5 things you should do after a prostate cancer diagnosis

Keep your spirits—and quality of life—up after a prostate cancer diagnosis using these tips.

When diagnosed early and managed properly, chances are excellent that your prostate cancer can be overcome.

• If you've recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are some lifestyle changes, like healthier eating and more regular exercise, that can increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

It's important to maintain a healthy weight during prostate cancer treatment.

• A healthy weight can greatly reduce your chances of being affected by this disease because it helps to increase circulation, keep your blood pressure down and make sure that your healthy cells are getting the oxygen they need to fight off disease.

Regular exercise, as much as you feel you can handle, during cancer treatment is one of the best ways to make sure your body stays strong and capable of fighting off disease.

• Increasing your muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness can help you stay healthy and avoid depression.
• Walking and swimming are great ways of getting exercise because they boost your heart rate and aren't hard on your body if you are stiff or sore.

Getting yourself on a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is key to fighting off cancer.

• Diets that include these foods and are low on beef, high-fat dairy products, processed meats and refined grains will help you feel your best.
• Fruits, veggies and whole grains help to ward off disease by filling your body with vitamins and antioxidants.

Vitamins and herb supplements can sometimes help improve your physical and mental health.

• Your doctor will let you know which supplements you can or cannot take because not all of them benefit patients with prostate cancer or work well in combination with medications.

When you're diagnosed with cancer, it's important to keep your spirits up and build up a strong support network.

• Dealing with illness can affect your mood, and your mood can affect your physical health, so it's helpful to have people that you can talk to.
• Your doctor can connect you with support groups in your area.

Living with prostate cancer can be very manageable if you take the right steps to care for yourself. Make sure to follow these tips and you will have a better chance of recovering and living a happy, healthy life.