Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael DeCaro.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been interested in health and wellness. I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant after high school while I pursued an EMT-Paramedic degree. While I enjoyed emergency medicine, I quickly realized my passions for preventative care, counseling and the culinary arts. I transferred to Appalachian State University and obtained a Bachelors and Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. The program included a year-long Dietetic Internship, which allowed me to sit for an exam to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). RD’s are licensed medical providers that specialize in Medical Nutrition Therapy. We work in a variety of settings including clinical, community, and food service.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The role of an RD is typically low-stress when compared to other professions. That doesn’t mean that every day is the same, as every career has their good and bad days. Since RD’s meet face-to-face with clients, there is a certain level of flexibility that is required by the job. Assisting clients with lifestyle changes, meal planning and chronic health conditions, means that every session is a unique and requires a high level of empathy and active listening skills. Additionally, clients may also require assistance with rescheduling, insurance coverage, and establishing a support system. Private practice RD’s will tell you it is a rewarding and humbling profession, and most of the struggles happen behind the scenes between clients. Examples include filing insurance claims, charting and connecting clients with community programs and services.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am employed by Nutrition HealthWorks (NHW), a private practice company that specializes in pediatric nutrition, sports nutrition, women’s health, food intolerances/allergies, heart health, diabetes, eating disorders, GI conditions, and chronic disease management. We also provide corporate nutrition services where we support workplace wellness initiatives. RD’s are licensed medical professionals and experts in food, nutrition and supplements. There is no shortage of misinformation on the internet. Meeting with an expert can help you put together the most evidence-based plan by using a non-restrictive approach. Not every town or city has private practice Dietitians. The ones that do are often cash only. Not only does NHW have a team of RDs with different specialties, but we also accept insurance where 95% of clients are fully covered. That being said, we do offer self-pay options for those who need it. A full list of our services can be found on our website at www.nutritionhealthworks.com.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
No one succeeds in life alone and nothing replaces a strong support system. I may be an expert in nutrition, but clients are an expert on their own life. Client’s often seek health professionals in their most vulnerable hours, and it is a humbling privilege to be invited into their lives. The role of an RD often falls in the center of many other specialties. While we do have to stay within our scope of practice, RDs are uniquely positioned to help client’s navigate their journey. I often tell clients that if we were on a ship, they are the captain and I am the lookout. Lifestyle change works best when clients are empowered through education and support. Maintaining high levels of self-efficacy, and developing critical thinking skills, are paramount to achieving and maintaining long term goals.
Pricing:
- Insurance often cover 100% of sessions
- Self-pay options available
- We accept HSA and FSA.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nutritionhealthworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_health_works/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NutritionHealthWorksLLC/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nutritionhealthworks
