Blog Archives - Student Nurse Life

The NUPO Diet Review: trying NUPO before going under the knife

Spread the love

Disclaimer: This blogpost ‘The NUPO Diet Review’ features my own personal experience trying out the NUPO diet, specifically the NUPO Very Low Calorie Diet (NUPO VLCD). This is neither a nursing-related post, nor a sponsored post.

Those of you who know me personally know that I’ve struggled with weight loss all my life. And ‘being on a diet’ has been an ongoing phase for most of my years. I’ve tried so many diets and ‘healthy eating’ ways throughout the last decades, but the problem remained.

Being a student nurse brought onto me a pile of guilt. See, I love preventive nursing and I aim to inspire my patients to be healthy in my clinical practice. But how can I do that when I can’t even lose weight myself for a healthier life?

That was when I started seriously thinking about going under the knife for bariatric surgery. At exactly 100kgs I would have had to go the private route, so I started searching for more information on the operation. I won’t go into detail on what researching the subject brought up. However, just before scheduling a private appointment with a bariatric surgeon, I came across the NUPO diet. Now THAT was something I had still not tried! Considering the thought of a non-invasive diet versus an invasive procedure, I decided to give it a go. After all, what did I have to lose apart from weight?

What is the NUPO VLCD and how does it work?

The NUPO Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) is an easy-to-follow diet that provides you with 800 kcal per day, which is significantly less than what the body burns during a day. This caloric deficit naturally leads to weightloss.

The NUPO diet provides you with a maximum of 50g of carbohydrates per day. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source, thus, when the carb intake is low, the body is forced to find an alternative energy source. After about 2 days on the NUPO VLCD, the body’s own carb stores are depleted, and the body starts to break down its stored fat, creating ketones to use as a source of energy. Once this stage is reached, the body is said to be in ketosis – a phase characterised by a relatively low but stable blood sugar level, high ketone content in the blood, and high fat combustion.

What does the NUPO Diet meal plan consist of?

When on the NUPO VLCD you can consume 6 NUPO products per day. Typically you can have oatmeal for breakfast, a shake, soup for lunch, another shake in the afternoon, a meal in the evening, and a final shake later on. It is very important to consume all 6 portions during each day so as to ensure your nutritional needs are met.

What I love about the NUPO diet is that I find most of the products amazingly tasty! And trust me when I say, I’ve had issues with shakes in the past! Besides this, you can switch between different tastes and products, which helps you keep the excitement going.

Preparing the products for consumption cannot be easier (and having a very busy life makes the NUPO diet a sustainable option for weightloss!). Shake powder is added to 300ml of water, mixed in a shaker, and then consumed. All other products are mixed in the same way with different amounts of water, and then heated in a microwave oven for 2 minutes, or in the case of the omelet, cooked for 2 minutes per side in a pan.

As a student nurse I’ve found it really easy to carry my meals around or mix shake powder into a shaker with 300ml of water and consume wherever. Not to mention the convenience of ready-made meals which require very little preparation time!

NUPO do have other products. I have personally taken the Slim Boost Fill My Tummy fibre pills to help me curb my hunger in the initial phase, especially considering the fact that I am prone to bingeing when stressed or hungry.

and now for the results…

I decided to write this review after following the NUPO diet for just over a month so I can feature the resulting measurements here…saying I’m overjoyed is an understatement!

	*5th November 2023*	10th December 2023
*Weight*	100 kg	91 kg
*BMI*	40.1	36.5
*Neck*	41 cm	39.5 cm
*Bust*	131 cm	124.5 cm
*Bicep (R)*	42 cm	40.5 cm
*Waist*	131 cm	120 cm
*Hips*	123 cm	114 cm
*Thigh (R)*	72 cm	65.5 cm

The NUPO diet has given me the possibility to lose weight in an easy sustainable way. I couldn’t be happier! I still have a lot more excess weight to lose, so I am continuing this diet until I reach my desired weight…and I am finally confident that I will not only reach it, but be able to maintain it!

Since the weigh-in listed above, I have lost another kg in the past week…down to 90 kgs! Looking forward to touching the 80’s again most probably by next Sunday – my weigh-in day 🙂

Some may argue that 800 kcal are too little and “not healthy”. What I personally would answer is that I have weighed the pros and cons, and I believe that it is much better to follow such a diet than going for bariatric surgery which is an invasive procedure or doing nothing and ending up with cardiac disease.

Obviously, if you, reading this NUPO diet review, feel drawn to try it out, do consult your GP and get advice specific to your personal situation before starting this or any other diet.

NUPO products can be bought from all leading pharmacies across Malta and Gozo as well as from selected beauty salons. For more information you can also contact NUPO Malta on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Would you like to be a guest writer for Student Nurse Life? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me 🙂

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

Antimicrobial Resistance Symposium

Spread the love

The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, in collaboration with the WHO Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, is delighted to extend an invitation to an engaging symposium focused on raising awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance. This hybrid educational event bearing the title ‘Political advocacy and closing the knowledge gaps to address antimicrobial resistance‘ seeks to shed light on the pressing issue of Antimicrobial Resistance and its profound impact on public health.

The primary goal of this symposium is to enlighten patients and the public regarding antibiotic misuse and the critical need for effective infection prevention measures. The symposium will feature insights from members of the AMR Patient Group who will share their personal experiences in dealing with resistant bacteria. Their narratives will serve to advocate for concrete actions to combat this escalating public health threat.

This Antimicrobial Resistance Symposium is going to be held on Wednesday 22nd November 2023 from 9am till 2pm CET (Malta Time). It is going to be a hybrid event – in-person at the South Auditorium, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, and virtual.

To check what the time of event is going to be for your country please click HERE.

To register for this event please click HERE.

Reference: https://www.um.edu.mt/newspoint/events/um/2023/11/amr-high-level-educational-symposium/_nocache

Did you find the above nursing information useful? Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

If I Won The Lottery…

Spread the love

Don’t you wonder what you would do if you suddenly came into possession of an unfathomable amount of money? It’s a notion that we’ve all had in one point or another but most of us tend to think of big obvious expensive things. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with wanting an easier lifestyle, here’s another perspective, beautifully written in poem form by a dear friend, Abhishek Sah Frendo…

If Lady Luck should favour me one fateful day,

With wealth beyond what words alone can truly convey,

“Not a penny for myself”, I’d firmly decree,

Generously aiding others – that is my life’s destiny.

Seeking those in need, far and wide,

With empathy and kindness, I’d stand by their side,

A Rolex or Bugatti, I’d never desire,

In helping others, my heart would catch on fire.

Champagne and luxuries, I’d gladly forgo,

You wouldn’t catch me drinking a Marilyn Monroe,

No butler, mansion, or materialistic bling for me,

Beneath the oak’s shade contended, I’d be,

No parties with celebrities, no lavish cruise,

In simpler pleasures, I’d freely choose.

My heart thrives in the genuine and true,

For my loved ones’ there’s nothing I wouldn’t do.

For the needy and suffering, my wealth would flow,

In their darkest hours, a comforting glow.

In selflessness, my spirit would soar,

Bringing hope and love, forevermore.

So, if fortune smiles, and winnings are won,

The truest riches aren’t those under the sun,

But in the love we share, our legacy’s sum,

In helping others, our souls unite as one.

Riches are but one way to forge a lasting mark,

In life’s grand symphony, let your light embark,

With wisdom’s grace, let passion take flight,

To make a difference, in the world’s endless night.

Would you like to be a guest writer for Student Nurse Life? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me 🙂

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

Diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever during Nursing School

Spread the love

In the Summer of this year I got diagnosed with FMF, otherwise known as Familial Mediterranean Fever – a rare genetic disorder. It wasn’t the news I was hoping for, but it was an explanation of all the symptoms I was experiencing.

I suffered from unexplained abdominal pains, chest pains, and fever, and more recently, headaches, joint pain and muscle pain. No one knew what was causing my symptoms. One hospital admission after another for months. Multiple doctors’ visits. Several tests and investigations. I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what it was. It was even worse when people didn’t believe me or take me seriously. But I fought. I fought for myself. I fought for a diagnosis. And finally, a genetic blood test revealed the diagnosis that explained all the pains I was experiencing.

I went through all this whilst training in nursing school. It was very hard for me to work and study whilst battling health issues myself. But this experience has also helped me a lot, both personally and professionally. I became stronger and more resilient, but also more empathetic and caring. I knew what it was like to experience pain so bad it affects your life, feeling like your body is falling apart but having no idea what’s causing all of it. But thanks to the support and help of my family, my close friends, and the University of Malta, I pulled through and I’m now in my final year of my studies and will soon graduate as a nurse.

I am writing this in honour of anyone currently battling any health issues, especially those living with a rare disease, be it Familial Mediterranean Fever or not. It’s not easy. There are good and bad days. But do not let the disease define who you are or stop you from doing whatever it is you love doing. Because one thing it cannot take away from you is passion and determination to achieve your dream.

Anyone who also suffers from Familial Mediterranean Fever and would like to get in contact, please feel free to contact me on my FB account by clicking the FB icon in my Author’s Box below 🙂

Would you like to be a guest writer for Student Nurse Life? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me 🙂

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

The Pros and Cons of Nursing

Spread the love

Twenty years ago, I began my career as a staff nurse. It has been an exciting up and down curve. I completed my studies at the University of Malta. Professionally, personally, and spiritually, nursing is gratifying in my experience.

Nursing is a difficult and tough profession. Staffing shortages are the most pressing issue affecting nursing throughout the world currently. The nurse-to-patient ration has reached its lowest levels. Almost everywhere and everyday there is a shortage problem. Malta is not an exception. Registered nurses have chosen to quit the profession due to various reasons, while the number of new recruits has fallen.

Despite this, nursing is still a highly fulfilling and meaningful profession, since it allows me to assist individuals when they are most vulnerable and in need. Most of the time people consider being a patient as the worst experience imaginable; thus, it is a privilege for me to assist and care for such people. I intend for them to feel secure, at ease, and cared for. It is crucial to be able to interact on an intimate level with my patients. When I was going through a difficult time, nursing was what kept me going. When I was at my lowest, my ability to aid and support others kept me going. Nursing was my guiding light amid the darkness. My profession saved and rescued me.

It is not always simple sailing. However, even when I was having a really awful day at work, I never considered resigning. Positive mental attitude yields positive outcomes. I always gathered myself together and drew lessons from such events. Nursing is, after all, a continuous reflective, learning process!

Would you like to be a guest writer for Student Nurse Life? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me 🙂

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

Self Love or Selfishness?

Spread the love

Self love is a common word which various things are categorised within. Self love is a term used to support the idea of doing something good for yourself. One might find soothing a simple task such as a walk in the park, while for someone else means partying all night. The idea behind it is to fuel up yourself with positive energy to be able to cope with the stressful life we most live in.

However, lately our society has tagged many self love things as a justification of selfishness. Prioritizing your needs and what you deserve is vital, however, not when it comes at the cost of causing discomfort to others. Especially if you can help it not to happen.

Self love doesn’t justify being selfish or mean. You cannot justify something which leaves others astray or which brings negativity into someone else’s life as self love. We do have responsibility toward other people and we can’t disregard that by doing things for our own gain, without giving explanations or answers of our behaviour. Doing what you want rather than what you have responsibility to do isn’t practicing self love. Do not use this powerful word to excuse selfish behaviour. You are simply choosing to do what you want without worrying about how much hurt it will cause. Especially if you know what the consequences of your actions will be.

Giving priority to yourself is important and healthy. Taking decisions which let you live a happy life are important too, thus this means you do so in a reasonable way.

If you need to cut off a relationship, be clear about it, keep up with your decisions and give answers for your actions. Even if your answers may cause anger to the other person, it is still better than letting someone waiting for a conclusive answer. If you feel that certain things are bothering you, talk about it, state what your actions will be if nothing is improved, but ghosting others or simple show up not being your true self is not acceptable.

When asked why you are acting in a certain way, be truthful, no matter what the outcome will be. The other end deserves the truth and you deserve the peace of mind that you are offering a transparent connection without lies or half truths.

Self love is such an important and amazing thing, a person who practices the real self love will surely not be able to act selfishly towards others.

(Image Credit: Terence Falzon)

Would you like to be a guest writer for Student Nurse Life? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me 🙂

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

Believe In Yourself – Never Give Up!

Spread the love

When I embarked on my journey for a Degree in Nursing as a mature student 4 years ago, I must admit I was pretty sure I wouldn’t make it past the interview phase.

I had zero self confidence. I did not believe in myself. Not at all. But there were a few individuals around me who did believe in me. And so, although I couldn’t see a possibility, I tried. I applied. I attended…and I passed the interview phase.

When I was asked to sit for an English Proficiency Test, I walked in, terrified, trembling. My mouth dried up…I could probably use an IV infusion at that time! And when we were asked to start writing, I could hear other students starting to write frantically on their exam papers while I had to close my eyes and calm my heart’s drastically increasing rate through deep breathing. It took me probably about 5 minutes to start writing…but I did it. I finished on time. And I passed.

When I stepped in a lecture room at the University of Malta for the first time at 37 years old after being accepted to take the 5 year long course, I wanted to do my best to sink into the seat I was sitting on, hoping that I would blend in or even better, go unnoticed amongst all the other students, most of who were the same age as my oldest daughter.

But day by day, the course started changing me.

Now, 4 years later, I can affirm I’ve probably been one of the biggest butt-pains my amazing lecturers have experienced so far (some of them know this…I’ve literally told them so because I feel it’s true!!).

Asking questions following deep reflections has become the norm for me. I no longer sink into my seat…I don’t mind speaking up anymore. I don’t mind advocating for others, be it students, patients, or anyone in need of support for a good cause.

A new challenge is now coming up…speaking up on a broader spectrum – speaking up with the aim of breaking health-related taboos that we still are dealing with here in Malta.

I know beyond doubt that this is going to be quite a tough challenge for me, yet I am ready to face it. For even as a registered nurse, in 2 years’ time I want to have enough experience to be a better advocate for my patients, both on an individual level, and if necessary, even on a larger scale. I want to be the voice of those who haven’t yet found theirs…who are still in the same spot I was 4 years ago, just sinking in my seat to avoid being seen.

Never did I imagine I could be where I am today, and for this I can only humbly thank those who believed in me when I didn’t, as well as all the lovely lecturers and academics at UM who were willing to listen and to encourage me from the very beginning to always speak up whenever I deem necessary.

One final piece of advice… It is NEVER TOO LATE to start something new! Believe in yourself and when hurdles pop up, jump. If you fall, get back up, dust yourself off and retry…keep trying until you make it through!

You too can be all you have ever wanted to be. You have all the potential you need to be or have whatever you wish.

Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality?

Acknowledge your power! Believe in yourself! YOU are the sole creator of your life! Start living the Life of your Dreams today!

5 Simple Steps To Creating The Life Of Your Dreams

Spread the love

Luck – “Am I Lucky or Unlucky?”

Spread the love

If you had to ask me how to define luck, I would say luck is made up of opportunity and preparation.

Some people blame genetics, others blame lack of money and million other things why they are not succeeding in getting what they want. The truth is: none of us are more or less lucky than anyone else. It all depends how we are prepared to see opportunities.

Let’s take a step further to see what opportunities are.

A while ago a friend told me that she is buying a particular car. All of a sudden while driving through the streets I started noticing all the similar cars she told me about. Why?? Because my mind was prepared to notice. Same thing is for opportunities, they are there but if you are not prepared to notice them you will not see them and think they don’t exist for you.

If you are capable to notice two opportunities then you think only those two options exist for you. If you open up to be prepared to other opportunities then you are unstoppable.

The next step you might be asking yourself now is, how to be prepared. Here are a few tips:

Be open to meet up new people

Meeting new people will help you to view other lifestyles from which you can learn.

Don’t be judgemental

Do not judge others when you see they are different from you. Every life path has its beauty. See the beauty in different views of life.

Read

Always take some time to read even if it is a small newspaper article. It will help you keep your mind active.

Exercise regularly

Find some time for yourself to move. Our bodies need the endorphins released by exercising. This will help you look at life in a positive way.

Say something nice to yourself every single day

Complement yourself every day. Your body needs your mind approval, it keep your physical and mental health in harmony.

Do not compare yourself to others

Everyone is different, although you might be inspired by others, do not make their journey yours to follow. We are all different and that’s what makes us beautiful.

Luck is only needed when you play bingo or take a lottery ticket. The day to day life is what we believe we can achieve and what is possible for us to accomplish.

No dream is too big if you are prepared to work for it.

Would you like to be a guest writer for Student Nurse Life? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me 🙂

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

COVID19 Evidence Based Preventative Measures

Spread the love

Back in March 2020 I conducted COVID19 Evidence Based Preventative Measures research on my own initiative to be able to provide accurate information about COVID-19 preventative measures and be of service to the public as a Nursing Student during the pandemic.

Although considered vulnerable, from day 1 during the pandemic I planned on giving back to society in the best way I can. And while I couldn’t help society through my physical presence due to being considered vulnerable, I decided to help by answering the various public questions that were arising especially in the beginning of the pandemic through spreading of evidence-based information. Being aware of the misinformation on the subject spreading like wildfire through social media, I wanted to make sure to have accurate information, especially when it comes to knowing the rationales for the preventative measures that were being shared with the public by the Maltese Health Authorities.

Hence, I thought of compiling the most recent and relevant evidence-based information into an article. At the same time I opted to use the assessment style we are required to use during our Nursing studies at the University of Malta, which included the use of APA 6^th (at the time), so as to serve as practice for my future assignments during my course of study.

Although the research was carried out back in March 2020 and some things may have changed especially since studies and research are an ongoing process, certain COVID19 evidence based preventative measures are still applicable, especially during the current influx of COVID-19 incidence we are experiencing, and we should still adhere to them together as a society to curb the transmission of this virus as much as possible until a reliable vaccine is out.

Below you can find a downloadable file with the mentioned COVID19 Evidence Based Preventative Measures research article.

COVID-19-Evidence-Based-Preventative-Measures Download

Did you find the above nursing information useful? Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love

Mature Nursing Student – Should I Go Back To Study After So Long?

Spread the love

A mature nursing student life can be quite exciting! Getting back to the classrooms, the benches, following lectures, taking notes, learning how to retain information again (especially if life has left an impact on your memory capacity) can sometimes make a mature nursing student wonder if doing it all over again is truly possible. Add to that a family to keep up with, cooking preparations, the never-ending laundry, housekeeping…but let me tell you this, going back to study as a mature nursing student is indeed possible! Read on, I will be sharing with you why it is possible and what you can do to make it work, all based on my personal experience.

Applying for a Degree as a Mature Nursing Student

Back when I was 18 years old I had to stop studying to raise my first child. It didn’t affect me much at the time, but with every year that passed I kept wishing that the time would maybe come again for me to resume my studies. It was always my wish to follow a degree and eventually graduate.

Life goes on, and eventually I had another two children. The dream still lingered on in my mind, but there was not much I could do at the time. Life with three children is definitely not easy. A lot of responsibilities, a lot of advice, a lot of messes to clean up, unlimited stress, financial strain…

However in early summer of 2019 I discovered that the University of Malta offers a Degree programme in Nursing at Part Time level. Instead of the usual 3 years to graduate, this course provided the exact same course of study but spread over 5 years. That was the day that for the first time in years I experienced a new sense of excitement!

Although I didn’t have any previous knowledge in the Biology field, I sent an application and was called in for an interview. I remember clearly all the emotions I felt on the day in front of 3 interviewers. I was so excited, I had so much I wanted to say but didn’t due to the mix of emotions. A sense of hopelessness washed over me for the next weeks. I was afraid that during the interview I could have possibly sabotaged my own chance of going back to study. But the day came when I got a letter saying I had been accepted!

My Personal Experience as a Mature Nursing Student

Being a mature nursing student has given me a new perspective to the word ‘study’. You see, throughout my school days I was constantly bullied, I barely had any friends, I spent my break time hiding in the school chapel, and I couldn’t speak up without having tears flowing out from my eyes. My self esteem was a total mess.

It is amazing how time and experiences change a person. Going back to study as a mature nursing student, I no longer feel shy to speak up, I ask questions whenever I feel the need to, I have friends and truly enjoy the time I spend with my cohort colleagues, but most importantly, I am enjoying all the learning that is being presented to me thanks to the amazing lecturers we have at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta. All the staff and academics at our Faculty are wonderfully helpful and understanding, ready to listen to our queries and to try to accommodate our concerns as much as possible.

As a mature nursing student, I know what I want from life, I know where I am heading, and I am ready to do whatever it takes to get there. This includes letting go of other hobbies to focus on what matters the most at this time – study, and study hard!

Having a 5 year old who still wakes up multiple times at night and who is also quite active doesn’t help much. The best solution I found is to study after she sleeps. This usually gives me an average of 3-5 hours of study. I make sure I do this for at least 4-5 times a week. This gives me ample time to revise all the content given, to research further on the topics being covered, and at times to watch videos about related nursing skills.

The secret to being a successful mature nursing student is to seek what works best for you…

The secret to being a successful mature nursing student is to seek what works best for you in terms of learning methods. Personally I learn mostly through research and thorough understanding of rationales. Knowing exactly why something is done in one way but not in the other helps me understand and remember information better. Creating flashcards with nursing terms has also been quite effective for me as well.

Additional Advice

Seek help. If you have other commitments or a family to take care of, do not be afraid to ask for help. Evaluate all the people within your close circle, see who is truly being supportive of you going back to study, and ask for help.
Be aware of any local support systems available to mature students. I have personally been making use of an after-school club for children, which is offered to working parents and students. Whilst this may require a small fee, it could be quite worthwhile.
Do not let the fear of taking the time off from your family for yourself get in your way. Sometimes as mature students we tend to let unreasonable guilt take over us. It happened to me too, but let me tell you, I just finished my first year out of five, and my daughters have been impacted positively seeing their mother get back to studying! Happy mum, happy kids! It has also given them a sense of courage and determination, their grades have overall improved, and they are becoming even more responsible.
Learn what works for you best in terms of study. If it’s reading that helps you, read more. If it’s videos you learn from, see more. If it’s writing that helps, write more. Whatever it is, do more of it, but always apply the same principles that your lecturers pass onto you. Seek reliable sources, and where possible, recent ones.
Do your best! You are human after all. Do whatever you can so you don’t have any regrets (as with anything, not just with study). But always be understanding and compassionate with yourself as well. Do not beat yourself up if you get a lower grade than expected. Instead seek ways to do better next time.

Last piece of advice (and most probably the most important one of all)…

When you believe in yourself, everything becomes possible and nothing will hold you back to achieve your dreams. You can do whatever you set your mind on. Believe in you and in the ability and the valuable asset that you can be as a mature nursing student. Be who you are and let your true self shine! You can do this!

Are you a mature student too? Share your experience by commenting below or fill in the contact me form 🙂

Did you find the above nursing information useful? Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂

Spread the love