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Take Care of Yourself

Healthy habits can make a big difference in how you feel—now and in the future. This is especially true if you are living with or have survived childhood cancer or another serious illness. Taking care of yourself can help boost your energy, lower your risk of long‑term health problems, and support your emotional well‑being.

On this page, you’ll find practical, evidence‑based tips to care for your body, mind, and spirit. These tips can help you sleep better, eat well, stay active, and manage the challenges that can come with serious illness or survivorship.

  • How to Sleep Better: Tips for Teens and Young Adults

    Healthy sleep is essential for growth, learning, mood, and recovery. Learn how much sleep teens need, why it matters, and simple tips for better sleep.

  • Healthy Eating: Nutrition Tips for Teens and Young Adults

    Good nutrition can help you feel better, support overall health, and aid healing and recovery. Find healthy eating tips for teens and young adults during and after illness.

  • Vaping

    Vaping or Juuling is harmful to your health, especially if you have a serious illness. Learn about the health risks of vaping and e-cigarettes and ways to quit.

  • Dental Health

    Your dental health becomes your responsibility when you become an adult. Learn how to take care of your oral and dental health.

  • Birth Control Products

    Birth control (contraception) is any method to prevent pregnancy. Learn about birth control products, how they work, and how to choose one that is right for you.

  • Coping with Serious Illness

    Facing a serious medical condition as a teen or young adult can be overwhelming. Learn ways to cope.

  • Physical Activity for Teens and 20s

    Physical activity can help cancer patients and survivors prevent disease and improve bone and muscle strength, heart and lung health, and brain function.

  • 8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself

    Take control of your health! These 8 steps will empower you, help you feel better, and protect your body from disease.

More from Together by St. Jude

  • HPV Vaccine

    Survivors of pediatric cancer should get a vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV can cause several types of cancer in both males and females.

  • Healthy Eating

    Good nutrition helps your body stay strong and lowers the risk of chronic disease. Learn about healthy eating and tips for a healthy diet.

  • How to Prevent Skin Cancer

    You can take steps to lower your risk of skin cancer. Learn how to protect skin from the sun and other ways to prevent skin cancer.

  • How to Quit Smoking

    Not smoking or quitting smoking is one of the best ways to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and lung problems. Get tips and make a quit plan to stop smoking.

  • Physical Activity

    Physical activity and exercise are important for health and well-being. Learn tips to help you reach your fitness and health goals.

  • Returning to Sports During and After Cancer

    Sometimes cancer treatment means taking a break from sports and other activities. In some cases, you can return after treatment. In other cases, it might be time to start something new.

  • Skin Cancer Screening

    Regular skin cancer screenings can detect skin cancer early. Learn about skin exams and signs of skin cancer.

  • Tips for Healthy Sleep

    Sleep is important for overall health and well-being. Learn simple tips for how to sleep better.

Healthy Lifestyle Linked to Longer Lifespan 

A study shows childhood cancer survivors with healthy lifestyles have a lower risk of death due to health-related causes. 

Read more about healthy lifestyles