Sarah Cannon
- August 15, 2017
Cancer-related fatigue, although different for each person, is the most commonly reported side effect from cancer and its treatments. Sami Mansfield, Director of Oncology Wellness, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health, shares tips for addressing this common issue for patients. Share these tips with your friends and family who may be facing fatigue during their cancer journey.
- Get Plenty of Rest: Don't fight fatigue. Rest when you need it. Try to keep naps limited to 20-30 minutes during the daytime.
- Manage Stress: Take time to put stressors into perspective and work to eliminate unhealthy or unnecessary stress in your life. Complete at least one activity for enjoyment each day.
- Plan & Delegate Activities: Limit & prioritize activities. Do important things first & decrease the number of less important activities.
- Focus on Eating for Energy: Include adequate protein such as lean meats, peanut butter, beans, eggs and cottage cheese to help maintain and repair muscular tissue.
- Continue To Have A Social Life: While limiting your social life does conserve energy, it is important to do things and spend time with people in your daily life that make you happy.
- Daily Exercise will reduce deconditioning, improve sleep and lower anxiety. Strength exercise is the most effective way to fight cancer-related fatigue. Try chair based exercises such as seated marching, arm curls and leg lifts. Add a small soup can, hand weight or use resistance band to challenge your muscles.
Find out more information on HCA Midwest Health's Cancer Wellness program. For questions about wellness, call askSARAH.