Marie Pierrelus, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist practicing at Marie Pierrelus, RD in Immokalee, FL, 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). 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. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (904) 479-8319 to schedule an appointment.
As a registered and licensed dietitian with over 18 years of experience in public health and clinical nutrition, Marie is deeply committed to providing culturally responsive care. Her background includes extensive work with diverse patient populations, offering nutrition education, counseling, and medical nutrition therapy to address a wide range of needs. Marie is a practical and empathetic provider who will meet you where you are on your nutrition journey. She will support you in setting and achieving your goals, using motivational interviewing techniques and a stages-of-change framework to guide your nutritional well-being. While her practice primarily serves English speakers, she also communicates in Haitian Creole and Spanish.
Marie is a Caribbean native raised in South Florida, who holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida. Her passion for nutrition and her commitment to client-centered care make her a valuable partner in your health journey. She is a certified lactation counselor and holds a certificate in adult and pediatric weight management. Marie's expertise and dedication to evidence-based nutrition make her a trusted resource for optimal senior wellness.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Marie Pierrelus is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pierrelus 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 expertly crafts personalized nutrition plans to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, ensuring optimal wellness and nutrition throughout the aging process. Her dedication to a person-centered approach prioritizes individual needs, working closely with families to create a supportive and effective care plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Marie Pierrelus can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Florida Blue
Golden Rule
Independence Blue Cross
Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Behavioral Health
- Blue Care Network
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Horizon
- Optum
- SelectHealth
- Selecthealth
- The Hartford
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Marie Pierrelus 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:
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a condition where your body doesn't use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar, but with careful meal planning and monitoring, you can manage it and maintain your independence.
- 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.
- 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.
- Weight Loss: Losing weight unintentionally can impact energy levels and overall health, but a tailored nutrition plan can help seniors maintain a healthy weight and improve their well-being.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a collection of health problems that increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes, but by working with a healthcare team, including a registered dietitian, you can create a plan that helps you manage these conditions and enjoy a longer, healthier life.
- Allergic Reactions to Food: Working with a registered dietitian can help you create a safe and nutritious meal plan that avoids allergens while meeting your nutritional needs.
- Chronic Kidney Diseases: Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are losing their ability to function properly, affecting your overall health; however, a specialized diet plan and medical care can help slow its progression and improve your well-being.
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, Marie Pierrelus offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: To support your overall health, an oral glucose tolerance test helps identify potential problems with blood sugar regulation, which is important in creating a comprehensive care strategy.
- Detoxification Evaluation: This assessment helps your RDN understand how your diet and lifestyle might impact your body's detoxification processes, leading to a more effective care plan.
- 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.
- Exercise Program: Exercise programs assist in weight management and help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, improving nutritional therapy outcomes.
- Crisis Intervention: Crisis intervention in nutrition provides immediate help for seniors experiencing a critical nutritional event, aiding in recovery and long-term health.
- Obesity Counseling: This service helps seniors identify the causes of their weight gain, set realistic weight loss goals, and create long-term lifestyle changes for better health.
- Eating Management: Eating management plays a vital role in preventing and managing malnutrition, a common concern among older adults.
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.
Marie Pierrelus 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:
- With a registered dietitian nutritionist's guidance on meal planning, a senior felt more secure in their ability to manage their diabetes, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of baking for their grandchildren.
- A senior couple, concerned about high cholesterol, found that working with a registered dietitian nutritionist led to a personalized meal plan. They enjoyed more energy and were able to resume their favorite hobby of hiking in the local park.
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 Marie Pierrelus:
- What is a Registered Dietitian?
- A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who has completed rigorous education and training. RDNs translate nutrition science into practical 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, like Marie Pierrelus, is a legally protected title. RDs have a bachelor's degree, complete a supervised practice program, pass a national exam, and maintain continuing education. The title "nutritionist" is not regulated, so anyone can use it. Working with an RD ensures you're choosing a qualified and credentialed expert.
- Do I have to give up all my favorite foods?
- Not at all! The philosophy of Marie Pierrelus is about balance, moderation, and finding healthy ways to incorporate your favorite foods. We'll work together to create a sustainable lifestyle, not a restrictive diet, by finding healthier alternatives and appropriate portion sizes.
- I have type 2 diabetes. How can a dietitian help me?
- Managing your diet is a cornerstone of good diabetes control. Marie Pierrelus can help you understand how different foods affect your blood sugar, creating a balanced, enjoyable eating plan that helps keep blood sugar levels stable, improves energy, and prevents complicationsnot deprivation.
- I have high blood pressure. What kind of dietary changes can help?
- Reducing sodium intake, especially by limiting processed foods, is a powerful way to help manage high blood pressure. The DASH diet, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can also be very effective. These dietary changes are non-medication strategies that can significantly improve blood pressure control.
- 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, like creating a heart-healthy plan to lower cholesterol or a kidney-friendly plan for someone with Chronic Kidney Disease, that's part of a complete healthcare plan.
- I have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Why is diet so important?
- When your kidneys aren't working optimally, they have trouble filtering waste from your blood. A special renal diet helps reduce these waste products. Ms. Pierrelus can create a personalized plan that often limits sodium, potassium, and phosphorus to ease the burden on your kidneys and help maintain their function.
- 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. Poor appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, affecting strength and immunity. Marie Pierrelus can provide strategies to make meals more appealing and nutrient-dense to ensure you're getting the nutrition your body needs.
Marie Pierrelus, RD
419 N 1st St
Immokalee FL 34142
Phone: (904) 479-8319
Marie Pierrelus, 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): 1811677255
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 Marie Pierrelus 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.