San Juan Regional Medical Center is happy to offer free outpatient medical nutrition therapy. Our dietitians work with patients to help them reach their greatest health and wellbeing through proper nutrition education and management
We are in the process of a new easy, online referral form submission, although until that processes is established please click and complete the form below. Once received, our dieticians will contact the patient directly to schedule their personalized appointment.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Referral Form
Appropriate Patient Referrals Form
Malnutrition
What is Malnutrition?
Malnutrition is any nutrition imbalance that can present as either undernutrition or overnutrition.
Undernutrition means not eating enough calories, protein and other essential nutrients to meet the body’s needs. This can lead to health concerns such as loss of muscle, decreased strength, nutrient deficiencies and a weakened immune system. Undernutrition impacts a person’s health during illness, injury or hospital stay and can lead to:
Increased risk of pressure injury
Increased risk of complications
Increased length of stay
Five times the likelihood of higher healthcare costs
Three times the likelihood of surgical infections
Increased risk for readmission within 15 days of discharge.
One in three people admitted to the hospital are malnourished.
Overnutrition means eating more calories than the body needs, but not eating enough essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals. This can lead to health concerns such as obesity and nutrient deficiencies. Obesity can increase the risk for many serious health conditions including but not limited to: heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Malnutrition Resources
For up to date research and tips for nutrition, health and fitness guidelines (for kids, seniors, parents, men and women) from the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
eatright.orgFor more information on Child Nutrition Programs and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs available to you as well as other nutrition resources, publications, research and more:
usda.govFor resources on how to find your healthy, practical eating style and make life long changes with fun and interactive online tools (great for children, men, women, older adults and moms-to-be):
Visit
health.gov/dietaryguidelines to read through the United States Department of Agriculture’s 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines to learn about the nutrition guidelines for Americans.
