Nutritional Counseling
Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. That is why Hemphill County Hospital's Department of Nutritional Services offers a variety of nutritional counseling services and resources—whether you are an inpatient, outpatient, or a member of the community.
Our expert nutritional counseling services are provided by registered dietitian nutritionists with degrees in clinical nutrition and dietetics. To maintain their national registration and state licensure, dietitians must participate in ongoing professional education—so you can be sure you are getting the most up-to-date information and guidance about diet and nutrition.
What is Nutritional Counseling?
Good nutrition helps you heal from surgery or illness. If you’re hospitalized, our clinical dietitians conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment to make sure you are well-nourished by designing an individualized care plan to meet your specific medical and lifestyle needs and by providing nutrition education, as needed.
Our dietitians work closely with nurses to identify any patients in need of nutritional intervention. Dietitians conduct evaluations over the phone or during home visits, including with family members, and provide appropriate education and recommendations for improving each patient’s nutritional status.
What types of health concerns will benefit from Medical Nutrition Therapy?
• Diabetes Mellitus—Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational
• Kidney Disease
• Cardiovascular Disease—Congestive Heart Failure,
Elevated Lipid Levels, High Blood Pressure, etc.
• Obesity
• Diverticular Disease
• Malnutrition
• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Childhood Obesity
• And much more…
What kind of advice can I expect to receive from a Dietitian?
• Nutritional Living Skills—Explains the basics of
nutrition
• Carbohydrates—Teaches how to count carbs
• “Balanced Plate Method”—Utilizing food models,
demonstrates how a balanced plate of food appears
• Grocery Shopping—Assists with choosing wisely
• Self-Management of Diabetes—Teaches patients
how to manage diabetes on a daily basis at home
Can Nutritional Counseling benefit me?
Medical Nutrition Therapy helps you choose foods designed to improve your health and well-being. Ruth Ann Givens will work with you one-on-one (in a private, confidential setting) to establish a plan to make you feel better and stay healthy!
Meet Our Team
Ruth Ann Givens, MS, RD/LD
Ruth Ann Givens grew up in Arnett, Oklahoma. She
received her bachelor's and master's degrees from
Oklahoma State University, and is a Licensed and
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Texas and Oklahoma.
With over 22 years' experience in our region, Ruth Ann
offers knowledgeable and sound advice you can trust.
Her family has ranched in Ellis County for over a century,
so Ruth Ann definitely relates to our rural way of life.
Rest assured, unpractical, crazy meal plans are not in her
game plan...nor will they be in yours!
VANESSA GONZALES, CDM, CFPP
HCHD Dietary Director
If you're ready to make some positive changes toward a healthier you, visit with your primary care provider about Nutritional Counseling Services at HCH - it just might be what the doctor orders!
Hemphill County Hospital District
Get the Healthcare You Need
When You Need it.
Our caring staff is available to help get you or your loved ones the right kind of care, at the right time. Whether that is emergency, hospital, specialty, home or any of the 75+ types of care that we offer, we are here to help get you back where you belong.
