Health Tip: Prepare Yourself for Surgery

(HealthDay News) -- In the days before surgery, it's important to make sure that you are physically healthy, and that your mind is relaxed and prepared.

Here are suggestions from the National Women's Health Resource Center on what to do before your operation:

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Be sure to get enough vitamin C, which will help your body heal.


• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol.


• Get regular exercise.


• Don't use blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, for one week before surgery. If you have a need to take such medications, discuss this with your doctor.


• Keep a positive attitude.


• Talk to your doctor about how to control post-surgical pain.


• Try deep breathing techniques and relaxation exercises.

My Little Niece’s Surgery: Hospitals Are Stingy With Pain Relief

By Theresa Tamkins

My niece, Zoe, traveled with her mom and dad from Miami to our house last weekend because the 4-year-old was scheduled for craniofacial surgery at a local hospital.

Zoe was born with a couple of problems, including craniosynostosis, a condition in which the sutures of the skull fuse too early and cause the skull to grow abnormally. She needed surgery when she was only 4 days old, again at age 2, and now, at 4. Read More