As we celebrate a month of love, don’t forget that one of the most important aspects of love is knowing how to care for yourself.
Follow these simple methods from the CDC as you get ready for surgery to ensure that you’re as prepared and at ease as you can be.
- Communicate with your doctor
Communicate clearly about any medication you are on or health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, dental work, or arthritis. Let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has had a reaction to anesthesia.
- Line up caregivers
Communicate with family or friends about any postoperative care that you may need, to be sure you have support around you as you recover from surgery.
- Plan your meals
For safety reasons, food and drink typically are forbidden at a designated time before surgery. Your doctor should give you specific instructions on when to stop eating or drinking, but ask in advance so that you can plan accordingly. Also, have a plan for meals after surgery. Stock up on healthy food to eat during your recovery.
- Take deep breaths
Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, Pilates, or a similar exercise that will help to develop core strength, and practice calming breathing and mental rest techniques.
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