In the Spring of 2021, after the practice she’d been working for closed due to COVID-19 economic hardship, Mary Regan, DNP, CRNP, opened Functional Health of Lancaster. Regan, who spent the prior 10 years working as a primary care provider in internal medicine, couldn’t be happier about her decision. “Being a functional primary care clinician enables me to build relationships with my patients and understand the root causes of their health challenges,” says Regan. “I’m so glad I followed my passion.”

Regan began her nursing career in 2003, and three years later worked as a trauma nurse at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. There, she observed the profound impact unhealthy lifestyle choices and poor access to medical care had on patients’ health and wellbeing. Regan went on to earn a dual Master of Science degrees in nursing-related fields and a doctorate in nursing practice. She is both a licensed registered nurse and licensed board-certified nurse practitioner.

Reflecting upon her decision to pursue a career as functional primary care clinician, Regan says, “After many years of working in the conventional health sector, I felt like I kept hitting a ceiling and I couldn't go further professionally. My patients were also frustrated with the negative experience of being ‘lost’ in a big health system. I wanted to create a business in my community focused on high-quality health care, while also improving the patient experience.”

Functional Health of Lancaster, located on the Oregon Pike, offers an array of quality holistic healthcare services, including functional medicine, functional primary care, nutritional medicine, yoga therapy and beginning this spring, thermography.

At its core, functional medicine seeks to understand and treat the root cause of illness. It achieves these goals through the comprehensive assessment of a patient’s past and current health history, and the cultivation of an authentic relationship between patient and clinician. In addition to evaluating chronic and acute health conditions, supporting women’s health issues and using preventative exams, Regan employs a range of holistic approaches ranging from nutraceuticals, adaptogens and botanicals to relaxation techniques and personalized strategies for improving lifestyle and nutrition.

Offered on a one-on-one basis, yoga therapist Rachel Simmons, MS, C-IAYT, E-RTY, uses breathwork, meditation, mindful movement, somatic movement and guided imagery in her yoga therapy sessions. She addresses health concerns such as depression, chronic anxiety, chronic pain and high blood pressures. Dr. Dana Elia, a licensed and registered dietician nutritionist, integrates her expertise in gastrointestinal issues, hormone imbalances, cardiometabolic support and autoimmune diseases to support patients committed to improving their health through nutrition.

Special attention is also given to women at Functional Health of Lancaster, which make up 75 percent of their patients. Regan notes, “As a woman, daughter, sister and mother of two daughters myself, I understand the complexities of women's health concerns. It takes a significant commitment of time and effort for women to care for themselves while also continuously caring for others. Women’s health awareness month provides women an opportunity to reflect on their health needs and set new goals.”

To assist women in their efforts, Regan provides gynecological exams and offers care to women dealing with a variety of issues that include infertility, insomnia, low libido, menstrual irregularities, menopause, peri-menopause and painful periods. When necessary, Regan prescribes bioidentical hormones to help minimize symptoms of hormone imbalance such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful sex and mood changes. “During appointments, I encourage meaningful dialogue with women about different barriers and buffers to achieving their optimal health,” says Regan. “I love my patients and I love supporting women in my community.”

Free, 15-minute virtual consultations are available for patients interested in learning more about Functional Health of Lancaster or which services will best address their healthcare needs.

Functional Health of Lancaster is located at 2207 Oregon Pike, Ste. 301a, in Lancaster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 717-490-6227 or visit FH-Lancaster.com.