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Germany: Lifestyle

During and after treatment, lifestyle helps rebuild strength. This chapter covers movement, sleep, a smoke-free home and the weather in Germany.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, an evening park with a distant walking silhouette.
Figure 1.A short walk reduces fatigue.

01Short answer

Short daily walks, regular sleep, a smoke-free home, clothing suited to the season and enough fluids all improve wellbeing. During neutropenia avoid crowded places and rush hours. Some medicines make skin sensitive to sun, so use a hat, long sleeves and sunscreen. Any new sport only after agreeing it with your team.

02Simple explanation

Movement: a little, every day.

Sleep: a regular routine.

Smoke-free home, sun protection.

03Scientific explanation

Physical activity: according to the NCI, activity during and after cancer treatment can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.

After treatment: NCI survivorship materials stress the long-term benefit of a healthy lifestyle.

04What happens in the body?

Movement

Start with 10–20 minute walks and build up as you can. With low platelets avoid sports with a risk of falls or knocks.

Sleep

Go to bed and get up at the same times; keep naps under 30 minutes. Fatigue is a normal companion of treatment.

On a dark navy background, a quiet bedroom with a crescent moon.
Figure 2.Regular sleep helps recovery.

Smoke and air

Stop smoking, and ask the family not to smoke at home. Keep away from building dust and harsh fumes.

On a dark navy background, an open window letting in clean air.
Figure 3.A smoke-free home protects the lungs.

05A daily routine in four steps

Small habits, big benefit.

Walk — Short and calm.1WalkShort and calm.
Sleep — At regular times.2SleepAt regular times.
Smoke-free — No smoking at home.3Smoke-freeNo smoking at home.
Sun — Shade, hat, sunscreen.4SunShade, hat, sunscreen.
StrengthLess fatigue.
MoodIt improves.
SafetyLower risk of complications.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
MovementStart with 10–20 minute walks and build up as you can. With low platelets avoid sports with a risk of falls or knocks.
SleepGo to bed and get up at the same times; keep naps under 30 minutes. Fatigue is a normal companion of treatment.
Smoke and airStop smoking, and ask the family not to smoke at home. Keep away from building dust and harsh fumes.

07Key terms

Fatigue
Tiredness that rest does not relieve.
Platelets
Cells that help blood clot.
Photosensitivity
Increased skin sensitivity to sun.
Second-hand smoke
Breathing others’ smoke.

08Key points

  • A short walk every day.
  • Regular sleep.
  • No smoking.
  • Sun protection.
  • New sport only with your team.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I go to the gym?

During neutropenia a crowded gym is a risk; light movement at home or outdoors suits better.

Can I cycle?

With low platelets, agree it with your team because of the fall risk.

Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol affects the liver and medicines; talk to your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I go to the gym?

  2. Can I cycle?

  3. Can I drink alcohol?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Physical Activity and Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Finding Cancer Care
  5. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Questions Are the Answer
  6. MedlinePlus. Flow cytometry
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). Blood safety and availability
  8. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking-water — fact sheet
  9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don’t Mix
  10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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