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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. The Comprehensive
Assessment usually lasts 1 1/2 hours.
Q: How often should I come for sessions?
A: Each client is unique. It is usually more effective if you follow-up with two additional sessions; one a week or
so later and the second after a few weeks. During these sessions clients are provided with suggested meal plans I
design specifically for them taking into consideration all the elements discussed during the Comprehensive
Assessment. The meal plan gives the client a blueprint of what particular foods to eat, portions, and frequency. I
make every effort to consider individual preferences and lifestyle. Supplementation is reviewed in detail and other
therapies are recommended as needed. The follow-up is important to assess progress, discuss the program, 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. Regular sessions usually produce the fastest results.
Q: Should I continue sessions after I reach my goal?
A: Having a nutritional tune-up is always a good idea. 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.
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. The Comprehensive
Assessment usually lasts 1 1/2 hours.
Q: How often should I come for sessions?
A: Each client is unique. It is usually more effective if you follow-up with two additional sessions; one a week or
so later and the second after a few weeks. During these sessions clients are provided with suggested meal plans I
design specifically for them taking into consideration all the elements discussed during the Comprehensive
Assessment. The meal plan gives the client a blueprint of what particular foods to eat, portions, and frequency. I
make every effort to consider individual preferences and lifestyle. Supplementation is reviewed in detail and other
therapies are recommended as needed. The follow-up is important to assess progress, discuss the program, 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. Regular sessions usually produce the fastest results.
Q: Should I continue sessions after I reach my goal?
A: Having a nutritional tune-up is always a good idea. 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.
| 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 |
