August 12, 2021 diet | ERAS | Healthy Eating | Preop Diet Gillian Griffith

Summer Preop Diet: Using the Healthy Flavors of Summer to Get Fit for Your Fall Surgery

Nutrition is one of the most important parts of any surgery—after all, how strong and healthy your body is going into surgery plays a pivotal role in the success of your procedure and how quickly you’ll be able to get back to normal afterward. If you’re getting ready to undergo a surgery in the fall, […]

July 19, 2021 opioid | opioids | pain | painkillers | Post Op | postop | Research Gillian Griffith

Research At-a-Glance: What Painkillers During Surgery Might Mean For Your Recovery

Did you know?  This study found that high doses of fentanyl (an opioid) during surgery caused higher levels of post-op pain and post-op vomiting. Similarly, this 2018 study found that the high use of remifentanil (another opioid patients are given during surgery to relieve pain) increased the need for early post-op painkiller consumption. In other words… The thought […]

June 23, 2021 diet | Dietitian | Food | nutrition | postop diet | Preop Diet Gillian Griffith

The Importance of Good Nutrition: 5 Fascinating Ways Your Diet Affects Your Overall Wellness

We’re all well aware of the intrinsic link between our diet and our body weight—but the importance of good nutrition stretches far beyond waist circumference. When we understand the impact our diet has on our overall wellness—from the appearance of our skin to our body’s ability to fight viruses—reaching for a handful of fruit instead of fried […]

June 2, 2021 Nurse Anesthetist | Nuse | Preop | Surgeon | surgery | surgery prep Gillian Griffith

Meet Your Surgical Team: The Pros Who Play a Role in Your Procedure

It’s no secret surgery can be overwhelming—but knowing who’s involved with your procedure is a great way to ease your nerves. Today, we’re breaking down everyone you might meet along your surgery journey and what they do for you.  1. Circulator or Circulating Nurse 2. Scrub Nurses or Perioperative Nurses 3. Anesthesiologist (or CRNA) 4. […]

May 6, 2021 diet | Food | Healthy Eating | nutrition Marissa Adams

Ease Your Way Into Healthy Eating: 5 Tips to Rethink Your Approach

Listen—we love salty french fries and a creamy chocolate shake as much as anyone, but, in today’s health-conscious world, we’re all well aware that we cannot (unfortunately) subside off of our favorite cheat foods alone and expect to live a long, healthy, ailment-free life. Whether a doctor has told you it’s time to lower your […]

April 15, 2021 Antibiotics | Infection | Post Op | postop | recovery | SSI | Surgical Site Infection Gillian Griffith

All You Need to Know About Infection After Surgery

As your body heals from surgery, it’s often in a compromised state and needs all the help it can get. One thing that makes the road to recovery even bumpier? Developing an infection after surgery. Today, then, we’re talking all you need to know about this fairly common occurrence—including what to look for, when to […]

March 4, 2021 Clean Eating | Food | Healthy Eating | nutrition Marissa Adams

Up Your Nutrients: Healthy Food Swaps & Easy Additions for Next-Level Nutrition

With misleading labels boasting are-they-serious? Serving sizes, sugar-coated flakes posing as breakfast food, and salty snacks that are scientifically impossible to stop eating once you’ve started—in today’s modern world, it’s very possible to eat all day without actually consuming any real nutrition. So, what items are the major culprits and, how, exactly, can you ensure you’re fueling your body […]

January 29, 2021 Dietitian | nutrition | Nutritionist Marissa Adams

Get to Know Your Nutritionist or Dietitian

The Pros Who Can Help You Achieve Health Harmony Through the Power of Thoughtful Nutrition Whether as part of your presurgery or recovery plan—or perhaps just on your own as you work to form healthy habits—chances are you may end up working with a nutritionist or dietician at some point in your lifetime. To help […]

January 7, 2021 Nausea | PONV | Post Op Marissa Adams

Are You At Higher Risk For PONV?

At MendWell, it’s always our goal to empower patients with the information they need for a smooth surgical experience. Today, then, we’re talking about one of the most common surgical complications: postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)—and, specifically, about how to know if you’re at a higher risk for PONV. Read for our helpful breakdown on […]

November 16, 2020 anesthesia | Fear | mental health Gillian Griffith

Afraid of Anesthesia: You’re Not Alone—But Don’t Put Off that Much-Needed Procedure

The thought of going under is a serious struggle for so many patients who have an upcoming procedure—but, it’s unfortunately not a great excuse for avoiding a much-needed surgery and possibly putting your health at risk as a result. Today, then, we wanted to talk about what to do if you’re afraid of anesthesia: including tips for […]