University hires nutritionist
On Thursday, the Golding Health Center sent out an email to the Brandeis community introducing students to new University Nutritionist Carolyn Butterworth. Butterworth will serve students from the campus' Health Center, adopting the responsibilities of former University Nutritionist Laura O'Gara. In addition to working in the Health Center, Butterworth will begin working with Sodexo's nutritionist at Brandeis, Kate Moran. Butteworth was hired on Dec. 12, but did not begin seeing students clinically until last Friday.
Butterworth's main role on campus will be working with students to develop healthier eating habits, offering assistance for student athlete diets and eating disorder counseling. Additionally, Butterworth is available to discuss dining options for students with food allergies.
"I wish to promote health and wellness in the Brandeis community," wrote Butterworth in an email to the Justice. "I seek to be a resource to students who are experiencing some [gastroenterological] issues, weight issues, nutrition problems related to stress as well as student athletes and students looking to improve overall health," she continued.
Butterworth wrote that college is a critical time for students to construct healthy eating habits, and, that as students learn to become independent, they must learn to make healthy dietary choices that will ultimately shape their eating habits later in life.
However, Butterworth said she recognizes that the on-campus selections may not be suited to students' dietary needs for medical or other reasons. She and Moran plan to increase resources for students who lack access to proper nutrition on campus.
According to the email sent out Thursday, Butterworth has previous experience working with youth. She has worked as a consultant for multiple preparatory schools and universities, including Wellesley College. In addition, she currently works in the Massachusetts General Hospital in the pediatric gastroenterologist clinic. Butterworth has an extensive background with dietary and digestive disorders and sports nutrition, with a focus on newborns to young adults.
Butterworth earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire and her master's in clinical exercise physiology from Northeastern University. She is also a registered dietician and nurse.
Students may schedule counseling appointments with Butterworth in the Health Center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Butterworth is available for appointments on Tuesdays and every other Friday.
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