The reasons for pursuing dietary changes are compelling. Studies show a 30% decrease in cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack with proper dietary changes. Additional benefits include:
Less reliance on medication
Lower blood pressure
Weight loss
Decreased cancer risk
Improvement in mood
Our program teaches these dietary techniques. We base our curriculum on recommendations from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. These organizations have designated specific dietary measures for improving overall cardiac health and for the treatment of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and to reduce excess weight.
Furthermore, many patients voice a desire to do more than take medication. They are frustrated by today’s medical environment, which mostly fails to incorporate diet into plans for disease prevention and treatment. The North Suffolk Cardiology Nutrition Program provides an answer to these patient concerns.
Available through our program are several classes given at a variety of times. Individual classes target common issues such as hypertension, the benefits of a Mediterranean Diet, and strategies for losing weight. Jennifer Shanahan, RD, provides counseling and classes that are limited to five or fewer patients. Included is a lecture followed by an in-depth question and answer session. All patients leave with a packet of valuable printed material, including suggestions for making immediate change, advice on food shopping, instruction regarding food labels, components of the prescribed diet and suggested additional internet-based resources.
For patients interested in a more individual experience, we also offer one on one introductory counseling and follow-up sessions. Interested patients should ask one of our doctors or staff during any visit or call (631) 941-2000.
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Our Nutrition Program has become an excellent tool for our patients to lead a healthier life. Our dietitian works with patients to create a personalized nutrition plan based on their needs and helps make positive lifelong eating and behavior changes.
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Jennifer J. Shanahan is a Registered Dietitian who brings 20 years of experience to the Nutrition Program and the patients of North Suffolk Cardiology. She uses Medical Nutrition Therapy, MNT, to develop individualized, patient-specific meal plans. Patients are provided with nutrition advice developed from evidence-based research that is translated into practical and workable nutrition plans. She supports patients with a personalized meal plan to help manage patients with heart disease and for those patients with risk factors of heart disease such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. She helps patients make positive lifelong eating and behavior changes. Jennifer J. Shanahan R.D. received her Bachelor's Degree in Management from Stony Brook University and completed her dietetic internship with Masters of Nutritional Science at Long Island University, C.W. Post. |