14 Cancer Experts Share What They Do for Their Health

The American Cancer Society estimates that 41 out of 100 men and 39 out of 100 women will develop cancer in their lifetime. That means, according to the National Cancer Institute, that this year alone, nearly two million people in the U.S. will first hear the frightening words, “You have cancer.”
While these numbers seem staggering, the good news is that a significant percentage of cancers are preventable through lifestyle choices and early detection. What you eat, how much you move and how you treat your body all play a part in minimizing your risk.
So, what do cancer health care professionals do – or what don’t they do – to help support their own health and wellbeing? We asked oncology providers from The University of Vermont Cancer Center and the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital to share a little bit about their lives.
It May Not Be the Advice You’re Expecting
Anne Berkowitz, NP, hematology and oncology, The University of Vermont Medical Center
- What I do: I try to move my body first thing in the morning, every day. While I prefer to be outside hiking or skiing in the mountains, sometimes this means a brief stationary spin in my basement before work. It’s amazing how it sets the tone for my day. I have more energy and I make healthier food choices. My mood’s improved and I sleep much better.
- What I don’t do: I would never, ever, EVER give up eating chocolate or drinking coffee.
Steven Ades, MD, medical oncologist, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: Exercise is not all-or-none. I do what I can and try not to be a perfectionist. If I can spare five to 10 minutes, that's fine. Consistency is more important.
- What I don’t do: Skip exercise because I’m too busy.
Jose Acostamadiedo, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist, The University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
- What I do: After staring cancer in the face almost every day, I try to live a normal life, avoiding harmful excesses in everything. But that does not mean that I live in fear or live a regimented life because I am afraid of getting cancer. I am well aware that my life is in God’s hands and whether I do things or don’t do them does not guarantee a specific outcome. I try to exercise and be active, but I am not consistent enough. I use sunblock. I drink alcohol in moderation. I try to have fun and enjoy life with my family, friends and my dogs, fishing and hunting, playing golf, cooking, traveling, etc. as much as I can because I never know when it will be over. I paint, carve decoys, go to church every Sunday and pray to God every morning and evening and throughout the day. I am thankful for the life I have. I try to do good to others and help the less privileged.
- What I don’t do: I do not smoke cigarettes, but I do enjoy a cigar occasionally. Everything else that I should not do, I did a long time ago, and I am not doing it again!
Katherine Bezio, NP, hematology and oncology, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: I LOVE to stretch every night even if it’s not an exercise day. I also take stretching pauses and check my posture during workdays so that my neck and shoulders don’t get tense and knotted.
- What I don’t do: Skip breakfast. Sometimes it’s just a piece of cheese or some nuts that I eat on the go. But I always put something in my stomach in the morning.
Kim Dittus, MD, medical oncologist, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: Move every day.
- What I don’t do: I try really hard to avoid ultra-processed foods.
James Gerson, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: I run every morning. Exercise has been tied to a lower risk of cancer, but for patients with cancer, to decreased symptoms, improved mood and decreased relapse rates.
- What I won’t do: I would never stop smiling. It’s the only way to get through the dark times.
Jessica Hansen, NP, hematology and oncology, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: I go camping every year to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, my breath and my thoughts.
- What I don’t do: I would never stop eating cheese.
Patricia Johnson, MSN, RN, oncology care coordinator, lung cancer navigator, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
- What I do: I keep up to date with age-appropriate health screenings. For my mental health, I spend time with people who are important to me, and I engage in my faith.
- What I don’t do: I would never smoke or vape. The damage it causes to the whole body is not worth any momentary pleasure derived from it.
Kara Landry, MD, medical oncologist, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: Get outside.
- What I don’t do: Use a tanning bed.
Jeanine Lynch RN, BSN, oncology care coordinator, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
- What I do: I work out almost daily. I watch what I eat and use sunscreen. I keep up with health screening guidelines, such as mammograms and breast MRIs. I get colonoscopies when directed and monitor my skin for any changes. I have annual checkups with my primary care provider.
- What I don’t do: I would never smoke or do drugs, have unprotected sex, skip mammograms or other recommended health screenings or skip sunscreen. I would never ignore concerning signs for cancer, such as a breast lump, blood in my stool or a change in mole color.
Julian Sprague, MD, hematologist, hematology and oncology, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: Exercise vigorously four to five times a week.
- What I don’t do: Never experience prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen or protective clothing.
Alissa Thomas, MD, neuro-oncologist, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: Practice yoga. The combination of strengthening, stretching, breathing and meditation helps me feel healthier in mind and body.
- What I don’t do: Get a sunburn. I try to be careful with sunscreen and shade and avoid getting burned.
Mansour Gergi, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: I work out and try to eat as healthy as possible.
- What I don’t do: I do not smoke and only very occasionally drink.
Chris Holmes, MD, hematologist and associate director of the thrombosis and hemostasis program, UVM Medical Center
- What I do: Drink eight glasses of non-alcoholic fluids a day.
- What I don’t do: I would never smoke.