by Life Credit Company | Apr 29, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Many people diet to feel and look their best, but eating right could have another even more important result, according to a new study. Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center recently found that avoiding a certain type of carbohydrate may reduce the risk for lung cancer. The study is being hailed as an important step forward for understanding cancer risk, and as a strong source of help for cancer patients who are looking to both understand the disease and protect themselves from recurrence. Low-Carb 101 Reducing carbohydrate intake has been associated with a number of health benefits, including weight loss and reduction of sugars. But this is the first time that a large-scale study has shown the impact of a low-carb diet on lung cancer risk. Investigators examined the diets of 2,000 people who were recently diagnosed with lung cancer, comparing them to the diets of 2,400 healthy individuals. What they found was that people who ate a lot of “bad” carbohydrates — those with a high glycemic index — were 49 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than those who did not consume such carbs. Interestingly, diets rich in bad carbs seemed to heighten the risk for lung cancer more so in people who had never smoked — the leading risk for lung cancer — than in smokers. One explanation for that phenomenon is that foods with a high glycemic index may elevate blood sugar rates, which could lead to high insulin levels — a factor that has been shown to speed cell growth, including cancer development. Impact of Study Scientists noted that, while further research is... read more
by Life Credit Company | Apr 27, 2016 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
For many of us, the stress from a hard day at work quickly disappears when we’re greeted at the front door by our four-legged friends, eagerly wagging their tails. Dogs, cats and other pets have an amazing therapeutic effect, an idea that is being used to provide help for cancer patients. Why animal therapy? We’ve all heard of chemotherapy for cancer patients, but animal-assisted therapy is a concept many people may not be familiar with. The trend centers on the concept that animals can be mood-boosters and, when patients are dealing with a diagnosis as scary as cancer, lifting one’s spirits can promote better physical and mental health. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, animals can be an important source of both distraction and comfort; often, cancer patients are focused on their condition around the clock, but when they instead devote their attention to a visiting animal, they’re given a helpful reprieve from their stress. Also, simply petting an animal has been shown to stimulate your mood. Cynthia Ingram, the Animal Therapy Coordinator at Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s Illinois campus, noted that studies have proven that therapy dogs may lower levels of anxiety and depression. “Therapy dogs can provide for a sense of comfort and overall wellbeing, and present a more home-like atmosphere,” she added. How does it work? Cancer programs across the country are incorporating animal-assisted therapy into their services. In addition to Cancer Treatment Centers, pet programs have also sprung up at places like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Pet Partners is an entire organization devoted to connecting animals with... read more
by Life Credit Company | Apr 15, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
We all love getting care packages in the mail — from tasty treats at the holidays to hometown reminders if we’re living far from loved ones. Imagine the delight your loved one with a cancer diagnosis will receive when a package including items they not only want, but actually need, arrives on the doorstep — free of charge! The CareBox Program is an innovative resource for cancer patients going through cancer treatments. The organization places supplies and essential personal-care items, that are not typically covered by insurance items, right in their hands. How Do CareBox Packages Help Cancer Patients? When cancer patients are undergoing treatment, they need to keep both their bodies and minds strong to fight off the illness. However, that’s often easier said than done. Treatments like chemotherapy can weaken immunes systems. Many cancer patients worry that exposure to someone with a minor cold could be debilitating, or could even prove deadly. Patients need to be both alert and prepared to fend off sickness. Although many prepare for chemotherapy and cancer treatments, the side effects of many cancer treatments, there are many unexpected adjustments that must be made to their daily routines. To help patients meet those challenges, CareBox delivers free care supplies to cancer patients at home to prevent malnutrition, infections & injuries. CareBox Supplies that Offer Comfort to Cancer Patients CareBox is a one-stop shop resource for cancer patients. Patients can sign up on the site and make a list of items from which they could benefit. Common CareBox products and supplies include: Heating pads and neck pillows to help with muscle aches or pains Masks and gloves for personal protection... read more
by Life Credit Company | Mar 25, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Who doesn’t love a good video game? Video games have been a favorite pastime of folks young and old for decades. Our culture’s fascination with the industry has exploded with the dawn of smart phones; gaming on the go can keep commuters occupied during their travels, combat boredom for youngsters and help gamers develop hand-eye coordination. New software is now taking the benefits of video gaming to the next level. Play to Cure™: Genes in Space transports users to an intergalactic universe where they put their gaming skills to the test — all while providing help for cancer patients. From fantasy to reality Genetic cancer data, which can provide the backbone for new cancer treatments, would take scientists countless hours to pore over but Play to Cure relies on a crowdsourcing model to significantly cut that time. Gamers are tasked with collecting “Element Alpha,” an imaginary space dust that tech wizzes created to represent genetic cancer data. As users map a route through the space dust and fly their way through the game, the software is analyzing the genetic data on the back end. The game is colorful, engaging and, best of all, completely free! Learn more about Play to Cure: Genes in Space here! In fact, this is the world’s first free mobile game that relies on the public to assist in the fight against cancer. As the makers said in a film about the game: “You don’t have to wear a lab coat to help beat cancer sooner.” Mobile masterminds Who are the folks behind this pioneering innovation? The idea for the game was born... read more
by Life Credit Company | Mar 22, 2016 | Cancer Research & News
Cancer treatments come with a lot of worries — side effects, scheduling, payments — but one that patients shouldn’t concern themselves with is transportation. American Cancer Society offers patients free door-to-door rides to their treatments. The Road to Recovery program can be a lifesaver for patients who are too ill to drive themselves, lack access to their own vehicle or don’t have family or friends who can take them to their appointments. So how is this possible? How it works This important resource for cancer patients is supported through the kindness and generosity of ACS’ team of volunteers. Road to Recovery volunteers donate their time, and their own vehicles, to pick patients up and take them to a medical facility in their area where the patient is scheduled for treatment. The service is solely for patients who are beginning or continuing cancer treatments; those who have completed treatment and are seeing a physician for a follow-up appointment are not eligible for Road to Recovery. Participants also need to be able to walk independently, or travel with a caregiver. A companion is also required for patients under 18. How can I get involved? If you’re looking to take advantage of this important resource for a cancer patient in your life, or for yourself, all you need to do is call the ACS helpline to get started: 1-800-227-2345. From there, the patient will be matched with a volunteer driver in the area; all organizers ask is that driving requests are made at least four business days before the appointment. Volunteering is just as simple as signing up! Interested volunteers... read more
by Life Credit Company | Mar 18, 2016 | Cancer Research & News
Cancer can take its toll on the body — but it can also wreak havoc on the mind. Sadness, grief and anxiety are to be expected after a cancer diagnosis, but the illness can trigger more serious, and debilitating, depression. According to the National Cancer Institute, up to a quarter of all cancer patients suffer from depression. Depression is a serious condition about which patients should consult their doctors. Apart from seeking medical treatment, other resources also exist, including online help for cancer patients suffering from depression. Thanks to the Association of Cancer Resources, people fighting cancer have access to an unlimited amount of support, right at their fingertips. ACOR offers an astounding 142 different online communities, most of which are classified according to the types of cancer. The site also features communities focused on specific side effects, childhood cancers and non-cancerous diseases. Each community is connected through its own email list, which works like a two-way street for information: Users can send out emails about everything from new medical developments to challenges or triumphs they’ve encountered, and can also ask for advice or resources from fellow group members to assist them in their journey. In addition to its email lists, ACOR has created, and also hosts, a variety of websites for both patients and caregivers to access and share information and support. Its OnoChat is a clearinghouse for anyone whose lives have been touched by cancer; the site steers away from the clinical side of things and instead focuses on creating community through engaging and lively discussions. Visitors can chat about the real-life impact of cancer. Most important... read more
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