As a nurse practitioner in the Valley, I get asked all the time where to get care without breaking the bank. These are the free and low-cost health resources I share with patients and families: sliding-scale clinics, help applying for Medicaid and CHIP, prescription savings, and hotlines you can call any time. #rgv #riograndevalley #healthresources #lowcosthealthcare #texasmedicaid
I found out I had PCOS after a miscarriage, which was my first pregnancy. These items have really helped me maintain my health without spending tons of money on doctors appointments.
Nurses and Healthcare Workers are an entity of their own! We give to a fault, poor from our own glass way too often, care for all, work until we are exhausted and then work some more… and we often have a warped sense of humor. (We just can't be that perfect!). So, what you will find, is anything and everything that is All about the Nurse!
My absolute favorite go to items that are keeping me sane during my didactic year! All of these are essentially my lifeline for getting through my all day classes and labs every day!
Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best! 💧 My Hydration category is filled with must-have water bottles, electrolyte boosters, and wellness drinks to help you stay refreshed and energized throughout the day. Drink up and thrive!
Whether you are stressed, have a chronic condition or struggle with your mental health, self care is a must. Having a self care kit helps remind you that there are things you are able to do. Some I carry with me, some I keep next to my bed or somewhere nearby. Here are my favorites.
Therapy costs $200 a session and my copay has opinions. These eight things cost less, arrive in two days, and judge me significantly less. Not a medical professional. Not even a little.
As a girly with cormorbidities🩹 my room needs a couple essentials to make it functional and easy to manage my symptoms and live a life worth living. Here you’ll find my top favorites to set the best vibe✨
A realistic 75-day wellness challenge designed for busy working moms who want to build healthier habits without an all-or-nothing approach. Created by a high school teacher and Mom with a Master of Science in Nutrition, this challenge focuses on sustainable progress over perfection.
Here’s a peek at the daily supplements I take and love! These are from brands I’ve either used for years or really trust. I’ve worked with a healthcare professional to choose what’s right for my body and my goals 🩵 Just a little reminder: I’m not a medical expert—just sharing what’s worked for me and my routine! Always check in with a pro before starting something new 💊🌿
My favorite things that help alleviate symptoms of chronic illness! Disability can mean you need a lot of extra tools, so here’s some of the things that have helped me!
Aka: the little bottles and powders that help me function like a semi-put-together adult woman in her prime. These aren’t trends—they’re part of my everyday feel-good routine. From energy to mood to glowy skin, these do the actual heavy lifting.
I got into all this stuff when I found out I had cancer. I am not saying this stuff saved me and reduced my cancer, but after taking this stuff my cancer has shrunk and I am back on the road to better health., You don't need to buy everything, but here are some suggested bundles. Brain & Mood Stack Mind Lab Pro + Omega-Via Vegan Omega-3 + Four Sigmatic Mushroom Blend → For mental clarity, emotional balance, and daily focus. 🔹 Longevity & Cellular Health Kit Tru-Niagen + ProHealth NMN + Athletic Greens AG1 → Supports aging, energy, and full-body vitality. 🔹 Stress & Hormonal Harmony Pack Gaia Ashwagandha + Moon Juice SuperYou + Organifi Green Juice → For adrenal support, mood balance, and gentle detox.
Products to ring in the new year and make sure you reach all of your new years goals - better sleep, fitness, mental strength, and overall wellness. Happy New Years!!!! Be the best you in 2026
My suggestions for product to enforce good hygiene! All of these are my personal favourite. From lip care to washroom care these are must-have products.
Snoring affects sleep quality, energy levels, and relationships. If you or your partner are waking up tired due to persistent snoring, this list breaks down the most effective physical remedies, sleep aids, and lifestyle tools to open airways naturally and get a quiet night’s sleep.
To keep logging high mileage week after week, it takes more than just solid shoes and sheer willpower. These are the daily supplements that help me stay strong, recover well, and keep showing up for marathon after marathon.
these are all the things i use to help make both my body and mind feel better. they helped improve my sleep, my recovery from exercise, and reduce my anxiety.
Long nursing shifts can be exhausting, so having the right essentials makes a huge difference. This list includes my go-to nursing work day must-haves that help me stay comfortable, organized, and energized throughout a full shift.
From supportive gear and work bag essentials to snacks and little lifesavers, these are items I actually use and recommend. Whether you’re a new nurse or just upgrading your routine, these will help make your shifts smoother and more manageable.
A list of my must-haves for a comfortable & worry-free Laparosocpy recovery. You do not have the purchase anything from this list, you can simply use it as a checklist when packing your own hospital bag! ☺️
I am not big on drinking water. My 12 year old absolutely hates it. My relative with dementia struggles to drink enough fluids. These are products that help make hydration easier for all of us.
I've lost 110 pounds with the help of GLP-1s! I've used both semaglutide and tirzepatide on my journey.
These are the essentials that have helped me nourish my body, protect my muscles, support skin elasticity, and prevent hair loss. From high-protein snacks to key supplements, this list includes everything that’s helped me stay strong, hydrated, and properly fueled even on lower appetite days!
I struggled a lot with sleep from when I was a teenager up until a few years ago. I tried so many things, but now I’ve finally found things that actually work for me. I have PCOS, so it’s also a hormonal issue, and it also has to do with balancing hormones better.
Waking up exhausted every morning even after eight hours of sleep wrecked my patience, my focus, and honestly my relationship — my partner slept in the guest room for months. After a sleep study, a dentist visit, and way too many Reddit rabbit holes, I finally pieced together a nightstand setup that actually works. If you mouth-breathe at night and feel like garbage every morning, save yourself the trial and error.
I’ve been testing a few go-to picks for supporting autoimmune health and these have become staples in my routine—SuperHair Vegan Hair Supplement, Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 Gummies, and Irish Sea Moss Liquid Drops all made a noticeable difference. From gut-friendly probiotics to soothing adaptogens, each product feels like a small act of self‑care. Save the list or drop a comment if you’ve tried any of these! 🌱
This is a “mami” edition. Of course guys can use it too. As a girl who hasn’t been doing home workouts or weights at the gym and is reminiscing, I wanted to share with you all and let you in on my gym tips. (Im thinking about doing a course with plan meals I used and the routines.) Enjoy the basics though 🙂↕️!
As you get older its like a whole new level unlocked that you have to navigate thru. These are items that help me feel good and help me take care of myself as I get older.
your health isn’t an after thought, make sure you’re taking it seriously! All items I’ve used and added to my routine to ensure I’m taking the best care of me
The ultimate list for those who experience brain fog, lack motivation, or just need an edge at work. While these all help, first look to a healthier lifestyle. Exercise, sleep, and eating healthy boost your brain too! Meditation is supposed to help, but I haven't figured that one out yet 😅 Meanwhile, if you feel that you're lacking in the mental clarity department, then maybe take a look at this list 👀 (Talk to your doctor prior to using if you have a medical history/take prescriptions)
struggle to stay hydrated or just want to add a little pizazz to your every day drinking routine? try these! here you’ll find the best bottles, cups, and fun healthy drinks
as a 4th year medical student, I have gathered quite the collection of must have items that I keep with me in the hopsital! From call shifts, to interviewing patients, to remaining sane on the wards, here are some hard earned favorites for life as a medical student on rotations!
I don’t take every single one of these every single day, but I’ve found benefits for adding supplements into my routine of life. Talk to your doctor first!
I’ve also included some physical things I use to keep my symptoms minor.
As someone who's hit perimenopause and dealing with vaginal issues, I wanted to share some products that have been helpful for me.
(Some (not all) links are affiliate links.)
From cold remedies to humidifiers, this list has what you need. We still utilize western medicine at times, but love to try low-tox/crunchy alternatives first. Here are some of our household favs. Provided options from Walmart and Amazon as able.
a little list of the seasonal things we actually use when the germs hit 🫠 from the vicks humidifier to the forehead thermometer + those tiny comforts that make a big difference 🤍
If you’re building a healthier lifestyle together—especially with future baby plans in mind—this list is for you 🤍 These are the kinds of everyday essentials and wellness upgrades he’ll genuinely love… but would never think to buy for himself. From cleaner swaps to better for you products, everything here is curated to support energy, overall health, and a more intentional lifestyle. Whether you’re focusing on fertility, reducing toxins, or simply leveling up daily habits, these picks make it easy (and realistic) for him to get on board —without it feeling overwhelming. Perfect for: Couples preparing for pregnancy, Health conscious gift ideas for him, Upgrading everyday essentials to cleaner options, & Thoughtful gifts that actually support long term wellness. Save this list for when you want to invest in his health and make it feel like a gift, not a chore
if your on the crunchy, health based side of things then you probably know seed oils are 🗑️- here are some swaps for foods we love that are seed oil free!
This list is packed with practical new grad nurse essentials that I actually use or used on shift. From gear that keeps you comfortable and organized to tools that help you feel confident at the bedside. Perfect for nurses starting their first job or building their “all things nursing” starter pack.
Every time I volunteered at my kid's school, I watched 25 sticky-handed children touch the same doorknob, share crayons, and sneeze into the open air. After one shift gave me a cold that lasted two weeks, I built a full classroom hygiene station at the door. If you're a parent volunteer, classroom aide, or Sunday school helper who's tired of catching every bug that floats through — here's exactly what I set up so you don't have to learn the hard way.
My favorite things to keep in my purse, travel bags, or just at home as someone who struggles with chronic pain and an autoimmune disease. These items ensure I can stay comfortable and can face unexpected episodes at any given moment.
It is 3:40 on a Thursday, your shoulders have crept up to your ears, and the screen has gone slightly blurry. These are the neck massagers, heated wraps, eye masks, magnesium sprays and tension balms that take the edge off right at your desk, no spa appointment needed. Everything here is meant for people who sit all day.
other things (click to view all)
🧚🏼♂️ braid your hair before surgery to keep it out of your face, your arms will hurt to lift due to the gas pain
🌺bring a pillow in the car to put between your belly and the seatbelt for the car ride home
🦋walk every few hours even on day 1, walk after everytime you eat. helps move the gas around and out of you !! sitting still will worsen pain and trap the gas.
🌱keep a journal and timers for pain medication. even if you don’t feel you need it, take that panadol every 4 hours. take your stronger meds when they are due. you would rather keep up to schedule with your timed medication then mess up the timing and be in a lot of pain.
🌝 no waistbands ! buy pants 2x your size, no waistband undies. i preferred low waisted things so my swollen belly could just be out and about, some people prefer extra high waisted things. your incisions will be where normal pant lines sit so it will have to be under or over them. make sure they are BIGGGG AND LOOOSEE!!!
Some people choose normal jobs such as becoming a teacher or a salesman, instead, you throw yourself into the world of medicine and blood. Hey, at least you will look cute while cleaning up the patient's bodily fluids. Unless you're one of the bitchy nursing students, then I hate you and you look like shit. But if not, then love you! :))
Your guide to staying comfortable, clean, and confident throughout your aligner journey. These are the exact essentials that make wearing Invisalign SO much easier—no pain, no stains, no funky breath… just smooth progress and a cleaner smile every day.
This list includes:
• Pain & pressure relief essentials for the first few days of a new tray
• Cleaning + hygiene must-haves to keep aligners crystal clear
• On-the-go tools so you’re never caught without what you need
• Storage + organization picks to keep your routine simple
• Products that prevent staining, dryness, and bad breath (aligner wear struggles we all know too well)
Whether you’re just starting or halfway through treatment, these items make a BIG difference in comfort, confidence, and results. Your teeth (and sanity) will thank you.
Grief looks different for everyone, and no one should go through it alone. These are free grief and loss resources I share with families, including support for losing a parent, a spouse, a child or a pet, and help for kids who are grieving. #grief #griefsupport #loss #healing #mentalhealth
Explore a curated selection of today’s leading vape devices, from smart vapes with Bluetooth and OLED displays to reliable pod systems and classic disposables. Each product is reviewed for performance, puff count, and innovation to help you compare features and find the perfect device for your preferences.
Constantly looking down at screens strains your cervical spine and tightens upper back muscles. This curated collection brings together targeted ergonomic tools, active relief gadgets, and daily support essentials designed to decompress your spine, correct forward head posture, and restore alignment at your desk or on the go.
I started taking my physical health more serious about 7 years ago when I realized how much it affected my mental health. Working out has become non negotiable for me and I prioritize protein in my daily diet.
The list I wish I had before my c-section so I could have prepared ahead of time. These things made my c-section recovery so much more comfortable. Of course, consult your doctor for their recommendations for your specific case, these are just items that worked for me!
sometimes eating is difficult! but we know nutrition and protein are vital to maintaining health. this list can be helpful if you struggle with eating long-term due to chronic illness, if you have less energy to cook nutritional meals, or if you need some on-the-go meal options!
As someone who suffers from chronic insomnia and pain for years, I've tried and tested so many different things to get a good nights sleep. Here is my curated list of the products and podcasts that help me fall and stay asleep.
Get your pre-teen or teenager ready for any emergency that may occur in school. Prepare them to always be two steps ahead for any emergency. This emergency kit that I curated will save the day for any mishaps.
Panic pouches (calm kits / sensory bags) are designed to help with grounding, emotional regulation, sensory overload, anxiety, and panic symptoms using tactile, visual, auditory, and comfort-based tools.
Upgrade your nursing wardrobe with these durable, lightweight comfort scrubs and essential tools. These are the things I have found most useful, essential, reliable and stylish for everyday use in my nursing career.
While my bag is full of random stuff, there are a few staples that I need with me. I tend to switch between purses for work and going out which makes it hard to keep track of whats in which bag so theres a few items in which I have many of. These are some of my must haves in my purse.
Water. It's everywhere. It's what keeps us going. It's so critical and obvious that sometimes we take it for granted. If you're trying to improve your hydration (which affects how you feel overall), take a moment to explore some of the things I've tried and found success in.
I made this list because sleep was something I struggled with my entire life. Insomnia is awful and although I have it occasionally it’s pretty much gone now. I practice “sleep hygiene” The items listed have helped me on my journey to zzzzzzz.
Taking care of our bodies is the most important thing we can do, especially as we get older. Here are a few of my non negotiables when it comes fueling my body and making sure I’m in my best shape. All products are from Walmart!
This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.
Diabetes touches almost every family here in the Valley. As a nurse practitioner, these are the free diabetes resources I recommend for prevention, healthy eating, managing blood sugar and saving money on supplies. Talk with your provider about your own plan. #diabetes #type2diabetes #prediabetes #bloodsugar #rgvhealth
Just got accepted into nursing school, so I wanted to share some things I have bought so far. As I progress in school I will keep updating this list. I also work in a hospital so I ask the nurses around me for some advice. I'm also adding some things my classmates recommended and write thier experiences with the products. I also did research on Tik Tok on what other nurses/ nursing students recommend. I hope whoever stumbles on this page, finds something valuable and useful!!
Discover the ultimate list of hEDS, POTS, and MCAS essentials designed to support chronic illness management, daily comfort, and flare-up relief. From hydration tools and compression wear to symptom-soothing must-haves, this guide helps make living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome more manageable. Perfect for anyone building a chronic illness survival kit or looking for practical support items.
I’ve had migraines since I was 15 years old - so for 25 years now. 😳 Even though I have chronic migraines I have come to figure out the best migraine relief products that are out there because I’ve tested them all.
My Mother is diagnosed with dementia so we are having to learn how to care from her. Here is some items that I have found to be useful in navigating this journey of dementia with her. These are the items that help us as caregivers and help her to be more comfortable.
Meaningful, high-quality gift ideas for those who prioritise quiet mornings, self-care, nutrition and daily movement. From affordable stocking fillers to luxury picks - there’s something for everyone!
You know what they say. The hottest girl have tummy issues! But we are not gatekeeping over here. Take a look at my list of products that are delicious and keep my stomach from bloating and aching.
Everything I wish someone told me before birth 😭💜
The first 6 weeks postpartum are HARD. This kit has everything that actually helped me heal, stay comfy, and survive those newborn nights.
No fluff. Just the real stuff: healing, nursing, hydration, and comfort.
I used every single item on this list. Save yourself the guesswork and stock up before baby comes🤩😍.
When you suffer from chronic illness its important to create a daily or flare pack for yourself. These are just a few of the things that have helped me to feel better and manage my POTs and Dysautonomia symptoms. I hope they help you as well!
I worked night shift for the first two years of my nursing career. This is includes my recommendations for products that helped me survive and thrive as a night shift worker.
As a busy (and breastfeeding) mom, it’s hard to reach my protein goal every day. But, I’m trying to be more mindful of this in the new year. Here are some items that make it easier for me to fuel my body.
In addition to therapy and psychiatry which I do recommend, here are some coping mechanisms and tools I personally use to help take care of myself the best I can. Remember that progress is often not linear, and a bad day or even long rough patch doesn't negate all of the achievements you've made. You can still be on an upward trend even with those dips. Only expect that you do your best each day- you can't expect more than your best from yourself, and your best can vary dramatically day to day. If your best today was getting out of bed and eating food, but you did it, that's a win. Much love to all of you out there, and I hope these recommendations help. <3
How about trying sodas with less sugar, natural sweeteners, no artificial ingredients, and added health benefits like prebiotics or probiotics? Have you tried them yet? If not, you should! It's a whole new world. This list includes the flavors that I have tried and enjoyed. Do you have any recommendations of your own? Please share any new brands that pass the taste test.
Before my dad died, my family and I had to take care of him. Watching him struggle to even do the basic tasks made my heart ache. Hopefully this list will help those who need a little care or caring for someone they love.
Every night was the same routine — lights off, eyes wide open, brain replaying every awkward thing I said in 2017. If you're someone who dreads bedtime because you know you'll just lie there for hours, this is the exact lineup that turned me into someone who actually falls asleep. Took me two years of terrible nights to figure this out so you don't have to.
I just turned 40, so investing in my health and well-being has become very important. These are all the things that have helped me feel younger and healthier, inside and out!
I myself have Scalp Psoriasis, Keratosis Pilaris, and Eczema. I have always struggled with these so when I find a product that genuinely helps it's a great feeling and maybe I can help someone else. I will continue to keep updating whenever I find a new product as well.