Kerry Hensel, RD

Kerry Hensel, RD 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 collaborates with patients to create personalized long-term health plans. As a partner in preventive health, she recognizes 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. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance.

Dr. Kerry RD's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the crucial role nutrition plays in overall well-being, and she is committed to helping you understand and implement dietary changes that support your specific needs and goals. As a dietitian in Tampa, FL, Dr. Kerry RD is passionate about providing personalized, proactive care. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 972-2000. Dr. Kerry RD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kerry RD 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. Kerry RD 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. Kerry RD 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:

• Pediatric Overweight: Childhood overweight increases the risk of developing serious health problems later in life, so early intervention through healthy habits is crucial for long-term well-being.
• Weight-Related Conditions: Preventing weight-related conditions starts with healthy lifestyle choices like balanced eating and regular exercise, reducing your risk of developing serious health problems later in life.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: A balanced diet and lifestyle, along with regular monitoring of iron levels, are essential for preventing and managing iron metabolism disorders, minimizing the risk of severe health complications.
• Acne: Certain foods may trigger acne flare-ups; working with a registered dietitian can help you identify and manage these dietary triggers for better skin health.
• Underweight: Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for preventing future health issues; underweight individuals are at higher risk for complications, making early intervention essential.
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Early detection of calcium metabolism imbalances, often through simple blood tests, allows for timely intervention and prevents serious health complications.
• Fatigue: Proactive management of fatigue, with guidance from a registered dietitian, can significantly improve your quality of life and help prevent long-term health problems.

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. Kerry RD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cancer Counseling: Learn how your diet can impact your cancer risk and empower yourself with personalized dietary strategies for prevention.
• Nutritional Supplementation: Proactively address potential nutrient deficiencies and support your body's needs by consulting a registered dietitian about personalized nutritional supplementation strategies.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Protect your long-term health by scheduling a diabetic evaluation. This assessment helps us tailor a nutrition plan to prevent or manage diabetes effectively.
• Gastric Banding: By undergoing gastric banding, you're taking proactive steps to manage obesity and lower your chances of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Behavior Modification: Proactively address unhealthy behaviors that impact your well-being through personalized guidance and support to make sustainable changes.
• Wellness Coaching: Proactively address your nutritional needs and achieve your health goals with personalized wellness coaching designed to improve your energy levels and vitality.
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Invest in your health journey by getting screened for eating disorders; early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving your quality of life and preventing serious health risks.

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. Kerry RD 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:

• A family, working with a registered dietitian nutritionist, implemented healthy eating and activity plans, successfully preventing childhood overweight and fostering a foundation for lifelong health. This proactive approach instilled peace of mind, knowing their child was on a path to a healthy future.
• By focusing on balanced meals and incorporating regular physical activity, a family successfully reduced their risk of weight-related conditions, gaining confidence in their overall well-being.

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. Kerry RD:

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

A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a credentialed healthcare professional who has completed extensive education and supervised practice, providing evidence-based nutrition advice. In contrast, "nutritionist" is not a regulated title. An RD offers reliable, science-backed guidance.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Kerry RD?

Your first visit with Dr. Kerry will be a comprehensive assessment, involving a detailed review of your health history, eating habits, lifestyle, and personal health goals. This initial step will help us create a realistic and sustainable personalized nutrition plan tailored to your unique needs.

How can you help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?

Dr. Kerry RD, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in oncology, can help manage treatment side effects like nausea and appetite loss, prevent weight loss, and maintain strength, which can help patients better tolerate their treatments.

I have chronic kidney disease. How important is my diet?

A specialized renal diet, guided by Dr. Kerry RD, is crucial for managing chronic kidney disease. It's a primary treatment, not just support, helping preserve kidney function and potentially delaying dialysis by carefully controlling protein, sodium, and potassium levels.

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

Dr. Kerry RD 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.

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

A heart-healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can significantly lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Dr. Kerry RD can create a personalized plan tailored to your needs, teaching you how to reduce sodium and unhealthy fats. This natural approach is an effective way to prevent heart attack and stroke.

I have a food allergy or sensitivity. How can a dietitian assist?

Dr. Kerry can help identify hidden sources of allergens in foods, plan a balanced and varied diet that avoids the trigger food, and ensure you are still getting all the necessary nutrients.

I want to lose weight. Can you just give me a meal plan?

While sample meal plans can be helpful, a personalized approach focusing on sustainable habit changes, portion control, and a healthy relationship with food is key for long-term weight management success. We work with you to create a plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Kerry Hensel, RD 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): 1013380039

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. Kerry RD 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.