Nutrition & Dietetics

HSHS St. Anthony's offers inpatient nutrition education to help patients improve their nutrition status, set goals and change their lifestyle

Man patient receiving food tray from female dietitian

A Registered Dietitian will assess nutritional needs, individualize meal plans, assist in goal setting and provide follow-up care. Follow-up visits are encouraged in order to facilitate lifestyle changes and assist clients in meeting their goals.

Our Registered Dietitian:
Susan Ealy, MS, RD

Registered Dietitians accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provide medical nutrition therapy at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and are available upon appointment to help clients improve their nutritional status. A physician's referral is necessary to obtain nutrition counseling services; however, Registered Dietitians at St. Anthony's are available to assist clients in contacting their physicians for counseling orders. 

Counseling appointments for Nutrition Education are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through our Diagnostic Scheduling at 217-757-6565. Appointments subject to availability.

Young woman consulting with dietitian

Nutrition Counseling

Registered Dietitians accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provide medical nutrition therapy at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and are available upon appointment to help clients improve their nutritional status. 

A physician's referral is necessary to obtain nutrition counseling services; however, Registered Dietitians at St. Anthony's are available to assist clients in contacting their physicians for counseling orders. 

Counseling appointments for Nutrition Education are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through our Diagnostic Scheduling at 217-757-6565. Appointments subject to availability.

Nutritional counseling may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Prenatal and postnatal nutrition
  • Pediatric/adolescent weight management
  • Adult weight management
  • Food allergies
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Tube Feeding Management

For Your Nutrition & Wellness Needs

Expert nutrition guidance for your health journey

Welcome to our registered dietitian services at HSHS Medical Group. We believe that good nutrition is the cornerstone of overall health and wellness. Our experienced registered dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy to help you achieve your health goals, prevent or manage chronic conditions, and enhance your quality of life. 

Our Nutrition Services

  • Complete nutrition assessment
  • Goal setting for nutrition and overall health
  • Practical food recommendations tailored to your lifestyle and budget
  • Ongoing support and accountability
  • Diabetes management
  • Heart health and cholesterol management
  • Digestive disorders, including IBS, celiac disease and GERD
  • Food allergies and intolerances
  • Weight management
  • Prenatal and postpartum nutrition
  • Comprehensive diabetes education classes
  • Diabetes support group
  • Recipe demonstration videos

Why Choose Our Dietitian Services?

  • Hometown expertise: Our dietitians understand the unique needs of our rural community. We provide practical advice that works with local food availability, seasonal produce and the realities of busy farm and small-town lifestyles.
  • Evidence-based guidance: Receive nutrition advice based on the latest scientific research — not fad diets or internet trends. Our registered dietitians have completed extensive education and maintain professional credentials through continuing education.
  • Coordinated care: As part of HSHS Medical Group, our dietitians work closely with your health care providers to ensure your nutrition plan complements your overall care strategy.
  • Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans cover nutrition counseling, especially for certain medical conditions. Our office staff can help verify your benefits.


How to Access Our Services

  • Self-referral welcome: You don’t need a doctor’s referral to schedule an appointment with our dietitians. Call our office at 217-391-5454 to schedule your initial consultation.
  • Provider referrals: Your doctor or health care provider may refer you to our nutrition services as part of your treatment plan. We’ll coordinate with your provider to ensure integrated care.

Meet Our Team

Our registered dietitians are licensed health care professionals with specialized training in nutrition science. They bring both expertise and compassion to every consultation, helping you navigate nutrition choices with confidence.

Adrienne Jarrell

HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology - Effingham

Tracy Dennis

HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology - Effingham

Your path to better health starts here

Nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Let our dietitians help you discover simple, sustainable changes that make a real difference in how you feel every day. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward better health through better nutrition. Call 217-391-5454.