Valley Regional Hospital offers nutrition counseling to individuals of all ages for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend nutrition counseling if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or another condition that might require important dietary changes. If your physician suspects that you are at risk of developing a health condition, he or she may recommend nutrition counseling to reduce your risk of illness. Working with a Registered Dietitian also helps individuals who are overweight or underweight understand and overcome issues and behaviors related to eating.

Depending on the situation, you may meet once, several times, or even regularly with a Registered Dietitian. Sessions are educational, motivational, and enlightening. To start, you will undergo an assessment of your daily eating habits. Together with your nutrition counselor, you’ll develop specific goals related to your eating, weight, or wellness.

To attain those goals you will have a specific food plan. Your dietitian will explain all the aspects of your eating program and give you tools to plan, monitor, and measure your progress. Examples of tools include menu plans and selfmonitoring forms. These tools provide structure and support for you to use at home, work, or while traveling, which can make it easier and faster for you to reach your goals. In addition, your dietitian may recommend other resources or supports in the community, such as attending our diabetes support group to help you make lasting changes in eating behavior. Your progress may be monitored by your dietitian, primary care doctor, or other specialist. 

To learn more about nutrition counseling or to set up an appointment call (603) 542-1827.

Nutrition counseling is covered by health insurance in certain situations. Valley Regional Hospital accepts most major insurance plans. We also offer flexible payment plans, programs, and benefits counseling to individuals and families.