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Nutrition Therapy

How you fuel your body can affect all aspects of your health. Whether you're looking to lose weight or to eat better to manage a health issue, you need more than just the latest fad diet. The nutritionists at Columbia Memorial Hospital can help.

Our team of registered dietitians offers evidence-based care that's tailored specifically to your needs.

Our dietitians have more than 50 years of combined experience, and most have master's degrees. We work closely with other medical departments, such as Cardiac Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Oncology. That means that nutrition is seamlessly integrated into the overall care you receive at CMH.

Nutrition counseling and education

One-on-one nutrition counseling can help you learn how food affects your health and well-being. Our dietitians work with people of all ages. We address conditions such as:

  • Cancer.
  • Diabetes or prediabetes.
  • Eating disorders.
  • Food allergies or intolerances.
  • Heart disease.
  • Weight management. We offer a yearlong program of intensive behavioral therapy appointments aimed at helping you safely lose weight.

Personalized nutrition care

We understand that even when you know you need to eat better, it can be a challenge to make changes. We see ourselves as your partner in this journey. We'll work with you to understand your situation and objectives. Together, we'll develop a nutrition plan that works with your lifestyle and supports your wellness goals.

When you come for nutrition therapy, you can expect a warm welcome and personalized care.

Your first visit can last from 60 to 90 minutes. Your registered dietitian will take the time to learn about your health history and listen to your concerns. Together, you'll come up with a plan to move toward your goals. Follow-up appointments are shorter, but still focused on supportive, empathetic care.

Visits take place in person at the CMH-OHSU Health Endocrinology Clinic or virtually. We encourage you to bring a support person with you. This can be a spouse, friend or anyone who helps make food decisions in your home.

For your first visit, we ask that you bring a three-day food diary. This is a record of what you eat and drink, when you consume it, and how much you ingest. Keeping track for two weekdays and one weekend day can provide insight into your current nutritional state. It gives us a solid foundation to start working toward your goals.

Calcium is found in a variety of foods, from dairy products to sardines.
What are some good sources of calcium? Find out

Reviewed 1/11/2023

Get your CALCIUM!

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body, and it's an important one.

Calcium is famous for helping keep bones strong. But it also helps your muscles move, your nerves transmit messages and your blood flow.

How much calcium do I need to stay healthy?

Calcium needs vary according to your age and other factors, but healthy people 4 years and older should get between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily.

So what foods are good sources of calcium?

You can get the calcium you need from foods like dairy products and from fortified foods like cereal and fruit juice. Keep scrolling to learn more about how much calcium different foods provide.

PLAIN, LOW-FAT YOGURT 8oz 415mg

ORANGE JUICE, CALCIUM-FORTIFIED 1 cup 349mg

SARDINES, CANNED IN OIL, WITH BONES 3oz 325mg

CHEDDAR CHEESE 1.5oz 307mg

NONFAT MILK AND SOY MILK 1 cup 299mg

TOFU, FIRM, MADE WITH CALCIUM SULFATE 1/2 cup 253mg

TOFU, SOFT, MADE WITH CALCIUM SULFATE 1/2 cup 138mg

KALE, FRESH, COOKED 1 cup 94mg

KALE, RAW, CHOPPED 1 cup 24mg

BOK CHOY, RAW, SHREDDED 1 cup 74mg

Calcium helps you build strong bones. What else makes for healthy bones?

Take the quiz

Sources

Make an appointment with a dietitian

You do need a referral from your physician to access nutrition counseling. Insurance may cover the cost of this care, depending on your diagnosis and insurance benefits. Check with your insurance company. Call us today at 503.338.4526 to make an appointment.

Learn more

Smart nutrition plays a huge role in our overall well-being. CMH is pleased to offer classes, events and resources that help you live your best life. Check out our events calendar and health resource library to learn more.

Want to learn more about CMH Nutrition Services? Listen to a podcast episode recorded with Vann Lovett, registered/licensed dietitian and CMH Nutrition Services manager, in 2022. Episodes of CMH's Hands on Health podcast are available at anchor.fm/columbiamemorial or wherever you listen to podcasts.