BY KAROLINE PFEIL
H E B program o ers guidance from dietitians For those looking to improve their diet and health, H E B o ers the assistance of registered dietitians, who provide medical nutrition therapy through its Nutrition Services program. The program assists individuals of all ages with a wide range of dietary concerns, from picky eating to sports nutrition to family meal planning, Nutrition Strategy team member Mary Katharine Hutchinson said. Most major insurance plans are accepted but Medicaid is not, Nutrition Strategy team member JoAnn Breaux said. Learn more about the program at www.heb.com/wellness/ nutrition-services. What does H E B’s Nutrition Services provide? Breaux: One of the coordinated care services that we provide is nutrition services with a registered dietitian. Currently, we provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, or MNT for short, which is a dietitian working with a patient one-on-one, for as many visits as are necessary [for] their speci c health goals and needs. Is this program o ered at all locations? Breaux: We have dietitians in speci c locations but our services can be reached across Texas because we also do virtual consultations. As far as cost goes, we do have cash pay options and insurance options, so hopefully there is something that our customers can nd works for them. How can interested readers get started on their nutrition journey with H E B? Breaux: The best way we could get folks to schedule with a dietitian or to leverage our
Service pricing Most insurance plans are accepted, and the services are FSA and HSA eligible. In-person or virtual services are available, depending on the location. Initial 60-minute consultation: $118 • In-depth nutrition assessment and personalized goal discussion Follow-up 45-minute consultation: $89 • Basic nutrition assessment, label education and healthy food solutions In-body scan: $50 • Analyzing the body’s metabolic rate alongside muscle, fat and water composition
H E B’s Nutrition Services program allows patients to work with registered dietitians on nutrition goals.
LIZZY SPANGLER COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: H E B NUTRITION SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT
services would be sending them through our online scheduling or through our online platform. What does the rst appointment look like? Breaux: It’s a lot of questions, just the dietitian getting to know the patient, the way you would expect at a primary care visit. Do you have any general nutrition advice to share with individuals looking to improve their diet? Hutchinson: It sounds so rudimentary but just getting more ber in [your diet]. We know some- thing like 90% of the population is under-consum- ing ber so adding maybe a fruit to their breakfast or trying to ll half of their plate at one meal with a non-starchy vegetable. ... Another one is protein. If they’re not typically getting at least 10 grams of protein at breakfast, let’s try and get started adding a protein source at breakfast. What does H E B hope to achieve through this program, and how might you expand in the future? Breaux: Our goal is always to try to reach as many Texans as possible. We’re planning to
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist • Licensed Dietitian JoAnn Breaux
• Master of Science in Nutrition • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist • Licensed Dietitian Mary Katharine Hutchinson
expand over the next two years. In the meantime, for those hard to reach communities, we do o er those virtual services.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
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