Nicholas Rush, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 years and older) at Nicholas Rush, RD in Wilton Manors, FL. He 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. He brings a keen interest in gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS, Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac disease, GERD and functional GI disorders, alongside LGBTQ+ health and men's health. He is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (954) 510-5672 to schedule an appointment.
Nicholas's approach to nutrition counseling is deeply personalized and grounded in evidence-based practices. He fosters empowerment by enabling individuals to make informed choices that enhance their health and cultivate positive relationships with food. Nicholas graduated with a B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science, completing his dietetic training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and further specializing in the FODMAP diet for IBS and gluten-related disorders. He brings experience from Columbia University Medical Center and has been in private practice since 2020. Nicholas's approach is informed by his care philosophy: "Working with motivated clients who are ready to make positive changes to improve their health brings me great satisfaction as a dietitian. I have a special interest in Men's Health, LGBTQ+ Health, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When working with me as your dietitian I will prioritize your unique needs and goals, empowering you to make informed choices and develop a positive relationship with food. My approach blends the art and science of nutrition for the best possible results." Nicholas provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Nicholas Rush is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rush is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive care that extends beyond the clinical. He collaborates closely with registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to create personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and health conditions, ensuring optimal wellness and nutritional support throughout the aging process. This holistic approach prioritizes understanding each senior's unique circumstances, fostering a supportive environment where they can thrive.
By working together, you, your family, and Nicholas Rush can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH NJ Choice MultiTier
- AWH NJ Choice MultiTier - Standard Savings
- AWH NJ Choice MultiTier - Standard Savings POS II
- AWH NJ Choice MultiTier POS II
- BestChoice PPO
- Blue Advantage
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- NY
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network APCN Choice (OAMC) POS II
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Savings Plus of Metro
- Select
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Nicholas Rush 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 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.
- Eating Disorders: If you or a loved one is struggling with an unhealthy relationship with food, know that support and effective treatment options, including guidance from a registered dietitian, are available to promote recovery and better health.
- Food Allergy: Food allergies happen when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat, triggering a reaction that can range from mild discomfort to a life-threatening emergency.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can be a persistent source of discomfort, causing heartburn and even difficulty swallowing. However, a tailored dietary approach and medication, when necessary, can greatly alleviate these issues, enhancing your daily well-being.
- High Cholesterol: High cholesterol is a condition where there's too much cholesterol, a fatty substance, in your blood, increasing your risk of heart disease, but with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your cholesterol and improve your heart health.
- Nutritional Deficiency: A lack of important vitamins and minerals in your diet, called a nutritional deficiency, can affect your energy and overall health, but with proper guidance from a nutrition professional, you can feel better and stronger.
- Obesity: Obesity can make everyday tasks more difficult, but a healthy eating plan and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your independence and enjoy life more.
- 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, Nicholas Rush 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: With eating management, seniors learn practical strategies for making healthy food choices that fit their lifestyle and preferences.
- Exercise Counseling: Working with a healthcare professional, exercise counseling helps integrate physical activity into a senior's daily routine to aid in weight management and improve overall well-being.
- 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: To support optimal health and prevent malnutrition, nutritional supplements can provide additional nutrients seniors may struggle to get from food alone.
- Weight Loss Management: Working with an RDN, weight loss management helps seniors understand their individual needs and develop a realistic approach to losing weight, preventing malnutrition and supporting a healthier aging process.
- 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: This examination is a crucial step in developing a comprehensive care plan that addresses your individual dietary needs and health goals.
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.
Nicholas Rush 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 guidance from a registered dietitian nutritionist, a senior with celiac disease felt significantly improved digestion and reduced bloating, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals and social gatherings with greater ease.
- With careful meal planning guided by a registered dietitian nutritionist, a senior couple found their energy levels improved, enabling them to enjoy their daily walks and garden activities more easily.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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 Nicholas Rush:
- 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 well-being.
- How is a Registered Dietitian different from a 'nutritionist'?
- A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, like Mr. Rush, is a legally protected title. This means they have completed a rigorous education, including a bachelor's degree, supervised practice, and passed a national exam, and maintain continuing education. The title "nutritionist" is not regulated, so anyone can use it. Working with a Registered Dietitian, such as Mr. Rush, 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 Nicholas Rush is about balance, moderation, and finding healthy ways to enjoy the foods you love. We aim to create a sustainable lifestyle, not a restrictive diet, by finding healthier alternatives and appropriate portion sizes.
- 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 poor appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, impacting strength and immunity. Mr. Rush can help you develop strategies to make meals more appealing and nutrient-dense, ensuring you get the nutrition your body needs to stay strong and healthy.
- Can a dietitian help with digestive issues like gas and bloating?
- Yes, many digestive issues, such as gas and bloating, are directly related to food choices. Mr. Rush can help identify trigger foods, develop a personalized eating plan, like a low-FODMAP diet, to reduce symptoms like gas, bloating, and irregular bowel habits, and even potentially help with conditions like IBS.
- I have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Why is diet so important?
- When your kidneys aren't working optimally, they can't filter waste from your blood as efficiently. A special renal diet helps reduce the buildup of these waste products. Mr. Rush 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, especially by limiting processed foods, is a powerful way to help manage high blood pressure. The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, is another excellent strategy. These dietary changes can significantly improve blood pressure without medication.
- 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, such as 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.
Nicholas Rush, RD
3002 NE 5th Ter
Wilton Manors FL 33334
Phone: (954) 510-5672
Nicholas Rush, 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): 1235765389
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 Nicholas Rush 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.