Dana Mealing, R.D.N., L.D.N., is the new community nutrition educator in the Tevis Center for Wellness. Get to know Dana and her plans for upcoming nutrition programs.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
First off, I am very excited to be a part of the LifeBridge Health team and to work at the Tevis Center for Wellness. Everyone has been so passionate and motivating. A bit about my background and history: Before my journey into dietetics, I studied fiber and textile design in Chicago for several years. Working with textiles is still something that brings me joy today, and I continue to enjoy making art in various media in my spare time. I studied at The Ohio State University, where I earned my degree in medical dietetics. During this time, I was highly involved in food systems-related community work, integrating local markets, access, healthcare and just production practices. After graduating and passing the registered dietitian exam, I worked as a weight management counselor for several years, and then worked in long-term care before arriving at my position with LifeBridge Health.
How did you become interested in the field of nutrition?
Like many families, growing up I was exposed to the latest diet trends through my parents’ attempt to either lose weight or just provide a healthy meal for the family. I saw everything from Weight Watchers to juicing, South Beach to non-fat vegan. I became more personally interested in nutrition when I went to college, reflecting on all the mixed messages about food from my childhood and attempting to educate myself on what was truly healthy. I found so much conflicting information and in such great volume, which, like many people, was incredibly frustrating to me. No wonder my parents were confused.
My journey in nutrition started as a journey to know the facts. This is also the time when I found the intersection of personal diet and topics in politics, social movements and environmental movements in relation to food systems.
Describe your role as community nutrition educator.
As the community nutrition educator, I work in group education programs, such as Embrace Wellness, for survivors of breast cancer, and Jumpstart to Wellness; guest speaking in other programs and support groups; performing cooking demos for the community along with working with The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and acting as the chair of its Nutrition Action Committee. I look forward to planning and implementing more group education programs for the community.
What kinds of things do you have planned for the public as community nutrition educator?
Every time I meet a new Carroll Hospital team member, the conversation inspires new ideas of what I can do for the community. Various kinds of post-program support groups, group classes for perinatal nutrition, developing gardens, cooking demos and classes covering topics such as basic kitchen skills and food storage to zero-waste recipes and many other ideas are the seeds of what is to come.
What is your approach to helping individuals with their nutritional needs?
Developing a healthy diet and lifestyle will be a process that is unique to the individual. I like to encourage people to have an open mind and an experimental approach; it will be some trial and error to find what works best. I like to work in mindfulness practices around food, teaching how to assess and reassess where you are so that you can make choices that are best in that moment, or any significant life changes that are thrown your way. What worked well for you a year ago may no longer be practical. I highly value education, making sure that my clients know why they are making certain choices and explaining the research behind it. Overall, I value empowering the people I work with so that they can take ownership of their health.
What else would you like us to know about you?
If anyone wants to reach out ideas or questions about our programs, feel free to email me at dmealing@lifebridgehealth.org.
