Susan Harms, RD

Susan Harms, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Please call (239) 424-3120 to confirm if Dr. Susan RD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Susan RD, a dietitian in Fort Myers, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach emphasizes the importance of personalized plans and comprehensive support, acknowledging the unique needs of each individual. She understands that optimal well-being is a partnership between patient and provider, and she strives to be a trusted guide on your journey to proactive health management. Dr. Susan RD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Renal Dysfunction: A balanced diet and healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease and related renal dysfunction.
• Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes, often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, is a chronic condition where your body doesn't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar—regular checkups can help catch it early.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Cardiovascular disease is a group of heart and blood vessel conditions that can be prevented or managed through a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Arthritis: Regular physical activity tailored to your condition, combined with a nutritious diet, helps protect your joints and manage arthritis symptoms effectively.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Managing underlying conditions, such as adhesions or hernias, through diet and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce your risk of developing intestinal obstruction.
• Hypotension: Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent hypotension and its associated risks, ensuring you stay vibrant and energetic.
• Autism: Addressing nutritional needs and supporting healthy eating habits in individuals with autism can mitigate gastrointestinal issues and improve quality of life.

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

• Metabolic Rate Testing: Take control of your health by undergoing metabolic rate testing to understand your body's unique energy needs and optimize your weight management plan.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: The HeartAware Online Risk Screening is a quick and easy way to understand your likelihood of developing heart disease and make informed lifestyle changes.
• Genetic Testing: As a proactive step in maintaining your health, genetic testing can reveal your inherited traits that influence your metabolism and nutritional needs, guiding personalized dietary recommendations.
• Behavior Modification: Proactively address unhealthy behaviors that impact your well-being through personalized guidance and support to make sustainable changes.
• 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.
• Polypharmacy: Let's work together to prevent nutritional deficiencies caused by medication interactions. An RD can help you navigate the complexities of polypharmacy and develop a personalized nutrition plan.
• Diabetes Management: Partner with a registered dietitian to create a customized meal plan that helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels and improve your overall well-being.

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. Susan 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 following a personalized dietary plan guided by a registered dietitian, a patient significantly reduced their risk of renal dysfunction, achieving a healthier lifestyle and greater peace of mind. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently manage their overall well-being.
• By working with a registered dietitian nutritionist, a patient proactively managed their weight and blood sugar levels, significantly lowering their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and gaining valuable 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. Susan 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 training and supervised practice. Unlike the term "nutritionist," which is not regulated, an RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Susan 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.

How can you help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?

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

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

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

Do you work with patients who have eating disorders?

Yes, registered dietitian nutritionists are a critical part of the eating disorder treatment team. Dr. Susan 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.

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

Dr. Susan 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.

My child is a picky eater. Can you help?

Yes, registered dietitians work with families to address pediatric nutrition concerns. Dr. Susan RD can offer strategies to expand your child's palate, ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs, and reduce mealtime stress for the entire family.

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

Dr. Susan 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.

8960 Colonial Center Dr Ste 202
Fort Myers FL 33905
Phone: (239) 424-3120

Susan Harms, 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): 1801904404

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. Susan 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.