Teaching Kitchen

Cancer therapies can be associated with debilitating side effects. The promising news is that certain non-pharmacologic interventions have recently been shown to relieve some of the side effects of cancer treatment. They may also improve mood and decrease fatigue. There is additional evidence that certain lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of cancer recurrence and prevent another cancer from developing.

This unique program gives our cancer patients and their caregivers the opportunity to increase their knowledge and improve their skills to better cope with their illness and its treatments. Held at the hospital’s Teaching Kitchen, it incorporates education and information about advances in the care and treatment of cancer as well as nutrition education, food appreciation activities (including healthy cooking classes and meal planning guidance) along with lifestyle programs, relaxation strategies (yoga and acupressure), and spiritual and emotional support. The program is led by J. Gregory Mears, MD, a professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a practicing physician at the hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. The goal is to equip participants with skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment.