Cancer Survivorship & Lifestyle Medicine: Reclaiming Health and Balance

In this powerful episode of Balance to Excellence, Dr. Judy Wright welcomes Dr. Hellena Scott-Okafor—a physician, wellness coach, and cancer survivor—to share her inspiring journey of healing and transformation. Together, they explore the importance of holistic wellness for cancer survivors, addressing lifestyle medicine, energy conservation, sleep challenges, and the evolving nature of patient care in today’s medical field.

Dr. Hellena opens up about how surviving cancer reshaped her life and led her to prioritize self-care, joy, and balance. From redefining what excellence looks like post-diagnosis to advocating for whole-person health, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery, burnout, or the shifting landscape of healthcare.

💡 Key Takeaways:
∙A holistic approach is critical in cancer rehabilitation and overall wellness.
∙Energy conservation techniques can help reduce fatigue during and after treatment.
∙Sleep health plays a major role in recovery and mental clarity.
∙Joy, purpose, and self-care must be integrated into daily routines—especially for healthcare providers and survivors.
∙The medical field is shifting, requiring renewed focus on relationship-centered care.
∙Excellence in wellness isn’t perfection—it’s doing your best with what you have.

🔊 Memorable Sound Bites:

"You don't have to do it all."
"Make the most of every day."
"Cancer saved my life."

⏱️ Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + Intro to Dr. Hellena Scott-Okafor
04:06 – How the Medical Field Has Changed Post-COVID
09:25 – What Holistic Patient Care Really Looks Like
27:37 – The Bucket List Mindset: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
29:01 – Discovering Lifestyle Medicine After Cancer
33:10 – Addressing Sleep Challenges Holistically
35:57 – Finding Balance Between Life, Work, and Health
44:38 – The Sleep Better, Be Better Challenge
47:40 – What It Means to Thrive Beyond Survival
51:21 – Redefining Excellence in Wellness

📅 Upcoming Event
Sleep Better, Be Better Challenge
A 4-week virtual wellness challenge starting June 24, designed to help participants reset their circadian rhythm, improve sleep quality, reduce fatigue, and optimize health through holistic lifestyle strategies.

Includes:
Weekly live group sessions
Sleep journal tracking
Tailored guidance for professionals, survivors, shift workers, and more

🌐 Connect with Dr. Hellena
Website: https://wellness.drhellena.com
Main Link: https://www.drhellena.com
Instagram: @drhellena
Facebook: facebook.com/drhellena

💼 Work with Dr. Judy
 Dr. Judy’s monthly Balance to Excellence workshops are designed for high-achieving healthcare professionals looking to reduce stress, increase impact, and protect their peace.

📱 Let’s Be Social with Dr. Judy:
Love this episode? Tag Dr. Judy and keep the conversation going!
💬 Instagram: @drjudywrightmd
🌐 Website: wellnesswithdrjudy.com

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if this episode shifted something for you.
Your wellness journey is yours to own—but you don’t have to walk it alone.