Dr. Ashwin Mehta, M.D., is one of our favorite guests, so it was a delight to have him on the Sept. 26 UHealth segment to talk about the Breast Cancer Survivorship Program at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System.
This is an innovative coaching program that takes a holistic approach to improving health after breast cancer treatment. We’re talking about everything – exercise, nutrition, weight management, sleep, and mental health.
It all matters, says Dr. Mehta, a hospitalist and assistant professor of clinical medicine who leads the Integrative Medicine team at Sylvester.
“These are positive health behaviors that are really essential in the context of living beyond cancer, and it’s really important that it comes from a coordinated team of experts,” he says.
“We’re really fortunate to have an exceptional group of patients who come through Sylvester. They are highly motivated, and they inspire us on a daily basis.”
No less important than the physical aspect of treatment is the mental health component, Mehta says, adding, “Where the mind goes, that ends up manifesting itself in very real ways in the body.”
And from what I’ve seen personally, family and friends play a vital part in the recovery process. The Breast Cancer Survivorship Program seeks to include these sources of support – and to support them, as well.
“We encourage our clients to come in with their family members and friends,” Mehta says. “These are all positive health behaviors that are lifestyle-related. The patient is going to be the one that is putting the rubber to the road and implementing these behaviors when they go home. Therefore, it’s always important to have the buddy system in place.”
To learn more about this wonderful program, check out our interview and follow the links for more information.
