More and more, research suggests that a healthy lifestyle – including regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein, and weight management – can help with recovery from cancer treatment. Our Healthy Living program includes a broad range of offerings, such as physical activity and mindful movement group classes, 1:1 health coaching, weight management resources, and nutrition education. Our goal is to help our patients maintain health and wellness throughout treatment and beyond.
Exercise and Mindful 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, low-intensity cardio, and more. These therapies, which include mind/body, meditation, and breathing techniques, can ease tired muscles, reduce stress and fatigue, and increase positive energy. Sessions are intended 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
Health Coaching Program
We are excited to announce a new health coaching program to the Zakim Center. The journey to better wellness can be challenging in the midst of cancer treatment and beyond. Emerging research shows that health coaching may have significant positive effects on helping individuals with chronic disease improve their quality of life, mood, and physical activity levels. Cancer patients in particular can gain valuable benefits from regular physical activity and exercise, including reduced fatigue, improved mood, reduced anxiety, and help in maintaining a healthy weight.
Our health coaches will work with you individually over a 12-week period. The goal is to empower you to make positive, sustainable behavior changes including more active and healthy lifestyle choices. Patients may have the opportunity to meet virtually with a Zakim health coach 1-on-1 to establish wellness goals.
This program is offered at no cost to Dana-Farber patients. For more information on program details and eligibility, please call 617-632-3322.
Nutrition Programs
Eating during and after cancer treatment can sometimes be difficult. Our free nutrition programs, such as What's Cookin' with Zakim and Ask the Nutritionist, are informative and entertaining opportunities for patients, caregivers, and families to learn easy and tasty meal preparation tips and tricks. We also offer a 13-week-long Nutrition program, called 13 Weeks to Wellness, led by our Registered Dietitian. With the support of a small group, you will be guided in learning and implementing a behavior-based Mediterranean approach to eating.
For more information, visit our Nutrition page on MyZakim.
View On-Demand Nutrition Videos
For individual nutrition appointments, see Dana-Farber's Nutrition Services.