Affordable nutrition counseling available for campus, local community

The Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition in Syracuse University’s David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics wants to help SU and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students, faculty and staff, and members of the community at large, improve eating habits and promote general well-being by making healthy food choices. Registered dietitians, working with seniors and graduate students in the nutrition science and dietetics program, will provide accurate, thorough and confidential dietary consultation. The program is led by Tanya Horacek, professor in the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics. The deadline to sign up to participate is Feb. 15.

Consultation sessions are private and individualized, with flexible scheduling and locations. The series of four appointments (two in person and two via phone or e-mail) will address dietary issues, but is also lifestyle-oriented to ensure overall health. The cost for the program for SU/SUNY-ESF students is $25. SU/SUNY-ESF faculty, staff and their partners are $35. The fee for community members is $40. All participants are eligible for a $20 reimbursement of the program fee if they attend all consultation sessions and complete a brief survey about the program.

Interested individuals may sign up for the nutrition consultation program by contacting Susan O’Brien, in the Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition at 315-443-2386 to begin the registration process.

The first phase of the program includes completion of a medical and dietary survey, which will be e-mailed to participants upon registration for the program. The one-on-one appointments pair an individual with a nutrition consultant to formulate a reasonable and sustainable plan for improving dietary quality, which includes a detailed assessment of medical, dietary, weight, exercise and lifestyle factors. During this appointment, the nutrition consultant will provide detailed feedback regarding dietary quality and will help participants map out goals and a plan related to improved nutritional habits. Appointments will take place during March and April.

The program is meant strictly for disease prevention/health promotion, not medical nutrition therapy. If a participant is determined to have risks beyond the scope of this program, referrals will be made for a more appropriate service and the participation fee will be refunded.

Individuals with specific questions about the program should contact Horacek directly at thoracek@syr.edu.