Penelope Edwards, RD

Penelope Edwards, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Gainesville, 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 assisting individuals of all ages in achieving and maintaining optimal well-being. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), she is your primary partner 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.

Dr. Penelope RD's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She works with individuals seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance, striving to create personalized plans that address individual needs and goals. As a dietitian in Gainesville, FL, she is committed to helping you make informed choices about your nutrition and overall health. Please call (352) 294-5050 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Penelope RD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Mineral metabolism disorders, like imbalances in calcium or iron, can significantly impact your health, so regular checkups and a balanced diet are crucial for early detection and prevention of long-term complications.
• Cirrhosis: Managing cirrhosis effectively through dietary modifications and medical supervision, such as following a low-sodium and protein-restricted diet, can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
• Adverse Reaction to Food: Identifying and managing adverse food reactions early can help prevent more serious complications, like anaphylaxis or chronic digestive problems, supporting your long-term health.
• Liver Diseases and Disorders: Many liver diseases are preventable or manageable through proactive lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments recommended by a registered dietitian.
• Cancer: Cancer prevention starts with healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and regular exercise, significantly reducing your risk of developing this serious disease.
• 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.
• End-Stage Renal Disease: Protecting your kidneys starts early—managing chronic conditions and adopting a healthy diet can significantly reduce your risk of developing end-stage renal disease, a life-threatening kidney failure.

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

• Wellness and Integrative Medicine: Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to improve your health by consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist who will create a tailored plan based on your individual health status and wellness objectives.
• Body Composition Measurement: Proactively assess your overall health and identify potential risks by having your body composition measured, allowing for early intervention and prevention of related health issues.
• Body Fat Analysis: Proactively protect your health by understanding your body fat percentage; this analysis helps guide personalized nutrition plans to improve your health outcomes.
• Disease Prevention: Take control of your health by partnering with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to learn how diet impacts your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
• Nutrition Support for Cancer Patients: Take proactive steps to manage your nutrition during cancer treatment and improve your overall health and well-being.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Invest in your well-being by getting a personalized assessment to help you navigate menopause and improve your overall health.
• Weight Loss Management: Achieve your weight goals and improve your health through a tailored nutrition plan designed by a registered dietitian, focusing on long-term lifestyle changes and disease prevention.

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. Penelope 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:

• By working with a registered dietitian nutritionist to create a personalized dietary plan, a patient proactively managed their mineral levels, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By following a personalized dietary plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cirrhosis complications, gaining confidence in their ability to proactively manage their health. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to make informed decisions about their future 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. Penelope 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. Unlike the term "nutritionist," which is not regulated, an RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice. This ensures you are receiving the most accurate and trustworthy information.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Penelope 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.

My child is a picky eater. Can you help?

Dr. Penelope RD and her team work with families to address picky eating in children. They can offer strategies to expand a child's palate, ensure they are meeting their nutrient needs for growth, and reduce mealtime stress for the whole family.

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

Dr. Penelope 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.

How can you help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?

Dr. Penelope RD 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.

How can a dietitian help me manage my diabetes?

Dr. Penelope RD can help you manage your diabetes by teaching you carbohydrate counting, balancing meals to stabilize blood sugar, and making healthy food choices without sacrificing flavor. This empowers you to take control of your condition.

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

While sample meal plans are helpful, a weight loss journey with Dr. Penelope RD focuses on creating sustainable habits, understanding portion control, and developing a healthy relationship with food for long-term success. We work together to tailor a plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

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

Dr. Penelope RD can act as a food detective, helping identify trigger foods that may be contributing to your IBS and digestive issues. Often, strategies like a low FODMAP diet are used to pinpoint these triggers and significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort, improving your overall quality of life.

2000 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 294-5050

Penelope Edwards, 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): 1841591674

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. Penelope 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.