Eat Well Be Well
Approximately 70% of all causes of death in the United States are related to lifestyle. This means that choices, exercise habits, and tobacco exposure significantly impact people’s health. Diet plays a big role in these outcomes. We know that healthy food choices can help lower people’s risk for many chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancers, and strokes.
Working with a registered dietitian is an effective way to obtain dietary advice and suggestions based on your individual needs. Individual nutrition counseling takes your medical history, food preferences and lifestyle into account and then provides you with recommendations tailored to your personal health concerns.
Cholesterol
Studies indicate that individuals who receive nutrition counseling from registered dietitians experience significant cost savings compared to those who choose to take cholesterol-lowering medication without nutrition therapy.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a progressive disease that can lead to expensive treatments and long-term medications. Medical nutrition therapy can reduce or eliminate the need for oral medications that work to decrease blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Control and Complication Trial, which was a thorough investigation of the disease, indicated that maintaining blood-glucose levels within an ideal range reduced the complication of diabetes by 60%.
Hypertension
The goal of treatment for individuals with mildly elevated blood pressure is to attempt to improve blood pressure with lifestyle modification before starting medications. Nutrition therapy for high blood pressure includes counseling for weight loss, if recommended, and reducing sodium in the diet. By working with a registered dietitian, people with hypertension can prevent the need for medication, which results in significant cost savings. The benefits of nutrition therapy extend beyond cost savings. Years gained from leading a healthy life are invaluable. People are amazed at how small lifestyle changes such as drinking more water or eating more fruits and vegetables result in lasting improvements in their health.
Kendall Kennedy, RDN
Synergy is pleased to welcome back Ms. Kendall Kennedy as our dietitian and nutritionist!
With an overabundance of misinformation about nutrition and health, Kendall focuses on evidenced-based nutrition counseling and strategies to meet the unique needs of her clients, considering medical conditions, lifestyle, and food preferences. Diet changes can be incredibly overwhelming. Kendall helps simplify nutrition information and find more enjoyment in modifying dietary habits. She specializes in providing clients the tools and resources needed to create healthy, life-long habits. Kendall is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals, finding balance and happiness as long the way.
Kendall received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida. Over the past decade, Kendall has provided nutrition services in inpatient hospital settings as well as outpatient clinics and underserved community centers.
Kendall specializes in:
- Disordered Eating
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Renal insufficiency
- The Ultimate Goals are:
- Providing nutrition education to make healthier food choices
- Understanding how nutrition affects physical and mental health
- Improving your relationship with food
- Behavior modification to reach goals (short-term and long-term)
- Freedom from guilt and shame
- Enjoying the journey and imperfection!
- Call 340-714-2348 to schedule a virtual appointment from the privacy of your home.