Opinion

People who have cancer often suffer from weakened immune systems, which can make it hard for their bodies to fight off disease. That means it is essential for newly diagnosed cancer patients or those going through treatment to avoid others who are ill, such as those with influenza or even the common cold. Family members also will need to take precautions to help protect their loved ones from contracting contagious diseases. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, heightened risk for cancer patients has occurred in the wake of COVID-19. Cancer patients are urged to speak with their doctors regarding their concerns about COVID-19. Practicing good personal hygiene and embracing social distancing policies may help cancer patients avoid viruses, including COVID-19. Cancer patients may want to ask others to do their food shopping and run errands for them to minimize their contact with potentially ill individuals.

HealthCorps Program Coordinator When exercising, how often do you stretch? Do you stretch before? After? Both? In reality, like exercising, stretching should be done everyday, and it helps with doing essential activities like getting out of bed in the morning and bending down to tie your shoes. Stretching improves flexibility, which is the ability to move your joints through a full range of motion, and stretching before exercise helps reduce the chance of exercise-related injury. Stretching after exercising helps the body return to its normal state, and it helps to prevent muscle strain. A great way to incorporate stretching into exercising is to do yoga!