Getting the news that you have cancer can be devastating

Often filled with emotion, fear, and uncertainty. While every individual handles it differently, the same decisions need to be made: what treatment is needed, where to go for the best care, financial coverage, and how to adjust to life after treatment.

Many cancer survivors are excited to get back to regular life, to move past the cancer treatment and recovery stage, and get on with good health.

After the initial recovery period, there are lifestyle choices you can make to promote long, happy years of health. These include physical activity, maintained body weight, good food in a balanced diet, alcohol limitations, and tobacco limitations.

Physical Activity for Life after Treatment

Regular exercise gets the heart pumping, bringing you good health benefits and may reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence. Creating and maintaining an exercise plan is fairly simple to do. Just be sure to move for at least 30 minutes, five days a week (or more) as recommended by The American Cancer Society.

Start small, getting yourself moving, and participate in activities that are enjoyable to you. This can include swimming, golfing, running, hiking, tennis, dancing, and skiing. Of course, the list can go on and on, but the point is to keep moving.

Here are some of the benefits specific to cancer survivors:

  • Increased strength and endurance.
  • Improved mood.
  • Higher confidence and self-esteem.
  • Lower stress and anxiety.
  • Reduced fatigue.
  • Decreased risk of depression.

To prevent boredom, add some variety to your workout schedule. Always consult your physician when implementing a new exercise program. If you have lingering side effects from treatment, then do what you can and rest when you can.

Balanced Diet

Mix up the food on your plate with a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors include the following elements to their diet for added strength:

  • Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Choose healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, rather than saturated fats or trans fats.
  • Select proteins that are low in saturated fat, such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
  • Opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables.

You can also supplement your diet with vitamins and mineral supplements but always check with your doctor for the correct dosage amount.

Maintain Your Healthy Weight

Weight can fluctuate during treatment, so consult with your doctor to determine your ideal weight for proper health.

Tobacco and Alcohol

It’s time to put away the cigarette if you are a smoker as it can increase your risk for certain types of cancer. Kick the habit once and for all. Be smoke-free for life. Smoking or using chewing tobacco puts you at risk of reoccurrence or getting other types of cancer. Your physician can help you find the best resources to quit. Keep alcohol consumption to a daily minimum as it could increase the risk for mouth and throat cancers. Women should drink no more than one drink a day, and men should drink no more than two drinks a day.

Support

Surround yourself with positive, caring people. Maintain strong family ties and healthy relationships. You will have someone to share the emotional burdens if and when they arise.

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