All in a Day's Work: Julie Seiber, a Licensed Nutritionist and Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator

Julie Seiber, a Licensed Nutritionist and Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator for the Saint Paul - Ramsey County Department of Public Health, talks about her job.

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Last update: November 4, 2009 - 12:59 PM

Q: What's a typical workday like for you?

My work is about planning, communicating with and educating people about healthy eating, usually working through other organizations. I work to tweak the public environment so the easy choice is a healthy choice in terms of what people eat and do for physical activity. I'll be working with neighborhood grocery stories to encourage them to carry more fruits and vegetables, with restaurants to encourage healthier portion sizes and with worksites to provide a healthy mix in their vending machines.

Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?

I work to prevent illness, and in particular, to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. I look at what is in the scientific literature and has already been tested. For instance, pedometers have been shown to help people increase their activity, so I worked on a program to distribute pedometers through St. Paul's public libraries and through fire houses where the public may have their blood pressure checked.

Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?

I interact with other health department staff and people from other governmental departments and community organizations.

Q: Why did you become a nutritionist?

I was interested in food and people and health when I was in college and earned a master of science degree in nutrition.

Q: What do you like about your work?

I like the variety, making a difference and connecting people with resources. I also like keeping up with nutrition as an evolving science and working on interpreting that for the public.

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