Tiger Woods Foundation

Job Description

If you are passionate about good health and you like to see others living a healthy lifestyle, then this job may be perfect for you! Dietitians plan food and nutrition programs, supervise meal preparation and oversee the serving of meals. They prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications. For example, dietitians might teach a patient with high blood pressure how to use less salt when preparing meals or they may help an overweight patient create a diet plan that is low in fat and sugar.

Top 10

DIABETES: a disease in which there is too much sugar in the blood. A person with diabetes either cannot make enough insulin, the chemical compound that cells need to take in sugar properly, or cannot use it effectively.

CHOLESTEROL: a member of the group of lipids known as sterols; a soft waxy substance made in the body for a variety of purposes and also found in animal-derived foods.

MEAL PLANNING: the act of planning out meals and snacks ahead of time.

OBESITY: the state of being well above one's normal weight; excessively overweight due to accumulation of fat.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: elevation of the arterial blood pressure or a condition resulting from it; hypertension.

DIETARY CHANGE: healthful eating or a reduction in fat intake.

FOOD GROUPS: a group of foods that have similar nutritional properties. Food groups such as the grains group, milk group, meat and beans group, fruit group and vegetable group make up the food pyramid.

PATIENT: one who receives medical attention, care or treatment.

PORTION CONTROL: an understanding of serving size and how many calories a serving contains.

BODY MASS INDEX: a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have.

How to Get There

• Pay attention to food labels.
• Create balanced meals.
• Volunteer at hospitals, health centers, weight loss centers, etc.
• Educate people around you about healthy choices.
• Practice meal planning.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Take science and nutrition courses.

Activity

DIETICIAN ON DUTY: Find someone who is trying to change their eating habits toward a healthier lifestyle. Create a healthy eating plan for a two week period for that person.

PATIENT HISTORY: Find out what your patient is eating. Ask your patient to record a food log for two days before meeting with him/her.

DEVELOP A PLAN: Plan two weeks worth of healthy meals for your patient. The meals and snacks should reflect dietary guidelines, balance and lots of color.

HEALTH EDUCATION: Work with your patient to educate him/her on various nutritional topics such as reading a food label, practicing portion control, making healthy choices when dining out, and eating balanced, colorful meals.

CHECK-UP: After the two weeks meet with your patient and check on the following:

• Did you try new types of food?
• Did you enjoy the new foods you were eating?
• How did you feel?
• What were some changes you liked?
• What were some changes you did not like?
• What do you need to do to continue with the healthy habits?