More than 200 registered dieticians from across Iowa are in Ames for the fall conference of the Iowa Dietetic Association. The group’s president, Pat Hildebrand of Marshalltown, explains some of the goals of the gathering. Hildebrand says the conference gives dieticians new knowledge and up-to-date information to enhance the nutritional wellbeing of everyone in Iowa. Hildebrand says two main topics of discussion are childhood obesity and protein diets. Hildebrand says several state and federal programs are underway in Iowa schools now that aim to encourage kids to eat more healthy foods, zeroing in on fruits and vegetables. You can eat all sorts of food but should eat many of them in moderation. She adds, “Exercise plays a huge role in maintaining a proper weight.” The two-day conference concludes this evening.