Marching Towards Health: How Dietitians Can Help You Shape A Better Life

Learn how the St. Mary's Nutrition Team can help you build a better, healthier future.

March is National Nutrition Month and trademarked by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A shift in focus on your nutrition and diet may seem overwhelming , especially with so much misinformation online and in social media. A visit with a dietitian can help set you in the right direction. St. Mary’s Health Care System provides nutrition services to aid in making positive changes in eating habits and lifestyle choices. Dietitians are the true experts in food and nutrition. Here at St. Mary’s, our dietitians provide a variety of services.

Clinical Dietitian Services

Dietitians are a key member of your healthcare team while you are in the hospital! They follow the Nutrition Care Process by assessing your nutritional status, determining a nutrition diagnosis, and providing nutrition intervention through education, food, supplement or diet recommendations, and collaboration with other team members. If a patient is unable to eat by mouth due to issues such as dysphagia (swallowing problems), gastrointestinal problems, or intubation, dietitians recommend alternate routes of nutrition such as a tube that goes in the stomach or through their veins.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is just that: therapy that focuses on nutrition while taking into account a person’s medical history. This education is provided in an outpatient setting where the dietitian obtains food and social information about you and works side-by-side with you to develop individualized recommendations. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can be significantly improved with meal and activity guidance.

Outpatient services

Dietitians also see individuals on an outpatient basis, such as those looking to address stomach issues, improve their relationship with food, or even learn new cooking skills or recipe ideas. However, it is important to check with your insurance to see if a visit with a dietitian is covered. Dietitians specialize in a variety of areas and it will be beneficial to seek out a specialist that is the right fit for you and your condition or goals.

Weight Management

Managing your weight is much more complex than simply eating less and moving more. A dietitian can help you navigate weight with understanding and expertise. They provide essential knowledge, resources, guidance, and support. At St. Mary’s Hospital, we have a bariatric coordinator who is a dietitian. She, along with the bariatric outpatient dietitian, facilitate support groups, classes, and counseling sessions to our patients who are interested in both surgical or non-surgical weight loss options. Learn about St. Mary’s weight loss support group.

Community Services

Within St. Mary’s, a variety of community groups and classes use a dietitian. Cardiac Rehab Healthy Heart Living class and Better Breathers COPD group both have a dietitian supporting and encouraging members monthly. To learn about these services, please call (706) 389-2915. A dietitian may also facilitate diabetes education classes, attend health fairs, and assist the Food and Nutrition Services department for events and educational showcases.

If you are interested in working with a dietitian, ask your doctor for a referral to St. Mary’s Nutrition Services.