Uchenna Ohajunwa

About Uchenna

Hi - My name is Uchenna. I am excited to be part of a "healthier-you" journey! I have been a Registered Dietitian for over 2 decades, working with patients/clients of all ages in different settings. My life experience gained from having lived in Africa, United Kingdom and the USA, has shaped an appreciation of the criticial influence of food culture and ethnicity on health and wellness. There is a rich and wildldy expansive list of foods that have sustained generations but not been subject to research and analysis. This becomes challenging for patients becuase it is hard to find a quantifiable database that provides information for meal planning. I have successfully worked with clients to reach person-centered goals in the following areas: Pre-diabetes; Diabetes, Heart Health, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, Pre/Post Bariatric surgery and Malnutrition especially in home-bound seniors.I especially feel passionate about working with immigrant families from culturally diverse groups.

Approach to care

Prevention is better (and often cheaper) than cure! I am passionate about helping you find the most healthful lifestyle for wherever you are in the wellness-disease state continuum. I am a firm believer in moderation and often remind my clients " Water can be fatal when in excess!". Changing ones lifestyle is one of the hardest things to do. My approach to working with clients is person-centered. With firm but compassionate support and evidence-based guidance we develop sustainable SM.A.R.T. goals that are wholistic (take into account age, sex, culture, community, social, religious and commitment levels). I believe real lifestyle changes can best be achieved in the context of maintaining that attachment to foods that people have grown up eating but explore ways to make it healthier. Small steps work. It is a happy morning when a client that has been learning diabetic meal planning and tracking blood sugar tells me their blood sugar has been in range for an entire week! They got it!

Your first session with Uchenna

Congratulations on booking your first session! You are taking a crucial step forward to a healtheier, more vibrant future you. That is awesome!! Our first session will be more of an unstructured conversation to get to know you, gather relevant information regarding specific diet/food related concerns and needs, review medical history; past treatments or interventions. It is also important to share what psycho-social and community based support systems are available and what impact they have had or will have in moving forward and reaching your goals. Finally before the session ends, we will assess any perceived or real challenges and your commitment to the process. We will then agree on some key person-centered goals. It is important to understand that goals can also change, so approach this process with an open non-judgmental mindset. Changing goals is not failure, but often realizing priorities have changed. I look forward to working with you.

Location

📍 Storrs, Connecticut

Education

University of Connecticut

Hobbies

Traveling; Hiking; Nature Photography; Reading; Music

Licenses and Certifications