UHC Spotlight: Nutrition Services

A key part of health and wellness is nutrition and the University Health Center has a part-time registered dietitian on staff who provides nutritional education and counseling for JMU students. No charge. No referral needed.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that the definition and requirements for the term "nutritionist" vary by state (there is no credential required to be a nutritionist in Virginia), but a registered dietitian has fulfilled specific requirements, including having earned at least a bachelor's degree, completed a supervised practice program, and passed a registration examination - in addition to maintaining continuing education requirements for national recertification.

The UHC's registered dietitian is Michele Cavoto. She meets with students to assess their nutritional status, make dietary recommendations and educate those requiring diet therapy. Cavoto has 35 years of experience as an R.D. - the last 31 here at JMU.

“Working at the UHC and serving JMU students is rewarding because there is always a new and exciting challenge,” Cavoto said. “Nutrition is constantly changing, which makes it fun. And working with college students, a fairly healthy population, means that often I'm working with people who want to make a change, before they have to make a change.”

She can help JMU students with…                    

• General nutrition information
• Weight gain or loss plan
• Vegan and vegetarian lifestyles
• Diabetes, Celiac  disease, food allergies and intolerances, irritable bowel, and other medical diagnoses with significant nutrition implications
• Eating disorders
• Tips for grocery shopping

Call 540-568-6178 to make an appointment.