Do you live with a condition that makes you more susceptible to developing a chronic wound? Six and a half million Americans live with chronic wounds. Northern Light Health is raising awareness about the importance of education, early intervention, preventative care, and targeted wound care nutrition.
Chronic, nonhealing wounds can be caused by a variety of reasons; for example, surgery; diabetes (diabetic foot ulcers); obesity; ulcers in the veins or arteries; trauma, burns, or pressure wounds. Left untreated, wounds can become severe infections leading to hospitalizations and loss of limbs, increasing the care burden to you and your family.
Wound warning signs
Educate yourself on the early signs of a chronic wound, what you can do to prevent wounds from occurring, and when needed, seek help from your care team: a primary care provider, wound care clinic provider, podiatrist, and/or your home health certified wound care specialist. “Eighty percent of wounds are preventable through timely intervention,” according to the American Board of Wound Management.
“Protect your skin from damage including sun damage; practice good nutrition, hydration, and hygiene; check your skin daily for changes; and take all medications as prescribed,” shares Mary, RN, CWOCN, certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse, Northern Light Home Care & Hospice. “Manage any chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, which can affect your skin.”
“Change your position regularly and avoid prolonged pressure to protect your skin,” adds Deliya Vachon, BSN, RN, CWOCN, certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse, Northern Light Home Care & Hospice. “Also, avoid tobacco products because smoking hinders the body’s ability to heal and repair tissue by restricting blood flow, reducing tissue oxygenation, and depleting your immune system.”
Why nutrition matters
Even with a normal diet, you may need targeted wound care nutrition to boost the wound healing process. Special nutrients and vitamins like arginine, glutamine, HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate), and vitamin C, E, B12, and zinc have been shown to be beneficial for wound healing.
Timely wound care protects your health and keeps you moving forward. With a little daily care and professional support, you can heal faster, regain mobility, protect your long-term health, and enjoy a better quality of life with your loved ones.
Stay vigilant on checking yourself for early signs of a wound, eat a diet high in wound-boosting nutrients and vitamins, and follow the customized treatment plan from your wound care team.
Heal with Northern Light Wound Care – northernlighthealth.org/wound-care
From hospital to home, we have you covered for wound care at Northern Light Health. Our wound care professionals have extensive training in the latest therapies and techniques and provide comprehensive, innovative wound care whether you are being treated in our hospitals, our practices, or in your home.
Heal with Northern Light Wound Care – northernlighthealth.org/wound-care