When Weather and Walkways are Treacherous, Slow and Steady is the Way to Go

Aleksey Dvorzhinskiy, MD, Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery

Newswise — The snow storm and freezing temperatures have turned many streets into obstacle courses. Snow and ice on the ground present hazardous conditions that could lead to a fall if people are not careful.

“An invisible patch of ice is an accident waiting to happen,” according to Aleksey Dvorzhinskiy, MD, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City at HSS Long Island in Uniondale. “People often forget how dangerous a fall can be, especially when they’re in a hurry to get somewhere.”

Dr. Dvorzhinskiy says everyone should exercise caution after a snow storm. Even after much of the snow and ice is removed, there are always some slippery surfaces to watch out for.

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How to Move Beyond Entry-Level Nursing Roles

If you’re in an entry-level nursing role, welcome. You are officially in the “learning while slightly panicking” phase of your career. This stage is less about climbing the ladder and more about figuring out where supplies are and how to finish a shift without replaying every decision on the drive home. Before worrying about the next move, give yourself time to get comfortable. Once your heart rate no longer spikes every time your name is called, you’re making progress.

Confidence Comes From Surviving the Hard Days

No nurse knows everything, no matter how confident they look walking down the hall. Real confidence comes from handling tough situations, asking questions without apologizing for them, and learning from moments that didn’t go exactly as planned. If you can say, “I’ve got this,” even when you don’t fully feel it yet, you’re already ahead of where you started. From there, an LPN to RN program may be a fantastic idea.

Keep Learning, Even When You’d Rather Be Sleeping

After orientation ends, it’s tempting to coast for a bit, and honestly, that’s understandable. Still, the nurses who move forward usually keep learning, even when they’re tired. Certifications, extra training, or taking on more complex patients can feel like adding homework to an already full schedule. The upside is that it keeps your brain engaged and reminds you that you’re becoming more skilled, not just more exhausted.

Find a Specialty That Matches Your Personality

Some nurses love fast-paced chaos and can function perfectly on caffeine and adrenaline. Others prefer calmer settings and meaningful patient connections. If your current role doesn’t feel like a great fit, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re learning what you like. Talking to coworkers in different specialties and asking honest questions can save you from making a move you’ll regret later.

Your Reputation Travels Faster Than You Do

Nursing is a surprisingly small world. People notice who shows up on time, who helps out, and who stays calm when things get messy. Being dependable and kind builds a reputation that can open doors without you even trying. Sometimes the next opportunity starts with someone saying, “You’d be great at this,” instead of you filling out another application.

Leadership Starts Before the Job Title

You don’t need a fancy title to show leadership. Helping a new nurse, taking students under your wing, or stepping into a charge role when you’re ready all count. These experiences help you figure out whether leadership is exciting or something you’d rather admire from a distance, and both answers are perfectly fine.

Don’t Let Comparison Steal Your Energy

It’s easy to feel behind when other nurses seem to be advancing faster. Social media does a great job of making it look like everyone else has it all figured out. In reality, nursing careers move at different speeds. Rushing yourself into the next role before you’re ready is a great way to burn out, and burnout is not a personality trait.

Take the Next Step When You’re Ready

Moving beyond entry-level nursing doesn’t happen overnight. It happens as your confidence grows and your goals become clearer. Pay attention to what excites you, protect your energy, and trust your timing. You’ve already survived the hardest part. Everything else is just leveling up.

Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Recognized for Excellence with ACC Transcatheter Valve Certification

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for its expertise and commitment to high-quality care for patients undergoing transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures. The hospital earned Transcatheter Valve Certification in December 2025 following a comprehensive evaluation of its multidisciplinary team structure, formalized training processes, shared decision-making practices, and performance in national clinical registries.

“Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing Southern New Jersey with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital with Transcatheter Valve Certification.”

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American Lung Association Grades Pennsylvania Efforts to Reduce Tobacco Use in New Report

4^th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report will also outline steps to protect the health of communities across Pennsylvania from tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death and disease

Embargoed findings and interviews available upon request (with agreement in writing to honor the embargo).

On Wednesday, January 28, the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania will release the 24th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, which evaluates state and federal efforts to eliminate tobacco use and save lives with proven-effective tobacco control laws and policies. The report will grade Pennsylvania’s tobacco control measures in five areas, including funding for state tobacco prevention programs, state tobacco taxes, smokefree workplace laws, coverage of and access to quit tobacco treatments, and ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. Access to the embargoed report and embargoed interviews are available upon request.

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Virtua Health Unveils Newly Renovated Mother–Baby Unit at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

Virtua Health will soon open the newly renovated Mother–Baby Unit at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, marking a significant milestone in the health system’s multiyear effort to enhance the patient experience at the Camden hospital, now celebrating its 75th anniversary.

All three of Virtua’s hospitals providing maternity services—Virtua Mount Holly, Virtua Voorhees, and Virtua-Lourdes—were recently recognized as High-Performing Hospitals for Maternity Care on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list. This achievement comes as Virtua advances a broader transformation across its maternity campuses, including the newly renovated Mother–Baby Unit at Virtua-Lourdes Hospital in Camden and ongoing enhancements at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital. Together, these upgrades underscore Virtua’s commitment to creating warm, healing environments that elevate comfort, privacy, and overall well-being for patients and families.

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Virtua Health CelebratesFirst Graduating Class of Its Medical Assistant Program

Recently, Virtua Health celebrated the inaugural graduating class of its Medical Assistant (MA) Program during a ceremony at the health system’s corporate headquarters in Marlton, N.J. The graduates will now join Virtua’s care teams, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.

The class represents a diverse group of learners, including recent high school graduates, individuals changing careers, and those seeking a strong foundation for a future in health care. Virtua launched the MA Program to advance its mission of shaping the next generation of the health care workforce through innovative, hands-on training. The program is designed to build robust care teams while creating accessible entry points into clinical careers.

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As a Cardiologist, I Know the Dietary Guidelines Are Failing America’s Hearts

By Bret Scher, MD

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

As a practicing cardiologist for more than 20 years, I’ve watched patients do everything “by the book.” They eat according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and still see their weight climb, blood pressure rise, and heart health deteriorate.

The problem isn’t their effort. It’s the guidance, which promotes high-carb, low-fat diets that can actually worsen heart disease. Many assume that by following the government’s recommendations they can improve their health. Too often, the opposite is true.

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House Republicans Vote to Protect Children and Prevent Taxpayer Funding of Harmful Gender Procedures

WASHINGTON— House Republicans voted last week to protect America’s children and safeguard taxpayer dollars by advancing legislation that prohibits harmful gender-transition procedures on minors and blocks Medicaid funds from being used to pay for them.

“Gender-transition procedures are putting our kids at risk, and those who normalize them are enabling this harm,” said House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.). “Radicals are pushing dangerous, life-altering medical procedures on children who are still developing and cannot fully understand the long-term consequences. Republicans are stepping in to protect kids and ensure taxpayer dollars support real medical care, not radical social experiments.”

H.R. 498, the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act, prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars to fund gender-transition procedures for children under the age of 18.

H.R. 3492, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, establishes strict federal prohibitions and penalties for medical professionals who perform genital mutilation or administer chemical castration procedures on minors.

Why Effective Healthcare Staffing Is the Backbone of Quality Patient Care

Many people think great healthcare is all about fancy equipment and shiny floors. Those things help, but they do not greet you with a smile or notice when something feels “off.” The real magic comes from the people. Nurses, doctors, techs, and support staff keep everything moving. Without enough of them, even the nicest hospital can feel like a very expensive waiting room. Good staffing keeps the whole system steady. Without it, patient care gets wobbly fast.

The Right Staff at the Right Time Makes Everything Better

Healthcare does not follow a schedule. Patients show up whenever they need help, not when the schedule looks convenient. A quiet morning can turn into a busy afternoon with no warning at all. This is why staffing matters so much. When enough staff are working, patients get seen quickly. Teams work smoothly. The mood stays calm. When staffing is short, things slow down, stress rises, and everyone wonders why the day suddenly feels like a medical version of a traffic jam. Having the right number of professionals on each shift, with help from a healthcare staffing agency, keeps care safe and steady.

Rested Staff Give Better Care (No Surprise There)

Clinicians are not superheroes, even if they often act like they are. They need rest, good schedules, and time to breathe. When they work too much, burnout shows up fast. Burnout leads to mistakes, frustration, and a lot of tired eyes behind those masks. Effective staffing helps prevent this. It spreads the workload and gives people time to recover. A rested nurse can catch small changes in a patient that a tired one might miss. A well-supported doctor can think more clearly and calmly. When staff feel good, patients feel it, too.

Consistency Helps Patients Feel Safe and Seen

Most patients feel nervous when they are sick or in pain. Seeing familiar faces makes it easier. Good staffing creates that kind of consistency. When teams stay stable, patients build trust. They open up more. They follow instructions better. Staff also benefit because they learn each patient’s normal patterns. That makes it easier to spot problems early. Consistency reduces confusion and builds confidence—for both the patient and the care team. And let’s be honest, nothing is more comforting during a hospital stay than a nurse who already knows how you like your pillows.

Flexibility Saves the Day When Things Get Wild

Healthcare is full of surprises that can cause a staffing shortage. Flu season arrives early. A storm sends extra patients to the ER. A few staff members call out sick on the same day. Things happen. Flexible staffing solutions help facilities stay ready. Travel nurses, per diem workers, and locum tenens providers can fill gaps quickly. Staffing partners can send help before problems grow. This flexibility keeps patient care strong even when the day decides to be unpredictable. It is like having a Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D all ready to go.

A facility can buy the latest gadgets, remodel its hallways, and upgrade every computer. But none of that matters without the right people in place. Effective staffing takes all those tools and turns them into actual care. It reduces burnout, improves morale, boosts patient safety, and supports better outcomes. It lets clinicians do the job they trained for without feeling overwhelmed. Quality patient care starts with people—supported, rested, skilled people. When staffing is strong, everything else becomes easier. Patients feel cared for. Teams work better. And the entire healthcare system runs with much less chaos and far more confidence.

High Magnesium Intake Protects Your Heart

Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., writes: Scientists studied magnesium intake along with standard care of treatment in relation to cardiovascular disease and all-cause and coronary heart disease mortality for subjects who had a heart attack less than 10 years before. The study included 4,365 Dutch subjects ages 60 to 80. Magnesium intake was ascertained via a food frequency questionnaire.Only 28% of the male and 33% of the female patients had adequate magnesium intake. Compared to those with the lowest intake, higher magnesium intake was associated with a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.Special: More Than 50% of Older Americans Fail to Get Enough MagnesiumFor those who took a diuretic medication (drugs that help kidneys excrete urine) there was a 45% lower risk of mortality with higher amounts of magnesium.Magnesium is essential for the heart, and lowers the risk for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality from heart conditions. Studies have also shown inverse associations between magnesium and the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.I’ve been checking patients’ magnesium levels for three decades, and over that time levels have been consistently falling. Low magnesium predisposes a person to muscle cramps, aches and pains, and arrhythmias. Conversely, treating patients with magnesium helps all these conditions.Foods high in magnesium include sunflowers, soybeans, cocoa beans, almonds, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, spearmint, basil, spinach, and flax seeds.Magnesium is also safe as a supplement; diarrhea is the only adverse effect, which is easily managed by lowering the dose.Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., editor of the Natural Way to Health newsletter, is a board-certified family physician and one of the nation’s foremost practitioners of holistic medicine. In addition to his practice, Dr. Brownstein has lectured internationally to physicians and is the author of more than a dozen very popular books.