Quick tips

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not have to mean completely changing the way you live. It simply means making a few adjustments to make sure you are ready and able to accomplish everything you’ve set out to do. Here is a quick overview of some things you can work on right away.

Be aware

Being aware of how you feel is very important to your transplant experience. You might find it helpful to use a diary to keep track of how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally.

Get support

Getting support from your friends and family can make a big difference—both mentally and physically. Talk about the ways that they can help you stay healthy, from reminding you to take medications when needed to enjoying healthy activities together.

Maintain a healthy weight

Portion sizes along with eating healthy can have a big impact on your weight. Your doctor may talk to you about a healthy body mass index, which measures body fat based on your weight and height. To achieve your ideal weight, talk to your doctor about diet and exercise suggestions.

Click for more information on Diet and Exercise.

Follow your medication schedule

Anti-rejection medications work to protect your transplant for the long-term—but they can only do their job if you take them every day, as prescribed. The amount of medications that you take may decrease over time, but you will probably need to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of your life because the risk of rejection is a constant concern, even if you received your transplant years ago.