Enhance Your Life by Eating Well

Eating a well balanced diet can also be an essential part of the treatment of some serious medical conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, high-risk pregnancy or cancer. Your physician may recommend Valley Hospital’s “A Recipe for Life” nutrition guidance program as therapy for your condition or to prevent complications. Or you may also choose to incorporate nutrition guidance as a complementary component of your treatment.

Improve Your Quality of Life

"A Recipe for Life" offers you personalized nutrition guidance designed to enhance your treatment and improve your quality of life. Our nutrition services may include:

• Individualized nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian
• Personalized written meal plans
• Information about complementary therapies, including herbs and supplements
• Group nutrition classes
• Personal nutrition coaching
• Supermarket tours to show you how to make the most of your shopping trips
• Refrigerator makeovers
• Free lectures on topics such as smart snacking, eating healthy on a budget and label reading

Targeting Your Special Needs

In addition to providing general nutrition guidance, The Valley Hospital’s registered dietitians also provide the following types of nutrition counseling for patients with special needs or dietary restrictions:

Sound Advice from Nutrition Professionals

Your physician will write a prescription for you. Bring it with you when you meet one-on-one with a Valley Hospital registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance. Our dietitians are healthcare professionals with years of experience in developing meal plans for persons with specific medical conditions. All of our dietitians have met stringent national registration guidelines and must meet continuing education requirements every year. Many of them have completed master’s degrees and/or have attained advanced certifications such as certified diabetes educator. They are qualified to provide in-depth nutrition guidance that will help you meet all of the special nutritional requirements necessary for your optimal health.

Menu Plans to Fit Your Lifestyle

When you meet with your dietitian, you will be asked about your day-to-day activity, family history, typical eating habits, food likes and dislikes, any prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking and goals for improving your health. You are welcome to bring a family member or supportive friend to this meeting. Your dietitian will discuss which meal strategies will work best to help treat your medical condition or prevent complications. He or she will help you sort out any dietary myths, false claims or confusing information you may have encountered. You will be encouraged to discuss any special food issues you have, including fitting healthy meals into a busy schedule, dining out and food allergies.

You and your dietitian will develop a menu strategy that is just right for you. You will receive written menu plans to make it easier for you to make the best choices at home or when you dine out. Your dietitian will probably recommend that you return for several additional consultations or follow-up visits. You may also be encouraged to attend classes with others who share your special nutritional requirements. You are welcome to call your dietitian from time to time if you have any questions or concerns.

We Feature Flexibility

Appointments for "A Recipe for Life" nutrition counseling can be scheduled by calling (201) 634-5371. We offer flexible times to accommodate your schedule. Appointments are available in the evening and on Saturday. By following a prescribed nutrition plan, you may be able to reduce or eliminate costly medication or treatment regimens. Many health insurance policies cover the cost of seeing a dietician for several visits each year for management of a medical problem. If you have any questions about reimbursement, please contact your health insurance carrier directly

To learn more about “A Recipe for Life” or to schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian, please call (201) 634-5371, or e-mail nrubin@valleyhealth.com