Health Tips for August 13

Health Tip: Prepare Yourself for Surgery

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.

Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth that emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often crowd or damage other teeth, and must be removed.

Here's what to expect during and after surgery to remove wisdom teeth, courtesy of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons:

* Wisdom teeth are removed under general anesthesia, local anesthesia or intravenous sedation, and the procedure is usually done in the surgeon's office.
* The complexity of the surgery depends on the position of the wisdom teeth.
* Some swelling and discomfort are common after the surgery. Pain medications and cold compresses can help alleviate these symptoms.
* You may need to eat softer foods and make other diet changes until your mouth recovers from the surgery.