MyShockerHealth Newsletter: Issue 6

Due to recent incidents where lithium ion batteries have exploded or caused damage, the TSA has reportedly updated its guidance and prohibits the chargers from being checked in bags. (Travel & Leisure)

Please refer to the updated information provided by Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) on which individuals need original childhood vaccinations or a booster.

How long it takes to walk 10,000 steps depends on your environment, pace, stride length, and fitness level. It also doesn't have to be all at once and can be lots of different activities, not just walking (Very Well Health)!

I was nervous before asking my PCP if I should try GLP-1s for weight loss. She knew that I was struggling. Hormone fluctuation as a middle-aged female, stress, depression and anxiety onset (thanks Covid) all contributed to my increasing weight gain. I also had to get over my brain block of "the director of Student Health should be able to lose weight naturally and shouldn't be overweight". But, my PCP was very open to the idea and gave me a prescription for Ozempic in Fall 2023 at the lowest starting dose 0.25 mg. At this time, Ozempic was available for weight loss and diabetes, originally released in2017 for Type 2 diabetes treatment. All of these medicines come in a prefilled pen/syringe  where you administer it in your thigh or stomach with a small needle that automatically injects. As a nurse, I could definitely inject myself with no problem. The biggest surprise was the sticker shock! Before insurance, Ozempic was going to cost me over $1,500.00 (you receive a box of 4 pens you administer once weekly for the month supply). However, there was a patient discount program through the manufacturer and I believe I paid $750. I told myself that this was short term until I lost enough weight to exercise. So, I proceeded to use my Health Savings Account to purchase the medication. Let the side effects begin! I was continuously nauseated and experienced constipation and abdominal pain that first month. But, I lost 8 pounds in the first 3 weeks! Remember that everybody experiences these meds differently, and that side effects and weight loss amounts differ! Sick as a dog, I was still happy to have lost weight. And then, as there usually was at this time, there was a backorder of Ozempic when the manufacturer could not keep up with the demand, and I couldn't get my refill. To be continued......
-Nurse Heather