A Three-Hour Seminar for Dietitians and Nutritionists
Thursday, March 6, 2025
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost:
- 1199SEIU members: No out-of-pocket costs
- All other participants: $75
Live Webcast (Internet)
The deadline to register for this event is Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Program and Learning Objectives
5:30 pm — Participants Log in
5:50 pm — Welcome and Introductory Remarks
6:00 pm – “An Overview of Mental Health, Diet and Nutrition”
Presenter:
Janet Kolmer Grommet, PhD, RDN, CDCES, FAND
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will provide an overview of the role of diet and nutrition in mental health. The importance of consuming whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins and minerals the brain needs to stay well, and of eating protein, which contains an amino acid the brain uses to help regulate mood, will be discussed. Ways in which the concept of mental health differs from that of mental illness will be addressed.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the importance of diet and nutrition for mental health; and
- Describe how the concept of mental health differs from that of mental illness.
6:30 pm – “Mental Health, Diet and Nutrition: Fads”
Presenter:
Kevin Guerrero, MS, RD
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will focus on emerging nutrition research regarding how dietary patterns affect mood. Popular nutrition fads; what current research says about high-doses of specific nutrients; the elimination of certain foods such as sugar, dairy and gluten; and low carbohydrate and ketogenic diets will be discussed. Examples of how dietitians can engage with their patients/clients and the importance of collaborating with specialty care providers will be explored.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Describe the relationship between dietary patterns and mental health;
- Identify what current research says about popular nutrition fads; and
- Discuss nutrition goal setting with patients/clients.
7:30 pm — “Mental Health, Diet and Nutrition: Facts”
Presenter:
Theresa Gentile, MS, RD, CDN
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will explore how diet affects mental health, including mood, stress, cognition and overall well-being. The ways that a healthy diet can reduce cognitive decline and omega-3s may help with ADHD symptoms will be addressed. The growing field of nutritional psychiatry—which shows that a Western, highly processed diet increases the risk of anxiety and depression, while a Mediterranean-style diet supports better mental health—will be discussed. The gut-brain connection, and how a balanced diet with fiber and probiotics can support brain health and mood, will be examined.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Discuss how diet affects mental health, including mood and cognition;
- Describe the growing field of nutritional psychiatry;
- Explain how supplementation with free fatty acids is associated with a reduction in ADHD symptoms;
- Identify how a higher quality diet is associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline; and
- Assess the role of the gut microbiome in regulating the body’s response to stress and its impact on affective disorders and cognitive function.
8:30 pm – “Concluding Remarks on Mental Health, Diet and Nutrition”
Presenter:
Janet Kolmer Grommet, PhD, RDN, CDCES, FAND
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will focus on guidelines for referring patients to mental health professionals. Questions including, “Is my patient/client unmotivated or is this untreated debilitating depression?” and ”Is my patient/client a habitual no show or is this untreated social anxiety disorder?” will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Discuss guidelines for referring patients to mental health professionals to improve both mental health and nutrition outcomes; and
- Provide examples of possible dialogues for making referrals.
9:00 pm — Participants receive program evaluation information.
Accreditation
Dietitians/Dietetic Technicians
An application has been submitted to the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) for continuing education units.
All Other Healthcare Professionals
All other healthcare professionals will receive a general certificate of attendance. Please check with your accreditation board with respect to receiving credit for this program.
Presenters:
Janet Kolmer Grommet, PhD, RDN, CDCES, FAND
Kevin Guerrero, MS RD
Theresa Gentile, MS, RD, CDN
Eligibility for 1199SEIU Members
Training and Employment Fund Members
Members must have been a part-time or full-time employee for at least one year, work at least three-fifths of a regular workweek, and work for an employer who contributes to the 1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund or the 1199SEIU Greater New York Education Fund.
City of New York Education, Child and Eldercare Fund Members
Pharmacists, Dietitians, Clinical Laboratory Practitioners and LPNs must have worked with NYC Health + Hospitals or a mayoral agency for at least one year.
For Further Information
Email: [email protected]
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel, you must do so at least 48 hours before the program date to avoid a penalty. To cancel, contact the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF) by telephone, (212) 894-4390; fax, (212) 643-8795; or email, [email protected]. TUF reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program in the event of insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified and given the option of receiving a refund or attending the rescheduled program or an alternate program.