Brooke Cockson, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 years and older). She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at her private practice in Apollo Beach, Florida. As a valued partner in your senior health journey, Brooke recognizes the unique nutritional needs of this population and is committed to creating personalized plans to support overall wellness. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are specialized healthcare professionals who partner with your doctor and care team to create personalized nutrition plans for managing complex health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, ensuring optimal wellness and nutrition throughout your aging journey.
Brooke is passionate about empowering seniors to thrive. She brings a wealth of experience in nutrition and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of aging, having earned her Bachelor's degrees in Comparative Sociology from the University of Puget Sound, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Keiser University, and her Master's degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Population Health from Colorado State University. Guided by her own personal wellness journey and her experience working with a registered dietitian, Brooke is committed to helping others navigate their health journeys. She believes in meeting her patients where they are at in their wellness journey and walking with them through the various stages of change. New patients are welcome; please call (813) 492-4632 to schedule an appointment. Brooke Cockson provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Brooke Cockson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cockson is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive care. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, she meticulously crafts personalized nutrition plans to address specific health conditions, ensuring optimal well-being and supporting overall health goals. Her approach prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of each patient, fostering a supportive and trusting relationship with seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Brooke Cockson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Blue Card
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Brooke Cockson provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is a condition where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, making it hard to absorb nutrients.
- Diabetes: Diabetes means your blood sugar levels are too high, impacting your energy and health, however, a registered dietitian can create a personalized eating plan to help you feel your best.
- Eating Disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, can occur at any age, affecting a person's relationship with food and body image; professional help from an RDN and other specialists is crucial for recovery.
- Food Allergy: Living with food allergies can be challenging, but with careful planning and an understanding of your specific allergens, you can enjoy a wide variety of safe and nutritious meals, maintaining your independence and health.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Experiencing frequent heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth might indicate GERD, a condition that can be managed through dietary adjustments and medication, helping you enjoy meals without discomfort.
- High Cholesterol: High cholesterol is often manageable through diet and lifestyle changes; working with a registered dietitian can create a plan to reduce your cholesterol and help you stay active and enjoy life for years to come.
- Nutritional Deficiency: A nutritional deficiency occurs when your body doesn't get enough of essential vitamins or minerals, leading to health problems that can be improved with a balanced diet or supplements.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight, or obesity, puts extra stress on your body, but a registered dietitian can help you create a safe and effective eating plan to manage your weight and feel better.
- Weight Loss: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for preventing chronic diseases and staying active as we age; a registered dietitian can assist seniors in creating a nutrition plan to achieve and sustain a healthy weight.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Brooke Cockson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Diet Counseling: Diet counseling is a crucial step in developing a comprehensive care plan for seniors, addressing nutritional needs and managing chronic diseases.
- Eating Management: Eating management plays a vital role in preventing and managing malnutrition, a common concern among older adults.
- Exercise Counseling: For seniors with diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions, exercise counseling guides them on appropriate exercise to support their medical treatments and improve their quality of life.
- Nutritional Counseling: Through nutritional counseling, a registered dietitian can assess your dietary needs and create a plan to address malnutrition or weight concerns, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
- Nutritional Supplementation: Nutritional supplementation helps an RDN personalize a senior's eating plan by addressing nutrient needs that are not being met through diet alone.
- Weight Loss Management: This service creates personalized eating plans to help seniors safely and effectively lose weight while meeting their nutritional needs.
- Weight Maintenance: Weight maintenance is a key component of a personalized care plan, ensuring seniors receive the right amount of nutrients to support their health.
- Wellness Coaching: Wellness coaching helps seniors improve their overall health and quality of life by focusing on behavior change and providing support to maintain a healthy weight and prevent disease.
- Wellness Examination: Through a wellness examination, we can uncover hidden nutritional risks and proactively address them to prevent future health problems.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Florida.
Brooke Cockson is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- Following a personalized dietary plan with a registered dietitian nutritionist, a senior felt a significant improvement in their overall health and energy levels, allowing them to rediscover their love for baking and sharing their delicious gluten-free treats with family.
- With a personalized meal plan developed by a registered dietitian nutritionist, a senior couple felt more energy and confidence managing their diabetes, allowing them to enjoy their favorite weekly ballroom dancing class again.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care with Brooke Cockson:
- What is a Registered Dietitian?
- A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who has completed extensive education and training. They translate nutrition science into actionable advice to help seniors manage health conditions, prevent disease, and improve their overall well-being.
- How is a Registered Dietitian different from a 'nutritionist'?
- A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, like Brooke Cockson, is a qualified and credentialed expert. The title "Registered Dietitian" is legally protected, requiring a bachelor's degree, supervised practice, national exam passage, and continuing education. "Nutritionist" is not a regulated title, so anyone can use it.
- Do I have to give up all my favorite foods?
- Not at all! The philosophy of Brooke Cockson's practice is about balance, moderation, and finding healthy ways to enjoy your favorite foods. We work together to create a sustainable lifestyle by finding healthier alternatives and appropriate portion sizes.
- What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a personalized nutrition plan developed by a Registered Dietitian to treat medical conditions. Examples include creating a heart-healthy plan to lower cholesterol or a kidney-friendly plan for someone with chronic kidney disease. It's an evidence-based part of a comprehensive healthcare plan.
- I have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Why is diet so important?
- When your kidneys aren't working optimally, they can't filter waste products from your blood as well. A special renal diet helps reduce the buildup of these waste products. Brooke Cockson can create a personalized plan that often limits sodium, potassium, and phosphorus to ease the workload on your kidneys and help preserve their function.
- I have high blood pressure. What kind of dietary changes can help?
- Reducing sodium intake by limiting processed foods, and following the DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can be powerful ways to help manage high blood pressure without medication. These dietary changes can significantly improve your health and well-being.
- Can a dietitian help with digestive issues like gas and bloating?
- Yes, many digestive issues, including gas and bloating, are directly related to food choices. Ms. Cockson can help identify trigger foods, develop a personalized eating plan like a low-FODMAP diet, and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
- As I've gotten older, my appetite has decreased. Is this a concern?
- A decreased appetite is common in older adults, but it's important to address. Poor appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, impacting strength and immunity. Brooke Cockson can help you develop strategies to make meals more appealing and nutrient-dense, ensuring you receive the nutrition your body needs.
Brooke Cockson, RD
1013 Sago Palm Way
Apollo Beach FL 33572
Phone: (813) 492-4632
Brooke Cockson, 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): 1619478898
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists like Brooke Cockson are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.