Darcie Ziel BSN, RN, NC-BC’s Post

Last week, I had a patient who said to me, “I am just afraid I’ll be on these medications forever.” This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this sentiment from patients considering medical weight loss intervention. Many people on Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 medications fear that they will be on them forever OR gain all the weight back when they get off them. And the truth is - if you aren’t working with a SPECIALIST who understands these medications, and how to help you make the necessary lifestyle changes, you MIGHT have to stay on them forever. However, in my practice we have patients on these medications for an averge of 4-6 months, before we start weening them off. You DON’T have to be on them forever, but in order to TRULY change your body and your life, you need to work with someone who understands the entirety of what’s required. Your general practitioner is not going to be that person (in most cases).  Online vendors selling these medications on TikTok ads won’t manage your entire journey. Find someone who specializes in medical weight loss, interview them, and then work with them to develop a plan that makes sense for you and your goals. If you are in Colorado or Texas, I am happy to chat! These medications are great tools, but only in the context of the way you choose to integrate them into a greater plan. #weightloss #medicalprovider #medicationmanagement 

**Grateful for the Opportunity to Help** As pharmacists, one of the most rewarding aspects of our profession is the ability to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Recently, I had the opportunity to assist a customer whose wife was struggling with a persistent cough that had been troubling her for days, especially at night. After carefully assessing her symptoms, I recommended a combination of medications to provide relief: - **Prednisolone syrup:** A corticosteroid to reduce airway inflammation. - **Ivy leaf extract:** A natural remedy to soothe the respiratory tract and thin mucus. - **Montelukast:** To prevent airway inflammation and nighttime cough exacerbations. Hearing from the husband about the subsequent improvement in his wife's condition reaffirmed my commitment to this noble field. Being able to alleviate someone's discomfort and contribute to their well-being is what makes our role so fulfilling. Always here to help, whether it's for a minor ailment or a more complex health concern. Let's continue to support and care for our communities. #PharmacyLife #Healthcare #PatientCare #Pharmacist

https://lnkd.in/dR99w_Qv B pertussis -- the pathogen responsible for causing whooping cough -- attaches to tiny, hair-like extensions in the upper respiratory system called cilia and toxins released by the pathogen damages the cilia and causes airways to swell. Early symptoms are similar to the common cold, but the condition eventually leads to coughing fits and a high-pitched "whoop" sound made when inhaling after a fit subsides. Coughing fits can be so severe that people can fracture a rib.

Are you Really a patient or so called patient? We people always search for a good doctor rather than just a doctor, so what about good patients :) ? Being a good patient we have to follow some guidelines : * Gather relevant medical history, current medications, and any symptoms or concerns before the Appointment . It will be time saving as well as manageable for both of you. * Provide accurate and complete information about your health and lifestyle. Be honest please specially I requested to female while telling about their age. * Clarify anything you don’t understand about your diagnosis or treatment plan,otherwise don't blame your doctor. * Adhere to the doctor’s advice and prescribed treatment plans. What some patients do that they skip treatment with their own will, nether they follow treatment nor they take advice seriously. * Respect the doctor’s time and communicate openly and politely. * Share any concerns or issues with your treatment or care to help the doctor adjust as needed.( Don't worry, majority of doctors keep your information private and they don't have enough Time to think and discuss about... * Keep up with any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.your treatment strongly connected with your reports, so bad diagnostic investigations means bad diagnosis or treatment failure. * Being cooperative and communicative helps ensure effective diagnosis and treatment. * Always reply and communicate in straight manner and show understanding attitude so that doctor will be attending you seriously next time . For me, Patients are the test of our patience sometimes :( . So be a good patient to meet a good doctor. Dr. Lubna Zubair Alam .

Effective communication between patients and providers is crucial for safe & quality care, yet it's often fraught with challenges. Beyond explaining medical jargon clearly and with sensitivity, providers have to navigate emotionally charged situations and complex family dynamics, especially when dealing with serious illness. I came across this interesting article that provides a list of "never-words," which are words and phrases that should be avoided by the providers, and their alternatives. https://lnkd.in/eQrcdSC4 Examples: Never-word: "NEED" Instead of saying: “Your mother needs a transplant.” Try: “Here's what I see. Let's discuss options.” Never-word: "JUST" Instead of saying: "We can continue treatment, or we can just do supportive care"  Omit the word "just" from the sentence. Others: “Everything will be fine.” "What would [the patient] want?" “Let's not worry about that now.” "You are lucky it is only stage 2" Lastly, it's always okay to say, “I’m sorry, that came out wrong. Would it be ok if I begin again?” #patientcommunication #providercommunication #patientengagement #patientfocus #neverwords #doctors #patients #communication #bedsidemanner #empathy #patientcentered #patientsafety #medicationsafety #medsafety #ilovemedsafety

October is American Pharmacists Month. It's a time to raise public awareness about pharmacists' essential role in healthcare and celebrate their dedication. In addition to knowledge of medication, pharmacists are full of ideas of how to use non-medicines to improve symptoms. Tap into the wealth of knowledge that pharmacists have been trained to do, to improve people's health and well-being in so many ways. Here's an example. It's cold and flu season! Here's a tip for children with the common cold. Research shows that saline nasal drops can reduce the duration of the common cold in young children by 2 days! Who wouldn't want their kid's cold duration shortened? And Saline drops are simple to use! By the way, nasal saline drops works well for colds in adults too! Wishing everyone a safe and healthy fall and winter ahead!

HOW MUCH SHOULD A PSILOCYBIN FACILITATOR LICENSE COST? I just spent $438 to renew my naturopathic medical license for a year. This license allows me to be a primary care provider in the state of Oregon. To write prescriptions for antibiotics, antidepressants, and other essential medications. To diagnose and treat disease. To have the honor of practicing the art and science of medicine. My DEA license, which allows me to prescribe testosterone, ketamine, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances, costs me just under $800 for THREE years. By comparison, the Oregon Health Authority charges $2,000 per year to renew a psilocybin facilitator's license. Does anyone else think this difference in cost is problematic? Consumers want to know why psilocybin sessions in Oregon are so expensive. This is in part why. That money has to come from somewhere.

"Doctor, I don't know what carbs are!" I remember an elderly patient of mine exclaiming this in frustration during a diabetic clinic. Her HbA1c wasn't at target, and rather than escalating medication, I asked if she had seen our dietitian. She had. Several times. To the point where, I gathered, they were both frustrated. The dietitian possibly assumed the patient was not compliant. And the patient couldn't understand why the dietitian kept yelling at her (her words) about eating too much carbs. Language is important. Just because *you* know what something is, or you think a term is mainstream, it doesn't mean the person you are talking to does. All of this frustration could have been avoided by: 1. Remembering your audience 2. Not making assumptions 3. Asking questions 4. Asking the patient to reframe what they were just told in their own words, to ensure that they understood. 5. Fostering an environment where there are no "stupid questions." What tips do you have that help with patient communication? Share in the comments!

🌟 Reflections on My First Month 🌟 My first month in this new role has been both enlightening and challenging. Here are some key insights: 1️⃣ Effective Communication: It's not just about what we say but how we say it. Taking time to speak clearly and empathetically makes a significant difference in how patients perceive and value the information shared. 2️⃣ Addressing Immediate Needs: For chronic conditions, I set realistic timelines for improvement, understanding that healing takes time. For acute issues, I aim to provide relief within 7 days and set clear expectations for progress over monthly periods. 3️⃣ Identifying Root Causes: Recognizing the underlying causes of conditions, such as linking headaches to neck strain or digestive issues to stress, helps in delivering more effective and targeted treatments. 😓 Challenges: Patients with Self-Diagnoses: Some patients come with a specific diagnosis in mind, and even when clinical evidence suggests otherwise, they remain convinced of their self-diagnosis, making it difficult to align on a treatment plan. Acceptance of Diagnosis: There are patients who struggle to accept the actual diagnosis provided, which can complicate the treatment process and hinder progress. Bad-Mouthing Other Doctors: It’s challenging when patients criticize other doctors. While acknowledging that pharmaceutical medications have side effects, I emphasize that most doctors have the patient’s best interests at heart. Instead of focusing on criticizing colleagues, we should direct our energy towards combating disease and improving care. These experiences underscore the importance of patience, empathy, and clear communication in patient care. I’m excited to continue applying these lessons and growing in my role! #Healthcare #PatientCare #MedicalInsights #ProfessionalGrowth #EmpathyInMedicine #HealthcareChallenges