Tips for a Better Recovery
There are things that you can do to help support a better recovery after surgery. You can eat foods to help your body heal, quit smoking, and control your blood sugar. Moving more before surgery and walking within a few hours after surgery helps to prevent complications and improve your surgery results. It is also important to create a safe and healthy environment for when you return home and take steps to prevent an infection. These education resources are helpful tools to support your efforts to do just that.
Healthy Eating Jumpstart
Home Safety After Surgery
Nutrition Before Surgery - American College of Surgeons
Personal and Home Hygiene Before and After-Surgery
Preparing for Surgery - American College of Surgeons
Quit Smoking - American College of Surgeons
Top 10 Things to Help Prevent a Surgical Site Infection
This resource lists the top 10 actions healthcare providers and patients can take to help prevent surgical site infections.
Nutrition Guidelines for Improved Wound Healing
This PDF document provides nutrition guidelines to improve wound healing, including recommendations for power foods that are high in protein, vitamins A and C, and zinc. It also offers tips for increasing calories and nutrients in the diet, as well as recipes for protein-packed meals and snacks.
The Benefits of Early Walking After Spinal Surgery
This document highlights the benefits of early walking after spinal surgery, including improved blood flow, faster wound healing, and shorter hospital stays. It also emphasizes the importance of walking to prevent postoperative urinary retention and provides information on the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative.