Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology

Vegetables and fruits are an essential part of our diet, and nutritionists, doctors and dietitians all recommend the inclusion of vegetables and fruits in well-rounded meals.

Incorporating fruits and vegetables in your diet is proven to be effective against one of the world’s leading causes of death: cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis of cohort studies following 469,551 participants discovered that an increased intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by four percent for each serving.

The risk of certain cancers, diabetes and gastrointestinal diseases can also be reduced by incorporating fruits and vegetables into your way of eating, so long as it remains balanced and is complemented by an active lifestyle.

Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables into Your Diet

You can include fruits and vegetables in your diet by considering the serving sizes for the daily recommended intake. Depending on your age and certain conditions, five servings per day of fruits and vegetables is the magic number for daily intake as recommended by the National Cancer Institute. All you need is two cups of fruits and three cups of vegetables per day to get your five servings.

The fruits can be fresh, chopped or canned (with no sugar added), while vegetables are best raw, lightly cooked (such as steaming, flash cooking) is a better option than cooking veggies to mush, since they’ll retain more of their beneficial minerals and nutrients.

So, guys, it’s time to dig into five servings a day to live longer, fuller lives and reduce the risks of free radicals – all thanks to the immunity-enhancing antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.

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Remember when you were a child and your parents said to eat your vegetables to grow up strong and healthy? Well, it’s still true.

Hey, Guys, It’s Time to Eat Your Veggies

Adding sunscreen to your daily skincare routine may be one of the best decisions you will make in your life. As you age, you’ll undoubtedly notice the benefits.

But with so many options on the shelf, how do you choose the right one?

Sunscreens, whether chemical- or mineral-based, have the same purpose: to protect your skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays that come from natural light. The damage can cause sunburns and contribute to the onset of 

, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. (Melanoma is not always linked to sun exposure.)

Chemical sunscreens contain organic or carbon-based compounds such as:

These sunscreens have a thinner consistency and are more quickly absorbed but need 10 to 15 minutes to become effective. This type is easily applied under makeup and used daily.

Sunscreens with active mineral compounds include:

These formulations deflect harsh UV rays of the sun from the skin's surface, protecting from both UVA and UVB rays. (UVA rays are what cause signs of aging, while UVB rays cause sunburns.) They cannot be thoroughly blended and—unless mixed with a tint—will leave a white film on the skin, but they provide instant protection.

Compared to the chemical sunscreens, they are thicker and also have a longer shelf life.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF 30 for everyday use. SPF is the measurement of how long UVB protection will last.

Sunscreens with a broad spectrum contain a photostabilizer. UVA filtering compounds combine with both chemical and mineral compounds to help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. They’re blended into moisturizers, lip balms, lotions, face powders, liquid foundations and sunscreen lotions, sprays and sticks.

If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, consider that when choosing sunscreen. Fewer chemicals may be the better choice for sensitive skin. Thinner formulations may be your go-to if you’re worried about breakouts.

Our very best advice is this: Any time you know you’ll be in the sun, use a water-resistant SPF of 50 or higher sunscreen, wear a hat and stay in a shaded area for extra protection.

More than a thousand men and women diagnosed with cancer each year turn to our trusted 

call us, ask us a question or consult with us

 to get a second opinion so you, too, can experience the difference.

Learn the differences between sunscreen types and what to look for.

Block the Burn: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

Winter can be hard for many people, but for patients with 

, slippery streets and cold weather are more than a hazard—they can also be a health risk. Learn how cold weather affects cancer patients and how you can stay safe during the winter.

Patients with cancer are more susceptible to hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition where the human body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce it, causing the body temperature to become dangerously low. Side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, dehydration and anemia, can make patients more susceptible to hypothermia as they may lose heat much faster.

Frostbite is a bigger risk for patients with cancer

Some treatments can cause peripheral neuropathy, which carries numbness in the extremities as a potential side effect. Patients who have peripheral neuropathy are more likely to get frostbite since they can't feel how cold their fingers and hands are in cold weather already.

Patients will have a higher risk of falling

Patients can have a higher risk of fracture if they are receiving treatments that affect bone density. Patients with cancer also need to be especially careful if they have thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with blood cancers that cause low platelet counts. Since platelets help blood clot, a low count can mean that bruising or serious bleeding can happen when injured. Patients who have numbness in their feet are also more prone to falls.

Having A Higher Risk for Complications with the flu

Cancer therapy may weaken patients’ immune systems. It is necessary that they get their flu shot since they don't have enough white blood cells to fight infections. This is why patients with cancer have a higher chance of having complications from the flu than a healthy person.

Follow these tips to protect your health or a loved one in winter and stay safe:

Stay inside as much as you can when temperatures are freezing or when low temperatures are accompanied by rain or high winds.

Make sure your walkways are always cleared of ice and snow.

If you need to go outside, make sure to bundle up in layers. Put on a hat that covers your ears, especially if therapy has caused you to lose your hair. Wear heavy gloves, thick socks and warm boots with good treads.

Protect your skin. Therapy can make your skin itchy, dry and cracked, especially when the humidity level drops. Use lip balm and moisturizers regularly and avoid long, hot showers and baths. Consider getting a humidifier.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids regularly.

If you’d rather avoid winter and the risks it carries for cancer patients, you can always consider health tourism. It’s the practice of traveling to a popular tourist destination with the purpose of receiving therapeutic treatment. For example, Florida has mild, pleasant winters, which make it an ideal location for “health tourism!” Winter won't last forever, even if you sometimes feel that way, so celebrate each sunny day!

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to

call us, ask us a question, or consult with us

Winter brings added challenges for patients with cancer. Here's what you need to know to take into consideration as the weather gets colder.

How Cold Weather Affects Patients with Cancer

Fear of having cancer is not unusual, but there are a few actions you can take to help calm those fears:

Acknowledge your fears and look for ways to deal with your feelings. Many people try to ignore or hide “negative” feelings like anxiety and fear. Ignoring them only makes them grow stronger and potentially become overwhelming. Talking about them may help you discover the reasons behind them. You can also write down your thoughts in a journal.

Criticizing yourself for being afraid or telling yourself not to worry will not likely make these feelings go away. Accept that you are experiencing some anxiety. Sometimes, talking to your health care specialist may help you realize that what you are afraid of is probably unlikely to happen. You can also join a support group or talk to a therapist.

Knowing your cancer risk or prognosis and planning for the future can help you feel more in control of your health.

The surest way to know you don’t have cancer is to complete the screenings your physician recommends.

Finding ways to cope with stress will help lower your level of anxiety. Try different ways of dealing with stress to find out what works best for you. These might include:

Spending time with and friends and family;

Focusing on hobbies and other things you enjoy;

Meditating, taking a walk, or enjoying a bubble bath;

Practicing yoga or other forms of exercise;

Watching a funny movie or reading a funny book, and

Remember that many discomforts like colds, headaches or achy joints are normal. Your 

Although no single type of food can protect you against cancer, an overall healthy diet can support the immune system and improve your well-being. Healthy habits like exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep can help you feel better, both emotionally and physically. Avoiding unhealthy habits, like excessive drinking or smoking, can help you feel like you have more control over your health.

Here are some other diet and activity recommendations for cancer prevention 

Carry as little extra body fat as possible, but don’t become underweight;

Practice physical activity for at least half an hour every day;

Avoid using supplements unless recommended by your medical professional;

Eat more vegetables, whole grains, fruits and legumes (like beans);

Avoid sweetened drinks and limit the consumption of added-sugar foods;

Limit your consumption of processed meats;

If any, limit your daily intake to two alcoholic drinks for men and one for women, and

Fear of having cancer is not unusual, but there are a few actions you can take to help calm those fears

Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology

Hey, Guys, It’s Time to Eat Your Veggies

Block the Burn: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

How Cold Weather Affects Patients with Cancer

Tips for Facing Your Cancer Fears

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