Lesson 1

Do Not Lift Heavy Objects

❌ Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavier than the weight recommended by your healthcare provider.

❌ Do not carry heavy grocery bags, suitcases, children, or pets during the early recovery period.

❌ Avoid strenuous household chores such as moving furniture, vacuuming, or heavy gardening.

Do Not Strain Your Chest

❌ Avoid pushing yourself up from a chair using your arms.

❌ Do not pull yourself up using bed rails or overhead supports.

❌ Avoid sudden twisting, reaching, or stretching movements that place stress on your breastbone.

❌ Do not perform upper-body exercises unless approved by your healthcare team.

Do Not Ignore Breathing Exercises

❌ Do not skip your incentive spirometer exercises.

❌ Avoid shallow breathing due to discomfort.

❌ Do not suppress coughing if instructed to clear your lungs; support your chest with a pillow when coughing.

Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco Products

❌ Smoking significantly delays healing and increases the risk of heart and lung complications.

❌ Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke whenever possible.

Do Not Miss Your Medications

❌ Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.

❌ Do not change medication doses on your own.

❌ Avoid taking over-the-counter medicines or supplements without medical approval.

Do Not Ignore Warning Signs

(Contact your healthcare provider if you experience)

❌ Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from your incision.

❌ Fever or chills.

❌ Shortness of breath that worsens.

❌ Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

❌ Sudden weight gain or swelling in the legs.

❌ Persistent chest pain not explained by your surgical recovery.

Do Not Drive Too Soon

❌ Avoid driving until your surgeon confirms it is safe.

❌ Sudden steering movements or emergency braking can place stress on your healing chest.

Do Not Become Completely Inactive

❌ Avoid staying in bed all day unless specifically instructed.

❌ Do not sit for prolonged periods without moving.

❌ Avoid skipping your walking program or cardiac rehabilitation sessions.

Do Not Return to Normal Activities Too Quickly

❌ Avoid rushing back to work before receiving medical clearance.

❌ Do not resume strenuous exercise, sports, or heavy physical activity prematurely.

❌ Avoid overexertion even if you start feeling better.

Do Not Neglect Proper Nutrition and Hydration

❌ Avoid excessive salt intake.

❌ Limit foods high in saturated fats and processed sugars.

❌ Do not become dehydrated unless fluid restrictions have been prescribed.

Do Not Ignore Emotional Health

❌ Avoid isolating yourself from family and friends.

❌ Do not ignore feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression.

❌ Seek support from healthcare professionals if emotional difficulties persist.