Cancer and the Impact of Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in helping cancer patients survive by reenergizing the body and building up defenses. The Shaw Regional Cancer Center offers professional dietitian advice through Vail Valley Medical Center. Simply contact Melaine Hendershott, nutritionist, at 970-569-7614 or hendershott@vvmc.com to find out how to receive specific nutritional information. In addition, patients should feel encouraged to peruse the documents below and visit some helpful websites (click here) for useful tips and guides for general nutritional health.

Low Residue Eating Plan
Food Choices to Lessen Gas 
Tips for Treatment of Head/Neck Cancer 

Shaw Center Café
The Shaw Center Café, located on the first floor of the Shaw Regional Cancer Center, offers healthy and delicious home-style meals, including daily specials, homemade soups, a grill menu, salad bar, and snacks. Our comfortable dining room features a cozy fireplace and amazing views of Edwards and its surrounding mountains. The Café is open for breakfast, Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 9:00 AM; and for lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM.

Cancer and the Impact of Exercise 

Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers including, but not limited to, breast, colon, prostate, lung, and endometrial (uterus) cancers.  Despite these health benefits, research from the past two decades indicates that more than 50% of Americans do not engage in enough physical activity.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend 150 minutes per week, or 30 minutes, 5 times per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise to decrease the recurrence risk of cancer, and improve overall survival.

Additional benefits of exercise for cancer patients include the following:
• Reduce incontinence after prostate cancer treatment;
• Reduce adverse effects of cancer treatments;
• Increase cardiovascular fitness;
• Improve muscular strength and endurance;
• Increase range of motion and flexibility;
• Reduce body fat and body mass index;
• Improve balance and posture;
• Increase energy levels

The DHHS guidelines state that when cancer patients are unable to meet the recommendations for exercise because of their health status, they “should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow,” and an explicit recommendation was made to “avoid inactivity.”

Fit For Survival is an exercise program at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center for patients in treatment, and for those recovering from cancer.  The staff of exercise physiologists conducts fitness assessments and develops customized exercise programs to meet each individual’s needs and goals.  Participants are instructed in aerobic conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility programming to increase fitness and overall well-being.

For more information, call Sarah or Hilary at Fit For Survival, (970) 569-7493, or email giovagnoli@vvmc.com.

In addition, we encourage you to visit the following websites for information on the benefits of exercise and how it reduces your cancer risk or promotes a better quality of life after cancer.

      American Cancer Society
      National Cancer Institute