General Surgery Patient Education Series: Monthly Health Tips

Monthly Health Topics Template

January: Post-Holiday Health Reset

• Healthy weight management after holiday indulgence
• Signs that warrant surgical consultation
• Tips for maintaining surgical site health in winter

February: Digestive Health Month

• Common symptoms of gallbladder disease
• Understanding hernias and their prevention
• When to seek surgical evaluation for GERD

March: Cancer Awareness

• Colorectal cancer screening guidelines
• Early warning signs of digestive cancers
• Importance of routine health screenings

April: Minimally Invasive Surgery Focus

• Benefits of laparoscopic procedures
• Recovery expectations and timeline
• Latest technological advances in surgery

May: Surgical Preparation Month

• Pre-surgery nutrition guidelines
• Lifestyle modifications before surgery
• Understanding pre-operative testing

June: Men's Health

• Hernia prevention and treatment
• Screening recommendations
• Post-surgery exercise guidelines

July: Summer Safety

• Wound care in hot weather
• Preventing surgical site infections
• Activity modifications after surgery

August: Back-to-School Health

• Pediatric surgical preparations
• Sports physicals and clearance
• Managing post-operative return to activities

September: Surgical Recovery Focus

• Pain management techniques
• Nutrition for optimal healing
• Return to work guidelines

October: Breast Health Awareness

• Breast disease education
• Screening guidelines
• Treatment options overview

November: Diabetes and Surgery

• Surgical considerations for diabetic patients
• Wound healing optimization
• Blood sugar management perioperatively

December: Holiday Health

• Managing post-surgery holiday celebrations
• Winter wellness tips
• Year-end health goal setting

Implementation Guidelines

1. Content Distribution

   • Monthly email newsletter
   • Social media posts
   • Waiting room displays
   • Patient handouts

2. Customization Options

   • Add practice-specific information
   • Include surgeon bios and specialties
   • Feature patient success stories
   • Incorporate local health events