Nutrition is Mission Published Aug. 28, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Victoria Baldwin 6th Medical Group Nutritional Medicine MacDill AFB, Fla. -- Ask any service member on MacDill AFB what the difference is between the Nutritional Medicine Clinic and the Health and Wellness Center and chances are most won't be able to tell you. While both work toward improving your quality of life, each is a separate entity, approaching diseases and ailments from different perspectives. The HAWC focuses on preventing health issues, while Nutritional Medicine works more with the management of the issues. Currently located on the first floor of the clinic (the second floor in the new facility come the end of September) Nutritional Medicine serves as focal point of nutrition information for spouses, family members, contractors, DOD Civilians and Military members (Active Duty, Reserve and Retired), and deals with a variety of patients from those recently diagnosed with Diabetes to those looking to alter their diet to avoid such things as kidney stones or food allergies. They see patients both young and old, in group sessions and one-on-one. Presently three group classes are offered: Diabetes Management - One of the most popular classes, it is a set of three sessions scheduled on Tuesdays that allow for patients to interact with and learn from the 6 MDG's providers, nurses, dental team, pharmacists and dietitian about every aspect of the disease, from initial diagnosis to daily management. Weight Management - One, two hour class that is held twice monthly, designed to incorporate nutrition and daily exercise for a healthier way of life. One-on-one appointments are scheduled after with the dietitian to continue the support and monitoring of weight management or loss. Heart Care Class - Also a two hour class that is held twice monthly to promote and teach the gradual lifestyle changes needed to lower cholesterol, hypertension and triglycerides in the effort to improve your over all health. Follow up appointments are also scheduled to monitor and re-enforce the positive changes. The Nutritional Medicine Clinic also provides access to the Med Gem, which measures individual metabolic rates, and the Body Composition Scale, which measures individual BMI, body water, muscle mass and more. In addition to the nutritional counseling provided there are also a variety of handouts, brochures, free samples and coupons for an array of products and services. If you are looking to meet with the Registered Dietitian, simply speak to your PCM or any provider you are seeing, and ask for a referral to be put into the system. Referral Management will then call you to schedule an appointment that works best with your schedule. You can also "self-refer" for any of the Weight Management classes or if you have a specific issue you would like information on - such as food allergies, a vegetarian diet, healthier meals and eating habits for your toddlers, adolescents and teens or prenatal nutrition. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, contact: Airman 1st Class Victoria Baldwin at 827-9358/60 victoria.baldwin@macdill.af.mil, Mrs. Agnese Walker RD, LD/N at 827-9357 or at agnese.walker@macdill.af.mil.