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Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some questions that people frequently ask about my practice:
Q: What is the Comprehensive Assessment (first session)?
A: This is an extensive assessment of nutritional status as it relates to the client's history and health issues.
Dietary and lifestyle habits are examined in detail. I consider the biochemical individuality of each client, their
body type, eating habits, stress level, exercise and lifestyle. I encourage relaxation and focus during all my client
sessions. Dietary guidelines and basic supplement recommendations are provided based on your specific needs
and requirements. The Comprehensive Assessment is a two-hour consultation which provides you with all the
basics you need to get started.
Q: How often should I come for sessions?
A: Each client is unique. Many clients find it helpful to have a personalized sample meal plan designed to suit
their lifestyle. The sample meal plan provides a "blueprint" to begin your strategy immediately. It is an effective
tool for getting started. This is available along with more detailed supplementation advice and a written
summary of personalized guidelines. You can request these additional helpful tools upon completion of the
Comprehensive Assessment, and they are provided within a few days. Once you have followed the suggested
protocol, it is usually advisable to follow-up with a session in one month. The follow-up is important to discuss
the program, review progress, and make necessary adjustments. These sessions usually last 45-60 minutes.
Q: How quickly will I see results?
A: Clients report increased energy and vitality almost immediately. Reaching your ultimate goals depends upon
the particular issues involved. For weight management and chronic conditions, regular monthly sessions
usually produce the fastest results. In cases where more frequent visits are desired, special fee schedules are
available.
Q: Should I continue sessions after I reach my goal?
A: Having a nutritional tune-up is always a good idea especially when substantial weight loss is desired. Once
you are healthy and feeling great, you will know when you need a follow-up. Quick phone sessions are also an
option, especially for acute situations.
Q. Why should I seek the advice of a nutritionist regarding supplementation?
A. I am sure many of you have a cabinet full of supplements you used for a while only to be put aside. Perhaps
they made you feel sick or just did not seem to do anything for you. Many supplements are thrown away after
only a few days. There are so many products on the market, and it is best to consult with a professional who has
the knowledge to recommend the right supplements and dosages. Not all supplement brands are created equal.
It is also important to remember that herbs are powerful medicine. It is my experience that they can be quite
useful when administered properly. However, many things must be considered when using herbs; such as,
prescription medications and medical conditions. You will actually save money in the long run by learning what
are the right supplements to meet your individual needs.
Q. Why should I see a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and what is the significance of licensure?
A. To become a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) an individual must meet the academic requirements
established by the (CNCB) and pass a rigorous clinical board exam. Once certified, the CCN must comply with
re-education requirements usually through attending professional symposiums and seminars. In addition, they
must take a recertification exam every 5 years. Since many states do not have licensure for Nutritionists, the
CCN credential ensures you are seeing a qualified professional. Licensure is required by certain states and is
administered through the Department of Health. Licensure ensures only qualified professionals practice in the
state.
Q. What makes my practice special?
A. When I meet with a client I take a highly-individualized, integrative approach utilizing the many tools I have
acquired over time. There is no "cookie cutter" approach here! I use everything at my disposal to explore new
ways of enhancing health through nutrition, supplementation, and other complimentary modalities. I allow
plenty of time between appointments to be sure clients have time to ask all their questions and discuss their
concerns. My goal is for you to have a sense of hope and optimism when you leave my office from the first visit!
The following are some questions that people frequently ask about my practice:
Q: What is the Comprehensive Assessment (first session)?
A: This is an extensive assessment of nutritional status as it relates to the client's history and health issues.
Dietary and lifestyle habits are examined in detail. I consider the biochemical individuality of each client, their
body type, eating habits, stress level, exercise and lifestyle. I encourage relaxation and focus during all my client
sessions. Dietary guidelines and basic supplement recommendations are provided based on your specific needs
and requirements. The Comprehensive Assessment is a two-hour consultation which provides you with all the
basics you need to get started.
Q: How often should I come for sessions?
A: Each client is unique. Many clients find it helpful to have a personalized sample meal plan designed to suit
their lifestyle. The sample meal plan provides a "blueprint" to begin your strategy immediately. It is an effective
tool for getting started. This is available along with more detailed supplementation advice and a written
summary of personalized guidelines. You can request these additional helpful tools upon completion of the
Comprehensive Assessment, and they are provided within a few days. Once you have followed the suggested
protocol, it is usually advisable to follow-up with a session in one month. The follow-up is important to discuss
the program, review progress, and make necessary adjustments. These sessions usually last 45-60 minutes.
Q: How quickly will I see results?
A: Clients report increased energy and vitality almost immediately. Reaching your ultimate goals depends upon
the particular issues involved. For weight management and chronic conditions, regular monthly sessions
usually produce the fastest results. In cases where more frequent visits are desired, special fee schedules are
available.
Q: Should I continue sessions after I reach my goal?
A: Having a nutritional tune-up is always a good idea especially when substantial weight loss is desired. Once
you are healthy and feeling great, you will know when you need a follow-up. Quick phone sessions are also an
option, especially for acute situations.
Q. Why should I seek the advice of a nutritionist regarding supplementation?
A. I am sure many of you have a cabinet full of supplements you used for a while only to be put aside. Perhaps
they made you feel sick or just did not seem to do anything for you. Many supplements are thrown away after
only a few days. There are so many products on the market, and it is best to consult with a professional who has
the knowledge to recommend the right supplements and dosages. Not all supplement brands are created equal.
It is also important to remember that herbs are powerful medicine. It is my experience that they can be quite
useful when administered properly. However, many things must be considered when using herbs; such as,
prescription medications and medical conditions. You will actually save money in the long run by learning what
are the right supplements to meet your individual needs.
Q. Why should I see a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and what is the significance of licensure?
A. To become a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) an individual must meet the academic requirements
established by the (CNCB) and pass a rigorous clinical board exam. Once certified, the CCN must comply with
re-education requirements usually through attending professional symposiums and seminars. In addition, they
must take a recertification exam every 5 years. Since many states do not have licensure for Nutritionists, the
CCN credential ensures you are seeing a qualified professional. Licensure is required by certain states and is
administered through the Department of Health. Licensure ensures only qualified professionals practice in the
state.
Q. What makes my practice special?
A. When I meet with a client I take a highly-individualized, integrative approach utilizing the many tools I have
acquired over time. There is no "cookie cutter" approach here! I use everything at my disposal to explore new
ways of enhancing health through nutrition, supplementation, and other complimentary modalities. I allow
plenty of time between appointments to be sure clients have time to ask all their questions and discuss their
concerns. My goal is for you to have a sense of hope and optimism when you leave my office from the first visit!
| An Integrative Approach... |
| "The first wealth is health." Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| ©2007 Debra Russo Houri, MS, CCN 101 S. Whiting St., Suite 208, Alexandria, VA 22304 (703) 485-6965 |
