Nutrition Therapy

Nutrition Therapy at Butler County Health provides personalized, evidence-based support to help individuals improve their health through food and lifestyle changes. Our registered dietitian works with clients to create realistic, sustainable nutrition plans tailored to their unique goals, medical conditions and life stages.  Whether you are managing a health condition or simply looking to feel your best, Nutrition Therapy at Butler County Health is here to support your journey toward better health and well-being.

Physician and Bowl of Fruit
Physician and Bowl of Fruit
Physician and Bowl of Fruit

Our Services

  • Chronic Disease Management:
    Expert nutrition support to help manage chronic health conditions through personalized diet and lifestyle interventions. For example: lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol panels and managing blood sugar for diabetes.
  • Digestive Health:
    Identifying food triggers for IBS, acid reflux, celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
    Adult and Child Weight Management: Developing sustainable eating habits for weight loss or gain without restrictive dieting.
  • Sports Nutrition:
    Optimizing your fuel and hydration strategies to enhance athletic performance and recovery.
  • Relationship with Food:
    Navigating disordered eating, breaking the cycle of chronic dieting and practicing mindful eating.
  • Life Stages:
    Navigating specific nutritional needs for pregnancy, postpartum, childhood growth, and healthy aging.

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a credentialed healthcare professional. They translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. Unlike the general term "nutritionist," RDs must complete rigorous university education, supervised clinical training, and pass a national board exam.

What Happens During Your First Visit?

Your initial appointment is a collaborative conversation focused entirely on you. It typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and includes:

  • Medical History Review: Discussing your diagnoses, lab results, medications and family health history.
  • Dietary Assessment: Reviewing your current eating patterns, food preferences, allergies and lifestyle habits.
  • Lifestyle Evaluation: Checking your sleep patterns, stress levels, physical activity and daily routine.
  • Goal Setting: Creating realistic, personalized, and measurable nutrition goals based on your readiness to change.
  • Action Plan: Building a step-by-step strategy with practical meal ideas, portion guidance, or behavior changes.

Meet Our Nutrition Therapy Team

Sandra

Sandra Burwell, RDN, LMNT

Sandra received her Bachelors in Nutrition Science at University of Nebraska at Kearney and completed her Dietetic Internship at University of Nebraska Medical Center.  She holds additional training in Adult Weight Loss Therapy, Low FODMAP diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome from Monash University and became a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in 2022.  Sandra has over 30 years of experience as a dietitian within hospital and nursing home settings, wellness education and public health.  She brings a positive approach to nutrition, focusing on small changes and adding more nutrition to each plate.  She is passionate about introducing more people to locally grown, seasonal produce and has been involved in the BCH Community Garden since its inception in 2020.

The Parkinson's Empowerment Group at Butler County Health targets so many aspects and symptoms of Parkinson’s. It improves a person’s posture, mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as cognition and ability to multi-task. I also like the flexibility of the program and being able to adjust exercises from each position to fit the need of each individual patient.  

Andy Valenti, Physical Therapist Assistant

My strategy in nutrition coaching is to focus on the positive – what things could we add to increase the variety of healthy foods in your routine?  By focusing on adding more healthy choices, you will not feel deprived as you gradually leave out less nutritious choices.  My goal is to help you get a personalized approach to wellness that you can achieve and maintain with your current lifestyle.

Sandra Burwell, Registered Dietitian

Butler County Health has felt like home to me from the beginning of my employment.  I have spent more than 5 years working in an environment that has challenged me to pursue my nursing skills in many different areas such as the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Inpatient Care, Outpatient Care and as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Coordinator.

Tara Palensky, RN

BCH Roots to Shoots Pediatric Therapy Clinic eliminates the need for long commutes to distant facilities like Madonna, allowing Aria to maximize her therapy sessions and educational opportunities.  It is significant for Aria’s overall well-being as it reduces the stress and agitation she had from extended travel.  The staff is like our family to us.

Jennifer Prothman

The communication between us and Leia’s Roots to Shoots therapists is excellent.  We are given the tools and resources to practice techniques at home for ongoing progress and development so she can continue to thrive.  The entire staff at Roots to Shoots goes above and beyond what needs to be done; from teaching her to wear something as simple as a mask, to helping her feel comfortable riding in another vehicle like a school bus.  They are our angels.

Stacey Bykerk

I feel having a 3D mammogram was a blessing for me since it detected my Stage 1 cancer.  The technicians were very helpful as they explained how the machine worked compared to the 2D method.  A big difference is that the 3D machines moves above your head from one size to another and gives a more complete image of the breast.  The testing time also seemed shorter than the standard mammogram.

Judy Dubs

I had a bunion on my foot and I wanted it removed,  but I really didn't want to travel too far to have the procedure done.  So when Butler County Health started providing Podiatry Services, I made an appointment right away.  Dr. Carlston is professional and personable.  He took the time to explain what happens during the procedure and afterwards.

Jill Pokorny

Being able to have my blood drawn at Butler County Health saves me a weekly trip to Omaha.  It is simple to schedule an appointment that works with my schedule and the staff is quick and efficient at drawing my blood samples.

Tanner Zeilinger