Holiday Health with Home Enteral Nutrition: Tips for Adults
Medically Reviewed by Shana Vold, RD, LD, CNSC, Enteral Feeding Specialist
The holiday season brings travel, celebrations, and time with family and friends. While these moments are worth celebrating, they can also interrupt your daily routine. If you receive Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN), a little planning can help you enjoy the season while staying on track with your health.
Stick to Your Routine
Holiday events can make it tempting to delay or skip feedings, but consistency is important. Following your prescribed feeding schedule helps your body get the nutrition and hydration it needs. If your plans will significantly change your routine, talk with your healthcare team before adjusting.
Pack Smart
Whether you’re heading across town or out of state, bring extra supplies in case of unexpected delays.
Your travel bag should include:
- Formula
- Feeding pump and charger (if needed)
- Syringes and extension sets
- Water for tube flushes
- Medications
- Extra tube care supplies
Being prepared can help you enjoy the festivities with confidence.
Keep an Eye on Your Tube Site
Busy schedules can make it easy to overlook daily tube care. Check your stoma each day for redness, swelling, increased drainage, pain, or leakage. If you notice changes or have trouble flushing your tube, contact your healthcare provider.
Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
Holiday gatherings often mean more exposure to seasonal illnesses. Wash your hands often, stay up to date on recommended vaccines, and pay close attention to hydration if you develop vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re unable to tolerate feedings or notice signs of dehydration.
Celebrate with Confidence
If your healthcare team has approved eating by mouth, enjoy holiday foods within the guidelines they’ve provided. If not, remember that the holidays are about much more than what’s on the menu—they’re about spending time with the people you care about.
With a little planning and by listening to your body, you can enjoy the season while keeping your nutrition, hydration, and tube care a priority.
Always follow your healthcare team’s recommendations for your feeding regimen, hydration, and tube care. If you have questions about your HEN plan, consult your physician, nurse, or registered dietitian.
