Melissa Brannon, RD

Melissa Brannon, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) practicing at Melissa Brannon, RD in Eglin AFB, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Melissa RD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She has nearly 20 years of experience serving patients in both military, inpatient and outpatient settings, having graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Dietetics in 2003 and an M.S. in Food and Nutrition with an emphasis in both clinical and sport nutrition in 2005. She is currently in her final year of a clinical doctorate in functional nutrition practice at Maryland University of Integrative Health. Dr. Melissa RD's personal journey with health challenges, including IBS, rosacea, and early autoimmune thyroid disease, has led her to develop a deep understanding of functional nutrition approaches for healing. She is passionate about sharing this knowledge to help others, and believes in treating the root cause of disease, removing barriers to health, and supporting the body's ability to heal through proper nutrition, supplementation, adequate rest, stress management, and movement. She has a very patient-centered focus, empowering each patient toward lasting lifestyle change. Call (850) 279-1371 to schedule. Dr. Melissa RD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Colitis: Preventive measures, like following a tailored diet plan and maintaining a healthy weight, can substantially improve your prognosis and reduce the burden of colitis.
• Diabetes: Managing diabetes effectively through a personalized nutrition plan helps control blood sugar levels, protecting your body from damaging effects.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, or acid reflux, can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications like esophageal damage.
• High Cholesterol: Preventing high cholesterol or managing existing levels through a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise is vital for long-term cardiovascular health and wellbeing.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, so regular checkups and lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early identification of IBS through recognizing symptoms and seeking professional guidance can prevent long-term digestive distress and enable effective management strategies.
• Kidney Disease: Maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, often aided by a registered dietitian, helps lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
• Weight Loss: Achieving a healthy weight reduces your risk of developing serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

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

• Diabetes Management: Ensure your diabetes is well-managed and that you're meeting your nutritional needs with a registered dietitian's expert support and personalized strategies.
• Blood Pressure Management: Prevent future heart disease and stroke by working with a registered dietitian to develop a blood pressure-lowering meal plan.
• Insulin Pump Therapy: Insulin pump therapy allows for more precise blood sugar control, acting as a preventative measure against the various complications associated with diabetes.
• Diabetes Counseling: Learn practical strategies to improve your blood sugar control and overall health with our diabetes counseling program, designed to empower you to live well with diabetes.
• Nutritional Supplementation: Enhance your health journey by exploring nutritional supplementation options with a registered dietitian, ensuring you're getting the essential nutrients for optimal health and disease prevention.
• Food Desensitization Therapy: Proactively address potential food allergies and intolerances through food desensitization therapy, working with a dietitian to safely expand your diet and minimize adverse reactions.
• Weight Maintenance: Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight is a key step in preventing long-term health problems and enjoying a more energetic and vibrant life.

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. Melissa 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:

• Following a personalized dietary plan, a patient significantly reduced their colitis symptoms and improved their overall well-being, gaining confidence in managing their health proactively.
• Following a personalized nutrition plan, a patient significantly improved their blood sugar control, reducing their risk of developing diabetes and gaining greater peace of mind.

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. Melissa RD:

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 anyone can use it. An RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Melissa RD will be a comprehensive and collaborative assessment. We will review your health history, eating habits, lifestyle, and personal health goals. This is the first step in creating a realistic and sustainable personalized nutrition plan for you.

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 to long-term weight loss success. We work together to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Do you work with patients who have eating disorders?

Yes, RDs are a critical part of the eating disorder treatment team. Dr. Melissa RD works collaboratively 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 you and your baby. Dr. Melissa RD can provide personalized guidance on key nutrients, healthy weight gain, and managing pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes or nausea.

What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based, therapeutic approach to managing medical conditions using a customized diet plan. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) provides this formal process to help manage diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Insurance often covers MNT services.

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

A heart-healthy diet is key to managing high cholesterol and blood pressure. Dr. Melissa RD can create a personalized plan rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while teaching you how to reduce sodium and unhealthy fats. This natural approach is an effective way to prevent heart attack and stroke.

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

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

Melissa Brannon, RD
403 W Hymes Rd Bldg 843
Eglin AFB FL 32542
Phone: (850) 279-1371

Melissa Brannon, 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): 1184670895

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. Melissa 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.