY ELMES, MS, RD public policy coordinator | tracey.elmes@gmail.com
HOLLY SIMON, MS, RDN rep-elect, southern region | hollyjsimon@gmail.com
MEAGAN
MARITATO,
MS, RDN, CD president-elect | maritatm@mtmary.edu
ANNIE WEISS,
MS, RD, CD professional eduation chair-elect | weissannie@gmail.com
MS, RDN, CD delegate to the academy | mackenzie.burke21@gmail.com
BRITTANY
ZERBE, MS, RD, CD state regulatory specialist | zerbebrittany@gmail.com
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A GRATEFUL HEART
By: Deborah Tang, MS, RD, CD Past President 2024-2025
How time flies. Please help me to welcome incoming President Adrian LeQue, President-Elect Meagan Maritato, and new members of the board! I know our affiliate is in good hands and I cannot wait to work with them to continue advancing the work of our organization.
This past year was marked by innovative ideas and new experiences. WAND created engagement opportunities for businesses and organizations to become Friends and Champions and our beautiful digizine made its inaugural debut last September. Viterbo University hosted a successful second annual Leadership and Career Day in November. Then, WAND learned that we were the recipient of an Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW) grant from the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Board of Trustees. After receiving considerable interest from our membership to participate in continuing education opportunities, we established our Leadership Academy. We also garnered support from state representatives to promote a Dietitian Licensure Compact. To top this all off, everyone enjoyed a successful spring annual conference in Oshkosh this April!
Our accomplishments were the result of the creativity, collaboration, and hard work of our board members and amazing team at Badger Bay! Simply put, I could not have asked for a more devoted or talented group of people to work with. Everyone contributed to the success of the events, opportunities, and projects. I am so grateful to have had the chance to lead our affiliate and work alongside such supportive and caring people!
If you are not already involved, I urge you to consider contributing a small amount of your time and talent to a WAND committee this year. It is a wonderful way to meet your state colleagues and expand your network.
Gratefully,
Deborah Tang
WAND 2024-2025 Past-President
July
PRESIDENT UPDATE
By: Adrian Leque, MS, RDN, LD, FAND President 2024-2025
I am honored and humbled to serve as the President of WAND! I want to thank Deborah Tang, the outgoing President, as well as Pat Kempen, the Past-President, for all their hard work over the past couple years. I also want to thank Emily Dieringer, WAND Association Director, as well as all WAND Board members for their hard work and dedication to WAND.
We collectively do the work of WAND while also maintaining its mission; “Empower members to be Wisconsin’s food and nutrition leaders.” By following WAND’s vision, we “Optimize Wisconsin’s health through food and nutrition.” This fabulous group of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN’s) and Dietetic Technicians Registered (DTR’s) are in the best position to do so, as the nutrition experts!
A little bit about me, I live in Nelson, which is in the far Western Region. It is famous for the Nelson Cheese Factory; known for their ice cream, and J & J Barbeque; featuring award winning dry rub ribs. I live on an 11-acre hobby farm where my husband grows fresh fruits and vegetables for farmers markets. This means we have lots of fresh produce coming up! It is a busy and exciting time of year! Although I have lived in Wisconsin for over 20 years, I am originally from the Bay Area of California, another dairy state! I still have many family members in the area and go back there frequently. I work over the border in Minnesota, in geriatrics, wellness, and consulting. I love working with students as well and have precepted well over 20 students over the years!
I worked my way up in the dietetics industry, starting as a dietary aide in food service, and then learning all the jobs in the kitchen. I became a chef/supervisor and later completed my CDM certification through the University of North Dakota. From there I completed an A.S. in Dietetic Food Systems Management from Penn State, with a subsequent DTR registration. I completed a B.S. in Coordinated Dietetics from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (which has now merged with Rutgers University) to achieve RDN registration. I went on to complete a M.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with an emphasis in fitness and wellness from CalU (now PennWest California).
I look forward to the upcoming year, as we work on important projects and have exciting events. Look for news on The Dietitian Licensure Compact, as well as an update on The Leadership Academy. WAND Leadership and Career Day is coming up at UWSP, and the Annual Conference will be in Madison.
Exciting times!
Adrian LeQue
WAND 2024-2025 President
WAND BITES
New Opportunities for Organizations to Support WAND
If the organization you work for or volunteer with is interested in multiple ways to support WAND and connect with our members across the state, check out our updated engagement opportunities for 202425! WAND is pleased to offer again Friends of WAND and WAND Champions along with new Sponsorship and Advertising packages. Read more on the “Engage” tab of our website
Updated WAND Bylaws now Online
WAND’s membership voted to approve changes to our association’s bylaws at our 2023-24 annual meeting back in February. These changes will help create efficiencies in decision-making and provide better ways for volunteer leaders to manage our association. The governing document is now online at: https://www.eatrightwisc.org/page/about !
WAND Online Member Profile Log-in
Our staff have been working to update our records for our professional and student members. Having current and useful member information is critical to the success of our communications and membership engagement initiatives. One such update includes changes to your WAND online member profile. To make it easier for members to log in on WAND’s website, your username has been updated to your Academy ID number! Check your email for all the details and feel free to contact the office with any questions. eatrightwisc@gmail.com or 920-560-5619
Professional Development Scholarship for Members
WAND's Board of Directors wants to support member students and professionals to further their careers and professional learning by supporting members with an opportunity to attend WAND-sponsored events at reduced or no-cost! This scholarship is open to high school students, college students, practitioners and retired professionals!
Our next event available for professional development scholarship is our Leadership & Career Day: The Business of Dietetics, on Friday, November 1, 2024 at UW Stevens Point. More info and apply at: https:// www.eatrightwisc.org/page/ProfessionalDevelopmentScholarship
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• POSTED FOR 30 DAYS
• POSTING LISTED ON/IN:
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• 1 SOCIAL MEDIA POST
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During its January 2024 meeting, the ACEND® Board voted to discontinue the dietetics application match (through D&D Digital) and approved the proposed application process for dietetics. The new process follows the typical university and most other health professions’ admissions process. The following are highlights of these decisions:
1. The computer matching process provided by D&D Digital will be discontinued. Spring 2024 marks the last cycle that will use the computer matching process. The revised Dietetics Application Process will launch for the Fall 2024 cycle.
2. With the discontinuation of the match, the ACEND® Board also voted to discontinue the Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) for unmatched DPDVerification Statement (VS) applicants only. This decision does not impact the ISPP option for those applicants who hold a doctoral degree. The doctoral degree ISPPs can continue.
3. With the discontinuation of the match, the pre-select option will also be discontinued after the Spring 2024 match. This decision was based on the many comments and feedback ACEND received during the Dietetics Application Process Task Force (DAP-TF) December 2023 Town Hall.
4. To ensure an equitable process and level the playing field, the ACEND Board voted to require all supervised practice program types (DIs, CPs and GPs), including those not participating in DICAS, to follow and abide by the applicant notification due date and the applicant decision due date starting Fall 2024.
Fall dates:
November 1, 2024: Applicant notification due date. Programs must notify applicants on or before this date.
November 15, 2024: Applicant decision due date. Programs may NOT require an applicant's decision to accept an appointment prior to this date.
Spring dates:
March 1, 2025: Applicant notification due date. Programs must notify applicants on or before this date.
March 15, 2025: Applicant decision due date. Programs may NOT require an applicant's decision to accept an appointment prior to this date.
5. The 2024-2025 application cycles (fall and spring) will serve as a pilot to revise and improve the process, where needed. As a pilot, participation in the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) will remain optional for CPs and GPs; however, for the 2025-2026 cycle and moving forward, 100% enrollment in DICAS will be required. This includes DIs, CPs and GPs.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 SUMMARY
By: Annamarie Rodriguez, RDN, LD, FAND
The 2024 WAND Annual Conference was successful with just under 150 attendees in-person, and 16 exhibitors/vendors.
The theme, Driving Change Through Health and Wellness, resonated throughout all of the speaker topics and one of our general session presentations spoke in depth about the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (including whole-food, plant-dominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections) which wove through many of the additional presentations surrounding management of wellness to optimize health and reduce incidence of chronic disease. Many of the participants were extremely intrigued in incorporating a holistic approach in patient and community education and there was an abundance of audience discussion exhibiting interest in the credential. From an attendee: "Appreciate being made aware of ACLM board certification and what it can add to the RDN's practice opportunities" Because the field of dietetics is highly evolving with a higher focus on wellness and wellness coaching, and the Academy placing a higher focus on wellness and well-being, this speaker, and the theme, was insightful.
Another general session on Precision Nutrition was also very well received with positive attendee feedback. Both interest and general thought is that DNA testing "is the way of the future and the future is now" regarding nutrition health interventions.
There were many questions regarding the ACLM board certification and how to earn the credential, so we’d like to share this information:
To become certified in Lifestyle Medicine Practice, one will meet the following:
• Preparation includes 30 hours of CME prerequisite from an approved online course and 20 hours of CME prerequisite from an approved event (approved courses and events are listed on the site provided).
• Register for the ACLM exam and submit the prerequisites 30 or more days prior to the exam date.
• Health profession and beginning in 2024, only those holding bachelor’s degrees in fields now requiring a master’s level are grandfathered in (dietitians, pharmacists, physician associates).
• Pass the exam which includes between 120 and 150 multiple choice questions in under four hours.
• Of note, to certify, one must hold a Masters or Doctorate degree in a health or allied health profession and beginning in 2024, only those holding bachelor’s degrees in fields now requiring a master’s level are grandfathered in (dietitians, pharmacists, physician associates).
• For detailed information, visit: https://lifestylemedicine.org/certification/
Or if you prefer to enjoy the complimentary access to the 5.5-hour CDR CPEU-approved Lifestyle Medicine and Food as Medicine Essentials online course for FREE – a $220 value. This bundled course consists of three modules and four presentations.
To access the course, select REGISTER NOW at www.lifestylemedicine.org/essentials and log in or
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 SUMMARY
Going over the adventures and connections that were made this year at the 2024 Annual Conference
create an ACLM account, and enter promo code ESS-AND at check out. *Promo code should be free-typed; copy-paste may result in an error.
The annual WAND conference included sessions such as women’s health and PCOS, FDA and nutrition education objectives, wellness teaching strategies, physical activity, DNAtesting and nutrition, planting changes through nutrition, the Mediterranean diet and the six pillars of health, malnutrition in a changing environment and diverse communities, meal timing and weight management, and legalities on practicing in wellness, in addition to our keynote session by our now President of the Academy, Livleen Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND.
A key highlight throughout these presentations were the recurring themes from attendees: enjoyed speakers from other fields, content (and practice) diversity, applicable/practical information, and thoughts surrounding wishing that some of the content presented was offered as course curriculum for those seeking dietitian degrees.
Of course, among successful meetings there are bound to be challenges! One of our speakers was unable to present live, thus presented virtually and this did not resonate well for several of the attendees at the live conference, though a hybrid approach can lend to cost savings as well, thus would need to be further evaluated.
The challenges are eclipsed by positive outcomes! The education, location, venue were all wellreceived and attendees stated the “best parts” were learning about hot topics, Kahoot’s, and networking. Speaking of networking, which was highly favorable in the event evaluation, we would be remiss if we did not give a shout out to Mount Mary for sponsoring the Networking Reception complete with appetizers and mocktails (anyone need the recipes?). There was very warm and wonderful feedback on the Networking Reception, and we are glad you enjoyed it!
Another shout-out to the students participating in the Poster Session; we were honored you shared your work with members and here are several comments:
• I love listening to the students – great opportunity for them!
• It was helpful for me to also be a poster judge. It helped me to feel more engaged. May help for all participants to be able to view posters online to review and be able to ask students more specific questions (Great idea!)
• I stopped at most of the posters and found them interesting, though not all relevant to my industry. It is great to see the depth and consideration that was put forth, and this is a great experience for people interested in research… good, usable research.
Thank you also to the Poster Session judges, who are invaluable in the process!
A reoccurring sentiment in the survey was to include more sponsors/vendors and we are thinking in advance about the daunting task of sponsorship, and we know
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 SUMMARY
Going over the adventures and connections that were made this year at the 2024 Annual Conference
that without our sponsors we cannot provide a conference. Speaking of sponsors, WAND was extremely fortunate to be the recipient of funding through the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment which helped defray the expenses surrounding speaker fees and travel expenses. Additionally, both Vegetarian Nutrition DPG and Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine DPG both provided speaker stipends. Our additional exhibitors included:
• Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
• Mount Mary University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
• Global Health Products
• Medtrition/Simply Thick/Aladdin
• Wisconsin Beef Council
• Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Foundation
• U.S. Army
• Rogers Behavioral Health
• Nutrigenomix
• FDA
• Eat Move Groove
We thank all our Sponsors and look forward to seeing everyone in Madison on April 3 & 4 for the 2025 Annual WAND Conference!
WAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024
WAND AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WAND again hosted a poster hall during the Annual Conference in April. Students presenting posters had three, 30-minute periods available to stand by their poster and respond to questions from attendees. All 14 submitted posters were evaluated by five volunteer judges on the quality of the poster as well as the ability of the presenters to respond to questions. Scores were tabulated and were recognized at the end top scoring posters were recognized that the end of the conference.
With the highest aggregate score, Annie Haas and Mackenzie Longdo from UW Health with their project “Evaluating Barriers to Enrolling in Quartz Nourishing Meals Program.”
With the second highest score, Cheron Copeland from MATC and preceptor Dr. Yvonne Greer with their project “Shaping the Future of Health and Wellness: Dietetic Technician Student Supports Nutrition Leadership to Promote Positive Systems Change” and with the third highest poster score, Naomi Foster and Sydney Coons from UW Health with their project “Development of Tube Feeding Emergency Par Levels for UW Health Hospitals.”
EVENTS WITH WAND
SAVE THE DATE THE BUSINESS OF DIETETICS
By: Deborah Tang
Have you been mulling over an idea? Are you unsure how to transform your product or service into a viable business? Have you considered starting your own private practice? Are you curious about being your own boss? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you must join us for our 3rd Annual Leadership and Career Day on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Meet us at the picturesque campus of UW-Stevens Point! The day will begin with a panel of dietetics professionals in less traditional practice areas. Learn about their paths and hear their personal stories. Our keynote session will feature a nutrigenomics business, an emerging and exciting specialty! There will be opportunities to network while dining among your colleagues. You will also learn to become a health entrepreneur from a business professor, who has personal interests in promoting women’s equity development and leadership. Additionally, there will be breakout sessions with hands-on activities to build skills and enhance your practice.
If you possess an enterprising spirit, then you do not want to miss this! Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
3rd Annual Leadership and Career Day- The Business of Dietetics
Friday November 1, 2024, at UW-Stevens Point Register Today at: eatrightwisc.org/events/
Photos courtesy of UW-Stevens Point
MEMBER FEATURE
MY JOURNEY
By: Jen Adamczyk, NDTR MATC dietetic technician graduate, 2024
Like many graduates, I graduated college knowing exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life in my career. I had told my parents when I was in high school that I was going to live in NYC, Chicago, or LA and I was going to work in marketing in the entertainment industry. I also graduated during one of the worst recessions (2008) and jobs were very few and far between, unless you wanted to cold call sell office supplies to companies. Due to the job market, I went back to school to start my graphic design degree, thinking it would make me more marketable and pair nicely with my Advertising and Marketing degree I already had.
I took a chance later that year and attended a job fair in Indianapolis that focused on jobs in the baseball industry. I applied to more than 100 jobs and internships, interviewed with 20+ teams, and had exactly one job offer. Two weeks later, I moved to Nashville, TN for an internship with the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. I spent nine months soaking up as much knowledge and information as I could in the short time I was there. I continued to apply for full time positions to move into once the season was over but didn’t ever find the right fit. Most teams wanted people for ticket sales, I was not a fan of cold calling, but eventually I realized it was just a part of working in Minor League Baseball.
Jen Adamczyk's journey to becoming an RDN, and the experiences that are guiding her along the way
I went to Las Vegas later that Fall during a Minor League Baseball seminar and networked myself to see what jobs were out there. I ended up spending a few hours with a team based in California, close to LA, and they were hoping to add someone to their ticket sales team that would focus on little leagues and youth groups, among others. I moved to California, sight unseen, at the beginning of 2011 to start my forever career. My career took me from California, to Iowa, and to Texas, before I had the opportunity for the dream job, what I had been working towards. In 2018, I finally got a job that allowed me to move back to Milwaukee and work for the Brewers in their retail department as a buyer. I never planned to leave. Ever.
Enter, COVID-19. I, like many others around the country, got furloughed from my position. It was at that time I was allowed to disconnect from work and work on myself. During this time I discovered my love for nutrition and how it can affect the body. I took the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach class, passed it, and realized it was something I wanted to continue to do. I wanted to make sure that I was going to enjoy the field, so I applied to the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program at Milwaukee Area Technical College in the Fall of 2020.
During that time, I officially quit at the Brewers and found a job at Converse shoe store just to have some income, but I knew that wasn’t going to be forever. It was during a food service management class that I saw a job posting for a supervisor in food service at Marquette University. One of my best friends worked for the university so I jokingly told her I was going to apply so we could work together. It turned out to not be a joke and two weeks later I was going through orientation with Sodexo. Two and a half years later, I am now a Resource Manager for Marquette Dining and rotate through our units assisting where I’m needed. Yes, that even includes putting on a chef coat and cut gloves to prep food.
While working full time, I graduated from MATC in May 2023 and sat for my NDTR exam in August. As I’m sure many others have done, as soon as the computer turned off, I felt nauseous as I filled out the survey awaiting my results. I have never had to hold back tears as much as I did that day when I passed. The celebration was short-lived because I was starting grad school at Mount Mary a few weeks later. I have just completed my first year and am excited to get into rotations and out in the “real world” of dietetics.
Trying to juggle everything between working full time and going to school full time has been challenging this last year. I struggled with some classes, missed an order deadline or two at work, but I know that the struggles are short term, and it will all be worth it in the end. I have a strong network of people that understand what it is that my end goal is not just personally, but professionally too. I was never shy about being in school and what my goal was at the end of it.
While many of my classmates are still trying to figure out where their dietetics path is going to take them, I’m focusing on staying on the food service side or becoming a university dietitian. There is just something fun about getting to work with food and get to connect with the students that we work with every day. A big part of my job is the planning and execution of free food demonstrations for the students twice a week during the semester. I work with the chefs and our RDN on campus to come up with new ideas for the students such as “Dorm Cooking 101” or “Fueling Your Brain During Finals” as a way to break up the daily stressors they may encounter.
While no two days are ever the same, and I’ve learned to go with the flow and let go of things I cannot control, which is very difficult. But, I am excited to finish my degree and officially become Jen Adamczyk, RDN.
GO MACRO ORGANIC VALLEY TOUR
By: Jamie Weber WAND Western Region Representative
Come and join us on Friday, September 20th from 10-11am as we learn about the history and products of Go Macro! Go Macro was founded by a mother/daughter team where they advocate for a balanced, plant-based lifestyle. You can learn more about the company here
Following this tour, we will travel 6 miles down the road to the Organic Valley (OV) Headquarters, and from 11:15-12:15pm will learn about how OV was birthed. You can learn more about OV here- https://www.organicvalley.coop/
Following the tour, lunch will be available for purchase from OV's cafeteria, where there is an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as entrees made fresh every day by their chef!
More information and registration: https://www.eatrightwisc.org/events/event_list.asp
MEMBER FEATURE
ACCOLADES
By: Heidi Katte, MS, RDN, CD, FAND Department & Program Chair | Health Promotion & Nutrition & Dietetics
Cheron Copeland, a recent Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Nutrition & Dietetic Technician Program Graduate has shown throughout her academic experience the high standards she expects and passion for the work of nutrition and dietetics. She shared her excellent food service experiences as well as her nutrition expertise to the benefit of others, including myself. These valued life and work experiences enhance the overall quality of the delivery of the content of the class. In addition, she took opportunities to make connections in the field and classroom using her top notch communications skills landing her a prestigious position with a local organization as a nutrition educator providing important nutrition messaging to young people in our community. She was a member of the MATC Holistic Health & Wellness Housing & Food Security Subcommittee and the Black Student Union.
An Outstanding Dietetic Technician Student Award Recipient at 2023 Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (WAND), she has already made her presence known in the dietetics profession. She took on the role of the National Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND) Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Council’s Grant Award to our WAND Diversity Committee’s Dietetics Diversity Promoter (DDP). In this role, Cheron was busy this spring in our Milwaukee community sharing what the field of dietetics is about to encourage persons of diverse backgrounds to consider a career in nutrition. Because the dietetics profession historically lacks diversity, as the strategic goal for AND, WAND and MATC’s Nutrition & Dietetics Technician Program, Cheron has played an integral role as our DDP. She also created a professional poster entitled “Shaping the Future of Health & Wellness: Supporting Nutrition Leadership in Promoting Positive Systems Change” based on her recent Field Experience work in our Nutrition program. Alongside Bachelors and Masters student poster presenters, she received second place for this poster presentation at this year’s 2023 WAND Conference.
Beyond her exceptionally high quality work ethic, she has a desire to learn and applies this passion in her personal and professional endeavors. She has a very impressive social media presence. But, what is even more impressive is the fact that each time you speak with her you are made to feel as though you are a dear friend or family member of hers. This connectedness to another person, and her ability to very quickly develop rapport with others is a very rare quality and a key feature of hers that will take her very far in the professional world, specifically in the area of dietetics. Because nutrition is such an intimate topic, having these interpersonal communication skills is very important to the success of a dietetic professional.
Cheron was honored at this year’s MATC 2024 Commencement as the Outstanding Associates Degree Student. In her speech, she imparted this wisdom onto her fellow graduates stating, “Be brave enough to try and be consistent enough to get results. … Anything you imagine is possible for you given the focus, dedication and opportunity to make it happen.”
WAND'S DIETETIC DIVERSITY PROMOTER "DIARY"
By: Cheron Copeland, NDTR
Diversity in Dietetics Social Hours at MATC
March 1, 2024: The social kicked off with a trendy ice breaker “of-course-I’m-a-blank-student” and participants described something funny about their major. We ate vegetables and discussed ways WAND can help/support diverse students. Participants asked for a different time that would better suit their schedule and garner more interest.
Afterwards we played games then attendees filled out our feedback survey.
I spoke with one of three high school students in the hallway about attending MATC for their nutrition program. Two of the students mentioned wanting to go to MATC already then took the pamphlets with them.
April 10, 2024: The diversity social went over really well. This time we had more nutrition students and a dietitian from the Hunger Task Force came by to speak with us. She shared her experiences finishing school, balancing internships and her masters degree, and study resources she used to pass the RD exam.
I spoke with several MATC students in the hallway to share what the dietetics program is about and how they could benefit from dietetics. Two students were business majors and I talked with them about the benefit of a CDM to specialize in restaurant management as a career choice.
A lady came by who aspires to have a major at UWM in women's and gender studies to serve in the community- we discussed the potential for her to explore the community navigator pathway as it could be a potential bridge for working in the community with WIC as a population of interest.
The nutrition students exchanged information among each other and the ones who filled out the survey said they would like to know of more events in the future so perhaps keep an email list for future reference if possible.
I encouraged the people interested to come by the office and gave them program pamphlets if they wanted to learn more about the program. I have shared out how to get involved with WAND and Diversity Dietetics for them to continue on if they are interested.
HOSA Conference at Chula Vista, Wisconsin Dells
April 15, 2024: I met a teacher passing in the hall who said she has students interested in nutrition and she’ll send them my way so that’s nice to hear.
The conference went very well! I ran out of MATC program handouts as many students and school advisors wanted to learn more about dietetics programs.
At the HOSA conference I hand ticked people as they came by to track impressions vs engagements. I ticked 79 impressions (brief conversations with students, staff, etc..) and 32 Engagements (long conversations, questions, advice with students, staff, etc.) I brought snacks (whole grain granola bars, gluten free fruit snacks, and Hi-Chew candies, mini water bottle) and prizes (stickers and pencils) to play the game "Name a Nutrient." It's very simple, the students had to name a nutrient (vitamin or mineral) to win a prize. Many enjoyed it and it was a fun way to talk with them about nutrition.
Take a peak in Cheron's "Diary" in her review of the year as WAND's DDP and the various encounters she made
Since many students wanted to go into the medical field i promoted WAND and the eatright.org website reminding them that they will need to know nutrition resources in the future anyway. A fair number of students were undecided on future career paths so I shared with them the option to join dietetics and the flexibility of the field.
Lastly, we did have at least four students who wanted to be dietitians. One student stood out because of the nature of her questions though I was sure to tell them all the closest schools near them to join the field.
A major take- a-way was the amount of school advisors who took handouts and asked for career information to share with students. I met an MPS director who would like to know more information on how students can join the MATC program pathway, and I gave her the handouts along with the MATC website. Overall, I believe the event went well and in the future I would bring more "careers in dietetics" handouts as that one was the most popular.
MATC Open House
April 25, 2024: At the MATC Open House I set up a booth in the healthcare pathway hall to invite potential students to join the NDTR program. While I was there I encouraged several students to join dietetics emphasizing that the field can be diverse. Many students came to just look or figure out what they wanted to do. For example, one student had no idea what he wanted to do but enjoyed sports. We discussed a potential career in sports dietetics. These kinds of conversations helped students identify their options.
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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 55 million people in the world are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia affecting the older adult population in the United States. During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, learn more about brain health, as well as what you can do nutritionally to help reduce your risk of developing dementias such as Alzheimer’s.
Some studies have suggested that a higher intake of dietary sources of DHA, an omega-3 essential fatty acid, may be helpful in reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and trout, are a source of DHA . Eating more seafood is recommended in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans since many Americans fall short. Adults are encouraged to eat at least 8 ounces of a variety of seafood per week. Choices lower in mercury are encouraged, especially for young children and individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. For those following a vegan or vegetarian eating plan, algae, ground flaxseed, walnuts and chia seeds are sources of alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, another type of omega-3 fatty acid which the body can convert to DHA, although at lower amounts.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, as well as lycopene and the mineral selenium can help minimize damage caused by chronic inflammatory stress. Phytonutrients found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens, and in fruits, including blackberries, blueberries and cherries, may also help support memory, as well as learning and cognitive performance.
Vitamin D is also believed to play a role in brain health. You can get this vitamin from sunlight, food such as fatty fish and fortified foods such as fortified orange juice and milk.
If you or a loved one is looking for nutrition guidance and a more personalized eating plan, consider reaching out to a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Sample Social Media Posts
Did you know there are possible brain-supporting benefits associated with eating fish? Learn more: sm.eatright.org/BrainHealthFish #eatright #ENDALZ
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Discover why cruciferous vegetables may help support memory and consider incorporating them into your eating plan: sm.eatright.org/CrucVeggies #eatright #ENDALZ
Did you know that vitamin D may play a role in brain health? Find out why and where to get this important nutrient during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: sm.eatright.org/VitD #eatright #ENDALZ
A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you or a loved one with a personalized eating plan and nutrition guidance. Find one during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: sm.eatright.org/FindanRD #eatright #ENDALZ
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FOOD IS MEDICINE: WISCONSIN EATS HEALTHY
By: Wisconsin Medical Society
Brian Arndt, MD, a professor with the University of Wisconsin (UW) Department of Family Medicine and Community Health embraces the Wisconsin Idea with the vision of Wisconsin EATS Healthy. The four parts of the program are:
• Enhanced nutrition security for all
• Amplified partnerships and collaboration
• Transformed regional food system
• Sustainable practices and economic stability
UW School of Medicine and Public Health student Alec Anderson was excited to join Dr. Arndt on a research project supported by the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation's Fellowship Fund.
As part of their research, they planned to investigate and outline:
• Ways clinicians can sensitively engage in nutrition security conversations with their patients at the point of care,
• Develop a screening tool that assesses produce consumption, food insecurity, utilization of FoodShare, participation in Double Dollars, and other nutrition incentive programs, and administer the tool in family medicine clinics,
• Demographics that could be used to educate and facilitate referrals to eligible food programs, and
• Build a toolkit for clinicians.
FOOD IS MEDICINE: WISCONSIN EATS HEALTHY
University of Wisconsin Family Medicing and Community Health working towards the ideas of enhancing nutrition and sustainable food practices
The nutrition security screening tool was developed and administered to patients at two family health clinics who received a diagnosis of prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, or obesity. As a nutrition navigator, Alec administered the survey and connected with organizations working within this space including Badger Prairie Needs Network, Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, FoodWIse (Division of UW Extension), Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens, Verona Downtown Farmers’ Market, Kwik Trip, and Quartz.
Alec also had the opportunity to work in this space through Wisconsin AHEC’s Community Health Internship Program (CHIP) at a community clinic on Milwaukee’s south side serving a predominantly Latinx patient population focused on addressing nutritional security for patients with type II diabetes and facilitating discussions about the social and mental stressors that accompany the management of a chronic disease like diabetes.
Partnering with these organizations contributed to the success of the project and helped Alec better understand how physicians work with other community-based organizations to impact health outcomes.
Many of the patient participants were not aware of programs and initiatives available to them. Alec noted that it was rewarding to be able to connect patients to resources and highlighted the opportunity to provide education to patients. The data collected will contribute to the development of food is medicine-related resources that clinicians can use for education at the point of care, principally at Food Is Medicine - UW Family Medicine & Community Health.
“This fellowship experience was so much more valuable from a personal perspective than I ever could have imagined,” noted Alec. “I have always been interested in pursuing a career in primary care, but struggled to see how I could integrate my interests in public health and prevention with clinical medicine.” With this experience, Alec was able to observe a physician mentor who deftly balances clinical practice while impacting patient health outcomes at multiple levels. He was also able to see how physicians can successfully collaborate with community organizations and other stakeholders to have wide-reaching impacts on their patients and communities. “This experience has opened my eyes to the opportunities that lay ahead as a physician and how I can integrate different roles into my practice.”
Valuable experiences like these are only made possible through generous donations to the Foundation’s Fellowship Program. Please consider contributing to support student and physician led medical research.
In April, the first-ever Food is Medicine Advocacy Day was held at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. WAND members, Amy Stinson and Kirsten Deuman, were among nearly 90 attendees, including other Registered Dietitians, from across the country who attended the event to educate Congress about food is medicine (FIM), and the critical role of the Registered Dietitian in delivering FIM services. In addition to attending the advocacy day, Kirsten assisted in planning the event in her role as a consultant with the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University.
Among the various advocacy priorities for the event was the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act (H.R. 6407/S.3297), a key public policy initiative of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Academy championed the introduction of the Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Act by drafting legislative language and partnering with members of Congress to introduce the act. In Wisconsin, Senator Tammy Baldwin has signed on as a cosponsor of the MNT Act. According to the Academy’s issue brief on the MNT Act, the bill would do the following:
MPH, RDN, Owner and Founder of RDNutrition, Policy & Research
1. Provide Medicare Part B coverage of outpatient MNT for prediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, malnutrition, eating disorders, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases including celiac disease, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease and any other disease or condition causing unintentional weight loss;
2. Authorize the Secretary of Health to include other diseases based on medical necessity; and
3. Allow nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, clinical nurse specialists and psychologists to refer their patients for MNT.
Insurance coverage for dietitian services is paramount to long-term sustainability of FIM programs and interventions. It is exciting, and promising, to see increased support and advocacy for the MNT Act among a diversity of voices in FIM, including physicians, retailers, insurers, food banks, researchers, and more. The FIM movement emphasizes the significant role of nutrition in preventing and managing disease, and importantly, provides a platform for the nutrition and dietetics profession to highlight the critical skills and services that Registered Dietitians bring to both the healthcare system and local communities.
Amy and Kirsten met with the offices of Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson and the offices of Representatives Tom Tiffany, Scott Fitzgerald, and Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin. During the meeting with the office of Senator Baldwin, they expressed gratitude to the Senator’s staff for signing on as a cosponsor of the MNT Act. While every meeting was structured a little differently, similar topics were discussed including the MNT Act, medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions and incentives, and nutrition science and research. Most importantly, they shared their personal stories to explain
Kirsten Deuman,
FOOD IS MEDICINE ADVOCACY DAY CONT
Wisconsin Dieteticians Attend the First Ever Food is Medicine Advocacy Day in Washington D.C.
why FIM is important to them and how it would positively affect the health of those in Wisconsin experiencing diet-related diseases. At the end of each meeting, they provided a printed copy of a FIM educational leave-behind.
The day concluded with a FIM Congressional Reception where Representative Jim McGovern, Representative Chellie Pingree, and Representative Rosa DeLauro provided remarks and shared information about their fruitful partnerships to improve the health of the residents in their states. While Wisconsin Members of Congress were unable to attend the reception, Representative Glenn Grothman was able to connect one-on-one with Amy afterward to further the discussion on goals to improve the health of Wisconsin residents using FIM forward strategies.
After the advocacy day, Amy and Kirsten followed up with the Congressional staff members they met with via email to thank them for their time, summarize the topics discussed during the meetings, and offer to serve as a resource to their offices.
The Food is Medicine Advocacy Day was organized by the American Heart Association, the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School, the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, Hunger Free America, Instacart, John Hancock, the National Produce Prescription Collaborative, and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University.
For more information about the Academy’s policy priorities or to become involved in advocacy efforts at the federal or state-level, visit: https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy and https://www.eatrightwisc. org/page/advocacy.
Amy and Kirsten at the FIM Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
Attendees of the FIM Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
• Senator Ballweg was named a 2024 WAND Legislator of the Year due to her leadership in introducing Senate Bill 1059 and serving as the lead Senate co-sponsor of Assembly Bill 1153, both of which would ratify and enter Wisconsin into the national Dietitian Licensure Compact – legislation that WAND and the national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requested that she introduce.
• In addition, Senator Ballweg introduced Senate Bill 948 and served as the lead Senate co-sponsor of Assembly Bill 1013, both of which create a healthy food incentive program. Assembly Bill 1013 was signed into law on March 25.
• WAND presented this award to Sen. Ballweg during the WAND annual conference in Oshkosh on April 18.
State Representative Alex Joers (D-Middleton)
• Representative Joers was named a 2024 WAND Legislator of the Year due to his leadership in introducing Assembly Bill 1013 and serving as the lead Assembly co-sponsor of Senate Bill 948, both of which are focused on creating a healthy food incentive program. Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 1013 into law on March 25.
• In addition, Representative Joers coauthored Assembly Bill 1153 and co-sponsored Senate Bill 1059, both of which would ratify and enter Wisconsin into the national Dietitian Licensure Compact – legislation that WAND and the national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requested be introduced.
• WAND members Christina Lemon and Mary Russell presented this award to Rep. Joers at the State Capitol on May 15.
State Representative Rob Brooks (R-Saukville)
• Representative Brooks was named a 2024 WAND Legislator of the Year due to his leadership in introducing Assembly Bill 1153 and serving as the lead Assembly co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1059, both of which would ratify and enter Wisconsin into the national Dietitian Licensure Compact – legislation that WAND and the national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requested that he introduce.
• On June 10, WAND members Amy Stinson and Karen Krschma presented state Representative Rob Brooks at the Aurora Medical Center in Grafton with his award
Dietitian Licensure Compact Bill Introduced
Earlier this year, State Representative Rob Brooks (R-Saukville) and State Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) introduced legislation – Assembly Bill 1153 and Senate Bill 1059, respectively – that would enter Wisconsin into a dietitian licensure compact. This legislation was introduced at the request of WAND and the national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
What is a dietitian licensure compact? Once this compact is established, eligible Wisconsin dietitians would have the option to apply for a “compact privilege” to practice their profession in one or more states outside of Wisconsin. While dietitians would need to pay a fee to each state in which they are applying to practice, these fees will be set by the compact commission and are generally significantly lower than without the compact. In addition, compact privileges to practice in other states are issued much more quickly than through the normal credentialing process. Out of state dietitians would be able to take advantage of the compact process to serve patients in Wisconsin, as well.
Why is it beneficial to implement a dietitian licensure compact? It will:
• Make it much less burdensome for Wisconsin dietitians to apply to practice in multiple states.
• Allow our dietitians to serve patients who relocate or live part-time in other states.
• Allow military spouses to more easily continue their practices when they relocate.
In order for the compact to be created, seven states will need to enact legislation to join the compact. If Wisconsin is one of the first seven states to enact this legislation, it would give Wisconsin an opportunity to influence the establishment of the compact commission, which would administer and implement the compact. It is important to note that even though Wisconsin DSPS certifies dietitians – instead of licensing them –this compact would still apply to dietitians who are certified in Wisconsin.
Unfortunately, these two dietitian licensure compact bills did not pass either chamber of the Legislature before they adjourned for the 2023-2024 session. However, WAND looks forward to again pursuing introduction of these bills when the Legislature convenes in early 2025 for the 2025-2026 session.
Updates on Various Bills of Interest to WAND
Since the last WAND Digizine was published, the 2023-2024 state legislative session has concluded. The following are updates on various bills of interest to WAND:
• Signed into Law – Assembly Bill 1013 – Creates a healthy food incentive program that provides an additional monetary benefit to Food Stamp/FoodShare recipients to purchase fruits and vegetables.
• This bill was a product of the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
• Passed Assembly – Assembly Bill 1014 – Creates a childhood obesity prevention and management grant program at the state Department of Health Services (DHS). While this bill passed the Assembly, the Senate did not vote on this bill prior to the end of the legislative session.
• This bill was a product of the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
• Passed Assembly – Assembly Bill 1015 – Appropriates $5 million for DHS to administer the aforementioned childhood obesity prevention and management grant program. While this bill passed the Assembly, the Senate did not vote on this bill prior to the end of the legislative session.
• This bill was a product of the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
• Passed Assembly – Assembly Bill 1016 – Requires public schools, charter schools, and private schools participating in the school choice program to require that each student receives at least 180 minutes of physical activity each week. While this bill passed the Assembly, the Senate did not vote on this bill prior to the end of the legislative session.
• This bill was a product of the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
• Passed Senate – Senate Bill 539 – Amends existing law to allow county governments to either establish food assistance programs or provide funds to nonprofit organizations to operate such programs. While this bill passed the Senate, the Assembly did not vote on this bill prior to the end of the legislative session.
2024 Election – Spring Outlook
Political Landscape
Now that the Legislature has adjourned their legislative session, the 2024 election cycle is in full campaign mode. Wisconsin’s state legislative and congressional district maps were finalized earlier this spring, which will create a number of very competitive races for control of the Wisconsin legislature. This, coupled with Milwaukee hosting the Republican National Convention in July and Wisconsin’s status as one of the foremost battleground states this year for control of the Presidency and the U.S. Senate, will make for a very interesting 2024 election year.
State Government Elections - Overview
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature currently have Republican majorities (Assembly – 64-35; Senate 22 to 10 with 1 vacancy in a heavily Democratic district in Milwaukee). All 99 Assembly seats are up for election. In the Senate, 16 of 33 seats are up – eight of these seats feature GOP incumbents and four of them are open seats.
The current political wisdom is that Assembly Republicans are in position to maintain control following the 2024 election due to the number of Republican seats that are viewed as safe or strong for the GOP, in addition to the high number of GOP incumbents. However, due to 2024 redistricting, the number of highly competitive seats has increased under the new district maps. As such, it is possible that Assembly Republicans may lose a small number of seats, but not enough to lose the majority.
Likewise, it is expected Senate Republicans will also maintain control of that body in 2024. However, the GOP may also lose seats in this chamber due to the increase of competitive seats because of 2024 redistricting. In order to take control of this chamber, 13 Democratic candidates would have to win Senate seats in November, which is unlikely.
To read the more detailed spring outlook memo regarding the 2024 election, please click here. (Note: You will need to sign into your WAND online member profile.)
Governor Calls Two Special Elections
On May 14, Governor Evers called for special elections for the following positions:
• The 4th State Senate District – This heavily Democratic district in the City of Milwaukee is vacant as former State Senator Lena Taylor (D) was appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
• This special primary election will occur, if needed, on July 2, 2024. The special general election will occur on July 30, 2024.
• It’s important to note that the winner of this special general election will hold this seat through the end of the term, which ends on January 5, 2025. The 4th State Senate District will also be up for election during the normal August primary and November general elections this year. The winner of that general election will take office for a full four-year term on January 6, 2025 (state legislative inauguration day).
• The 8th Congressional District – This Republican-leaning district, which includes the Fox Valley and the Green Bay area, became vacant when former Congressman Mike Gallagher (R) resigned.
• The special primary election and special general election will occur on the same dates as the normal primary and general elections (August 13 and November 5 of this year) for this seat. Therefore, the winner of the special general election would take office immediately after the November 5 election and hold the seat until January 3, 2025 (Congressional inauguration day). The winner of the normal general election (also on November 5) will take office on January 3, 2025.
DHS Submits Diabetes Care and Prevention Report to Legislature
As a requirement of the Diabetes Care and Prevention Action Program Act, which was enacted during the 2019-2020 state legislative session, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) recently submitted a report to the Legislature that includes recommendations to help “reduce the number of new cases of diabetes, improve diabetes care, and manage diabetes-associated complications.” More specifically, the report makes the following specific recommendations:
• Reduce patient cost-sharing of diabetes self-management education and support services (DSMES), devices, supplies, and medicines.
• Increase pricing and insurance coverage transparency for all diabetes medications throughout the supply chain.
• Improve access for personal continuous glucose monitoring.
• Reimburse DSMES delivered by all professional support providers, including pharmacists, registered nurses, registered dietitian nutritionists, and certified diabetes care and education specialists.
• Reimburse for DSMES delivered via telehealth.
• Require Wisconsin health insurers to maintain at least one non-insulin drug in every diabetes drug class available on-formulary.
• Reimburse community health workers who provide chronic disease management and care coordination services.
• Increase awareness of and access to the National Diabetes Prevention Program and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.
UNEXPECTED JOYS OF DAIRY
By: Liz Fitzsimmons WI Dairy Council
June Dairy Month is a special time to discover, taste, and celebrate the living legacy of Wisconsin dairy, but it’s also a prime opportunity to highlight the nutrition this natural powerhouse offers. From sports recovery to calciumloaded probiotics and its fame as a healthy bone builder, dairy has something to offer everyone, from the very young to the venerated elder.
Immunity Booster
Milk is loaded with 13 essential nutrients that work in concert to do a variety of things for the human body. Not least among these activities is immune system support. Milk and other dairy products are a natural source of immunity-boosting nutrients like protein, along with Vitamin A, selenium, and zinc, prime movers when it comes to this vital task. One eight-ounce serving of milk offers a healthy dose of each. It contains 20% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A, which is also helpful for healthy skin, eyes, and growth, as well as 16% of the RDA for zinc and 10% of the RDA for selenium, which helps protect healthy cells from damage.
Tension Soother
When part of morning or evening habits, dairy can help lay a foundation for starting the day off on the right foot or ending it on a soothing note. Whether that’s a warm cup of milk each night before bed or settling down at the breakfast table for a glass of milk each morning, these little rituals can have a big impact. The naturally occurring tryptophan, magnesium, and zinc in dairy are essential for serotonin and melatonin production, both of which can contribute to better sleep. The probiotics in yogurt, kefir, and other fermented dairy products often associated with breakfast promote good gut health, which is linked to good mental health.
Energy Lifter
Dairy foods are an important source of natural protein that builds muscle and helps maintain steady energy levels. Chocolate milk, an ideal sports recovery drink, serves up a 3:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, perfect for reenergizing muscles, and a bevy of B vitamins that convert food to energy. It also contains electrolytes that support rehydration, whether that’s after a marathon, a soccer game, or mowing the lawn. Because it's a natural source of lactose, milk also avoids the crash that can occur with sugary beverages.
Digestive Health Supporter
A healthy gut is integral to overall well-being, whether that is mental, physical, or emotional. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir are naturally packed not only with calcium, protein, and other nutrients that support good health but also with probiotics. These live bacteria and yeasts benefit the body in multiple ways and can lead to improved digestion by maintaining the balance of beneficial bacteria in your body. Studies seem to show that the probiotics in fermented dairy may also help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
A Tummy Calmer
In addition to these healthy gut options, A2 milk may bring dairy back to the table for those who suffer from digestive upsets caused by milk. Missing the A1 beta-casein protein thought to be linked to these reactions, the growing number of dairy products – cheese to yogurt and beyond - made using A2 milk tend to reduce, and in some cases, not cause any of the usual difficulties while providing the same great flavors and nutritional value of traditional milk.
Lactose Intolerant Hope
Cheese might well be one of humanity’s greatest culinary inventions. While many dairy products end up off the list of possible foods for the tummy troubles and reactions they can produce, some cheeses may be added to the diet for the lactose intolerant. Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan varieties, or older cheddars are low in lactose because as cheese ages, the good bacteria inside the cheese turns lactose into lactic acid. That means these cheeses may be viable options as well as Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts.
A Varied and Versatile Table Companion
While it’s important to remember dairy's benefits not just in June but all year long, it’s also good to remember that it comes in a variety of delicious forms. These tasty variations and options can make this important natural nutrition source appealing to those who need it. Whether it’s adding cheese to homemade pasta salad or serving up a yogurt-based smoothie after school, dairy is a wonderfully delicious option with a multitude of benefits. Wisconsin dairy is ready to make that a reality.
For more information and to celebrate June Dairy Month, visit WisconsinDairy.org/jdm
MEDIA MENTIONS
DIETITIANS IN THE NEWS
By: Emilie Williamson, RDN, CD State Media Representative
Newspaper 8/24/2023
Other Summer Issue 2023
Star News - Central Wisconsin News
Fueling Success: a Registered Dietitan's backto-school nutrition advice for parents
Wisconsin Grocers Association Magazine*
Online 8/24/2023 Aspirus
Radio 8/31/2023 WXPR
TV 10/30/2023 WSAW (CBSWausau)
Other 11/20/2023 UW Health Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics
Packing More Fiber into Convenient Meals
Emilie Williamson
Ashley Chrisinger, MS, RDN
Aryn DeGrave, MS, RD, CLC, CD
Becky Kerkenbush, MS, RD-AP, CSG, CD, FAND
Casey Wing, RDN, CD
Emilie Williamson, RDN, CD
Fueling Success: a Registered Dietitan's backto-school nutrition advice for parents
Health officials: Good nutrition should be top of mind as school resumes
Aspirus dietician dishes on healthy choices this Halloween
Ashley Chrisinger, MS, RDN
Sydney Kuckkan
Erinn Taylor
Radio 11/22/2023 96.5 WKLH Dorene Discovers Food Science
TV 11/14/2023 WDJT - CBS 58 Milwaukee CBS 58 Hometowns: Mount Mary University CBS 58 Newsroom
TV 1/2/2024 WSAW (CBSWausau) Committing to a healthy New Year’s resolution
Online 2/18/2024 Point/ Plover Metro Wire
Samuel Dehring
Ashley Chrisinger, MS, RDN
Ashley Chrisinger, MS, RDN
Mackenzie Burke, MS, RDN
Heather Lorden, MS, RDN
Pat Kempen, MS RDN, CD
Meagan Maritato, MS, RDN, CD, NASM-CPT
Deborah Tang, MS, RD, CD
Three candidates running for District 17 Portage County Board Metro Wire Staff Suzanne Oehlke
Newspaper 4/18/2024 Juneau County Star-Times (Wisconsin) Ballweg receives award for leadership WAND
DIETITIANS IN THE NEWS
By: Emilie Williamson, RDN, CD State Media Representative
WAND members are uniquely positioned to provide nutrition expertise and insights in many different topic areas. Making headlines eleven times across TV, radio, newspaper and online, these members show the versatility of our profession. These features included:
Wisconsin Grocers Association shared the article Packing More Fiber into Convenient Meals featuring Aryn DeGrave, MS, RD, CLC, CD, Becky Kerkenbush, MS, RD-AP, CSG, CD, FAND, and Casey Wing, RDN, CD written by Emilie Williamson, RDN, CD.
Ashley Chrisinger, MS, RDN shared nutrition tips for families with these three stories: Fueling Success: a Registered Dietitian’s back-to-school nutrition advice for parents, Health officials: Good nutrition should be top of mind as school resumes, and Aspirus dietician dishes on healthy choices this Halloween
Dorene of WKLH-FM Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock 96.5 also visited Mount Mary to learn more about food science and dietitian programs with Pat Kempen, MS RDN, CD in the Dorene Discovers Food Science segment.
CBS58 Reporter Emerson Lehmann joined Meagan Maritato, MS, RDN, CD, NASMCPT to learn more about the dietetics program at Mount Mary University on this CBS 58 Hometowns: Mount Mary University feature.
WSAW 7 visited with Deborah Tang, MS, RD, CD to learn how they should go about Committing to a healthy New Year’s resolution
Suzanne Oehlke made headlines as she ran for office this year as one of Three candidates running for District 17 Portage County Board
WAND thanked legislators for their support during the annual conference, where Senator Ballweg receives award for leadership
UW Health Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 6 Issue 3 featured two WAND dietitians. “End-Stage Liver Disease Related to Jejunoileal Bypass Surgery with Complex Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Case Study” by Heather Lorden, MS, RDN and “Vegetarian Diets and Heart Health, Part 2 of 2” continued from a prior issue by Mackenzie Burke, MS, RDN
Thank you to WAND members for sharing their expertise and giving us the opportunity to amplify how our members are having an impact.
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