patient advocacy – JRM Nurse Consultants

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, but it often brings physiological changes that can impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. Understanding these risks is essential for both healthcare providers and women themselves. Nurses play a key role in education, prevention, and advocacy for healthy aging.

Cardiovascular Risks in Menopause:
The decline in estrogen during menopause affects the cardiovascular system. Key concerns include:

Increased blood pressure
Changes in cholesterol levels (higher LDL, lower HDL)
Greater risk of heart disease and stroke

Nursing Perspective:
Monitoring vital signs, patient education on heart-healthy habits, and advocating for regular screenings can reduce cardiovascular risk.

Metabolic Dysfunction:
Menopause can also affect metabolism, leading to:

Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
Insulin resistance and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes
Changes in lipid and glucose metabolism

Lifestyle and Functional Medicine Interventions:
Nurses and healthcare providers can guide patients toward sustainable interventions:

Nutrition: Emphasize anti-inflammatory foods, balanced macronutrients, and adequate fiber.
Physical activity: Regular aerobic and resistance exercise to support heart health and metabolism.
Sleep and stress management: Quality sleep and stress reduction techniques improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular resilience.
Functional labs and personalized assessment: Identify hormonal imbalances, metabolic markers, and cardiovascular risk factors to tailor care.

Patient Perspective:
Women can feel empowered by understanding these changes. Small, consistent lifestyle adjustments, combined with regular check-ups, can significantly reduce long-term risks.

Menopause doesn’t have to mean inevitable cardiovascular or metabolic decline. Through awareness, proactive monitoring, and lifestyle interventions, nurses can help women maintain heart and metabolic health, improve quality of life, and promote longevity.

This week, women experiencing menopause can schedule a basic cardiovascular and metabolic screening — a first step in proactive, empowered care.

Written by Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, BC-FMP

Nursing is more than a career; it’s a profession grounded in ethical responsibility. Nurses play a vital role in promoting equity, advocacy, and human flourishing — principles highlighted in Provision 9 of the ANA Code of Ethics — which guide both patient care and professional practice.

1. Equity in Nursing Practice:
Equity means providing care that meets the unique needs of every patient, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or health condition. In real-world practice, this can involve:

Ensuring access to resources and care for underserved populations
Advocating for fair treatment within healthcare systems
Addressing social determinants of health in patient planning

2. Advocacy as a Core Nursing Role:
Nurses are often the bridge between patients and the healthcare system. Advocacy includes:

Speaking up for patient rights and safety
Supporting informed decision-making
Collaborating with interprofessional teams to improve care quality

3. Promoting Human Flourishing:
Human flourishing is about helping patients and communities thrive — not just survive. Nurses contribute to flourishing by:

Educating patients to manage chronic conditions effectively
Providing emotional support during difficult health journeys
Encouraging autonomy and resilience in patients

When nurses apply these principles, patients experience care that is compassionate, equitable, and empowering. It transforms a hospital or clinic visit from a routine interaction into a meaningful step toward wellness and dignity.

For nurses, embedding Provision 9 principles enhances professional satisfaction and ethical integrity. Acting with advocacy and equity fosters trust, builds stronger patient relationships, and contributes to a more just healthcare system.

Nurses have a unique opportunity to promote equity, advocacy, and human flourishing in every interaction. By applying these principles daily, you elevate the profession and create a positive impact on patients and communities.

Consider one action this week where you can advocate for a patient or colleague, or address a barrier to equitable care — small steps make a big difference.

Written by Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, BC-FMP

Years of experience in Work Comp, Case Management, Disease Management, Utilization Review and Prior Authorization.

Tag Archives: patient advocacy

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Challenges in Menopausal Women

Promoting Equity and Advocacy: A Nurse’s Role in Patient and Community Wellness