New
Emory Nutrition Facility Serves Metabolic Disorder Patients and Families
Patients with
metabolic disorders and their families have a new place to gather for
support groups and education sessions, as well as a site where they
may purchase special foods for their dietary needs. The Emory Genetics
Nutrition Section (EGNS) will open its doors on Tuesday, October 1.
The EGNS will serve as a center for formula distribution and a retail
store for the low protein foods needed by metabolic patients.
Patients with metabolic disorders
such as PKU (phenylketonuria) and MSUD (maple syrup urine disease) must
adhere to a strict lifelong low-protein diet. Female patients must be
particularly careful to follow specifications before and during pregnancy
to prevent mental retardation in their children.
"The Emory Genetics Nutrition
Section is an extension of networking and resources for all metabolic
patients," says Rani H. Singh, R.D., Ph.D., director of the nutrition
section for the pediatrics department. "The facility is not only a place
for food purchasing and distribution, but a place where patients can
find kindred spirits and families can develop some much-needed camaraderie."
As a biochemical nutritionist,
Dr. Singh and her staff, including genetic nutritionist Erica Lesperance,
R.D., provide nutrition management to every PKU and MSUD patient in
Georgia from birth through childhood. After years of addressing the
special needs of afflicted children and their parents, Dr. Singh developed
a model, research-based metabolic camp in 1995. The camp is held every
summer at Emory for young, female patients.
The Emory Genetics Nutrition
Section is located at 2711 Irwin Way, Suite 103, near the Emory Campus.
Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Services are
for patients and families with metabolic disorders only. For directions
or more information, call Barbara Liabastre at (404) 727-2479.
|