Personal Hygiene and Habits

Personal Hygiene and Habits

• ** Wear loose comfortable clothing (preferably 100% cotton)
• ## Nails should be kept short. Not too short neither long.
• ** Use lip balms – Keep lips moist.
• ## Use clean (preferably preboiled and cooled) water for bathing purpose.
• ** Avoid rubbing of skin over radiation field, just dabbing is preferred.
• ## Use mild soap to avoid drying of skin.
• ** Use mild moisturizing body lotion (spare area under RT)
• ## Use mild shampoo (baby shampoo) for hair.
• ** Use mouthwash after every meal.
• ## Avoid exposure to sun, dirt, dust and smoke.
• ** Stay away from addiction (tobacco) – if not able to stop tobacco, contact your doctor regarding de-addiction.
• ##  Alcohol, if can’t be avoided, then use in moderation.
• ** Please inform the doctor if you are pregnant, lactating or having any medical condition.
• ## Use medications to postpone menses, if required.
• ** Use approved contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy during course of chemotherapy.

Dietary Advice :

• ** Avoid uncooked raw food during the course of chemotherapy.
• ## Eat freshly cooked or microwaved food.
• ** Eat soft diet (khichdi, daliya, soups, noodles, ice creams, cold coffee) if can’t tolerate normal diet.
• ## Use only preboiled & cooled or mineral water for drinking.

Regular Tests:

• ** Blood tests as and when advised – Hb, TLC, DLC, Platelets , Liver function and renal function tests., Onco Markers.
• ## Radio-logical investigations : X ray, USG, Echo.
• ** Monitor Weight and note changes if any and inform Doctor.

Blood Products arrangements:

• ** Bring extra donors for screening (in-case of rejection, you may have extra)
• ## Collect donor cards of more than one blood bank.
• ** Prefer infrequent visitors for blood donation.
• ## Donors should be readily available.

Help Round the Clock:

• ** Please inform if you body temperature is more than 100 degree F or more, persistent vomiting, bleeding from any site, Low TLC cont (<4000), Hypo-tension, Breathing difficulty.
• ## Rush to 24 hours Emergency in-case of any medical emergency.

Meditation

• ** Maintain a positive attitude in life as negative attitude takes a toll on health.
• ## Meditation on a regular basis wards off stress.
• ** Apart from medical care, patients require emotional support.. Family members can be the best emotional support during stress.