• Use a stool softener and increase your
fl uid intake as needed to prevent
constipation. Stop taking the stool
softener if you develop diarrhea.
• Brush your teeth often with a soft-
bristle toothbrush. Replace your
toothbrush at least once a month.
If are not able to replace your
toothbrush monthly, you can run
your current toothbrush through the
dishwasher to thoroughly clean it.
• If you have dentures, clean them at
least twice a day.
Avoid:
• People with cold sores, fever blisters,
shingles, chicken pox, measles,
mumps, cold, or fl u.
• People who have had vaccinations
for polio, rubella, mumps, measles,
yellow fever, or smallpox in the past
few weeks.
• Cleaning bird cages, fi sh tanks, or cat
litter boxes. These carry germs that
may make you sick.
• Stagnant water, such as fl ower vases,
denture cups, or drinks that have
been sitting out for a long time.
Food Safety
• Scrub all fruits and vegetables before
you eat them. Scrub melons before
you cut them. Avoid foods that cannot
be washed such as bean sprouts and
raspberries.
• Keep raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat
foods separated when shopping for,
preparing, or storing foods. Place raw
meat in plastic bags.
• Refrigerate perishable food promptly
and thaw food in the refrigerator —
not on the counter.
• Check expiration dates of foods and
discard if past date.
• Clean your hands, utensils, dishes,
and food contact surfaces.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked
meat and fi sh. Cook foods to a safe
temperature in order to kill germs.
• Make sure eggs are well cooked
before eating. Do not eat raw eggs.
• Use only pasteurized milk and milk
products. Avoid soft cheeses that are
not pasteurized, such as feta, brie,
Camembert, and blue cheese.
Keeping Clean
• If you have a long-term catheter,
change the dressing as directed.
Check the site for signs of infection,
which include redness, drainage,
swelling, or tenderness.
• Wash your hands with warm water
and antibacterial soap before eating,
preparing food, and after using the
toilet. Have anyone caring for you
do the same. It can also be helpful to
place several bottles of alcohol-based
waterless hand cleansers throughout
your home for others to use often.
• Keep fi ngernails and toenails clean
and short. Cut toenails straight across
to prevent them from becoming
ingrown.
• Use an electric razor to shave.
• Keep skin cracks and small cuts
clean and covered. Watch for signs of
infection.
• Do not use enemas, rectal
thermometers, or suppositories.
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