If you struggle with a chronic disease, changes to your diet can be highly beneficial in managing symptoms and often reduce the reliance on medications. Island Health offers nutrition support to our community through outpatient medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by a Registered Dietitian, Rosa Brown.

MNT is a type of treatment that uses a combination of behavioral counseling and nutrition education to prevent or manage medical conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, gastrointestinal issues and prediabetes. After a thorough assessment, patients work with Rosa to build a unique nutrition plan to support health conditions while being considerate of individual lifestyles. Nutrition Therapy teaches patients skills such as: · How to shop for healthy food (reading a nutrition facts label) · Identifying macronutrients and micronutrients in foods · Nourishing your body during a time when your digestive system may not be working as it should At Island Health, we believe that access to quality healthcare should be easy and straightforward. While many commercial insurance plans cover MNT, we understand that not all do. For instance, Medicare only covers visits if there’s a diagnosis of diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

However, don’t let that discourage you. All MNT appointments at Island Health require a referral from a primary care physician, which can be easily requested during your next checkup or via a patient portal message to your provider. We’re here to make your health journey as smooth as possible.

When it comes to nutrition, we understand that there’s a wealth of information out there, some of which can be conflicting and confusing. That’s why we’re here to help. Working with a registered dietitian like Rosa Brown ensures that you’ll receive accurate, evidence- based information and build an eating routine that’s tailored to your specific nutrient needs.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your primary care provider about a referral for a nutrition consultation or medical nutrition therapy appointment. We’re here to support you on your journey to better health.

If you are looking for more nutrition information, Island Health offers several classes for the community. Please see the list below and learn more at islandhealth. org/classes.

■ June 6 at 12:30 p.m.: Weight and Wellness — Join our board-certified obesity medicine physician, Dr. Sarah VanGaasbeek, to learn lifestyle management techniques, medication strategies and surgical options to help manage the disease of obesity.

■ June 6 at 3:30 p.m.: Prediabetes Education and Prevention — One in three U.S. adults have prediabetes, and 80% of them may not even know they have it! But diabetes doesn’t have to be the final destination. If you have prediabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes, there are steps that you can currently take to prevent or delay diabetes and other serious health problems. Join Amber Phillips, Registered Dietitian, in discussing how healthy eating and being active may support your overall health.

■ July 25 at 5:30 p.m.: Healthy Eating on a Budget — Join family medicine physician, Dr. Elke Neuenschwander, for a practical workshop for creating healthy meals on a budget. Nutrient needs, shopping tips and more will be discussed with time for questions.

■ August 22 at 11 a.m.: Living Better with Diabetes — Today diabetes affects just over one in 10 adults in the U.S. More Americans must commit to leading healthier, more active lives to derail that trend. If you have or are at risk of developing diabetes, there are positive steps you can take to manage your health. Join Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Amanda Lungren in discussing healthy eating, being active and reducing risks to help manage diabetes.