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Milton Stokes, MPH, RD Responds:
Milton Stokes, MPH, RD, a national media spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and the chief clinical dietitian at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York City, responds: Whether you have a chronic illness or just want to improve your diet, a registered dietitian (RD) can help set you on the right path. If you're diagnosed with an illness, your physician may refer you to an RD, who will create a diet just for you. If you have a condition such as diabetes, for example, eating a healthier diet can help you manage your blood glucose levels. Dietitians also see lots of people who simply want to eat better.
When an RD meets with a patient for the first time, in-depth questions are asked about the patient's physical and emotional health, and the answers help determine a nutrition strategy. But the RD also needs to know about the family structure and habits-- the household food budget, who lives at home, and who does the cooking and food shopping--to help a patient fit a healthier diet into a current lifestyle. Some dietitians will even travel to the home and evaluate the foods in the cupboard, fridge, and freezer.
Some insurance companies cover RD services, but many don't. Ask your insurance company or check with the RD directly. Insurance coverage may differ if the RD is seen in a hospital setting or in private practice, so it is best to be informed. To find a RD near you, call the American Dietetic Association at 800-877-1600, or visit www.eatright.org and click on Find a Nutrition Professional.
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Milton Stokes
MPH, RD
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