Mercedes Waugaman

Mercedes Waugaman is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to collaboratively creating personalized long-term health plans. 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. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance. Please call (904) 382-2228 to confirm if Dr. Mercedes Waugaman is currently accepting new patients.

As a dietitian in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Mercedes Waugaman is passionate about fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She prioritizes creating personalized strategies that address individual needs and preferences. Dr. Mercedes Waugaman is committed to providing the highest quality of care, utilizing the most up-to-date scientific knowledge and research. She recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to health and wellness, and strives to create a supportive and encouraging relationship with each patient. Dr. Mercedes Waugaman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Early detection and management of inflammatory bowel disease is crucial in reducing the risk of long-term health problems like malnutrition and colon cancer.
• Food Allergy: By working with a registered dietitian, you can create a personalized plan to manage your food allergies, preventing accidental exposures and improving your overall health.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Having metabolic syndrome means you have a combination of health issues that greatly increase your risk for serious diseases, but with the right diet and lifestyle changes, you can significantly improve your health and prevent long-term health problems.
• Sports Injuries: Fueling your body with the right nutrients aids in faster recovery from sports injuries and prevents further complications.
• Sarcoidosis: Maintaining a balanced diet is vital in preventing sarcoidosis-related complications as inflammation can affect appetite and nutrient intake, making nutritional guidance from an RDN essential.
• Lipid Disorders: Understanding your lipid profile and working with a registered dietitian can empower you to make food choices that prevent or manage lipid disorders, lowering your risk of serious illness.
• Psoriasis: Preventing severe psoriasis flares and related health issues starts with understanding the condition and proactively adopting a nutrition plan that supports your skin health and reduces inflammation.

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

• Medical Nutrition Therapy: MNT is a proactive approach to nutrition that can help detect early signs of nutritional deficiencies and optimize your overall health.
• Wellness Coaching: Take proactive steps towards a healthier you with wellness coaching, focusing on personalized nutrition strategies to prevent future health issues.
• Diabetes Management: Learn how to use nutrition to effectively manage your diabetes, minimizing the risk of long-term health problems.
• Diabetes Screening: A diabetes screening can help you understand your risk for type 2 diabetes and make informed lifestyle choices to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Gastric Banding: Gastric banding is a surgical procedure that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reducing your risk of weight-related health problems.
• Weight Loss Management: Partner with a registered dietitian to develop a weight management strategy that's right for you, supporting healthy habits and reducing the risk of weight-related complications.
• Diabetes Prevention: Proactively protect yourself from diabetes with a comprehensive assessment of your eating habits and a tailored plan to improve your blood sugar control.

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. Mercedes Waugaman 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, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, gaining peace of mind and improved overall well-being.
• By working with a registered dietitian nutritionist, a family created a personalized meal plan that helped them confidently avoid potentially harmful foods, minimizing the risk of future allergic reactions. This proactive approach significantly improved their peace of mind and enabled them to enjoy a wider range of foods while remaining safe.

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. Mercedes Waugaman:

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, providing evidence-based nutrition advice. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, so it's important to verify credentials. An RD provides reliable, science-backed nutrition information.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Mercedes Waugaman?

Your first visit with Dr. Waugaman 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.

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 crucial for long-term weight management success. We work with you to create a plan tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

How can a dietitian help me manage my diabetes?

Dr. Waugaman can help you manage your diabetes by teaching you carbohydrate counting, balancing meals for stable blood sugar, and making healthy food choices that still taste great. This empowers you to take control of your condition.

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

Diet is critical for managing chronic kidney disease. A specialized renal diet, tailored by Dr. Waugaman, is a primary treatment, helping preserve kidney function and potentially delaying dialysis by controlling protein, sodium, and potassium levels.

Can you help with nutrition during pregnancy?

Yes, proper nutrition is crucial during pregnancy for both the mother and baby's health. Dr. Waugaman 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 personalized diet plan. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) provides this formal process to help manage diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease, and it's often covered by insurance.

How can you help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?

An oncology dietitian, like Dr. Waugaman, plays a supportive role in cancer treatment by helping manage treatment side effects such as nausea and appetite loss. She can also help prevent weight loss and maintain strength, which can improve a patient's ability to tolerate their treatments.

1200 Riverplace Blvd Ste 1051218
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 382-2228

Mercedes Waugaman 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): 1699545152

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. Mercedes Waugaman 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.