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
Virtual 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 on Zoom with Dana-Farber's exercise physiologist, Nancy Campbell, MS, who can answer fitness-related questions and provide personalized exercise tips. Consults are available at no cost for individuals with any cancer diagnosis. To schedule, please call 617-632-3322.
Nutrition Programs
Eating during and after treatment can sometimes be difficult. Our free nutrition programs, such as What's Cookin' with Zakim and Zakim's Kitchen are informative and entertaining opportunities for patients, caregivers, and families to learn easy and tasty meal preparation tips and tricks.
For more information, visit our Nutrition page on MyZakim.
View On-Demand Nutrition Videos
For individual nutrition appointments, see Dana-Farber's Nutrition Services.