| Taking care of yourself after breast cancer | | | | higher in saturated fats, sugar and salt. |
| So you've survived breast cancer! You are probably | | | | Get back to cooking |
| feeling very lucky at this moment in time, but could still | | | | Eat healthy fats - it's essential that we have healthy |
| be feeling the after effects of all your treatments and | | | | fats in our diet, these can be found in fish such as |
| any operations you may have had. Now is the time is | | | | salmon and mackerel, vegetable oil, olive oil, peanut oil, |
| start getting your life back on track both emotionally | | | | canola oil, flaxoil, avocados, seeds and nuts. |
| and physically. | | | | Eat 5-a-day! 5-a-day is a combination of fruit and |
| It's important to take care of your body after breast | | | | vegetables. Try and vary them each day, you will find |
| cancer. You're probably still recovering from all your | | | | they are packed with natural vitamins and minerals. |
| treatments, but there are some things you can do to | | | | Ensure you include protein in your diet, but ensure they |
| ensure you make a full recovery. You might feel like | | | | are low in saturated fats. Good sources of protein are |
| you have a new lease of life after surviving breast | | | | fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts and seeds. |
| cancer, so why not look into a new healthy way of | | | | Eat carbohydrates - many diets out there opt for |
| life? | | | | none, however it's important to have them especially |
| Looking after your long-term health and maintaining a | | | | when you are recovering but make sure you choose |
| healthy lifestyle should be a priority now. Once you are | | | | healthier options such as wholegrains. |
| feeling up to it there are some very simple things you | | | | Cut down on sugary snacks such as sweets, |
| can do to improve your health. If you smoke - stop! If | | | | chocolate, biscuits, pastries, cakes and puddings. Just |
| you like an alcoholic drink, it would be wise to limit your | | | | have them as a treat once in a while. |
| intake. Always eat a balanced diet and exercise | | | | Cut down on alcohol - The recommended limits for |
| where possible. | | | | women are no more than 14 units per week and that |
| Exercising after surviving breast cancer | | | | includes no more than three units in a single day. There |
| Exercising after surviving breast cancer can help you | | | | are 1 ½ units in a small glass of wine, 1 unit in a |
| on your road to recovery, however you will need to | | | | standard pub measure of spirits and 1 unit in half a pint |
| talk to your GP about what types of exercise you can | | | | of beer, lager or cider. |
| do before you start. This will depend on your fitness | | | | Maintaining a Healthy Weight |
| level, age and the treatments you are recovering from. | | | | It's important that you maintain a healthy weight after |
| You GP should be able to advise you on what types | | | | suffering from breast cancer. Some people |
| of exercise you can do, the frequency you do them | | | | automatically think of losing weight, but more often |
| and how long you should spend on each type of | | | | than not doctors are recommending that their patients |
| exercise. | | | | need to put on weight in order to get their strength |
| Exercise is a great way to help you feel happier and | | | | back. This doesn't apply to everyone, so make sure |
| move alive! When you exercise, your body releases | | | | you ask your doctor for advice. You should be |
| endorphins. Endorphins are like a natural pain killer in | | | | supplied with information after your treatments and |
| your body and once they enter the bloodstream you | | | | operations on this very subject. |
| will start to feel happier and more positive about life in | | | | If you do need to gain weight talk to your doctor about |
| general. | | | | what types of food you should eat, you may need |
| Make sure you feel ready to start exercising, you don't | | | | extra protein to help build your strength back up. If you |
| want to push yourself too hard. When you have made | | | | need to lose weight, do it slowly and aim for no more |
| the decision to start exercising, you should start off | | | | than 2 pounds a week weight loss, use the tips listed |
| with some gentle walking or cycling, there's no need to | | | | above or speak to your doctor. |
| sign up for expensive gym memberships. Make small | | | | Smoking and the effects after breast cancer |
| changes to your lifestyle, walk to the shop instead of | | | | Everyone knows the risk of smoking, however |
| driving or take the stairs instead of a lift. | | | | smoking after suffering from breast cancer will only |
| Once you've started a new exercise regime, you | | | | add to the already long list of risks. If you decide to |
| should start to feel more alive and stronger. Exercise is | | | | stop smoking after your illness, you will reduce the risk |
| a great way to relieve stress, improve circulation and | | | | of your breast cancer recurring and the risk of |
| may even help with depression. Of course there are | | | | developing a secondary type of cancer will be lower. |
| other great benefits, you may start to lose weight and | | | | Of course stopping smoking is easier said than done, |
| improve your muscle tone, your skin should look | | | | so if you're struggling to give up ask your doctor for |
| healthier and you should gain some confidence back | | | | some help or call the NHS smoking helpline which is |
| after your illness. You may even find that you are | | | | free to call on 0800 0224 332. |
| sleeping better and will feel less tired. | | | | Once you've followed these simple guidelines, you |
| Eat a healthy balanced diet and maintain your weight | | | | should start to feel healthier and more alive. You should |
| There are some simple rules you can follow to start | | | | look at incorporating all of these tips into your |
| and maintain a healthy balanced diet. | | | | everyday life to ensure a healthy and balanced |
| Stay away from ready made meals, they will often be | | | | lifestyle. |