Deanna Howard-Gonzalez, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist practicing at her clinic in Fort Walton Beach, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 years and older). She is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Deanna's approach is rooted in her deep understanding of the unique nutritional needs of seniors and her commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for each patient. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (850) 374-7604 to schedule an appointment.
Deanna's passion for nutrition began in high school, fueled by her own health journey and a fascination with the crucial role of nutrition in recovery. This passion has blossomed into 24 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian, encompassing roles in cardiac rehabilitation, congestive heart failure, bariatric surgery, and diabetes education. She holds a strong background in clinical practice, including her education at the University of Central Arkansas and internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Her extensive experience, coupled with her recent certification as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, allows her to provide a unique approach to senior care, emphasizing gentle nutrition and empowering patients to make informed choices about their health. She believes in intuitive eating, creating a gentle but effective path to optimal nutrition. Deanna's consultations are primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Deanna Howard-Gonzalez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Howard-Gonzalez is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive care that extends beyond medical treatment. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), she meticulously crafts personalized nutrition plans to address specific health needs, such as diabetes or heart disease, ensuring optimal well-being throughout the aging process. Her dedication to understanding each individual's unique circumstances and goals, combined with her expertise in nutrition, makes her a trusted advisor and advocate for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
By working together, you, your family, and Deanna Howard-Gonzalez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Deanna Howard-Gonzalez 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: High blood sugar, a hallmark of diabetes, can be effectively managed through careful attention to diet; a customized meal plan from an RDN can help you enjoy your favorite foods while staying healthy.
- Eating Disorders: Eating disorders are serious conditions where someone has unhealthy thoughts and behaviors about food and their body, impacting their physical and mental well-being, and an RDN can help create a safe and supportive eating plan.
- Food Allergy: If you suspect a food allergy, consult a doctor or registered dietitian who can help you identify your allergens, develop a safe meal plan, and create an action plan for emergency situations, supporting your continued wellness.
- High Cholesterol: Having high cholesterol means you have a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries, which can lead to heart problems; however, a personalized eating plan can help manage cholesterol levels and help maintain your independence and energy.
- Hypertension: If you have high blood pressure, working with a dietitian to create a personalized diet can be a key part of keeping your heart healthy and helping you maintain your independence for years to come.
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Impaired glucose tolerance is a condition where your blood sugar isn't regulated perfectly, but working with a registered dietitian nutritionist can help you make dietary adjustments to keep your blood sugar in a healthier range and feel your best.
- 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 Gain: Weight gain in older adults can be a concern, but with a personalized plan from a registered dietitian, you can manage it and maintain your independence.
- Weight Loss: Unexpected weight loss can be concerning, but a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance and support to identify the reason and develop strategies to improve nutritional intake and regain health.
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, Deanna Howard-Gonzalez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Body Fat Analysis: Body fat analysis is a valuable tool for identifying potential malnutrition or obesity, enabling your RDN to develop an appropriate dietary intervention.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Continuous glucose monitoring provides a detailed picture of blood sugar fluctuations, helping healthcare providers fine-tune diabetes management and reduce the risk of serious complications.
- Insulin Pump Therapy: As part of a comprehensive diabetes care plan, insulin pump therapy offers a personalized approach to blood glucose control, reducing the risk of complications.
- Diabetic Evaluation: This assessment by a registered dietitian helps determine the best dietary approach for managing your diabetes and improving your overall health.
- Crisis Intervention: This service offers rapid nutritional assessment and intervention to stabilize a senior's health during a critical time, preventing further complications.
- Weight Maintenance: Through careful assessment of dietary intake and lifestyle, RDNs help seniors maintain a healthy weight to prevent malnutrition and improve energy levels.
- Exercise Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, exercise counseling helps seniors find enjoyable activities that increase strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing fall risk.
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.
Deanna Howard-Gonzalez 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 registered dietitian nutritionist's guidance on a gluten-free diet, a senior felt a noticeable reduction in digestive discomfort and experienced improved energy levels, allowing them to once again enjoy their favorite activities with family.
- With a tailored meal plan from a registered dietitian nutritionist, a senior felt more energy and confidence managing their diabetes, allowing them to enjoy family gatherings and their beloved gardening hobby without worry.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care with Deanna Howard-Gonzalez:
- What is a Registered Dietitian?
- A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who has completed extensive education and training. RDNs translate nutrition science into practical advice to help seniors manage health conditions, prevent diseases, and live healthier lives.
- How is a Registered Dietitian different from a 'nutritionist'?
- A Registered Dietitian, like Deanna Howard-Gonzalez, is a legally protected title. RDs have completed a rigorous education and supervised practice, passed a national exam, and maintain continuing education. "Nutritionist" is not a regulated title, and anyone can use it. Working with an RD ensures you are choosing a qualified and credentialed expert.
- Do I have to give up all my favorite foods?
- Not at all! The philosophy of Deanna Howard-Gonzalez is about finding balance, moderation, and healthy ways to enjoy your favorite foods. We'll work together to create a sustainable lifestyle by exploring healthier alternatives and appropriate portion sizes.
- Can a dietitian help with digestive issues like gas and bloating?
- Yes, many digestive issues, like gas and bloating, are directly related to food choices. Ms. Howard-Gonzalez can help identify trigger foods and develop a personalized eating plan, such as a low-FODMAP diet, to reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
- What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a personalized nutrition plan developed by a Registered Dietitian to treat medical conditions. It's an evidence-based approach, part of a comprehensive healthcare plan, like creating a heart-healthy plan to lower cholesterol or a kidney-friendly plan for someone with chronic kidney disease. This plan is tailored to your specific needs and health goals.
- As I've gotten older, my appetite has decreased. Is this a concern?
- Decreased appetite is common in older adults, but it's important to address as it can lead to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, impacting strength and immunity. Ms. Howard-Gonzalez can help you develop strategies to make meals more appealing and nutrient-dense, ensuring you get the nutrition your body needs.
- I have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Why is diet so important?
- When your kidneys aren't working optimally, they have trouble removing waste from your blood. A special renal diet helps reduce the buildup of these waste products. Ms. Howard-Gonzalez can create a personalized plan to limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, easing the burden on your kidneys and helping preserve their function.
- I have type 2 diabetes. How can a dietitian help me?
- Managing your diet is key to controlling type 2 diabetes. Deanna Howard-Gonzalez can help you understand how different foods affect your blood sugar, creating a balanced, enjoyable eating plan that stabilizes blood sugar, improves energy, and prevents complications, without deprivation.
115 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Unit 101
Fort Walton Beach FL 32548
Phone: (850) 374-7604
Deanna Howard-Gonzalez, 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): 1881823060
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 Deanna Howard-Gonzalez 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.