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Let’s talk about Love (By Natasha & Dr. Louis)

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be-mine

Love is something that we all want. We see representations of love everywhere around us, from television to social media to movies. Love is glorified and we keep getting the message that you need someone to complete you. We don’t know who came up with that idea, but it’s not true! Love is a beautiful thing but can also be a significant source of stress in our lives. It often comes with unrealistic expectations, sometimes that we have for the other person and sometimes for what the other person has for us.

Let’s look at this through another lens. The most important thing that you can do regarding love is not to look for the person that will complete you. It is working on yourself so that you become the person that will complete yourself. What should happen when you find a partner is that they add something or value to your life, but you don’t need them to become your entire life.

How do I work on this? There are a few ways to work on this. Start with rediscovering yourself. Therapy is the best place to go when you are ready to learn how the relationships that you witnessed growing up end up becoming your blueprint for how you behave in relationships. You can work on recognizing the patterns you have fallen into and figure out what changes you need to make. One of the exercises I will often recommend to clients is to make a list of the 10 things you need in a relationship to feel fulfilled and like your needs are being met. You can then use this insight to help you make decisions about your dating life.

About Writers:

Dr. Louisana Louis

Dr. Louisana Louis

DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, RN

Natasha D'Arcangel

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Combining Ozempic (Semaglutide) with lifestyle changes for optimal weight loss results

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loss-weight

Introduction

Are you tired of feeling defeated by your weight loss journey? Have you tried countless diets and exercise programs, but still can’t seem to shed those stubborn pounds? It’s time to consider a new approach to weight loss. Introducing Ozempic (Semaglutide), a once-weekly injection that has been shown to help people lose significant amounts of weight when combined with lifestyle changes. This medication, also known as Wegovy, works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels, reducing hunger and cravings, and increasing feelings of fullness after meals.

In this blog, we will explore the science behind Ozempic, and how it can be used as a powerful tool in your weight loss journey. Say goodbye to feeling discouraged and hello to a new, confident you.

Obesity is a growing problem worldwide, and it is associated with a number of chronic health conditions that can negatively impact quality of life. One way to combat obesity is through weight loss, and Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been proven to be an effective treatment for weight loss (add FDA approval- safe and effectiveness). Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production and reducing appetite. It is also used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In this blog post, we will explore how Ozempic can help with weight loss, the potential benefits of Ozempic-assisted weight loss on overall quality of life, and real-world examples of people who have experienced improvements in their quality of life as a result of Ozempic-assisted weight loss.
Weight loss and quality of life are closely connected. When individuals are able to successfully lose weight, they often experience improvements in their overall well-being and daily functioning. One medication that has been shown to aid in weight loss is Ozempic (Semaglutide).

How Ozempic Can Help with Weight Loss?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is released after eating. GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and reducing glucose production by the liver. It also helps to reduce appetite by increasing feelings of fullness.

Ozempic is approved by the FDA for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. It has also been shown to be effective for weight loss. In clinical trials, individuals who took Ozempic lost an average of 6-9% of their body weight, compared to 2-3% for those who took a placebo.
Source: Ozempic.com

In terms of weight loss, Ozempic has been shown to be more effective than other GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and exenatide. Ozempic has also been compared to other weight loss medications such as orlistat and lorcaserin and has been found to be similarly effective in terms of weight loss.

The Benefits of Ozempic for Quality of Life

Ozempic-assisted weight loss can have a positive impact on various aspects of quality of life, including physical health, mental health, and social well-being.

- Physical Health Related Benefits of Ozempic:

Blood Sugar Management: Ozempic is FDA-approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes, and it can help to improve blood sugar control by stimulating insulin production and reducing glucose production by the liver. This can lead to improved diabetes management and reduced risk of complications.

Cardiovascular Health: Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and weight loss can help to reduce this risk. Ozempic has been shown to improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Joint Pain: Weight loss can reduce the stress on joints, which can lead to less pain and better mobility.

- Mental Health related Benefits of Ozempic:

Self-esteem: Weight loss can improve self-esteem and body image, making individuals feel more confident in their appearance.

Body image: Obesity can lead to body dissatisfaction, which can negatively impact mental health. Ozempic-assisted weight loss can improve body image and reduce dissatisfaction.

Depression: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of depression, and weight loss can help to reduce symptoms of depression.

- Social well-being related Benefits of Ozempic:

Increased Energy: Weight loss can improve energy levels, making it easier to participate in physical activity and social events. Greater ability to participate in physical activity and social events. Obesity can limit an individual’s ability to participate in physical activity and social events, which can lead to social isolation. Ozempic-assisted weight loss can improve energy levels and increase the ability to participate in physical activity and social events, leading to an overall improvement in social well-being.

It is important to note that weight loss with Ozempic should be combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to achieve optimal results and improve overall quality of life. Additionally, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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Taking Ozempic alone will not lead to optimal weight loss results. In order to see the full benefits of the medication, it is important to make lifestyle changes that support weight loss. This includes incorporating healthy eating habits and regular physical activity into your daily routine.

When it comes to nutrition, it is important to focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods. This means choosing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It also means avoiding processed foods, added sugars, and excess saturated and trans fats. Meal planning and portion control can also be helpful in achieving weight loss goals.

Exercise is also crucial in conjunction with Ozempic. Regular physical activity not only burns calories, but it also improves muscle mass and metabolism, which can lead to more weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, and 2 or more days of muscle-strengthening activity. In addition, it’s important to manage stress, get enough sleep and drink enough water as it all has an impact on weight loss.

Managing expectations and understanding the potential challenges of combining Ozempic with lifestyle changes

When starting on a weight loss journey with Ozempic, it’s important to manage expectations and understand that it is not a magic solution. While the medication can help reduce hunger and cravings and increase feelings of fullness, it still requires effort and commitment to make lifestyle changes to see significant results.

One of the challenges of combining Ozempic with lifestyle changes is sticking to a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity. It can be difficult to make long-term changes to your diet and exercise routine, especially if you have a history of yo-yo dieting or have struggled with weight loss in the past.

Another potential challenge is dealing with side effects. Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, or constipation when taking Ozempic. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience and to work together to find the best course of action.

It’s also important to know that weight loss will not happen overnight. It takes time and consistency to see results. It’s important to set realistic and achievable goals, and to track progress regularly.

It’s important to remember that weight loss is a journey and there will be ups and downs. It’s important to be kind to yourself and not to get discouraged. If you experience any challenges, reach out for support. Your healthcare provider, a registered dietitian, or a therapist can provide guidance and support to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Frequently asked questions about Ozempic and its use in weight loss

When considering Ozempic as a tool for weight loss, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how the medication works and what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions about Ozempic and its use in weight loss.

Q: How does Ozempic work to promote weight loss?

A: Ozempic is a prescription medication that is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. By reducing hunger and cravings, and increasing feelings of fullness after meals, Ozempic can help people lose weight.

Q: How much weight can I expect to lose with Ozempic?

A: The amount of weight loss will vary from person to person and depends on a variety of factors, including starting weight, diet, and exercise habits. In clinical studies, people who took Ozempic along with lifestyle changes lost an average of 8-10% of their body weight.

Q: How often do I need to take Ozempic?

A: Ozempic is a once-weekly injection.

Q: Can I take Ozempic if I have other medical conditions?

A: Ozempic may not be appropriate for everyone. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about your medical history and any other medications you are taking before starting Ozempic.

Q: Are there any side effects of taking Ozempic?

A: Some people may experience side effects when taking Ozempic, such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience and to work together to find the best course of action.

Q: How long will I need to take Ozempic?

A: The length of time you will need to take Ozempic will vary depending on your individual situation. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication that has been shown to be an effective tool for weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. It works by reducing hunger and cravings and increasing feelings of fullness after meals, which can make it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity. However, it’s important to understand that Ozempic is not a magic solution, and weight loss will not happen overnight. It takes time and consistency to see results. It’s also important to manage expectations and be prepared for potential challenges, such as sticking to a healthy eating plan, dealing with side effects, and not getting discouraged.

If you’re interested in using Ozempic as a tool for weight loss, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider and registered dietitian. They can provide guidance and support to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

At Prestige Health and Wellness, we understand the challenges of weight loss, and we offer a comprehensive program that includes medication management, nutrition counseling, and exercise coaching. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health and well-being. We have helped many individuals achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall quality of life. If you’re looking for a weight loss solution that can make a real difference in your life, consider Ozempic and the Shredder program offered by Prestige Health and Wellness.

If you’re interested in learning more about our program or would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our website www.yourprestigehealth.com or contact us at +1-813-252-0171. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

New year resolution or delusion? by Dr. Louisana Louis & Natasha D’Archangelo, LMHT

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New year resolution-1

By now, have your new year resolutions gone out the window? Every year, society reminds us that it is a new year and things must change. With the new year comes the tradition of coming up with new year resolutions. Where did this tradition come from? Over 4000 years ago, the ancient Babylonians were said to be the first to celebrate making new year’s resolutions and since then it has become a yearly tradition. Do you find yourself doing things because everyone else is doing them? Do you value new year’s resolutions? Do they actually lead to impactful changes in your life? Let’s say you decide to make a new year’s resolution and within two weeks to a month, it’s like it never existed. Has that happened to you? We know that it takes at least 4 weeks to develop a new habit.

Let’s consider the mental impact of making new year’s resolutions. When we make a decision to change a behavior to an extreme degree, it invites stress into our life. What can you do to not fall into this trap? You can still create goals, we all strive to be better each year but make realistic goals. What do you want to do better than last year? What goals do you want to reach by the end of the year, not just in 1-3 months? It is also important that you recognize that you have worth as a person even if you don’t achieve your resolutions. You are no less worthy as a person if you don’t lose that weight or get that raise or buy a new house. It might also be helpful to think about intentions you set as a theme for the year such as self-compassion or empathy. This provides you with some guidance but is not going to initiate your stress response.

How to reduce anxiety?

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Reduce your anxiety in just few steps.

If you think about it, anxiety is just a natural response to pressure and can be beneficial in some situations. It can alert us to dangers and help us prepare and pay attention. Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness, and involve excessive fear or anxiety. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives. When it comes to working through anxiety, keep in mind that there are many different ways to deal with it which I am going to discuss in this blog.

anxiety

Learn how to breathe.

The first step to solving anxiety is learning how to breathe. In an anxious state, you take rapid, shallow breaths that come from the upper chest rather than from the diaphragm. This type of breathing triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which then produces a fight-or-flight response. Luckily, breathing exercises can help turn off this response and send a signal to your brain that everything’s OK. To practice controlled inhalation and exhalation:

  • Slowly inhale through your nose for five seconds and exhale through your mouth for five seconds (counting 1…2…3…4…5 both times).
  • Repeat this pattern for about five minutes or until you feel calmer.
  • Practice these deep breaths daily so that they’ll come naturally when you need them most.

Remember nothing is permanent.

There’s nothing fun about anxiety. It makes you feel completely powerless and puts a damper on your life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Remember that things will get better!

Try reminding yourself of this simple fact so that it helps stop being such a downer over time. If people really do come back from the dead, then why not try coming back from an anxious state? I mean, literally every moment feels temporary anyway so what does it matter if 6 months later you still feel anxious?

Relax

Look at the big picture.

One of the best things you can do to minimize anxiety is try to take a step back from your immediate concerns and look at the big picture. Instead of focusing on getting through today, ask yourself what you’ll be worrying about in five years, or ten. Even though it may seem as if something is life-or-death right now, remember that this too shall pass.

Some people are naturally more optimistic than others, but with time and effort, you can improve your ability to see the bright side. One study found that optimism can help you cope with stress, while another found that optimists have better overall mental health and fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Pay attention to the good things in your life. Researchers have found that it’s possible to be grateful for the little things and still appreciate how lucky you are not to have serious problems like homelessness or unemployment. Being grateful for all kinds of good fortune—from small random acts of kindness to large personal achievements—can help reduce anxiety in the long run.

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Focus on what you can change.

Those who suffer from anxiety are often harboring a laundry list of worries in their head. Whether you’re planning your wedding or worried about a relationship, there’s always something weighing on your mind. Researchers have found that the more you try to figure out what will happen or what could go wrong, the more anxious you’ll become, since that’s all you’re focusing on.

Remember: thoughts create reality! And when our thoughts lead us into anxiety and stress, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to stay this way forever. You can start changing your reactions by choosing thoughts like gratitude over ones like worry and surprise.

Take care of yourself physically.

Take care of yourself physically: get plenty of sleep; eat healthy meals at regular intervals; exercise regularly (but don’t overdo it); meditate; spend time with friends and family; do things that make you feel good about yourself and that help you relax; take breaks when working on something challenging or intense; be kind to yourself!

Take Care

Get help when you're feeling overwhelmed or hopeless.

It can be difficult for someone with generalized anxiety disorder to ask for help, so it’s important to recognize what is and isn’t an effective strategy in managing your anxiety. Your doctor or a mental health professional can refer you to a therapist who has experience with treating GAD. If left untreated, GAD can lead to other complications such as depression or physical health problems like insomnia, heart disease and more frequent illness.

There are things you can do to help reduce anxiety every day in small ways.

It’s important to remember that anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxiety can be helpful because it motivates us and can drive us to achieve our goals. A little bit of anxiety is actually good for you—it helps keep you alert and ready to meet life’s daily challenges. But most people with anxiety would agree that too much anxiety can interfere with your ability to live a happy, healthy life.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing symptoms, there are many things you can do every day to help reduce anxiety in small ways. Find out what works best for you by experimenting with the ideas mentioned.

How can you positively manage the stress caused by loss?

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Taking care of yourself as you grieve is essential to managing your stress levels.

Taking care of yourself is an important part of managing your stress levels. This can include taking time to do things you enjoy, spending time with family and friends, eating well, sleeping as much as possible, and engaging in activities that help you relax. Setting aside some “me-time” to do a hobby or take a walk can be very helpful. You may also want to consider getting professional help if the emotional pain is too much for you.

While it’s natural to want your loved one back in their life after they pass away—especially if they were taken from you prematurely—remembering them is an important part of healing and moving forward with your life post-loss. You might find comfort in writing about memories or by keeping photos around that remind you of them.

In this blog, I will take you through some steps that can help you manage the stress caused by loss.

Stress 1

Take time off from work if you can.

Taking time off from work for the first few days after losing a loved one can be important. You are likely to need the rest, and your colleagues may benefit from having you around less.

Take advantage of self-care practices like breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga that help reduce stress levels. If it feels like too much effort to do these things alone, seek out support from friends and family who can help you feel safe as you move through this difficult time.

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Avoid making major life decisions in the immediate aftermath of a loss.

It’s natural to feel a rush of adrenaline after a loss. You might be tempted to make major life decisions in the immediate aftermath of a loss, but it’s best to avoid making hasty choices during this time. Try and avoid making impulsive decisions that could have long-term consequences (like quitting your job), and seek advice from others first.

It’s not uncommon for people dealing with grief to feel pressured by others’ expectations about how they should act and feel. A good way to get perspective on how you’re handling your loss is by asking yourself what people close to you might say if they were asked about how they would advise you now.

For example: “What would my loved ones suggest I do?” If someone close said “stay at home today” or “go see your friends,” then those are good options for managing stress after losing someone important in your life. If no one has any advice or suggestions, look back at previous times when similar situations occurred—what did they do then?

Grieving takes time, so don't rush it.

Grief is a normal process, but it’s not always easy to deal with. You may feel like you have to tough it out and just keep going, but that isn’t the best course of action. It’s important to give yourself time and space to grieve. Whether, this means taking a break from work or social outings or talking about your loss with a friend or family member.

When people are grieving for someone close who has died, they often experience symptoms like sadness (and crying), anger (feelings of frustration), guilt (feeling bad about something related to their loved one) or anxiety (feeling nervous). These feelings are very normal in the aftermath of loss; however, if these emotions seem overwhelming at any point then seeking professional help may be necessary.

Stress 2

There's no need to push yourself to move forward with your life until you're ready.

Moving forward in the wake of loss is often an ongoing process. You may be ready to move on at one point, but find yourself feeling stuck in your mourning at another time. There’s no need to push yourself to move forward with your life until you’re ready—in fact, it’s better to not do so until you feel ready.

If someone has recently lost someone close in their lives, they may need help moving forward with their lives. A good first step would be recognizing when they are ready and helping them figure out how best move forward from where they are today.

Everyone handles grief differently.

It is important to remember that everyone handles grief differently. It’s a process, and there are various stages of grief that you may or may not go through. Some people will experience intense emotions at first. Some become numb over time. Others may experience an emotional rollercoaster lasting several years.

The five stages of grief include: denial/isolation; anger; bargaining; depression; acceptance/hope (or whatever stage you might identify with). These can happen in any order or at the same time—and they certainly don’t have to happen in any particular order.

As much as we’d like there to be some sort of standard timeline for dealing with loss and pain, it simply isn’t possible for every person who experiences loss because each individual has different needs—and what works for one could make another feel worse instead!

One thing I want all my fellow grieving friends out there know is this: You do not need permission from anyone else before feeling what you’re feeling right now–but it helps if we acknowledge this together as a community so everyone knows they’re not alone on their journey through grief.

Be aware when dealing with unexpected stress.

If you are experiencing unexpected stress, it is important to seek help. Dealing with loss can cause a relapse of mental health issues, so be aware that this is possible and seek help when needed.

If you are not sure where to go for help, start by calling your doctor or therapist. They can make recommendations and point you in the right direction, if they do not have time to see you themselves.

Grieving is a normal part of working through stress caused by unexpected or major loss.

Grieving is a normal part of working through stress caused by unexpected or major loss. While each grieving process is unique, there are certain stages that people tend to experience when they are grieving. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey through grief is different. Only you can decide when you’re ready to move on from the pain of your loss.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these emotions, remember: You are not alone! While it may seem like no one else could possibly understand what it feels like right now, many other people have been in similar situations before—so don’t hesitate asking for help if needed!

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What are the 7 stages of grief

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Grief is a set of emotions including a person’s or a situation’s perceived loss, as well as any incident that alters a person’s physical, emotional, or spiritual reaction to the world around them. Other than death, we can grieve for a variety of causes. When we lose a job, a relationship, an opportunity, our health, our safety or security, our independence, our hope for the future, and many other things, we can grieve. In this blog, I will discuss 7 stages of grief that normally people pass through.

grief 1

Shock

Shock (or emotional numbness) is the first stage of grief that follows a loss. The experience of shock can last from a few minutes to a few weeks or months. Shock is a defence mechanism that affects the mind and body, preventing you from processing all your feelings at once so you can recover. Shock acts as an emotional buffer to protect you from the reality of loss until you’re ready to deal with it.

Symptoms include:

Denial

Denial is the first stage of grief and it’s a type of protection for your mind. It allows you to escape from the painful reality of what has happened so that you can begin to cope. Even if it feels like denial can last forever, eventually it’s important to move on from this stage of grief.

Let yourself feel anything and everything, but know when you need help.

Denial

Bargaining

Bargaining is the attempt to make a deal with a higher power that would improve your situation. For example, if you were to lose a loved one, you may bargain with God or Allah by promising to attend church every week, if only he or she could be brought back from the dead.

Regardless of whom bargaining is made with, it’s an attempt to postpone grief and delay accepting the loss. Many people believe that “if only” they had done something different, such as providing better care for a loved one who died of cancer, then the person wouldn’t have died.

Although grief can be overwhelming at times and cause people to feel out of control or helpless at the moment, eventually they move past this stage and accept reality.

Guilt

Guilt is a normal response to any type of loss.

The guilt you are experiencing may or may not be healthy. People often feel guilty for things that are out of their control, such as the death of someone else. It can also be very easy to blame yourself for things that were completely out of your control. While this guilt can be upsetting in the short term, it generally resolves itself with time and distance from the situation.

If your guilt is more related to how you handled a situation, it will likely resolve itself as well if you have done everything in your power to help remedy it. For example, if you are experiencing guilt about something you did or didn’t say in an argument with a loved one before they died, make sure that you’ve apologized or tried to explain yourself first. You may not get the peace that comes with closure right away but over time these feelings will likely subside.

Anger

The next stage of grief is anger. This is another normal reaction to losing a loved one. Anger may be directed at yourself, the situation or the person who has died. It can also be directed at friends and family members, medical personnel or even those uninvolved. Perhaps anger is directed toward God. You may feel that you are asking “why me?”

It’s important not to rush this stage of grief and make decisions you will regret later (like quitting your job). You also shouldn’t avoid dealing with your feelings of anger as this can cause it to build up inside later on in life and manifest itself in other ways such as depression or anxiety disorders.

Anger

Depression

A person in this stage will, unfortunately, be very unhappy, and will often find it difficult to go about their day-to-day life. They might feel like they want to give up, or that there is no use in trying. Depression may appear to be an unavoidable outcome of any loss. However, if you feel stuck or unable to go past this stage of mourning, seek help from a mental health professional. A therapist can assist you in getting through this difficult time.

Depression

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Acceptance

Acceptance is the final stage of grief. A common misconception about acceptance is that it means that everything is okay and that you are happy with what has happened. This isn’t true. Acceptance does not mean happiness; it means an understanding of the situation and an ability to move forward, even if it’s only a little bit at a time. It’s not necessarily “feeling better” or have gone back to your old self; it’s simply coming to terms with what has happened, being able to talk about it without breaking down or needing support, and starting to live in the present again. You may begin looking toward your future instead of constantly focusing on your loss.

There are seven stages of grief and it is important to go through the stages to have a healthy grieving process.

We will not be linearly experiencing the stages of grief, nor will we experience all stages. Additionally, some stages may last longer than others. Ultimately, it is important to remember that the grieving process is unique to each individual and there is absolutely no specific timeline for us to follow. Although there are seven general stages of grief listed below, our progression through these steps may occur more quickly or take longer than expected. It’s important to be patient with ourselves during this painful process and avoid judging our progress in comparison to others. Most importantly, if it lasts longer a visit to a therapist can ease the process.