Issue 31.2 concentrates on various aspects of dietitians in practice today. Focus on role expansion and job satisfaction is coordinated with how involved they become in nutrition research. Practice projects expand new responsibilities as dietetic professionals involved in allergy education, counseling about physical activity and considering advice about sleep patterns in weight management. Two innovative articles report on video game usage and lifestyle behavior and the sandwich approach for balancing the Mediterranean diet.
Cemelli, Burris, and Woolf look at the association between playing video games and lifestyle behaviors in adults. A comparison of 466 participants found gamers versus nongamers had more sedentary behaviors, higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and high-fat foods.
Vogt, Byham-Gray, Denmark, and Touger-Decker conducted a randomized control trial to examine knowledge and performance of evidence-based practice (EBP) after an education intervention. The intervention with members from 3 dietetic practice groups found that the education group demonstrated a higher level of knowledge and suggests the need for more EBP training for practicing dietitians.
Dietetic students were part of an experiential learning project on attitudes toward diabetes management. Using a pre-post design, Gaba, Wong, and Ghatak analyzed student journals for thematic content and found students changed views on managing dietary restrictions in daily life for individuals with diabetes.
Abad-Jorge and Butcher studied whether a baccalaureate degree or a master's degree affects entry-level professional practice and other job factors. Using 2 instruments, they found higher job satisfaction, compensation, and professional involvement for those with a master's degree.
King, Parrott, and Hand compared research outcome expectations (ROE) for dietetic professionals who possessed varied levels of research experience. They present data from 355 Academy members (students, dietetic practice group members, and researchers) and show differences in their research involvement and ROE.
Nantsupawat, Buscemi, Nugent, and Limas divided 2 groups of women (body mass index 25-49 kg/m2) into a diet advice group and an exercise group. One group also had sleep counseling. No difference in weight loss was shown between the 2 groups. This article gives some ideas for additional approaches to help patients lose weight by consideration of sleep habits and other simple measurements of blood pressure, gait, and coordination.
Spanish researchers, San Mauro Martin, Gil de Sola Diaz, and Garicano Vilar, explain their efforts in supporting children and adults to follow the Mediterranean diet. They developed 17 sandwiches that conform to the Mediterranean diet pattern and can be used as a healthy choice as part of a day's food intake for those individuals on the Mediterranean diet.
Edelstein, Frankel, and Miller conducted a training program on food allergies in Massachusetts. The training to kitchen staff was designed and implemented as a response to mandated policies on food allergy management in schools. This program exemplifies the registered dietitian/nutritionist as a food allergy educator.
From survey findings of dietetic professionals, George, Fineberg, Marin, and Rosen encourage a need and interest in further training of dietitians/nutritionists on effective counseling of clients on physical activity and exercise. Curriculum development is also needed for teaching dietetic students to augment the nutrition care process with attention to physical activity guidance.
Thank you for your input on this issue, especially to our readers, authors, and reviewers. Please submit your ideas and comments on future topics and articles for the journal.
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RDN, FAND
Editor
-Elizabeth Young, MA, CCP
Managing Editor