Hi, allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Lori Walters, RD, LDN.  I have been the HIHAC Nutritionist since 1993.  I have had the pleasure of providing nutritional care to our patients in a clinic setting that is ideal for promoting teamwork among the providers to achieve an individualized plan of care for each client.

 I was first introduced to AIDS when I was a Dietetic Intern in Atlanta, Georgia in the late '80s.  At that time, most people that had this medical condition died within a year of diagnosis.  I still remember having to "gown up" covered head to toe with surgical mask and gloves to enter the room of an AIDS patient. Many felt like lepers because of this and told me how much they missed the gift of human touch.   

 When I returned home to the Peoria area, working as a surgical dietitian at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, I jumped at the chance to join the HIV team when Erin Meyers, RD, decided to pursue other avenues.  Much had changed, thankfully, in HIV care when I started at HIHAC.  There was actually hope with new meds, monitoring, and people were getting a chance to enjoy life again.

 I believe that nutrition and healthy eating can really make a difference in how one feels and can give control again to someone who finds themselves at a loss when so many things in life have been taken away or changed.  Knowledge is powerful and I hope that I can help you learn what foods to eat to make you feel better and enjoy good health.

 It is my goal to use this website as an opportunity for you to learn more about good nutrition and eating so that you can take these tips and apply them to your daily life.  I welcome your feedback and ideas for nutrition topics to review.  I would, also, love to include your recipes, tips, and possibly your story in relation to cooking and food.  Bon appetit!

 www.lori.e.walters@osfhealthcare.org

 Healthy Deals Around P-Town

is the name of a newly created blog that was designed to help you find cheap, healthy food in Peoria and surrounding communities.

This past summer, Emily Rodgers, OSF Dietetic Intern, worked closely with one of our longstanding clients to develop a blog that highlighted area grocery stores' weekly specials that were both healthy and economical.  Included are tips for cooking and preparation.  Hope you will check this link out and tell your friends:

 http://healthydealspeoria.blogspot.com/