Nutritional Counseling

Good nutrition is one of the keys to a healthy life. Proper nutrition helps protect you from illness and disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Contact our team today at (217) 466-4939.

Fax referrals to 833-944-2236.

A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN/RD) provides care when special dietary considerations are needed due to illness, injury, or surgery. Dietitians also provide nutrition counseling for those who want to improve their health and wellness and can tailor a diet to help individuals meet their goals. Nutrition counseling is a great way to improve your health and wellness.

The Horizon Health Dietetics Department has registered dietitians on staff to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to help improve your nutritional status related to your condition, illness, or injury. MNT encompasses a wide variety of disease states and relies on follow-up visits to allow for continued behavioral and lifestyle changes.

The dietitian will work with you to provide a comprehensive nutritional analysis and individualized plan and help you understand how to optimize your treatment goals and aid in your recovery.

When should I see a dietitian?

You may benefit from nutrition counseling if you need:

Cardiovascular Health Management
Weight Management
Bariatrics
Diabetes (Type 1 & 2, Gestational & Prediabetes)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Insulin Resistance
Wound Healing/Pressure Ulcers
Chronic Kidney Disease
Cancer
Malnutrition
Gastrointestinal Disorders (Including, but not limited to: Celiac Disease, Cirrhosis, Colostomy, Ileostomy, Diarrhea/Constipation, Gallbladder, GERD, Gastroparesis, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Pancreatitis, Diverticulosis)
Dysphagia
Tube Feeding Management
Food Allergies
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Eating Disorders (Although our dietitians do not specialize in eating disorders, we are happy to provide an initial assessment to determine if the patient is appropriate to continue seeking nutrition counseling at Horizon Health, or if more intensive eating disorder treatment is needed.)
General Nutrition Education

How do I request an appointment?

A dietitian referral from your healthcare provider is necessary to schedule an appointment. Please contact your healthcare provider for a referral. Once the referral is received, the dietetics department will contact you to schedule an appointment.

Appointments are available Monday-Friday. Initial visits are usually 45 minutes to 1 hour. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 minutes.

Please check with your insurance to see how much/what type of coverage you have for a dietitian appointment.

Podcasts

Developing Meal Planning Skills

Registered dietitians Suzanne Schubert and Mika Thomas discuss food groups, calorie counting, and how meal planning can contribute to heathier eating.