- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
Latest entries
- Preventive mastectomy — a personal choice
May 25, 2013
- Share your story about living with cancer
May 18, 2013
- Gratitude for a mother's care and love
May 10, 2013
- Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day
May 3, 2013
- Practice mindful eating during, after cancer treatment
April 27, 2013
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Living with cancer blog
-
May 5, 2012
Mediterranean Diet healthy choice for cancer survivors
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Many of you have asked for a specific diet to follow as a cancer survivor. Taking charge of your diet can be a powerful way to make a positive impact on your overall health.
Research has shown that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the incidence of cancer and mortality from cancer, and prevent or improve the outcome of other chronic diseases (such as diabetes and heart disease).
The Mediterranean diet originates from the culture and traditional foods found in the area bordering the Mediterranean Sea — primarily using fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, and fish.
Share a meal with friends and family, add a glass of red wine, plenty of exercise, and you have a winning concept.
If this is a new idea for you, here are a few simple ways to get started:
- Increase your fresh fruit and vegetable servings (7-10 servings a day).
- Switch to whole grains (look for whole grain breads, cereals and pasta).
- Use olive oil instead of butter or margarine.
- Add herbs and spices instead of salt to enhance flavors.
- Eat fish and poultry instead of red meat.
- Choose low fat dairy products.
- Have a glass of red wine with dinner (if you can't have alcohol, drink purple grape juice for the same benefit).
Most people who switch to a Mediterranean diet find that it's an easy, delicious and satisfying way to eat healthy. Try it; you may never go back to your old habits.
For more resources and a great slide show featuring the Mediterranean diet see www.mayoclinic.com/health/mediterranean-diet. Share your comments and thoughts on this topic with each other.
Follow me on Twitter at @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer.
20 comments posted
Share on:
20 comments posted