As the classic holiday song goes, it is the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season is filled with shopping, dinners with family and friends, holiday work functions, etc. While all the holiday hustle and bustle may be fun for some, the extra errands and gatherings may bring stress to those fighting a cancer diagnosis.
For a cancer patient, staying healthy during the holidays is crucial because cancer treatments can often weaken the immune system, making them more susceptible to infections that are commonly spread during holiday get-togethers. In addition, the stress and overindulgence of the season can exacerbate existing treatment side effects like fatigue, nausea, and pain, affecting their overall well-being and ability to enjoy time with loved ones.
Below are some tips for cancer patients to remain healthy during the holiday season.
- Plan ahead:
Talk with your oncologist to determine what’s best for your safety. Plan meals and activities, and ask friends and family to help.
- Eat well:
Eat smaller portions, and fill your plate with plant-based foods and fiber. Avoid sugary foods and alcohol, which can cause your energy to dip.
- Get enough sleep:
Aim for good quality sleep, and limit caffeine and alcohol before bed.
- Stay active:
Physical activity can improve your health and reduce your cancer risk.\
- Take breaks:
Listen to your body and plan time to rest and relax.
- Be mindful of crowds: Avoid large crowds of people you don’t know, and practice good hand hygiene. If masking is recommended, consider wearing a mask.
- Connect with loved ones:
Use video calling, email, or text messages to stay in touch.
- Keep traditions:
You can keep traditions you love, even if the holiday feels different.
- Shop online: Save time and energy by shopping online, and many sites offer gift wrapping.
- Ask for help:
Ask friends and family to help with tasks like cleaning, decorating, and wrapping presents.
If you are currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis, please remember to make time to rest and take care of yourself. It’s important to remain healthy during the holiday season. If you have any questions about cancer treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our team at St. Louis CyberKnife. We are here to help make sure your holidays are happy ones!