What does holistic healthcare mean to you? Do you consider your health to be dependent on a wide variety of factors, including your lifestyle? 

At Hancock Health, we strongly believe in treating the whole patient by integrating each aspect of their life into their care plan. The Nutrition Therapy Program at our Hancock Wellness Centers, staffed by registered dietitians, is a great place to start improving your health beyond medications or visits to your provider. And, because we offer virtual appointments as well as the opportunity to bill insurance, it is more accessible than ever to those throughout our state. 

It’s safe to assume that many people are struggling with their health in some way or another. Whether it is unwanted weight gain, hormonal changes, chronic diseases or even cancer, working with a registered dietitian lays a foundation of healthy eating habits that can help your body heal and come back into balance.

A healthy relationship with food is a centerpiece for health and a staple concept in creating a higher quality of life. Why? Because every part of your body is literally fueled and built by what’s on your plate. In fact, working with a registered dietitian can even help to prevent future diseases or put patients at a lower risk for developing illness later on. 

Emily Stoffel, a Registered Dietitian at the Hancock Wellness Center in New Palestine, says she sees a lot of improvement pretty rapidly once people begin to shift toward a healthier relationship with food. “When we change their diet for the better, we see an improvement in energy levels, overall health, and how they feel. We see a lot of non-scale victories and energy is probably number one,” says Stoffel, adding, “Food impacts everything in life.”

One thing is true about taking a holistic approach to health: it puts a lot of the power back into the hands of the patient. Providers can understand your condition, goals and treatment plan, but outside of their office, you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to your health. That can leave some patients feeling restless: What does it look like to shift to healthier lifestyle habits?

Stoffel reminds her clients that nutrition therapy isn’t a quick fix. And change takes time and commitment. However, she also wants people to know that she and the Hancock Health team are ready to “walk alongside patients in any disease state and help them make forever changes.” And the changes you see will be big.

Having that kind of support can change everything when it comes to managing disease or making changes in your life so you can feel your best. 

Perhaps you have heard of the myriad other programs offered through the wellness centers that help patients find a higher quality of life while navigating health challenges. Offerings include exercise programs like CancerFit, which helps establish both exercise and community for those on any stage of their cancer journey, and StrongMoms, for both pre and post-natal mothers to come together to create community and build strength and flexibility, as well as others. 

A Clinical Exercise Program and Physician Referral Program offer holistic supports, including nutrition therapy and personal training, to those who suffer from a wide variety of chronic illnesses. Grief workshops, support groups, QPR trainings and other engaging community activities help round out our offerings to those in Hancock County and beyond.

Learn more about Nutrition Therapy at the Hancock Wellness Centers as well as other programming by heading to hancockhealth.org.