Should I make an appointment with a dietitian?

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I appreciate the opportunity to serve our patients as they work to improve their health. If proper nutrition intake is not a major cornerstone for good health, it is certainly in the team picture. A solid nutrition game plan takes commitment, mindfulness, and a good coach. It requires the expert advice of your primary care physician and a Registered Dietitian to assist you.

Consider some reasons that you may want to make an appointment with a dietitian:

• You have diabetes, cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure.
• You have digestive problems.
• You are pregnant.
• You need to lose or gain weight.
• You are thinking of having, or have had gastric bypass surgery.
• You are caring for an aging parent.
• You want to eat smarter.
• You want to improve your performance in sports.

If you are just starting the journey to better health, or, if you just need a kick start, an appointment with a dietitian is a wise place to begin.

Nutrition Counseling is available for individuals and families through Nutrition Services at these Franciscan Alliance - Northern Indiana locations.

To schedule an appointment*, call Nutrition Services at:

• Franciscan St. Anthony Health – Crown Point: (219) 757-6283
• Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Michigan City: (219) 877-1545
• Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond: (219) 932-2300, ext. 34704
• Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer: (219) 932-2300, ext. 45180
• Franciscan Healthcare - Munster: (219) 922-4253
• Franciscan Midwest Bariatric Institute: (219) 852-2518

* A physician referral may be required.

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By Dale Batz, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Midwest Bariatric Institure in Dyer. Dale has 32 years of healthcare and nutrition management experience. He is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and an associate member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.