Check Out This Effective and Affordable System That Treats and Prevents Acne

Check Out This Effective and Affordable System That Treats and Prevents Acne

Are you struggling with acne and balancing a budget? Have you tried expensive systems and discovered that they are ineffective? As a person that suffered from acne, I can totally relate. Acne not only affects the skin, but it affects people’s psychosocial and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are some effective and inexpensive solutions out there, and I will share some excellent over-the-counter treatments that I use daily.

This régime is comprised of 3 steps and three products. Most importantly, this program won’t break the bank. All you need is approximately $30, and you will be on your way to a clear and healthy complexion.

Step 1: Wash your face with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. I like Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash ($6.79)

  • Why does a cleanser with salicylic acid work?
    • Salicylic Acid exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.

Step 2: Apply a cream or gel that contains at least 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide. I like Clearasil’s Daily Acne Control Vanishing Cream ($5.99)

Apply a thin layer over affected spots or areas.

Note: Benzoyl peroxide products may contain concentrations upwards of 10%. This product may cause skin irritation. So, start with a lower concentration, and work your way up.

  • Why does benzoyl peroxide products work?
    •  It kills the bacteria that cause acne.
    • When used daily, it can reduce acne flare-ups.

Step 3: Moisturize, Moisturize Moisturize!

After completing Step 1 and Step 2, skin is parched and craves moisture. I like Cetaphil’s Daily Moisturizer ($15.40)

  • Why does it work?
    • It’s non-greasy and lightweight.
    • It won’t clog pores.
    •  It soothes irritated skin.

Complete this regime twice a day in the morning and before going to bed. To be clear, these products do not provide an instant overnight miracle and results are typically seen in 6 weeks.

Thanks for checking out this post! Check us out every day to gain the newest scoop in the nursing world. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Be a Pro of Pathophysiology and a Maven at Completing Essential Skills

Be a Pro of Pathophysiology and a Maven at Completing Essential Skills

Hi, everyone! During our brief time together, let’s discuss the frequently forgotten but essential skill of making a bed. Some readers are thinking, “Why are we discussing this topic, and why should I be an expert at making a bed?” So, for those that are unfamiliar with the importance of mastering this essential skill, I will shine a light on its significance in a nurse’s playbook. As a nurse working in the real world, you are chiefly responsible for all aspects of patient care. Some readers are saying, “Yes this is true, but I can delegate this task to a certified nursing assistant.” Then, I will quickly rebut, ” Touché you are certainly correct, but who will you delegate that task to if you don’t have a certified nursing assistant?” Typically, after that remark, I gaze upon a bewildered expression that simply translates to ” It looks like I will be delegating that to myself.”

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Every Nurse Must Have This Resource in Their Arsenal

Every Nurse Must Have This Resource in Their Arsenal

Hi, everyone! I am so excited to share this awesome resource. I wish that I knew about it about it earlier in my career. This amazing book is entitled Bakerman’s ABCs of Interpretive Laboratory Data. I must say, it is a bit pricey ($49.40+shipping), but you will use this book for years. As a new family nurse practitioner practicing in a rural community, I rely on this great resource to get me through the day. For example, I had a patient with a possible diagnosis of Lyme disease, and that is not a typical lab that I order every day. So, I looked at my handy laboratory manual. With the turn of a page, it provided me with a succinct and clear guide. For example, it presented a discussion regarding problems associated with serological testing, guidelines for testing, and interpretation of the results.

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A nurse’s reaction when he or she discovers the perfect lab resource.

As clinicians and healthcare providers, it is vital that we provide quality comprehensive healthcare based on evidence-based practice. Without question, I’m certain that this resource is fundamental to anyone at any level of nursing practice. For example, the nursing student can use this book as a supplemental tool while the nurse and APRN may use this guide to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Let me be clear, I love lab apps because they’re easily accessible. However, they lack the necessary literature required to make a prudent diagnosis. Therefore, I rely on my knowledge and reliable resources like Bakerman’s ABC’s of Interpretative Laboratory Data as a way of ensuring that I am providing quality, comprehensive care to my patients. I posted a link below if you are interested in purchasing this book. I can assure you that you won’t regret this investment.

 

Thanks for reading this post! Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I can’t wait to hear from you.

An Examination of a Culture’s Take on Food and Health

An Examination of a Culture’s Take on Food and Health

As a nurse practitioner student, I completed my clinical rotation in a rural and underserved clinic in the southeastern United States. Overwhelmingly, I treated patients that suffered from chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Initially, the volume of patients that suffered from mostly preventable conditions perplexed me because many of the patients verbalized the potential adverse effects and complications. Yet, they continued to eat an unhealthy diet. Infamously, the South is known for higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Certainly, I can attest to that statement since a majority of the patients that presented to the clinic experienced at least one of those conditions. So one day, I finally mustered up some courage and asked an older African American gentleman why he snubbed the idea of implementing healthier food choices. Amazingly, he admitted that he had no desire to change his diet because the food symbolized his heritage and doing away with soul food denounced his upbringing.

Because of his sentiments, I decided to research food and its subsequent influence on culture in African American communities. Through my investigation, I stumbled across a dynamic and enlightening documentary entitled Soul Food Junkies, and it explored the significance of traditional food within the African American community. Byron Hurt, director and principal actor, eloquently merged a multi-layered story that explored the significance of traditional food in the African American community and most importantly his family. After watching this short film, I gained incredible knowledge regarding the traditions of family and togetherness that are embodied in the preparation and consumption of soul food. So, as a clinician, I have expanded my cultural competence; as a result, I will cultivate and encourage new recipes that symbolize the traditions but utilizes healthier ingredients. If you are interested in discovering modified soul food recipes, click on the links below.

Also for your viewing pleasure, I have included a link to the full documentary Soul Food Junkies. Click the link below. Thanks for checking out this post! Check us out every day to gain the newest scoop in the nursing world. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Nursing Tip of the Day!

Nursing Tip of the Day!

Hi everyone, and thank you for checking out this post! I am so excited about discussing today’s tip of the day because it relates to the importance of personal safety within the nursing workforce. Often, hospitals and institutions mandate the color and style of nursing uniforms or scrubs. Consequently, nurses solely remain in control over the style and choice of their footwear. As a nurse working in an inpatient setting, nurses would express their personal style through their collection of colorful kicks. Some of the nurses would wear lightweight, cloth sneakers like Nike’s Free Style athletic shoes. Time and time again, they expressed great love for this brand because the shoes were breathable and lightweight, which are key while working long shifts. As a new graduate nurse, I must confess that I initially wore athletic shoes. But, I did not choose this style because of the rave reviews but as an act of unconventionality. Basically, I chose this style because I wanted to break free from the conformity of my nursing school dress code. Going into the job, I knew that I had no authority of my scrub’s color and style, but I wanted to make my mark through my colorful selection of shoes. The cost wasn’t the driving force. I just wanted to express my personality and be fashionable. Sadly, personal safety was not at the top of my list until an occurrence with a patient who developed a new and unforeseen case of Clostridium difficile. That experience changed my mind.

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At the beginning of your shift, you start-off fresh and clean. In a matter of moments, you get bodily fluids all over your scrubs.

To say the least, this case of explosive diarrhea influenced me to adjust my shoe game quickly. Similarly, the downsides of cloth shoes are that it’s absorptive and difficult to clean, which pose immense dangers for the patient, the nurse,  and their families because of the potential for bacterial transmission. Now, one does not want their shoes to be the harbinger of disease like Typhoid Mary. So, I recommend the use of leather-based footwear like Dansko’s clogs. Believe me, I know that they are heavy, clunky, and not the most appealing. However, if you encounter a similar situation, you can literally wipe down and disinfect the shoes in a matter of minutes. Let me be clear, I am not the poster child that disavows the use of cloth based shoes, but, keep in mind that you are making yourself susceptible to potential pathogens if a bodily fluid or chemical spills on your feet. All in all, heed my words, “Choose your nursing footwear wisely. You will never know when your time comes, and you may meet an explosive case of Clostridium difficile.”

 

Thanks for checking out this post! Check us out every day to gain the newest scoop in the nursing world. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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