The topic is about preventing ostomy leaks, which can be a common concern for those with an ostomy. Here are some essential tips and routines shared by individuals with experience in managing ostomies:

1. **Cleaning and Skin Protection**
- Wash the skin around the stoma with plain soap and water, and dry it thoroughly. Avoid using lotions or soaps with lotion.
- Some people use skin-prep wipes, but it's important to let them dry completely before applying the wafer.
- If the skin is irritated, use Adapt Stoma Powder on the sore area and cover it with Cavilon No-Sting Barrier Film wipes. Use powder only on broken skin.
- Herb Pharm Friar’s Balsam can be applied before the wafer to heal the skin and improve adhesion, though it may sting briefly on raw skin.

2. **Warming the Adhesive**
- Warm the rings or wafers by placing them under an arm, thigh, or bra for 5–10 minutes, or use a hair-dryer on low/high for about 30 seconds.
- After applying, hold a hand or use a hair-dryer on a cool setting over the wafer to finish warming it.

3. **Barrier Rings, Paste, and Gap-Filling**
- Barrier rings often provide a better seal than paste. If using paste, apply a thin layer and let it set before applying the wafer.
- Rings can be torn into pieces to fill any creases or dimples around the stoma.
- Some people experience discomfort with paste and choose to avoid it.

4. **Convex and Specialty Products for Difficult Stomas**
- Deep convex appliances can help prevent leaks around flush, retracted, or outward-angled stomas.
- Coloplast Curved Strips can be placed under the wafer's lower edge to prevent leaks when the abdomen slopes away.
- A Stomaplex rigid press or a homemade plastic tube can be used to press the wafer evenly around the stoma while the adhesive is warm.

5. **Hair, Shaving, and Skin Prep Routine**
- Shave the hair around the stoma every second change to prevent hair pulling and leaks.
- A suggested routine: shower with the pouch on, remove it gently, scrub off residual adhesive with a rough baby terry cloth, pat dry with a paper towel, blow-dry the skin, heat the wafer with a hair-dryer, apply it, press firmly with a plastic tube, then attach the pouch.

6. **Change Frequency and Timing**
- Many people change their ostomy setup every 3 days, often right after a shower to make removal easier and reduce skin trauma.
- Change immediately if you feel any seepage, as a partially lifted wafer usually cannot be resealed.

7. **Adhesive Removal and Skin Rescue**
- Use medical adhesive-removal spray to ease wafer removal and protect fragile skin, especially when frequent changes are needed.
- Fresh supplies tend to stick better than those stored for long periods.

8. **Diet and Output Management**
- Keep a food journal when starting out, introducing one new food at a time and noting any problem items.
- Practice portion control; for example, nuts are fine for some, but limit to a handful.

9. **Supporting Gear**
- A hernia belt can help hold the pouch snugly against the abdomen and further reduce the risk of leaks.

These tips and routines are based on personal experiences and feedback from others who manage ostomies, aiming to make life a bit easier and more comfortable.