Health Tips for July 17

Health Tip: Talking to Loved Ones With Cancer

When a dear friend or family member has been diagnosed with cancer, you'll want to offer your love, support and sympathy.

Though it may be very difficult, the American Cancer Society says you should be supportive, honest and a good listener.

The Society offers these suggestions:

• Be honest. Concede that you don't quite know what to say, but let your loved one know how much you care and that he or she is in your thoughts.
• It's alright to express sympathy about the diagnosis.
• Ask how he or she is holding up and handling everything.
• Lend an ear, and offer to be a willing listener when your loved one needs to talk.
• Offer to help in any way that's needed.
• Respect the way the person has decided to treat his or her cancer, even if you don't agree.
• Avoid giving too much advice or judging every aspect of the situation.

Health Tip: Your Diet After Cancer Treatment

Once you've completed treatment for cancer, it's not the time to stop planning healthy meals.

The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet after cancer treatment:

• Ask you doctor if there are any foods that you should avoid.
• Work with a dietitian to develop a healthy and nutritious meal plan.
• Continue to eat at least five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Each time you shop, select a fruit or veggie that you haven't had before.
• Eat whole grain breads and cereals, which are high in fiber.
• Bake or broil, instead of frying.
• Stay away from smoked, pickled and salt-cured foods.
• Select low-fat milk and dairy products.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.