Nutrition is recognized as an important part of health maintenance. It plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, stroke, cancer, hypertension, diabetes and cirrhosis. Nutrition therapy also plays a significant role in the medical management of diabetes, high risk pregnancies, gastrointestinal diseases, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and other diseases. Nutrition Counseling is also available for food allergies and intolerances, weight loss or gain, special nutrient needs and consistencies, as well as home tubefeeding and parenteral nutrition consultation.

Prescribed nutrition therapy is provided by a Registered and Licensed Dietitian qualified by education, background and expertise to provide nutrition management for normal and therapeutic diets.

A Registered Dietitian assesses one's nutrition status and tailors nutrition therapy to an individual's eating habits, lifestyle, budget and the nutrient needs required by their diagnosis.

Support Groups

ALMH offers a Diabetes Support Group and Weight Loss Support Group.

Doctor Order

If your physician has already sent an order for you to see the ALMH Dietitian, you can call to make an appointment. We cannot schedule an appointment without the receipt of the complete doctor's order with reason for nutrition counseling and supporting diagnosis.

Appointment

If you do not already have an appointment, ask your Physician to send a Medical Nutrition Therapy order to ALMH Rehab Services.

Please return calls to ALMH Rehab Services at (217) 605-5500 to schedule an appointment.

Payment

Please check with your insurance company in advance for coverage as it may not pay for any or all of the cost of this education.

It is the patient's responsibility to pay for any units of service not covered by insurance.

The Dietitian will inform you of the Number of Units of Service which will be charged to your account at the end of your Medical Nutrition Therapy appointment.

Arrival/Location

Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment time if not already pre-registered by phone. The Dietitian Office is located in Rehab Services, to your left, past the gift shop.

Necessary Information to Bring to Session

• A list of current/recent medications
• Pertinent medical history including health conditions, laboratory tests and blood sugar records Usual food intake for meals and snacks
• Weight history
• Food allergies
• Food dislikes
• Personal specific health goals

What to Expect

Dietitians will explain nutrition modification(s) and how it relates to your health. They will provide individualized meal plans as needed, food purchasing and preparation guidelines, tips for eating out, strategies for changing eating habits and self-management resources.