Ask Nurse Alice

Is the prep actually worse than the procedure?

When Nurse Alice talks to patients about colorectal cancer screening, dreading the prep is a major reason people put off their appointment.

In this episode, Nurse Alice gets real about colorectal cancer screening while actively sipping her own bowel prep solution on the eve of her own procedure. She tackles the 3 most common reasons people dodge getting a colonoscopy—from pure embarrassment to dreading the prep and breaks down the exact tips, tricks, and clinical reasons why taking the right prep is the only way to get a clear, life-saving result.

One night on the throne is worth a lifetime of peace of mind.

Listen in, and let's get smart about your health.

Have a Health Question for Nurse Alice?

Submit your questions directly at AskNurseAlice.com. Your question could be featured on an upcoming episode!

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Are you taking medications... because of your other medications?

It sounds like a trick question. But when family nurse practitioner Nurse Alice reviews patient medication lists, she sees it all the time.

A routine pill for blood pressure or cholesterol gets started. Months later, a new symptom creeps in—swollen ankles, heartburn, or muscle soreness. Naturally, most people assume it’s just aging or a brand-new health condition, report it to their provider, and walk out with another prescription.

Before you know it, you’re taking pills just to manage the collateral damage of other pills. In healthcare, this hidden domino effect is called a "Prescribing Cascade."

In this episode, Nurse Alice breaks down how prescribing cascades happen, the three most common drug loops to watch for, and her practical 4-Step Medication Action Plan to protect yourself and your loved ones from drug stacking.

This isn't about stopping your prescriptions on your own. It’s about asking better questions, taking charge of your care, and making sure your medication routine is actually helping you—not just chasing side effects

Listen in, and let's get smart about your health.

Have a Health Question for Nurse Alice?

Submit your questions directly at AskNurseAlice.com—your question could be featured on an upcoming episode!

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Weight-loss drugs for 8-year-olds?

It sounds extreme. And when Nurse Alice first saw the research, her reaction as a parent was probably the same as yours: Have we gone too far?

Weight-loss drugs have exploded in popularity among adults. But now, that conversation is reaching kids as young as 8.

A new study found that GLP-1 prescribing among children ages 8 to 11 with obesity increased 310-fold between 2019 and 2026. But that eye-popping number doesn’t tell the whole story.

So why would anyone even consider a weight-loss drug for a child this young?

In this episode, family nurse practitioner Nurse Alice breaks down the who, what, when, where, and why of GLP-1 use in younger children, including what the research tells us, what we still don’t know, and what parents should consider about nutrition, growth and development.

This isn’t about being pro-GLP-1 or anti-GLP-1. It’s about understanding the risks to a child’s health, asking better questions and looking beyond the headline.

Because the goal isn’t simply to produce a smaller child. The goal is a healthier child.

The question isn’t as simple as it sounds. Listen, and you decide.

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Sometimes your body tells you what your mind has been too busy to notice.

Nurse Alice was working, traveling, building businesses, caring for patients, raising a family and keeping up with life. From the outside, everything looked fine.

But her body was telling a very different story.

In this deeply personal episode of Ask Nurse Alice, she opens up about what was happening behind the scenes during her time away from the podcast, the warning signs she was missing, and what finally made her realize that simply pushing through wasn't working anymore.

What happens when stress doesn't stop and your body doesn't get the chance to recover?

Nurse Alice breaks down the science of chronic stress and allostatic load, and shares what her own health taught her about the hidden cost of constantly adapting, carrying and continuing.

Because being productive isn't the same as being healthy. And being able to keep going doesn't mean your body isn't paying for it.

Your body is keeping score. Are you?

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After a meaningful hiatus, Ask Nurse Alice is back! In this first episode, Nurse Alice finds her way back and talks about what it means to pause, pivot, and reconnect with yourself, and why sometimes stepping away is exactly what your health deserves.

Behind the roles of family and ER nurse practitioner, mom, businesswoman, friend, and partner, Alice still deals with the everyday obstacles life throws in our way: navigating changing career shifts, relationships, parenting children into adulthood, and the ongoing work of making health, peace, and well-being a priority.

Nurse Alice shares why taking time away was necessary, what she learned in the process, and how she’s made certain aspects of her life non-negotiable. She also explores why caregivers, in particular, need permission to stop being everything to everyone, and start making themselves part of the care plan.

Consider this your reminder that you’re allowed to reassess, grow, change direction, and make room for the version of yourself you’re becoming.

So spread the news that Ask Nurse Alice is officially back! Tune in weekly for honest, health-focused conversations about healthcare, policy, personal wellbeing, and the everyday factors that shape how we live, work, care, and thrive.

For more health stories, medical advice, and whats new, visit https://asknursealice.com/

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Have you ever gone through a major life change and felt like a part of you was suddenly missing? Maybe you just graduated from college, left a job, or went through a divorce. It's like waking up and realizing that the role you once played every day no longer defines you. In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin, clinical nurse specialist and family nurse practitioner, dives deep into the topic of identity fusion and how we tie our self-worth to our jobs, roles, and the communities we belong to. Alice shares her personal story of navigating career transitions and the impact it had on her mental and physical well-being. This episode explores the reasons why we identify with our roles and the challenges we face when those roles change.

With relatable stories and practical advice, Alice offers guidance on how to reclaim your identity and self-worth after life changes. This episode is your guide to rediscovering who you are and thriving through life's transitions. Don't miss out—your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Ask Nurse Alice Podcast

[00:01:30] Introduction: Identity and Self-Worth

[00:03:00] Nurse Alice's Personal Story of Career Transitions

[00:05:00] Understanding Identity Fusion

[00:08:00] The Impact of Role Changes on Mental and Physical Well-being

[00:10:30] Why We Identify with Our Roles

[00:12:00] Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Identity and Self-Worth

[00:15:00] Diversify Your Identity, Set Personal Goals, Build a Support Network

[00:17:00] Practice Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Self-Reflection

[00:20:00] Seek Professional Help When Needed

[00:25:00] Conclusion: Embrace Your Intrinsic Value and Thrive Through Transitions

Connect with Nurse Alice:

Website: AskNurseAlice.com

Social Media: @asknursealice

Contact us: [email protected]

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Are you stuck in a toxic work environment that's draining your energy and affecting your well-being? You're not alone—and there's hope.

In this episode of Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin tackles the all-too-common issue of workplace toxicity and its profound impact on mental and physical health. Joined by integrative health coach Tracy Holder, this episode dives deep into the traits of toxic work environments, shares relatable personal stories, and offers practical strategies to identify and address these challenges.

Learn how to spot the signs of burnout, prioritize self-care, and create a healthier work-life balance. With actionable advice and real-world insights, this episode is your guide to reclaiming control over your well-being and thriving despite workplace stress. Don’t miss out—your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Ask Nurse Alice Podcast

[00:01:30] Overview of Workplace Toxicity

[00:03:00] Identifying Signs of a Toxic Work Environment

[00:04:45] Attributes of a Toxic Workplace

[00:05:44] Strategies for Addressing Workplace Toxicity

[00:08:00] The Impact of Toxicity on Mental and Physical Health

[00:10:30] Importance of Taking Mental Health Days

[00:12:00] Tools for Assessing Workplace Burnout

[00:15:00] Practical Tips for Self-Care and Mindfulness

[00:17:00] Conclusion and Encouragement to Seek Help

Connect with Tracy Holder:

• LinkedIn

Contact us at [email protected]

Feedback or questions? We love hearing from you. Share your thoughts on social media!

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This episode tackles the taboo of menstrual health. Through real-life stories, Alice highlights conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids, shedding light on their debilitating effects and the importance of a timely diagnosis. With a blend of medical expertise and personal experience, Alice advocates for open conversation and support for menstrual health in our communities and workplaces. Tune in to empower yourself and start the conversation on menstrual health.

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:30] - Addressing the silence around menstrual challenges

[00:05:45] - Raising awareness and debunking myths about menstrual cycles

[00:10:20] - Providing resources and accommodations at work

[00:15:10] - Encouragement to seek support from healthcare providers

[00:17:45] - Conclusion and a call to action for listeners

Contact us at [email protected]

Feedback or questions? We love hearing from you. Share your thoughts on social media or in the comments!

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Nurse Alice dives into the hot topic of weight loss injectables, shedding light on the increasing number of lawsuits surrounding them and what patients need to know before, and while, taking them. Discover benefits, side effects, and a holistic view on weight management. We tackle patient education, healthcare responsibilities, and the need for transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. Join us for a critical look at medication roles in health and happiness.

Episode Highlights:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Weight Loss Injectables & Growing Lawsuits

00:05:41 - Early Reports of Weight Loss Injectable Side Effects

00:06:16 - Base Line Assessments Before You Should Have Done BEFORE Starting Weight Loss Drugs

00:07:39 - Importance of Nutrition in Weight Management 

00:08:26 - How Mental Health Impacts Weight Loss

00:09:12 - How Sleep Impacts Weight Loss

00:11:00 - Expected Medication Side Effects You Should Report

00:12:33 - The Allegations Behind Many Weight Loss Medication Lawsuits

00:14:35 - The Pharmaceutical Company's Responsibility to Provide Medication Information

00:15:30 - When the Patient Doesn't Want to Talk/See the Healthcare Provider

00:21:38 - What is Gastroparesis and How it is Treated

00:23:09 - Suicidal Ideation Side Effects and Weight Loss Medications

00:25:00 - Proper Use of Medications Require the Supervision of a Healthcare Provider

00:26:35 - Semiglutide Variants Made at Compounding Pharmacies are Not FDA Approved

00:29:40 - What You Should Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Newly Prescribed Medications

00:30:45 - Understanding the Health Consumer's Responsibilities While on Medications

00:34:23 - The Healthcare Provider's Responsibilities When Prescribing Medications

00:35:41 - The Pharmaceutical Company's Responsibilities When Developing New Medications

00:36:33 - Post-Marketing Surveillance and Drug Labeling Updates 

00:37:23 - Promoting Health Literacy for Patient Understanding

Contact us at [email protected]

Feedback or questions? We love hearing from you. Share your thoughts on social media or in the comments!

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Disclaimer: This episode contains a discussion on human trafficking, including sexual assault, domestic violence, strangulation, and human sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised. If you, or someone you know,
 
 In this episode of Nurse Converse, Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN, also known as @offtheclocknurse, discusses the topic of human sex trafficking. As a forensic nurse examiner and sexual assault nurse examiner, Leah shares her expertise and experiences in working with patients who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, strangulation, and human sex trafficking. She debunks common myths about trafficking, provides statistics on its prevalence in the United States, and highlights the link between human sex trafficking and pornography. Leah also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of trafficking in healthcare settings and offers guidance on how healthcare professionals can respond and provide support to victims. She concludes by sharing information about a human trafficking prevention program called Walking Wise, which aims to educate young people and adults about the issue. Listeners are encouraged to educate themselves, support advocacy efforts, and report any suspicions of human trafficking.

If you or someone you know is being human trafficked or in a human trafficking situation, please reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Or you can text INFO in all caps to 2-3-3-7-3-3.

>>>Read about human trafficking and recognizing the signs in healthcare settings

Jump Ahead to Listen:
00:02:30 - Definition of Human Sex Trafficking and the AMP Model
00:05:30 - Statistics on Human Trafficking in the United States
00:08:45 - Myths and Realities of Human Trafficking
00:12:15 - Grooming Process and Psychological Manipulation Tactics
00:15:45 - Reasons for the Existence of Human Trafficking
00:19:00 - Complicity and Normalization of Human Trafficking
00:22:30 - Link Between Human Trafficking and Pornography
00:25:00 - How Healthcare Workers Can Identify and Respond to Human Trafficking
00:29:00 - Conclusion and Resources for Help

Connect With Leah on social media:

Instagram: offtheclocknurse

TikTok: offtheclocknurse

FB: Off The Clock Nurse Travels