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Ask Nurse Alice — Health & Fitness
Ask Nurse Alice

Health is personal. Healthcare is complicated. And sometimes you just need someone to help you make sense of it all.

Ask Nurse Alice is where we talk about the health issues that actually affect your life, from the latest medical news and changing healthcare policies to prevention, medications, mental health, relationships, aging, caregiving, and the everyday choices that influence how you feel.

Each week, Nurse Alice breaks down what’s happening in health and healthcare in a way that’s clear, relatable, and useful. What does that new study really mean for you? Should you be concerned about the health story everyone is talking about? What questions should you be asking at your next appointment? And how do you take better care of yourself when work, family, and life keep competing for your attention?

You’ll hear candid conversations with experts, newsmakers, and celebrity guests, along with personal conversations about the parts of health we don’t always talk about enough. Nothing is off the table when it comes to helping you better understand your body, your health and the healthcare system you depend on.

Some episodes will teach you something. Some will make you rethink something. Others may simply remind you that taking care of yourself deserves a place on your to-do list, too.

Real talk. Real health. Real life.

Ask Nurse Alice gives you the information, conversations, and practical takeaways to help you become a more informed and confident participant in your own health.

Copyright: © 2021 Nurse.org

Latest Episodes:

Are You Taking Meds Because of Your Meds?... Treating Symptoms vs. Side Effects Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

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... Have We Gone Too Far? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

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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The Body Keeps Score... and I Was Losing Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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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Finding My Way Back Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

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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Reclaiming Your Self-Worth After Life Changes Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

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: info@AskNurseAlice.com

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Is Your Workplace Toxic? Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

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 info@AskNurseAlice.com

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

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Its more than just a period… PERIOD! Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

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 info@AskNurseAlice.com

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

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The Skinny on Weight Loss Injectables: A Deep Dive into Benefits, Risks, and Legal Battles Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

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 info@AskNurseAlice.com

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

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RaDonda Vaught Seeks Nursing License Reinstatement Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Nurse Alice revisits the case of Redonda Vaught, who was convicted of gross negligence in a medication error that resulted in the death of a patient. Her nursing license was revoked by the Tennessee Board of Nursing in 2021 but seeks nursing license reinstatement.
Nurse Alice discusses the importance of medication safety systems and the devastating impact of such errors on patients and their families. She emphasizes the need for exploration and investigation to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Jump ahead to listen:
[00:00:31] Medication error and patient death.
[00:04:23] Nursing license reinstatement.
[00:10:46] Patient death and consequences.
[00:13:37] Breach of standard procedures.
[00:17:13] Public trust in healthcare.
[00:22:29] The board of registered nursing.
[00:24:19] Nursing license and public protection.
[00:27:30] Revoking nursing license discussion.

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Counterfeit Pill Usage in The U.S. is Crisis Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin discusses the alarming increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States. With over 105,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone, the issue of counterfeit pill use is becoming a major concern. Alice highlights that these deaths are often a result of drugs being abused and sold illegally on the black market, such as opioids and benzodiazepines. She stresses the importance of distinguishing these fake prescription pills from legitimate medications used for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. It is crucial to address this issue and take action to prevent further harm.
Jump ahead to listen:
[00:03:48] Counterfeit drugs and their dangers.
[00:10:06] Fake medications and leftovers.
[00:11:16] Medication abuse and misuse.
[00:14:48] Prescription medication and addiction.
[00:19:13] Substance use and managing pain.
[00:21:44] Higher drug overdose death rate.
[00:26:45] How to protect from counterfeit pills.
[00:33:23] Prescribing intranasal Narcan.
[00:36:14] Helping people manage pain.

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