Have you Pre-Habilitated Today?

Prairie Doc Perspective Week of May 11th, 2025
“Have you pre-habilitated today?”
By Joanie Holm, RN


On a recent morning, the first story I heard on the radio was about Pre-habilitation prior to surgery.  We have all heard of rehabilitation, but have you considered pre-habilitation, or increasing your exercise before surgery?  


Recent studies by Durrand, Singh and Danjoux of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have documented what was inherently known- that building up a reserve of strength before surgery pays off. Makes sense, right!


The physiological challenge of a major surgery has been linked to running a marathon. In both cases, preparation is critical. Surgery involving a major body cavity has an estimated mortality of 4%. Post- operative complications of a major surgery affect 15-40% and may increase the hospital length 2-4 fold as well as increasing readmissions.


The NIH study demonstrated that increasing preoperative functional capacity promotes recovery, reduces complications and reduces healthcare cost.


Later in the day, as I walked the track, my brain took a leap. Isn’t life our chance to pre-habilitate? Wouldn’t pre-habilitation help us if we caught COVID or Influenza? What if you or I suddenly need to have our appendix or gallbladder removed? What if we are in a car crash and have broken bones? What if we have a stroke or heart attack? Pre-habilitation through daily exercise, eating a balanced diet and moderate intake of harmful substances would increase our chances of survival and recovery without complications.


Today and all of the tomorrows are our chance to prepare for the possibility of poor health. We are the key member of the prehab team. Take advantage of your health today to prepare for unexpected complications. Get up and get moving!


 Joanie Holm, RN is a one of the original founders of Healing Words Foundation/Prairie Doc Programming and is the current Board President. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, and on social media. Watch On Call with the Prairie Doc, most Thursday’s at 7PM streaming on Facebook and listen to Prairie Doc Radio Sunday’s at 6am and 1pm
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