WINNEMUCCA - Humboldt General Hospital has welcomed a new director of dietary and nutrition services.
Tiffani Nalivka, MS, RD joined the local facility, located at 118 E. Haskell St., in January.
The Vale, Ore., native received a master of science in family consumer science with an emphasis on food safety from the University of Idaho. Before that, she completed a bachelor of science in food science and human nutrition from Washington State University.
Previous to coming to Winnemucca, Nalivka worked at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and OZ Fitness in Spokane, Wash., as a registered dietitian.
She and her husband decided to move to Winnemucca to take advantage of the job opportunities here and to be close to family, and Nalivka said she hasn't regretted that decision in the least, especially from a professional standpoint.
"I enjoy providing patients and clients with education and tools to take charge of their health," she said. "I also have the opportunity to be a part of the healthcare team to provide the best care HGH can."
Nalivka said her position allows her to work with a variety of patients and clients including acute care patients, Harmony Manor residents, outpatients referred by their primary care physicians, employee wellness participants and Cardiac Rehab participants.
"I have the opportunity to help them reach their goals or manage diseases through nutrition and exercise," she explained.
Nalivka also has been working on a new diabetes self-management program since her arrival earlier this year.
"This program is being developed by a group of dietitians with help from HGH staff and Humboldt community members with the goal preventing and/or controlling diabetes through self-management education," she explained.
The latest national statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that diabetes affects 25.8 million people in the United States, or 8.3 percent of the country's total population.
The CDC further estimates that 18.8 million people are diagnosed with the disease, while 7 million remain undiagnosed. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States.
Diabetes is also a major cause of heart disease and stroke, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
"So this program will be a great addition to our community and to HGH," said Nalivka.
In her spare time, Nalivka enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, hunting, fishing and camping. She also loves baking and trying out new recipes.
"I am really happy to be here and I look forward to working with our hospital and our community in providing good information and encouragement to help people make the best health choices possible," said Nalivka.
For more information about Humboldt General Hospital's dietary and nutrition services, please contact Director Tiffani Nalivka at (775) 623-5222, ext. 246.
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