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CHARLOTTE, NC -- According to a recent study by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, many people find nutrition labels on food packages confusing. Often, this confusion can lead to people erroneously stocking their food pantries with unhealthy products.

To help people decipher food labels and make heart healthy choices, dietitians from Presbyterian Hospital's Center for Preventive Cardiology (PCPC) have launched a new program called "Heart Healthy Kitchen Consult." During a personal home visit, dietitians will conduct a two hour seminar in the comfort of a person's kitchen.

"We're not only teaching folks how to adopt a heart healthier diet, we're helping people make permanent healthy lifestyle changes," said Cheryl Kuhta-Sutter, RD, LDN of the PCPC, one of the two dietitians who makes house calls.

Prior to examining the contents of a person's pantry and refrigerator, the dietitians will review a person's diet patterns, including what a person eats in a typical day. Basic nutrition, label reading and the Mediterranean Diet - the only diet proven to help reduce the risk of heart disease - also will be reviewed.

"The nutrition plan we offer is not a short-term diet, but, should be maintained for life," said Mark Hoesten, RD, LDN of Presbyterian's PCPC, who often collaborates with Kuhta-Sutter during consultations.

Once the dietitians are sure a person has a sound understanding of healthy eating, the pair will review products in a persons pantry and refrigerator.

"We teach a person how to understand the label reading guidelines for fat, sugar, fiber and sodium as listed on the ingredient list," said Kuhta-Sutter.

For an additional fee, dietitians will accompany participants to the grocery store to help them apply what they learned during the first consultation.

Cost for the in home consultation is $150. The grocery store tour is $30. For more information about the new program or to schedule an appointment, please call (704) 384-5039.