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Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON

LinkedIn Profile Christine Kijek is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has completed courses for wound and ostomy specialty and has 20 years of experience. She has been a Health Products For You contributor since February 2021.

A colorectal nurse at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT she has a wealth of knowledge in the field of ostomy and wound care. An ostomate herself, she has first-hand knowledge about living with an ostomy.

Christine hosts HPFY’s monthly ostomy support group and our monthly Ostomy Webinar.

Christine enjoys riding motorcycles and gardening. She can often be found onboard a Carnival Cruise ship lounging by the pool with her husband Ed.

Blood Pressure

Why is Blood Pressure Higher in the Morning?

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Aug 10, 2022

Blood pressure varies throughout the day. It can be affected by the foods you eat, how active you are, and emotional stress. High blood pressure or hypertension is a leading cause of stroke, cardiac arrest, heart conditions, blood vessel problems, and aneurysm formation.

Ostomy Tips

Dressing With an Ostomy

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Aug 27, 2022

Figuring out what to wear with a new ostomy can be a challenge. A big factor is stoma placement. For stomas below the waistline, dressing is a little less of a challenge. A stoma above the waistline requires more attention.

Surgery

Hysterectomy: What is it & How to Prepare for Hysterectomy?

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Aug 31, 2022

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. It can include other surrounding parts of the reproductive organs, such as the cervix, the ovaries (oophorectomy), and the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy). Read more to learn how to prepare for a hysterectomy.

Ostomy Tips

Choosing the Right Ostomy Barrier

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Sep 08, 2022

Choosing the right ostomy barrier can be a challenge for new ostomates. There is so much to learn. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the details are easier to understand! If you are lucky enough, you have met with an ostomy nurse. Unfortunately, many areas in the country do not have expertly trained ostomy nurses. Let’s discuss the factors that play a large part in choosing the right barrier.

Allergy Relief

Illness That Peak in The Autumn Season

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Sep 15, 2022

Several illnesses are commonly spread during this time. For some, these viral illnesses can be dangerous. The elderly population, the young, and those with compromised immune systems are more apt to develop complications from mere viruses. Many of the symptoms of these viral conditions are similar.

Ostomy Tips

Living with an Ostomy: How Does it Change Your Daily Routine?

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Sep 27, 2022

If you’re a new ostomate, you probably feel your life has drastically changed. At first, getting into a routine seems hard. Thinking about returning to work is scary. Even getting back to the things you love to do seems far off. The first few months is the hardest but you will adjust to life with your new ostomy. And for some of us, it is an improved life!

Dental and Oral Care

Oral Health: Does Oral Health Affect Overall Health?

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Oct 12, 2022

Oral health and its effects on the body have been a topic of research recently. Some say it is the “window to your overall health” or the “mouth is the gateway to your body.” Some chronic conditions have been linked to poor oral health. Lifestyle choices can increase the risk of oral diseases and other conditions within the body.

Ostomy Tips

Strategies for Managing Your Ostomy During the Holidays

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Oct 29, 2022

The holiday season is approaching fast and if you are an ostomate, you might find some challenges with management while navigating the holidays. Let’s be real. We all indulge in rich foods, party snacks, and those special traditional family recipes that are available only at Thanksgiving or Christmas. The weather has turned cool and we take advantage of covering up with cozy sweaters and relaxing while visiting with friends and family. Christine Kijek shares some tips to manage ostomy and enjoy holidays with your loved ones.

Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery : Everything You Need To Know

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Nov 04, 2022

Laparoscopic surgery requires about 4 very small incisions, about half inches in size. Because these incisions are small, healing time is improved. Traditional surgery or open surgical procedure typically requires a larger incision to allow visualization of the abdominal cavity. These types of surgeries cut more tissue, requiring a longer healing time. Many types of surgeries can be done laparoscopically.

Living with Ostomy

Intimacy With An Ostomy

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Jan 31, 2023

Every 4th Thursday, Christine Kijek, a WOCN nurse and an Ostomate herself, talks about living with an ostomy. In her webinar, our in-house expert talks about intimacy with an ostomy & more. Read all about her webinar here.

Winter Season

Winter Safety Tips: Keeping Our Seniors Safe This Winter

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Feb 06, 2023

Aging makes us more vulnerable to many things, especially in the winter. Cold temperatures, such as hypothermia (low body temperature), frostbite, and falls, challenge seniors. Senior citizens can lose body heat much faster than younger adults and are often unaware of lost body heat, which can be very dangerous. Hypothermia, or a body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, can cause health problems.

Living with Ostomy

Showering With Ostomy Bag

Christine Kijek, RN, BSN, WON Mar 08, 2023

As you probably already know, good hygiene becomes even more important after ostomy surgery. Bathing with an ostomy is not difficult. The stoma does not interfere with being clean and there are many options available to keep the stoma from getting wet while showering or bathing. The type of stoma you have may play a part in what technique you choose. Learn about Christine Kijek's 5 tips for showering with ostomy bag.