Canyon Ranch Health Resorts
Cancer – once a disease with only a grim prognosis – is something that more and more of us are living with, if not personally, then through family, friends, co-workers or neighbors.

One thing is certain: in addition to the physical implications, the emotional effects of cancer reverberate through our society for both patients and those around them.

Living with fear
Certainly when you have gone through the kind of life-altering experience of any serious illness or condition, it changes you. Your life becomes different, and even if many years have passed and the prognosis is excellent, there is still a fear that is normal and natural. Once you have experienced that fragility and vulnerability, that fear never leaves you entirely.

This fear tends to change people, often making their health their highest priority. Not only do victims expect family members to understand this, but they often expect them to embrace this newfound interest in health and well-being.

Essentially, this is one method of trying to regain control of one’s life. You feel a bit out of control when you are diagnosed with something that you may not even be able to feel in your body, so it is important to feel as if you can control some parts of your life. Controlling what you eat, altering your activity level, and mastering certain goals can help everyone to feel that their quality of life is enriched.

Here are several constructive strategies for coping with fear and taking
back control of your life:

Get physical
Consult with physicians and exercise physiologists to explore the feasibility of activities such as stretching, swimming, walking, yoga, weight training and aerobic exercise. Advice on nutrition and nutritional supplements is also pertinent.

Get spiritual
Seeking out a belief that is greater than what we know, whether it is God or another higher power, often helps clients alleviate anxiety.

Practice relaxation
Studies have shown that massage, healing touch, meditation, deep-breathing and other forms of relaxation can have both physical and emotional benefits for patients with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Write it down
Individuals who are going through cancer treatment or the aftermath often feel isolated and alone. It is important to find a connection, so we often talk about journaling or writing down thoughts and fears.

Champion a cancer-related cause
Join a support group or becoming involved in a cause that benefits cancer treatment is a positive way for many clients to feel helpful and productive.

Take a spa day
Massage and all the cleansing skin care services at a day or destination spa always help the body to feel good. When you have gone through treatments or are taking medications, it is important to take care of your skin, hair, nails and feet.

Concentrate on quality of life
Cancer and serious illness can provide a valuable perspective on life. Pass that perspective on to others.