Elissa Cox, RDN

Elissa Cox, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, she practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org. She understands that Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are your primary partners in preventive care, collaboratively creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and providing expert medical nutrition therapy and wellness counseling to empower you to achieve and maintain optimal well-being.

Dr. Elissa RDN serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a dietitian in Tampa, FL, she prioritizes creating personalized strategies that align with individual needs and goals. Please call (813) 998-8000 to confirm if Dr. Elissa RDN is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Elissa RDN provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Elissa RDN is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Elissa RDN can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Elissa RDN provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• End-Stage Renal Disease: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, often preventable with proactive management of underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes through diet and lifestyle.
• Chronic Diseases: Nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic diseases by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
• Addiction: Many addictions lead to poor dietary choices, hindering overall health. Seeking help from a registered dietitian nutritionist can support improved nutrition and successful recovery.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Early detection of NAFLD through regular checkups and healthy habits is crucial to prevent serious liver damage and other health complications down the line.
• Insulin Resistance Syndrome: Insulin resistance syndrome, often a precursor to type 2 diabetes, can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise to prevent serious health problems.
• Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol and other lipid disorders can increase your risk of heart disease, but healthy eating and lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay these problems.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Addressing nutritional deficiencies often associated with ADHD/ADD can improve focus, behavior, and overall well-being, thus reducing long-term health risks.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Elissa RDN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Continuous glucose monitoring offers a proactive approach to understanding your body's response to food and activity, supporting healthier choices and preventing long-term health issues.
• Allergy Testing: Take charge of your health by undergoing allergy testing to uncover hidden sensitivities and prevent future reactions.
• Diabetes Prevention: Early detection and management of prediabetes can significantly lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes; let's work together to achieve this goal.
• Exercise Counseling: Proactive exercise counseling helps you create a personalized fitness plan to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
• Geriatric Assessment: Protecting your future health starts with a geriatric assessment. This evaluation helps pinpoint nutritional deficiencies or other problems that may arise with age, promoting better health outcomes.
• Eating Management: Partner with a registered dietitian to create a sustainable eating pattern that addresses your specific nutritional needs and prevents deficiencies.
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Prioritize your mental and physical health by seeking professional help for eating disorders; treatment can help you recover and prevent lasting health consequences.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Florida.

Dr. Elissa RDN is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers/Support Systems to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Client's life:

• By following a personalized dietary plan guided by a registered dietitian nutritionist, a patient successfully managed their blood pressure and blood sugar, significantly reducing their risk of developing end-stage renal disease. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their health journey.
• By working with a registered dietitian nutritionist, a family proactively reduced their risk factors for chronic diseases, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to make informed choices about their health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care with Dr. Elissa RDN:

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a credentialed healthcare professional with extensive education and supervised practice experience. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, so it doesn't guarantee a comparable level of education or experience. An RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Elissa RDN?

Your first visit with Dr. Elissa RDN will be a comprehensive assessment, involving a detailed review of your health history, eating habits, lifestyle, and personal health goals. This will be the first step in creating a realistic and sustainable personalized nutrition plan tailored to your unique needs.

I have IBS and other digestive issues. How can you help?

Dr. Elissa can act as a "food detective," helping identify trigger foods that may be contributing to your IBS and digestive issues. Strategies like a low FODMAP diet can often significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort, improving your quality of life.

How can you help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?

An oncology dietitian, like Dr. Elissa RDN, plays a supportive role during cancer treatment. She can help manage treatment side effects such as nausea and appetite loss, prevent weight loss, and maintain strength, which can help patients better tolerate their treatments.

How can nutrition help lower my high cholesterol and blood pressure?

Nutrition plays a crucial role in heart health. Dr. Elissa RDN can create a personalized plan emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while reducing sodium and unhealthy fats. This natural approach is an effective way to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing heart attack and stroke.

Do you work with patients who have eating disorders?

Yes, Dr. Elissa RDN works with patients who have eating disorders as a critical part of the treatment team. She collaborates with therapists and doctors to help patients heal their relationship with food, establish regular eating patterns, and achieve nutritional rehabilitation in a supportive, non-judgmental way.

Can you help with nutrition during pregnancy?

Yes, proper nutrition is crucial for a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby. Dr. Elissa RDN can provide guidance on key nutrients, healthy weight gain, and managing pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes or nausea.

I'm an athlete. How can you help me with sports performance?

Dr. Elissa can help athletes optimize performance by developing a personalized nutrition plan. This plan will fuel workouts, aid in recovery, support muscle building, and ensure proper hydration for peak athletic achievement.

1300 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 998-8000

Elissa Cox, RDN is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1497372445

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) like Dr. Elissa RDN are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your registered dietitian nutritionist (rdn) about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.