AODA stands for American Overseas Dietetic Association and is the international affiliation of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Personally, I didn't know about AODA until I went to work abroad. As a foreign dietitian in the US, I wanted to connect with other colleagues that were in a similar situation, explore how the dietetic profession was in other countries and search for network opportunities. So, when I became an ADA member, it was AODA the affiliate of choice.
AODA nucleates ADA members living outside the US. It has more than 700 members from 70 countries. Most of the countries in AODA are represented by Country Representatives (CR). I am a CR for Argentina along with Lic. Cecilia Morales. Our functions are mainly to provide information about food and nutrition issues in our country and act liaisons for the AODA and ADA.
Many professional growth opportunities opened since I became an AODA/ADA member. I got to know wonderful people from other nations, I learned about different cultures and how our profession is abroad. I think we all share similar goals and our differences make us strong!
If you want to learn more about AODA, check out its web site: www.eatrightoverseas.org, where you will find information about becoming a member, benefits, leadership opportunities and many other things. Or, you can contact AODA-Argentina: CR_argentina@eatright.org

Romina

Last Sunday, I was surprised when saw on the news that the world record guinness of the biggest beef barbecue was reached in Argentina. It was at the city of Pico, in the province of La Pampa, while the previous record was held by Uruguay. A little bit more than 13.000 kg (or 30.000 pounds) of meat was cooked at this big barbecue. The event was organized by a local meat processing plant on its anniversary. Portions of 0.5 kg meat where sold at seven pesos (equivalent to 1.75 USD) to collect funds for regional charity organizations.
Argentina is widely known by the quality of its beef and for being the country with the largest per capita consumption of beef, although this has been declining in recent years.
I was even more surprised when I learned that the exact same day (March 20th) is known as the Meat-out day!  This day is celebrated in many U.S. states and in 20 countries (including Argentina) to educate people about availability of meat alternatives and the benefits of a plant based diet for you and for the planet.
So, I don't know if this barbecue was made on March 20th on purpose or it was just a coincidence. One thing I am pretty sure is that in Argentina we have to work on the promotion and better access to other protein choices while respecting our food culture.

People are not only using Facebook, Twitter or blogs to interact with friends. More and more users are turning to these sites to find health and wellness information. According to a National Research Corp. survey, 41 % of internet users have used social media as a medical resource, including tips for healthy eating. Unlike traditional websites, they allow e-patients to better connect with professionals and other people that are telling their experiences. We, as dietetic professionals, have a role here as in any other media. We need to guide people to the right information. Of course, this does not replace office visits and one-to-one interactions. There are many concerns about patient confidentiality and professionalism. That’s why it took longer for health care organizations to implement social networks. I ask myself questions like: What type of content should be included in my Facebook page? Will my colleagues be glad to join my LinkedIn site or irritated by the request? I don’t have a Facebook page yet, but I’m thinking about having one. Please, I will appreciate your input!

Hello all! I'm a dietitian and I thought it would be fun to hear what food and nutrition professionals are doing in other countries, from professional stuff to life experiences or what you love doing (sports, traveling, cooking, reading, etc.).
Have you visited foreign countries or tried any new cuisine lately? Do you know more than one language? Any CPE activity to suggest? Do you have any professional achievement to share? I am not sure where all this would take us. My idea is to build the site up according to your interests.  I hope you enjoy!

Romina