The University of South Alabama College of Nursing's Our Neighborhood Healthcare Clinic, a fast-track urgent care clinic that provides after-hours treatment, now offers two new programs specific to weight loss and nutrition.

The weight loss program, called "The Scientific Approach to Weight Loss for Life," is a six-month program designed to teach skills in meal planning and preparation, nutrition label reading, food portioning, dining out and fast food selection.

Weekly weigh-ins and healthcare counseling, along with regular follow-ups by a registered dietitian are included in the program. The program accommodates both individual and group visits. It's also appropriate for those pursuing bariatric surgery.

The clinic's new nutrition program, Medical Nutrition Therapy Services, offers nutritional assessment and screening, including: identifying risk factors; reviewing dietary, medical and social histories; and making recommendations for a nutritional care plan.

Insurance billing and fee for services are available for both the new weight loss and nutritional programs.

Additionally, the clinic recently organized a new diabetes support group, which will feature talks on a variety of topics, including: diet and activity; eating to control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol; and planning simple meals for springtime.

For more information on these and other clinic-sponsored programs and events, see Our Neighborhood Healthcare Clinic's January newsletter at www.southalabama.edu/nursing/onhc or call (251) 471-7944.

Managed and operated by certified nurse practitioners in collaboration with a USA physician, the clinic is open to the community, providing primary health care services for adults. In addition to care provided by certified nurse practitioners, the clinic also offers screenings, health education, illness prevention, and management of chronic illnesses.

Located on the third floor of the USA Medical Center, Suite 300, Our Neighborhood Healthcare Clinic is operated by USA College of Nursing. The clinic accepts cash, credit cards, or the following insurance: Blue Cross and Blue Shield, United Health, Medicare and Medicaid. It also provides services on a sliding scale.

The after-hours fast-track/urgent care clinic is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3-8 p.m., and on Sundays from noon-5 p.m. Our Neighborhood Healthcare Clinic is funded through a five-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.