Life & Work with Cheryl Orlansky RDN LD CDCES of Virginia Highlands

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Orlansky RDN LD CDCES.

Hi Cheryl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up with parents that were very health conscious. My dad was a weight lifter (physicist by day) and my mother ran a Health Club. In those days the men and women had separate work out days! She cooked every night and we ate as a family (I am the oldest of 4). So started an appreciation of delicious family and southern meals. I started my career as a dental hygienist but after 10 years I needed and wanted to do a greater service for my patients. I went back to school: Georgia State University and obtained a BS in Nutrition Science. I interned at Emory Hospital and became a Registered Dietitian licensed in the state of Georgia.
My first job was a contractor at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I ran the nutrition programs for CDC employees in Atlanta, at that time there were over 6,000 employees.
After 8 years at CDC, I had an opportunity to work with a group of physicians that were interested in helping their patients reduce medications and improve their quality of life. At the time this was a novel position as medical nutrition therapy was not always covered by insurances. The doctors and administration were willing to start a wellness program and provide value to their patients by giving me the opportunity to deliver nutrition counseling.
So, began a Nutrition and Diabetes program at Laureate Medical group (a Northside Hospital Network) which is a multi location physician practice with primary and specialty care. I became a certified diabetes care and education specialist as we were seeing an increase rate of pre diabetes and diabetes. I was there for 18 years until I semi retired.
I currently have a virtual nutrition practice where I help manage chronic conditions such as obesity, patients on GLP1 medications, diabetes, GI issues, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A greater obstacle now is nutrition misinformation. We are in a climate of social media influencers who are not professionals giving out inaccurate advice. Health professionals use evidenced based medicine to make recommendations to the general public. And science is ever evolving which confuses many people. Registered dietitians can use guidance to help formulate personalized recommendations for individuals from scientific guidelines. Everyone needs to know where they are getting information and make sure it is from reputable sources.

There is no life path without challenges in any profession. As more insurances cover medical nutrition therapy and diabetes education, more people now have access to medical care in wellness and prevention. In the beginning of GLP1 medications for patients with obesity, costs were very high and supply was limited. We are now seeing costs come down. And many health organizations recognize obesity as a chronic disease which leads insurances to start covering counseling and medications.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am very proud of receiving Outstanding Dietitian of the Year award in 2013 from the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
I have a gift to help people where they are–to move them slowly to meet their goals. I use evidence based medicine to guide adults towards a healthier lifestyle. Good dietary habits that stick in the long run. It is not about removing food groups or macronutrients or following a list of “Do not eat this”. It’s really about eating for pleasure, eating based on our culture, eating a diversity of plants, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, seeds and nuts in the right amount for healthy aging and energy. And we also know the importance of sound sleep and regular physical activity to round out behaviors we need to create good health.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find joy in simple things, walking/running/hiking outdoors, cooking old and new recipes, spending time with our growing family and making sure I stay connected to friends.
Helping my patients meet their goals and improve energy makes me very happy!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.orlanskynutrition.com