Registered dietitian to see patients in all Laurel Health Centers

Mansfield, Pa. — Registered dietitian Elena Swain has joined the Laurel Health Centers and will be providing medical nutritional therapy to patients at locations throughout Tioga and Bradford counties, beginning with the Mansfield, Troy, and Wellsboro centers.

Swain developed an interest in nutrition after dealing with her own struggles around food in high school. It led her to the goal of helping others find a healthy relationship with food while fueling their bodies and promoting the best version of themselves, inside and out. She focuses on realistic recommendations to help promote sustainable lifestyle changes.

“Being a dietitian is about so much more than just food. I really enjoy the science involved in nutrition, so I often discuss chemistry and our metabolism during patient education. Breaking down the complex science of nutrition in an easy-to-understand way helps patients understand the true importance of adequate nutrition,” Swain explains.

Patients can be referred to Swain to address malnutrition, food insecurity, weight management, disordered eating, wellness goals, sustainable healthy eating, and specialty diets related to acute or chronic health conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, celiac disease, gastrointestinal disease, or kidney disease.

Swain is most looking forward to working with the community on how to support their wellness goals through nutrition. “Unfortunately, there is often a lack of nutrition resources available in rural areas. I grew up in Troy and love this community, so I felt like I needed to ‘come back home’ to be part of that change. I am passionate about providing nutrition education and addressing other issues like food insecurity and malnutrition, common experiences for many in rural communities.”

Swain received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from Mansfield University with a focus on Dietetics, Sports Nutrition, and Community Health Education where she also served as president of the Mansfield University Student Dietetic Association. She earned her Master of Science degree in Community Nutrition from West Chester University.

In her free time, you can find her at any good coffee shop. She loves going for walks, finding the best greenhouses, or just lounging at home with her husband and son.

Elena Swain, RD, is accepting new patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment, call 570-297-3746 or talk to your doctor about a referral.