WOUND CARE TODAY AND INTO THE NEW YEAR

As the world prepares to welcome 2024, we are juggling all the great and the not-so-great things that come with the holiday season from the weather, last-minute Christmas shopping, decors, jam-packed reunions, the holiday spread, financial strains, to expectations and disappointments. These and everything in between make wound healing quite a mighty challenge. The additional stress makes it difficult to adhere to doctor’s appointments, maintain a healthy diet, and continue with ideal wound care.

Tis the season to understand how holiday traditions make an impact on our body processes and wound healing. This is the exact reason why we have to be aware of how we can continue helping our wounds heal while not letting the wounds hamper our holiday spirits.

According to The American College of Surgeons, approximately 6.5 million patients in the US are affected by chronic wounds which is expected to increase as the population ages. Chronic wounds greatly impact the health and quality of life of affected patients including their families. They may face chronic pain, loss of mobility and functions, increased stress and social isolation, depression and anxiety, increased financial burdens, and increased morbidity and mortality. In the United States, more than $25 billion is spent by the healthcare system on treating wound-related complications per year.

Healing and living your best life today can’t wait. Jumpstart your New Year resolutions with helpful tips for a healthy and cheerful holiday season while continuing what’s best for your wound healing.

1. Wound Nutrition

• Yes, there is such a thing! Your body has nutritional needs for wound healing. While some of you cannot control what will be served, you can still make a conscious effort to control what you consume. The American Diabetes Association recommends filling your plate with 50% non-starchy vegetables, 25% lean minimally processed protein, and 25% carbohydrates with less sugar and more whole grains.
• Add protein, vitamin C, and zinc to optimize healing. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss ways of optimizing your nutrition and adding supplements like protein powders.
• You may already have a specific diet in place for your existing conditions and it is always best to follow them. Make sure you are getting proper nutrition to help boost your immune system for wound healing.
• Eat close to your usual meal times to avoid sugar spikes but if tradition changes your usual mealtimes, then have a small snack and then eat a little less when the holiday meal is served.
• If having a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs for balance. Sugar increases inflammation in the body which can inhibit healing.
• Avoid skipping meals all day to save up for the holiday feast. This will result in your blood sugars going haywire and your hunger will likely result in overeating.
• If you “accidentally” go astray with your meal plan, don’t be too hard on yourself. Begin eating healthy again right away on your next meal.

2. Hydrate and Drink Responsibly

• Drink your daily amount of water with an extra glass for every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage added.
• Cocktails do not only contain alcohol but are also packed with an extra high amount of sugar and fat in most mixes.
• Caffeinated drinks are usually high in sugar, so opt for revitalizing healthy alternatives like black coffee or green tea.
• Remain hydrated in every weather. Have your water bottle refilled and handy all day every day.
• Check your medications before consuming any alcohol as they may interact and can easily make your holiday a memorable trip to the ED.

3. Holiday Traditions

• Some holiday treats may be ingrained as part of our family traditions and there is no hard rule on missing out. No specific food is included in the naughty list but you could be if you overdo it. Portion is the key and compliance to what you know is good for you.
• Take it slow and savor every bite to enjoy even the smallest of portions.
• Drink water with every meal, especially with sweets.

4. Get Active and Moving

• Staying active is one of Santa’s secrets in eating all those sweets. Kidding aside, moving with a purpose can help make up for the extra calories the holiday season has to offer.
• Exercise burns off calories while helping lower stress and improve the quality of sleep.
• Try doing fun activities with family and friends that involve getting up and walking.
• Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for every activity to avoid unnecessary mishaps from not being dressed for the occasion. Wear properly fitting shoes and check for sores or blisters.
• Always keep wounds covered and avoid getting the dressings soiled. If it becomes wet or dirty, change with a clean and dry dressing. Also, take note that snow might not feel wet but it will still soak through clothes and dressings. We wouldn’t want a puddle of bacteria brewing on those wounds so always have a change of dressings ready.

5. Rest and Relaxation

• Reunions and tons of holiday celebrations tend to be a handful with getting up early for prep and staying up late until the cleanup resulting in a significant lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system immensely and don’t forget that it’s already working overtime for your wound healing.
• Try getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily to give your body time to recuperate.
• For a fun-filled day that you are running around with every drop of your energy, wear your compression stockings as prescribed, find time to sit down and elevate your legs for at least 20-30 minutes, and do the calf muscle pump exercises when able to support blood flow to your wounds and lower extremities.
• Avoid caffeine and other caffeinated beverages 6 hours before your bedtime.
• Practice meditation, deep breathing, listening to music, and do hobbies you enjoy to reduce stress.

6. Stay Connected

• Find support from your family and friends to help you with your healing. Your loved ones will want what is best for you.

7. Doctor’s Appointments

• One of the kindest things you can give yourself is to give your wounds the care they need. Keep your regularly scheduled appointments as much as you can and follow wound care orders.
• Putting off your appointments can be tempting due to family activities and the weather, but the strain of the festivities can affect the immune system and the body’s ability to heal. Delays in treatment can prolong the amount of time it takes to heal.
• With nonhealing wounds, research shows that patients who are seen every week have the highest healing rate.
• Timely detection and treatment of varying wound complications will not only improve quality of life but also help prevent possible amputation.
• Continue treatment and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for your best bet in healing.

It is high time we make wound care a team effort. Some wounds will need extra care and advanced modalities for them to heal. No need to wait for the New Year to start healing. Take the first step and we’ll be hand in hand on your healing journey. No wound should hinder us from finishing 2023 strong for a successful 2024.

From all of us at Dr. Wishnew’s office, cheers to making 2024 our best year for healing! Have a happy and healthy new year!

Author

Jenna Wishnew Dr Wishnew is a Board Certified General Surgeon practicing in the North Texas area She specializes in general surgery, gastroparesis, wound care, vein concerns and robotic surgery.