Since 1973, March has been promoted as National Nutrition Month. The theme for this year's observance is "Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact". We are bombarded daily with information about nutrition. It is almost impossible to sort it out. Information on "studies" is now being released sometimes years before the study is finished. The leads to interesting "sound bites", but they are frequently later reversed. Even if a study's findings are found to be true, an individual's medical history of lifestyle may make the information invalid and sometimes, harmful. Each person is unique and there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to nutrition.

Another source of nutrition information which has to be taken carefully, is when "someone" tells you something. "Someone" is all knowing when it comes to advise, but what is the true source. Remember the game "telephone" we used to play as kids? A person hears a valid piece of nutrition-related information. Two days later tells someone, who passes in information on a few days later. It doesn't take long before the facts are fuzzy, and many times, just plain wrong.

Is it time for a nutrition "check up"? Are you struggling with high blood pressure, or maybe high cholesterol or triglycerides? Do you need suggestions for simple, nutritious foods you can prepare at home to replace at least some of your meals eaten out? You will eat better and save money at the same time. Are you fighting an unending war with your weight? With patience, light exercise and a balanced diet, including your favorite foods, will give you a lasting weight loss. No matter what weight loss plan you follow, the underlining truth is you have to use more calories than you eat. No gimmicks needed-It's a Matter of Fact.

Do you have diabetes that you can't quite control? At first the idea of controlling your condition with pills instead of diet sounds good. Has the doctor had to increase your dosage or add more meds? Are you tired of the cost or side effects of adding more and more prescriptions? Are you ready to learn how to lower your chance of furthering the disease and its complications by making even a few changes in your diet?

If you are on a special diet and trying as hard as you can to stay on the diet? Maybe it is time to get some professional help with it. Frequently people are unaware of the content of some foods and that they are accidentally eating or drinking a food which defeats their hard work. A dietitian can sort through your diet and find those hidden sources. Again, no gimmicks-just years of study and experience.

If any of the above situations sound all too familiar, why not schedule an appointment with the Registered Dietitians at Hill Nutrition Associates, 772-220-8058. Let this National Nutrition Month be the start of a healthier you. It's a Matter of Fact!