The Zakim Center’s Healthy Living Program

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617-632-3322
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More and more, research suggests that a healthy lifestyle – including regular exercise, weight management, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein – 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, 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 through live in-person or virtual classes, as well as on-demand content that can be accessed through the MyZakim platform. Class options include 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.

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New Health Coaching Program - Coming Soon!

A new version of our Health Coaching Program will be introduced in the coming months to empower patients in making positive, sustainable behavior changes. This renewed program is designed to better meet the growing demand for individualized exercise support and greater opportunities to connect with peers and our community.

Based on eligibility, participants will work 1-on-1 with a coach to discuss their wellness goals. Personalized exercise assessments and small group health coaching sessions will be offered to foster strength, wellness, and support during cancer treatment and beyond. This program will continue to be offered at no cost to Dana-Farber patients.

Please check back here for program updates, timing, and eligibility criteria, or call us at 617-632-3322 for more information.

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.

Listen to Our Podcast, “Eating with Cancer”

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