Nutrition

Eating well and maintaining good nutritional status is important in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Research has shown that having a higher body mass index (BMI) can promote better lung function. A Registered Dietitian (RD) can help support you in reaching nutrition goals in many different ways. These can include:

• Develop nutrition plan to meet weight goals. This could include support with increasing calorie intake at meals/snacks, oral nutrition supplements, tube feedings, etc.
• Assess fat soluble vitamin levels & make recommendations to help reach/maintain normal fat soluble vitamin levels.
• Monitor for signs/symptoms of fat malabsorption & make recommendations re: pancreatic enzyme regimen.
• Help to manage CF related diabetes and bone health.

At the UNC Adult CF Clinic, the same RD that follows with you at your outpatient clinic visit will also follow with you during inpatient UNC Hospital admissions. This continuity of care can help provide consistent medical nutrition therapy as well as help foster good communication between you and your team. If you have any questions regarding your nutrition, please contact our Registered Dietitian Courtney Busby at (984) 974-3358.

Additional Resources:

Healthwell Foundation
You may be eligible to receive up $20,000 annually for assistance with medical costs related to CF. To qualify:

1. You must be treated for CF
2. Have insurance that covers medications,
3. Your income must fall within guidelines (Household income limit is 500% of federal poverty).

To apply, call 1800.675,8416. For more information please click here.

Spiritus Project
The purpose of the Spiritus Project is to provide various forms of direct, need-based financial assistance to adult cystic fibrosis patients in an effort to reduce stress and provide an improved quality of life. The initial focus of the Spiritus Project is to assist North Carolina-based cystic fibrosis patients.

Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation (CFLF)
The CFLF assists in providing avenues toward healthy and active lifestyles through recreation, thereby empowering and educating people with Cystic Fibrosis on the critical psychological, social, and emotional connections between their lifestyle and their health. Apply for a recreation grant to assist with costs related to gym memberships, summer or sports camps, exercise classes, swim lessons, martial arts, etc).

The Cystic Dreams Fund
The Cystic Dreams Fund seeks to support individuals and families impacted by the huge costs cystic fibrosis can generate. These costs may include drug co-pays, medical bills, and transplant-related expenses.

North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services
Currently, you can use NC ePASS to screen for your potential eligibility and to apply for the following programs:

• Medicaid
• Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps)

https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do

There are more resources available to people that are county specific. Please discuss with your CF center social worker or dietician for more information.

North Carolina Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Catholic Charities operates five food pantries throughout eastern North Carolina to meet basic needs of families by responding with food, clothing, baby items, or financial assistance. These locations include Fayetteville, Durham, Greenville, and the Catholic Parish Outreach Food Pantry in Raleigh. For further information please visit their website or call (919) 873-0245. If you are interested in referring a patient please see the Agency Referral Form.

Catholic Parish Outreach
2013 N. Raleigh Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604

North Carolina WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding (through the infant’s 1st year), and postpartum (up to 6 months if not breastfeeding or a year if breastfeeding), as well as infants, and children (up to age 5). For a list of locations as well as appointment numbers please visit this site.