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February 2011

Health & Wellness

Recipe Suggestions

Fitness

Integrative Medicine

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Changes to Consider Making to your Lifestyle after Cancer:

Quite Smoking: Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society.  Quitting tobacco is not easy, but you can do it.

Stay Out of Sun: The skin is the largest organ of the body and skin cancer is the most common of all cancers.  Avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and practice sun safety.

Cut down on alcohol consumption: Research shows that the more alcohol a person consumes, the higher his or her risk of developing some kinds of cancer.  Drinking alcohol in moderation is the key to reducing the risk of alcohol-related cancers.

Eat Well: Healthy food choices may help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.  Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist to find out about any special dietary needs that you may have.

  • Eat a plant-based diet and have at least 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.  Try to include beans and whole grains several times a day.
  • Choose foods low in fat and low in salt.
  • Get to and stay at a healthy weight.

Exercise and stay active: Staying active after cancer can help lower the risk of recurrence and can lead to longer survival.  Moderate exercise for about 20 minute a day can:

  • Reduce anxiety and depression
  • Improve and boost self-esteem
  • Reduce fatigue, nausea, pain and diarrhea
*Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.  The key is to start slowly. Take simple steps in your daily life to increase movement and activity.  Cardio is good, but you also need to add in strength training.  Once again, start slow.

Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight has been linked to six different types of cancer.

 
 

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