No matter what your age, healthy eating is a key to living longer. Of course, that's no guarantee that everyone will do so. The proof is in a survey from the American Dietetic Association in which a mere 28 percent of 25-34 year olds said they do all they can to live a healthful lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition.

More information American Dietetic Association 216 West Jackson Blvd. Suite 800 Chicago, Ill. 60606-6995 (312) 899-0400

For those of us who need help developing a healthier nutrition plan, there are nutrition professionals called dietitians.

A dietitian plans nutritional programs, supervises meal/food preparation and promotes healthy eating habits in order to prevent illness. He also suggests changes in diet, such as lower salt intake for patients with high blood pressure, or a lower fat diet for overweight patients.

There are several major sectors of pratice in which dietitions work, including clinical, community, management and as consultants.

Clinical dietitians work with patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Besides developing nutritional plans, these dietitians also work with other health care professionals in coordinating not only nutritional, but medical needs as well. Some clinical dietitians work specifically with overweight patients or caring for those with kidney or diabetic conditions.

Those working as management dietitians oversee large-scale meal planning and preparation, hire other food-service workers and enforce government sanitary and safety regulations in places like company cafeterias, health care facilities and prisons. Community professionals work in public health clinics, home health clinics and health maintenance organizations.

The minimum educational requirement for dietitians is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in dietetics, foods and nutrition or a related area. Those interested in research work or advanced clinical positions normally need graduate degrees as well.

In addition to the degree and completing an approved pre-professional experience program, the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency of the ADA, administers a certification exam which grants the "Registered Dietitian" designation upon passing.

According to the ADA median salaries vary by specialty. Its 1995 survey showed those working as consultants earned a median of $43,374, while those working in clinical nutrition made $34,131.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth of 10 to 20 percent through 2006 as demand increases for meals and nutritional counseling in community health programs, nursing homes and schools.