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Tag Archives: patienteducation

September 09 2025

Ozempic vs. Natural Weight Loss for Hormonal Balance and Injury Recovery

Author jrmnurse Posted on Categories Health/Wellness, Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Health

By Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LEHP, LNC, BC-FMP
Introduction

During perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen and progesterone can affect metabolism, joint health, muscle mass, and inflammation, making weight management and injury recovery more challenging.

Ozempic (semaglutide) has gained attention for weight loss, but it’s important to understand its proper use, potential side effects, and how natural strategies remain the foundation for safe recovery and hormonal balance.

Hormonal Changes and Injury Recovery

Hormonal changes in menopause can:

  • Slow metabolism
  • Increase abdominal fat
  • Reduce muscle mass
  • Elevate inflammation
  • Delay recovery from injuries

Weight gain can also increase stress on joints, ligaments, and muscles, making sustainable weight and hormone management essential for injury prevention and healing.

Reference: Mayo Clinic, Menopause Symptoms & Management

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally approved for type 2 diabetes. It works by:

  • Slowing gastric emptying
  • Reducing appetite
  • Helping with blood sugar control

Important: Ozempic is not a magic weight-loss solution for healthy women and should never replace lifestyle strategies for injury recovery or hormone balance.

Potential side effects:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
  • Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease
  • Requires ongoing medical supervision

Emerging Research: Ozempic and Injury Management

Some studies suggest that semaglutide may benefit certain joint injuries, particularly knee osteoarthritis in individuals with obesity.

Findings include:

  • Greater weight loss than placebo
  • Reduced knee pain
  • Improved physical function

Mechanisms may include joint stress reduction via weight loss and anti-inflammatory effects.

References:

Note: These benefits are specific to medical cases like obesity-related osteoarthritis, not general cosmetic weight loss.

Natural Strategies for Weight, Hormones, and Injury Recovery

Whether or not medications are involved, foundational strategies are critical:

Nutrition (Anti-inflammatory & Hormone-Supportive)

  • Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, fatty fish
  • Protein: chicken, eggs, tofu, Greek yogurt
  • Fiber-rich carbs: quinoa, oats, vegetables
  • Supplements for joints & tissue repair: collagen, magnesium

Sample 1-Day Meal Plan:

Meal Foods
Breakfast Spinach & mushroom omelet with avocado
Snack Greek yogurt + berries + chia seeds
Lunch Grilled salmon salad with walnuts and olive oil
Snack Carrot sticks & hummus
Dinner Baked chicken, roasted sweet potato, broccoli

Exercise & Recovery

  • Strength training: 2–3x/week to maintain muscle and protect joints
  • Cardio: 3–5x/week for metabolism and cardiovascular health
  • Mobility & stretching: Prevent injuries and improve recovery

Lifestyle

  • Sleep: 7–9 hours for hormone regulation and tissue repair
  • Stress management: Meditation, journaling, or breathing exercises
  • Gut health: Fiber, probiotics, and balanced nutrition

Reference: Harvard Health, Menopause and Weight Gain

Ozempic vs. Natural Strategies

Factor Ozempic (Semaglutide) Natural Approaches
Purpose Blood sugar management, weight loss in obesity/diabetes Hormone balance, injury recovery, sustainable weight management
Benefits Can reduce appetite, promote weight loss, and improve joint pain in OA Supports metabolism, joint health, muscle mass, and hormone regulation
Risks Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, and gallbladder issues Minimal if done correctly
Sustainability Requires ongoing injections, medical supervision Lifelong skills support overall health
Best Use Medically indicated obesity or diabetes; obesity-related osteoarthritis Everyone, especially injury recovery & menopause support

Safety and Legal Considerations

  • Medical supervision is essential
  • Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pancreatitis
  • Not for cosmetic weight loss in otherwise healthy individuals

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any medication, particularly when recovering from injuries or managing hormonal changes.

Conclusion

Ozempic may be helpful for specific medical scenarios, such as obesity-related knee osteoarthritis, but it is not a replacement for natural, foundational strategies.

Focus on:

  • Nutrition
  • Strength and mobility training
  • Sleep and stress management
  • Hormone-supportive practices

These steps improve injury recovery, joint health, and sustainable weight management safely and effectively.

References

  1. Mayo Clinic. Menopause Symptoms & Management
  2. NEJM, 2024. Semaglutide and Knee Osteoarthritis
  3. PMC, 2022. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  4. Harvard Health. Menopause and Weight Gain

“To receive your free handout with meal plans, exercise charts, and a comparison of Ozempic vs. natural strategies, contact me at jrmnurseconsultants.com.”

April 04 2020

Telehealth Nursing: Supporting Patients from Home

Author Rosie's Nurse corner Posted on Categories Nurse Consulting

Our technology has advanced over the years, allowing nurses to manage patient care not only in hospitals but also via telephone and home visits. With the global pandemic, telehealth nursing has become more important than ever.

As an independent nurse consultant, I provide essential medical information to patients and their family caregivers via telephone and telehealth. This requires strong communication skills and the ability to identify concerning signs even from a distance. Telehealth has grown significantly in recent years. According to the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AACN), telehealth practice began when RNs were available by phone to ensure patients had access to healthcare, triaging them to the appropriate level of care.

Many people ask what I do for work. I educate and assess my patients about medications, symptoms, and chronic conditions. I ensure they follow up with their primary care doctors or specialists and develop care plans tailored to their needs. I also work with injured workers, navigating treatment and coordinating light-duty work with their employers.

Telehealth nurses allow doctors to monitor patients who cannot visit the office frequently. This team-based approach promotes autonomy, engagement, and active participation in one’s healthcare. Telehealth is especially beneficial pre- and post-surgery, providing guidance, reassurance, and follow-up care for patients during these stressful times.

During emergencies like Hurricane Dorian, preparation is key. I assess patients’ needs for special-needs shelters, create disaster plans, and ensure each patient is safe during and after the event. Telehealth and home visits help maintain continuity of care even in difficult circumstances.

Most of my patients receive both in-person and telehealth visits to keep communication lines open. While COVID-19 has extended my workdays to 16+ hours, 6 days a week, I am grateful to continue providing essential care safely.

Recently, someone left a sign at my door that read: “Praying for healthcare heroes and first responders.” I am honored to be part of the profession supporting patients at home during this pandemic. Every telehealth visit includes COVID-19 guidance, and my patients know they can reach me with any questions.

Today, find a healthcare worker and show your appreciation with a kind word. We are working tirelessly for the health of our country.

(P.S. Pardon the garden—we planned to plant flowers, but COVID-19 has kept us too busy!)

 

 

 

 

 

October 10 2016

From NICU to Home: Supporting Parents of Premature Babies Through the Transition

Author Rosie's Nurse corner Posted on Categories Women’s Health and Neonatal Care

Going home from the NICU can be one of the most stressful moments for parents of premature babies, especially without proper guidance. Families often face the challenge of caring for a baby who requires more attention than a full-term infant, and without a structured transition program, the stress can quickly become overwhelming.

The implications of current discharge practices are significant. Parents of premature babies may experience depression and anxiety due to the high level of responsibility and uncertainty. While in the NICU, families endure the emotional roller coaster of whether their baby will survive. Once the infant reaches a stable point, planning for home care begins. If the baby requires tube feedings, oxygen, a tracheostomy, or monitoring devices, major family adjustments are necessary. One parent may leave work to provide care, and missed home health visits can create unsafe situations, placing the primary caregiver under intense stress and extended hours of vigilance.

A multidisciplinary team—including nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, child life specialists, and nurse educators or consultants—should support families during this transition. The bedside nurse is particularly critical, as they develop the closest relationship with the family and understand the baby’s daily needs.

Parents benefit from clear, step-by-step instructions, demonstrations, and written reference materials that they can consult at home (Ronan et al., 2015). Current educational resources often use full-term infants, which does not realistically reflect the challenges of premature babies with medical complexities. Future research should include infants of varying gestational ages and medical conditions to better guide transition programs.

By implementing structured transition programs, NICUs can help reduce parental stress, promote family safety, and improve long-term outcomes for premature infants.

Reference:
Ronan, S., Liberatos, P., Weingarten, S., Wells, P., Garry, J., O’Brien, K., & Nevid, T. (2015, March/April). Neonatal Network, 34(2), 102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/0730-0832.34.2.102

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