Help Prevent Chronic Wounds with Healthy Habits

Chances are, you or someone you love are at risk for developing a non-healing wound. There are many health conditions that can affect your ability to heal, including diabetes, vascular disease and cancer. However, by following these simple steps, everyone can help prevent wounds from occurring.

Adopt Healthy Habits

• • • Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.
    • Eat well and, if you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar.
    • Exercise every day. Walking and chair-based exercises improve circulation.
    • If you smoke, stop smoking. Visit smokefree.gov for help.

Wear Proper Footwear

• • • Never go barefoot, especially if you are living with diabetes.
    • Choose closed-toed shoes that fit properly and don’t rub in any area.
    • Check your feet and between your toes every day, looking for blisters, cuts and scratches.

Stay Vigilant

• • • Change position every 15 minutes when seated. If you have limited mobility, have your caregiver help you move every two hours.
    • Avoid sitting with crossed legs to reduce pressure on blood vessels because this can limit circulation.
    • Check for potential problem areas or pressure injuries every day in addition to looking for wounds including blisters, bug bites, cuts and scratches.

When Is a Wound Considered Non-Healing?

It is important to know the person’s age and other medical conditions before assigning an expected healing timeline. You should consider seeing a wound care specialist if:

• • • Your wound has not begun to heal within four weeks.
    • You are living with diabetes or vascular disease.
    • You have a history of non-healing wounds or have had a prior amputation.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Infections can occur at any stage, even in new wounds. If left untreated infections can lead to hospitalization or amputation. It is important to seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these signs of infection:

• • • A rapid increase in pain, swelling and/or redness.
    • Four odor or excessive drainage from your wound.
    • Nausea, vomiting, chills or fever.

Find more information and download free wound care resources at woundcareawareness.com.

There is hope for non-healing wounds with wound care advanced treatments that can help wounds heal faster. Start your healing journey today and find a Center near you.