Become a Nutritionist Dietitian in Hawaii
Nutritionist Employment Outlook: On the Rise
In Hawaii, traditional diets and lifestyles are changing and nutritional-related problems are on the rise. “This tells us that even paradise can have nutritional risks,” said registered dietitian Jeannie Moloo, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “Many of the reasons for nutrition-related health problems in Hawaii are related to changes in lifestyle, particularly the shift from traditional diets to more Western diets, plus a decreased level of physical activity that trends across the entire United States,” Moloo said.
Hawaii has served, in the words of nutrition researchers, as a “laboratory” for the study of connections between people’s diet and their risk for heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and stroke, and on the health effects of changing dietary habits to match local cultures. “Studies of native Japanese and Japanese immigrants to Hawaii have shown that ‘acculturation’ can lead to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity and hypertension,” Moloo said.
A study was conducted in 2008, which resulted in “The Surveillance Report”. It examines, in-depth, the physical activity and nutritional data currently available in Hawaii on various levels (e.g., county, sub-county, demographics, etc.). This report shows hospital-related costs attributed to physical inactivity and the potential savings of a more physically active, nutritionally educated population. The Hawaii Physical Activity and Nutrition Surveillance Report is available online at http://www.healthyhawaii.com
This report has also acted as a guide for leaders in government, non-profit organizations, private industry, and nutrition coalitions while working together to create policy and foster change. “The data (in this report) confirms that we have a compelling need to improve physical activity and nutrition in Hawaii, said Lt. Gov. Aiona. “We are taking a comprehensive approach to create a healthier environment for our residents by making simple, fundamental changes to our environment, such as developing healthier school lunches, worksite wellness programs and walk-able neighborhoods we can increase the opportunities people have to eat healthier and be more physically active.”
From obesity and diabetes to heart disease, “Hawaii is far from immune to the rising health problems and disease trends seen throughout the nation,” writes Mae Kazu Isonaga, a registered dietitian at the University of Hawaii and the 2005-06 president of ADA’s affiliate Hawaii Dietetic Association, in a recent issue of ADA’s member publication ADA Times. “In fact, the state that calls itself ‘The Health State’ is quickly catching up to the rest of the country, and not in a good way.”
Recent data indicates that more than half of Hawaii’s adults are overweight or obese. The prevalence of diabetes in Hawaii is above the national average; native Hawaiians have one of the highest rates of diabetes of any group in the country and the highest mortality rate from diabetes.
“The nutrition and health issues we see in Hawaii underscore the importance of registered dietitians, here and in any community, in providing high-quality nutrition services to everyone, no matter their heritage or life circumstances,” Moloo said.
American Dietetic Association of Hawaii
With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Chicago-based ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being.
www.healthinforum.org/Hawaii-Dietetic-Association-info-26578.html
Nutritionist and Dietitian Salary in Hawaii
May 2008 Occupational Outlook -
The graph below illustrates the top paying states for this occupation. See Hawaii ranks 5th in the Nation according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
| 1) Connecticut |
650 |
$29.93 |
$62,260 |
0.04% |
| 2) Maryland |
920 |
$29.09 |
$60,500 |
0.04% |
| 3) New Jersecy |
1,770 |
$28.98 |
$60,280 |
0.04% |
| 4) California |
5,750 |
$28.97 |
$60,250 |
0.04% |
| 5) Hawaii |
210 |
$28.55 |
$59,390 |
0.03% |
*These occupational employment and wage estimates are calculated with data collected from employers in all industry sectors in the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas of Hawaii.
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291031.htm
Find degree programs, schools and jobs in major cities in Hawaii: Honolulu,
Maui,
Kauai,
Big Island.
Hawaii Nutritionists & Dietitians:
For registered dietitians, Hawaii is a microcosm for the world. People, cultures and foods from around the globe meet here, and blend in memorable ways. 500 registered dietitians live and practice on the islands of Hawaii.
Hawaii’s Laws:
It has become increasingly important for states to distinguish between Registered Dieticians and nutritionists. Hawaii is taking due measure to help protect the public’s health through state licensure of RDs. The words “dietitian” and “registered dietitian” reflect specific education, training and credentialing – conveying information that is extremely important to patients and clients.
“Without licensure laws, anyone can call herself or himself a dietitian, whether or not they have qualifications or education,” Moloo said. “Along with increased recognition of registered dietitians’ expertise, licensure helps guarantee that anyone offering food and nutrition services in Hawaii must meet measurable standards for practice and be responsible for the advice they provide.” To date, 45 states have enacted laws requiring licensure of RDs, and Hawaii is included. Hawaii’s legislation was passed into law in the year 2000.
There have been several recent meetings among representatives of; The American Dietetic Association, The Hawaii Dietetic Association, The Hawaii Department of Health, the Governor’s office, and The state’s Office of Health Care Assurance. These organizations have all agreed to develop the rules and regulations of Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists to administer the dietetics licensure program. However, state officials say it could take another year or more to get dietetics licensure up and running.
Hawaii Nutritionist/Nutrition Schools
Schools offering both online and campus-based education programs in Hawaii:
Kaplan University
Programs: BS in Health Science, BS in Heath and Wellness, BS in Nutrition Science
South University
Programs: Associate of Science in Allied Health Science, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
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