Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 10, 1990 TAG: 9005110512
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TAMMY POOLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Exactly what is in chicken soup that makes it good for a cold," he asked the Dial-A-Dietician hot line.
This was a question that didn't have to be researched, according to Roanoke Extension Agent Jean Robbins.
"It's a liquid," she said. And liquids often help people with colds feel better.
But what about the recent controversy over herbal teas?
And what's white chocolate made of?
Will Cal-ban 3000 help a dieter lose weight?
Should nursing mothers diet?
These are typical questions received by the Dial-A-Dietician hot line, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The program began when Robbins, a dietitian, decided to go back to school.
"I actually started it in the beginning a dissertation," she said.
At the same time, Kroger was looking for a community-service project to become involved with, Robbins said. The Roanoke Dietetic Association - now the Southwest Virginia Dietetic Association - agreed to co-sponsor.
The association provides the volunteers, who are registered dietitians, to man the service, and Kroger provides the funding.
Clients call 342-1146. An answering service records the question, the caller's phone number and name. A registered dietitian returns the call within 24-36 hours.
There are 32 dietitians who volunteer, each for a week at a time.
"It's worked really well," Robbins said.
When the program began, the questions were general questions about losing weight and allergies.
"Back then, when a doctor put someone on a diet, he stuck to it without asking questions."
Consumers today are more knowledgeable about nutrition and ask tougher, more specific questions, she said.
"I think consumers are very well-informed today. They read a lot more, and information is available to them."
Many of the calls concerning dieting information require the supervision of a doctor before the dietitian can help, Robbins said.
Recently a caller was on a liquid diet that was making her sick. "She asked me what she should do. I told her to talk to a doctor, and to stop the liquid feeding right away."
The program also presents free seminars to the public on such topics as a cancer-preventive diet and grocery shopping tours.
Dietitians present exhibits in Kroger stores and answered consumer questions in the Roanoke Times & World-News from 1981-1988.
"We used to get many more questions when we had the newspaper column," Robbins said. "Our calls go up and down according to the publicity we do."
More than 500 consumers call Dial-A-Dietician each year. A recent survey by Cindy King, chairman, showed that 71 percent of the callers would use the program again, 90 percent were highly satisfied with the service, and 94 percent said they would recommend the program.
There is no charge for contacting Dial-A-Dietician. Calls can be made anytime between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.
"It [the program] really makes me feel good. I think there's a need for this kind of program in the community. Most people don't know who to contact for these questions."
The Roanoke program has been recognized by the American Dietetic Association, which used the policy and procedures manual for new program across the United States. It is the only program of its type in the area.
by CNB