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The Zakim Center’s Healthy Living Program

  • Exercise class in new Zakim space

  • Research increasingly suggests that a healthy lifestyle — regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein, and weight management — can help patients recover from cancer treatment and is important for health and wellness throughout treatment and beyond.

    The Zakim Center's Healthy Living program includes a broad range of offerings such as physical activity, mindful movement, weight management, and nutrition education.

    Exercise and Mind/Body Movement Programs

    The Zakim Center offers a variety of free exercise and mind/body movement programs, including classes in qigong, tai chi, yoga, dance, strength training, aerobics, and more. These therapies, which include mind/body, meditation, and breathing techniques, can ease tired muscles, reduce stress, and increase positive energy. Sessions are for adult patients at all fitness levels.

    Visit MyZakim for full class schedule and registration
    Explore our virtual exercise and mind/body movement videos
    Learn how qigong can benefit cancer patients
    Try some of the best yoga stretches for cancer patients

    Exercise Consultations

    Exercise holds benefits for everyone, and a growing number of studies show that cancer patients in particular can gain valuable benefits from regular exercise, including reducing fatigue, improving mood, reducing anxiety, and helping to maintain a healthy weight. Patients can meet with Dana-Farber's exercise physiologist, Nancy Campbell, MS, who can answer fitness-related questions and provide personalized exercise tips. Consults are available for men or women with any cancer diagnosis.

    Zakim's Kitchen

    Eating during and after treatment can sometimes be difficult. Zakim's Kitchen workshops are informative and entertaining opportunities for patients, caregivers, and families to learn easy and tasty meal preparation tips and tricks.

    Topics related to general health and wellness, as well as management of cancer-specific symptoms and side effects, are also  offered throughout the year.

    View On-Demand Nutrition Videos
    For individual nutrition appointments, see Dana-Farber's Nutrition Services

  • Listen to Our Monthly Podcast, “Eating with Cancer”

    This Zakim Center podcast is about how food and eating are impacted by cancer. Hear candid conversations as we seek integrative approaches to finding joy in food.