Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing disease, but it also has a part to play in fighting and recovering from an illness.
Grace Prostate Cancer Centre continence nurse Judy Kelly shares her advice on the importance of a healthy lifestyle post treatment for prostate cancer.
Rest and recuperation
Initially, post treatment for prostate cancer, the emphasis is on rest. I tell my patients to listen to their bodies. On gooddays, they can do more, but if they’re having a bad day, they should get a stack of books or a pile of DVDs and do nothing at all. TLC and lots of it is the key – your health is number one priority, and work can wait.
Regular exercise
There is compelling evidence that regular exercise will help prevent a cancer recurrence. It does depend on the type of treatment you’ve had for your prostate cancer just how quickly you can return to regular exercise. Walking is the best form of exercise initially and men need to avoid strenuous exercise until instructed otherwise. Whatever form of treatment they have, they can usually return to full activity at 6 weeks post-treatment. Exercise is good on so many levels and it really helps to generally boost your mood.
Pelvic floor exercises
Remember to do your pelvic floor exercises. If you don’t understand how to do them correctly seek the advice of a continence nurse or a pelvic floor physiotherapist who can help you. Men who embark on a regular programme of pelvic floor exercises will become dry quicker than men who don’t.
Most importantly…
A healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables is really important as is getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol and avoiding other drugs. Make sure to plan activities, like social outings and take time out to relax and do the things you enjoy.
