AMA Releases Online Nutrition Resource for Physicians

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) has released an online training module to help physicians counsel their patients on healthy eating habits using the USDA’s new resource, choosemyplate.gov. The MyPlate icon has replaced the traditional food pyramid and serves as a visual reminder to eat healthy.

“Physicians are in a unique position to educate patients about healthy eating and can make a real difference in helping their patients make positive lifestyle changes, but conversations about eating habits can often be challenging,” said AMA President Dr. Peter W. Carmel. “This resource guides physicians through the ChooseMyPlate Web site and offers strategies for talking about healthy eating choices with their patients.”

This activity is a part of the AMA’s Educating Physicians on Controversies and Challenges in Health (EPoCH) program. It offers tips for physicians on accessing the information on the ChooseMyPlate Web site and presenting that information to patients as part of an overall conversation on the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits. The activity also describes misconceptions and barriers to counseling patients about healthy eating.

This activity has been certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM. To view the activity, visit www.ama-cmeonline.com/myplate. For more information about AMA Healthier Life Steps, visit www.ama-assn.org/go/lifesteps.