There is no reason you can’t maintain an active and outdoor lifestyle with a stoma. The warm weather and brighter days during summer encourage us to spend more time outdoors but with some consideration and preparation, you can enjoy walking, hiking, cycling, water activities and any other outdoor sports that you enjoy or want to try. Here are some top tips to help you stay active and enjoy outdoor activities with a stoma.

1. If you’re new to physical activity or outdoor sports after your stoma surgery, start gradually and progress at your own pace. Begin with low-impact activities like walking or gentle stretching, and gradually increase the intensity or duration as your fitness level improves.
2. Focus on activities that interests you, your abilities, and comfort level. Many activities can be enjoyed with a stoma, including walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and golf. Explore different activities and find what works best for you. Consider your level of activity, and the amount of heat and sweat you will be experiencing. The adhesive part of your pouch that sticks to your skin may react differently than what you are used to and may affect the wear time or how long the pouch stays secure for. Using a barrier film like eakin Protect^™ can help with adhesion, while our Contour^™ flange extenders help with preventing edge lift from your baseplate. Both products will give you extra security and piece of mind.
3. Empty or change your pouch before activities to prevent it getting too full and causing discomfort. This will also reduce the risk of leakage during exercise. You can also try our eakin Cohesive^® seals and eakin freeseal^® that are designed to prevent leaks giving you the confidence to enjoy the summer.
4. When heading outdoors, plan and ensure you have an adequate supply of your supplies, such as pouches, seals and any other accessories you use. Pack extras in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. Consider carrying a small waterproof bag or pouch to store your supplies and keep them dry if you’re going to be doing water activities.
5. Ensure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.