Finishing cancer treatment is cause for celebration. It offers the opportunity to step back, take a deep breath and recognize your journey. It’s also the time to look forward to your future and focus on how you can stay healthy and happy. Here are six tips for improving your health and enjoying what matters most.
 

1. See the doctor.

After months of doctor’s appointments and trips to infusion centers, the last place you may want to be is in a doctor’s office. But keeping follow-up appointments with your treatment team, and scheduling annual appointments and screenings is key to your health. Be sure you see your healthcare providers for:

• Annual physicals for blood pressure, cholesterol and other important screenings
• Annual cancer screenings, including mammograms, pelvic exams, prostate exams and other screenings based on your age, gender and risk
• Regular dental and vision check-ups

If you feel anxious about medical appointments, there are many ways to relax during your visits. For example, you could ask a friend to join you or try a pleasant distraction like a good book or your favorite music.
 

2. Eat healthy.

Choosing the right foods can help you manage side effects from cancer treatment and even lower your risk of some cancers. Try adding a few of these delicious, cancer-fighting options to your daily diet:

• Berries, including blueberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries and blackberries
• Foods high in omega-3, such as salmon, tuna, trout and eggs
• Leafy green vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, kale, collard greens and romaine lettuce
• Lean protein, beans, lentils and nuts
• Vegetables, especially Brussels sprouts, cabbage and mustard greens
   

3. Stay active.

Getting active can seem overwhelming, particularly after cancer treatment. It’s important to talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise program and to start slow. Consider some of these fun ways to boost your activity level:

• Go for a walk with a friend.
• Ride a bike along the Carrollton GreenBelt.
• Try a new class, such as yoga or stretch and tone.
• Go swimming.

You’ll be glad you did. Physical activity helps us feel better overall and offers many proven health benefits, including:

• The ability to obtain or maintain a healthy weight
• Better quality of life
• Boosted energy level
• Improved heart health
• Lowered risk for type 2 diabetes, or better management of blood glucose levels if you already have diabetes
• Reduced risk of certain types of cancer
   

4. Connect with family and friends.

Now that treatment is over, you may have time and energy to catch up with family and friends. Enjoy reconnecting with those who supported you during your diagnosis and treatment. Meet for coffee, schedule a lunch or dinner, or go see a new movie. Friendship and conversation is a great way to gain emotional support as you recover from cancer treatment and start the next phase of your journey.
 

5. Avoid tobacco and alcohol.

There’s no disputing that using tobacco products or being exposed to second-hand smoke poses significant health risks. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that 480,000 people in the United States will die from a tobacco-related illness each year — about 30 percent of those deaths from tobacco-related cancers.

If you’ve already stopped using tobacco during cancer treatment, congratulations! It isn’t easy to quit, but you’ve proven it’s possible. Keep up your hard work.

If you’re still using tobacco products, it’s not too late. Stopping now can improve your quality of life, and reduce your risk of future health complications, including cancer. Seeking out support from encouraging friends and family members or joining groups like Freshstart is a great first step.

It’s also important to limit your exposure to secondhand smokeo. Ask friends and family members not to smoke around you or in your home to reduce your exposure to the harmful chemicals in tobacco.

Alcohol use can also impact your cancer risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that men limit themselves to no more than two alcoholic beverages per day, and that women limit their daily intake to one.
 

6. Find activities you enjoy.

As your energy returns and side effects from treatment begin to subside, you’ll find you’re able to enjoy some of your favorite activities. Be sure to make time for yourself and the things that bring you happiness. Try out a new activity or hobby you’ve always wanted to explore.

Remember to take it slow. Recovering from cancer treatment doesn’t happen overnight. It may take you a few weeks or months before you begin to feel like yourself again. As you navigate your new normal, commit yourself to taking care of your health. If you have questions about your health after cancer, contact your doctor. You can also call 770-214-CARE (2273) to find a Tanner physician near you.