Winter is finally roaring in here. The cold and the rain are driving many of us indoors for a cozy night in front of the television. Just one word of warning: Watch out for cabin fever.
Cabin fever can be a dangerous condition, with symptoms that include irritability, boredom and even the common cold. So, don't just sit there — get moving!
I've heard from a lot of cancer patients who all say how important it is to stay active. Daniel from Santa Cruz tries to get out for a walk, or even a waltz. Carmel from Sydney, Australia, is learning the cello. Duane from Fairfax, Va., enjoys time with his motorcycle.
Sure, it's good to rest and enjoy some quiet time, but it's also important to keep the mind and body active. I admit, I sometimes get worried about the future when I have nothing to keep me busy.
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Working with my parents on a couple of woodworking projects recently really helped. With a LOT of help from my dad, we built a gorgeous mahogany table and a floor lamp. The table was actually a wedding present for my wife and the lamp was her birthday present.
Having this job is one of the best things to keep me busy from day to day. I still enjoy writing this column. It's a good way for me to sort out how I'm feeling and to keep focused on a long-term health care plan. Caring Bridge and other websites offer forums for electronic journals. Still, there's nothing wrong with the old-fashioned pen and paper.
You might also check with local community centers for classes on journaling.
One thing about a journal, it can be very useful during checkups when the doctor asks if I've experienced any health changes or symptoms. I can see what I was doing or eating when I've felt at my best or my worst. Can ravioli really make you feel better? Yes, it seems so.
Cooking, walking, gardening, even shopping can be therapeutic I suppose. So, what do you do to keep the blues away and to stay active? I'd love to hear some suggestions.
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By the way, Marin General Hospital is hosting a seminar on Jan. 28, 9 a.m.-noon: 2012 Resolutions: Choose Health, Choose Happiness
For more information on cancer and carcinoid cancer, consider these sites:
Caring for Carcinoid Foundation
Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Network
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