Dietitians to Staff Free Hotline Today

Registered dietitians today will be answering food and nutrition questions for free.

In celebration of National Family Health and Fitness Day on Sunday, the American Dietetic Assn. is setting up a free hotline, (800) 366-1655, to help consumers make educated decisions about what they eat.

Callers will be able to ask specific questions about their eating habits and diet plans.

Although most people understand that what--and how much--they eat affects their health, only one in four Americans were doing everything possible to eat properly, according to a 1997 survey.

The hotline, which is sponsored by a grant from the Kellogg Co., is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. A Spanish-speaking dietitian also will be available from 6 to 11:30 a.m.