Nursing Advice to Help You Become Your Best Healthcare Advocate in the New Year!

January 2025
By Anna Carrillo, '19, '21

The New Year is here! It’s incredible how fast time flies, isn't it? As we start a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on how quickly our bodies are aging along with the calendar. With each passing year, prioritizing our health becomes even more crucial. Whether scheduling overdue screenings, staying up to date on vaccinations, or setting sustainable wellness goals, the start of the year is the perfect opportunity to take charge of your well-being. Let’s dive into practical tips and expert nursing advice from some UTEP alums to help you become your best healthcare advocate in 2025!

Meet Our Experts: Alex Magallanes (BSN '20), Registered Nurse (RN), and Jazmine Lopez (BSN '19), Critical Care RN

Alex Magallanes, born and raised in El Paso, Texas, began his healthcare journey as an EMT while pursuing his studies at UTEP. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2020, he launched his nursing career in the NICU before transitioning to the fast-paced environment of the ER. Two years later, Alex relocated to Seattle, Washington as a travel nurse.

Earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2019, Jazmine Lopez began her career in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Working as a critical care nurse comes with immense responsibility—you hold a person’s life in your hands for 12 hours straight,' she reflected on her time in critical care. You also face the emotions of family members, from anger and frustration to deep sadness." Despite the challenges, Jazmine finds the role deeply rewarding. "There’s nothing more fulfilling than starting a shift with an unstable, critically ill patient and witnessing the impact of your interventions as they pull through the worst of their illness," she said.

Q: What steps should people take in January to set themselves up for a healthy year?

A: Start by finding a Primary Care Provider (PCP). Finding a PCP ensures you maintain continuity of care and stay on top of essential health screenings. In your 20s, this might include STI tests and Pap smears, while your 40s should focus on blood pressure checks and breast cancer screenings, and your 60s on colorectal cancer checks.

Next, schedule your annual exam and any necessary wellness screenings. These screenings can help you identify potential health issues early, allowing you to receive timely treatment and achieve better outcomes. Typical screenings may include lab tests, blood pressure checks, and other essential health assessments.

Finally, make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations to protect both yourself and your community. Key vaccines include the annual flu shot, a Tdap booster every 10 years, two doses of MMR, and two doses of Varicella for adults. The CDC also recommends the shingles vaccine for individuals over 50, administered in two doses. 

Q: How can people create a self-care schedule that they can stick to throughout the year?

A: Make goals—focusing on your goal and sticking to it is the only way to ensure a healthy 2025. It takes 30 days to enable a good habit but only 2 days to start a bad habit. Realistic goals include limiting fast food, promoting skin care, and creating a healthy workout schedule. 

Start small—keep track of your progress. Use a planner, notebook, or even set alarms—whatever helps you stay on top of the goals you want to achieve. Simplicity is key when getting started.

Q: What are some tips for effectively communicating with healthcare providers to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed?

A: Come prepared by writing down all their questions and concerns before meeting with the doctor. This ensures nothing important is forgotten during the appointment. It is also recommended to ask for a detailed explanation of any medications prescribed to you. Understanding how each medication addresses your symptoms or conditions ensures your treatment plan is thorough and tailored to your needs. For a first-time visit or an ER visit make sure to take a list of your past medical history along with your home medications to help the medical team form a plan specific to you. Bringing a support person can also be helpful.

Q: What advice would you give someone who feels hesitant or intimidated about asking for a second opinion?

A: You know your body better than anyone does, asking for a second opinion is so common and encouraged in the health field. At the end of the day, two heads are better than one so a second physician may have an idea that the first didn’t. Collaborative thinking is what makes the healthcare field successful. 

Q: What are the best daily habits to maintain overall health and reduce the risk of illness during the sick season?

A: Hand washing is crucial during flu season to stop the spread of any illnesses. Additionally, isolating yourself when sick protects the community and is encouraged to keep any virus from transmitting to the next person.

Q: Are there any underrated preventative measures, like dietary adjustments or sleep hygiene, that have a big impact on health?

A: Absolutely. Controlling sugar intake, exercising regularly, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress are essential for maintaining overall health. Limiting fast food and incorporating more homemade meals can significantly reduce the risk of obesity and chronic conditions like congestive heart failure, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Just as important is prioritizing your mental health. Treating your mental well-being with the same care as your physical health is key to achieving long-term health and balance.

Q: What is one piece of advice you wish more people followed to improve their long-term health outcomes?

A: Stay disciplined with your home medications. Many ER visits could be avoided if patients consistently took their prescribed treatments. Often, when asked why they stopped, the response is, “I didn’t think I needed it.” This decision can lead to worsening conditions and unnecessary setbacks in your health. Taking medications as directed is key to managing and improving your diagnosis over time. It is also important to keep up with your wellness screenings.

Q: Are there any new health trends or technologies that can help people take better control of their health?

A: Smartwatches are a good way to help keep track of how many steps you’ve taken a day to ensure you’re meeting your daily goal. Additionally, resources like telehealth services, wearable devices for tracking vital signs, personalized nutrition, and health apps are transforming how people manage their health. Taking control of your health has never been easier—the time is now!