A National Perspective on School Wellness
Alicia Moag-Stahlberg, MS, RD, LDN
Sponsored by Midwest Dairy Council
Schools nationwide have begun to make changes in the nutrition environment and local wellness policies indicate more changes with be forthcoming. Much of the change has focused on foods that need to be restricted; more needs to be done to promote increased consumption of certain food groups.

Legislative Session
Marie Ross, MEd, LDN, RD and Elizabeth O’Malley RD, LDN
In a few short months, we will have the opportunity to elect a new US President and to vote for whether we want to retain or replace each of our Congressional Representatives. You are invited to participate in this interactive program where there will be an opportunity to meet with other dietitians in your home district. Learn more about how you can advocate along with the IDA Legislative Team as we work to protect the jobs of the Registered Dietitian and to promote the expansion of nutrition related programs which benefit the public.

Expanding the Role of IDA Members in School Wellness: New Strategies for Making the Connection Between Healthy Students and Academic Success
Dayle Hayes, MS, RD
Sponsored by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
With the federal mandate for Local Wellness Policies in 2006, creating healthy school environments has become a hot topic for districts of all sizes. Government agencies, health experts, educators, and school foodservice programs are looking for positive ways to promote nutrition and physical activity to students, families, and staff members. Learn about the latest resources to effectively help schools make wellness an everyday subject — in classrooms, cafeterias, and parent meetings. Explore ways to find the programs and materials that best meet local needs.

Body Composition Changes, Disease Risk Competition and the Fitness vs. Fatness Debate: Therapeutic Benefits of Exercise for the Aging Female
Ellen Evans, PhD
The menopausal transition alters body composition and presents health challenges to midlife women including increased risks for obesity, osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Obesity is detrimental for metabolic health but beneficial for bone health and the preservation of lean mass in older women. The role that habitual exercise can play to enhance successful aging with regard to body composition will be explored with a focus on contemporary research in the field.

Best Practices for Improving the School Food Landscape
Anastasia McGee, RD, LDN and Jean Saunders
Hear about initiatives in Illinois that translate theory into practice from representatives of the Chicago Partnership
for Health Promotion, Healthy Schools Campaign, and Logan Square Neighborhood Association.

Physical Activity Recommendations for Children with Nutrition Highlights
Susan Kundrat, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN
Sponsored by Gatorade
Learn about national recommendations for children’s physical activity with tips on helping kids stay well-fueled so they can enjoy activity and improve fitness.

The Art and Science of Permissive Underfeeding Hospitalized Patients
Elizabeth Wall, MS, RD, CNSD, LDN
Sponsored by the Chicago Dietetic Association
Permissive underfeeding is an emerging practice of underfeeding calories while providing sufficient protein for obese and critically ill adults. This session will focus on the basic science and practical aspects of underfeeding during acute illness.

Has Cooking Become a Spectator Sport: Getting Consumers Back in the Kitchen
Cheryl Bell, MS, RD, LDN, CHE
Sponsored by Meijer Healthy Living
Food is the foundation of Food & Nutrition: How can we expect to teach principles of nutrition when our clients don’t know much about food and how to prepare it? This session will help dietitians to translate information learned in the food lab to information clients can use in their kitchens. It will include how to use food models to teach basic recipes as well as resources for teaching clients how to shop and cook.