by Life Credit Company | Dec 9, 2015 | Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients
The holiday season is upon us, and with it has come the shopping frenzy. Stores will be bustling and wallets will be getting lighter in the coming weeks, as shoppers spend time and money searching for the perfect presents for their loved ones. But, it’s not only friends and family that some people will be gifting to this holiday season; it’s also a great time to support cancer research. According to Charity Navigator, nearly a third of all charitable giving in the United States occurs in December, with 12 percent of all online donations taking place in the last three days of the month. The post-Cyber Monday fundraising holiday “Giving Tuesday” has been growing exponentially in the last few years, with Americans increasingly recognizing the need for nonprofit giving. There are countless charities that work on cancer prevention, research and treatment causes. Here are a few ways to support their work this holiday season. Why Should I Give? According to Stand up to Cancer, there is a new cancer diagnosis in America every 30 seconds. That’s a sobering statistic that cancer nonprofits are hoping to reduce. But, research, outreach and other initiatives are costly and require public support. Charity Navigator found that seven out of 10 charities spend at least 75 percent of their budgets on programs and services. The money that’s being brought in is largely going right to the people who most need it. Apart from giving good will this season, supporting nonprofits can have personal benefits, too. For instance, most charity contributions are tax-deductible so, when you give, you can even get a bit back. What Can I Give? Making a... read more
by Life Credit Company | Dec 1, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
There are few greater challenges for couples coping with a recent cancer diagnosis than learning how to share the fear in a way that draws them closer, not apart. At Life Credit, our hearts go out to all of our families and individuals facing this difficult time together. Promising to love one another in both sickness and in health is easy during the wedding vows. When cancer strikes and reality sets in, it can be difficult for couples to cope with the diagnosis. Cancer doesn’t just affect a person’s health; it can also devastate their home, relationships, career, and financial status. Here are some tips for couples coping with cancer. Emotional Support There is no handbook for supporting a partner with cancer. Each case is unique, and every cancer patient needs something different from their partner. But one of the best ways to be there for them is to simply listen. It is perfectly natural for both parties to feel scared, shocked, and a loss of control. Don’t be afraid to display your feelings to your partner, but be patient with them as they navigate their own emotions. Practice active listening. This means concentrating on fully comprehending what your spouse is saying rather than thinking about your reply. Never assume what your partner is feeling or thinking or what they will say next. If a statement is unclear, ask them to reiterate it. Join a Support Group There are tons of support groups out there for cancer. Research local ones in your area and consider joining a group with your spouse. If they feel uncomfortable doing so, you may reach... read more
by Life Credit Company | Nov 30, 2015 | Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients
Raise Money & Boost Morale If you have a friend or relative who was recently diagnosed with cancer, you may have asked yourself “How do I to set up a cancer fundraiser?”. Planning a benefit for a cancer patient requires planning, communication, and a little hard work. You can keep it small and raise money from family, friends, and your neighborhood, or you can go big and involve your local community and benefit from generous media attention and businesses. How do I begin fundraising for a cancer patient? Life Credit offers four helpful tips to get you started! Plan Ahead – Gather a small group of loved ones, you’ll want to get help and begin planning a cancer benefit weeks beforehand. Pick the location of where you will host the event, such as a local restaurant, person’s house, or other venue. You should also come up with a group activity for the benefit, such as bowling, a silent auction, potluck, or marathon Create Media Attention – Get the word out about the event to generate buzz about your event and cancer fundraising. Many newspapers and community message boards have local event listings for free, and some media outlets may even be interested in covering the benefit for an upcoming story. You can also utilize social media to let folks know. Create a private Facebook page and invite friends, family members, coworkers, and others so they can get the latest news about donations and fundraising. Get Donations – Contact local merchants for donations. You can ask a member of the planning committee who is comfortable with public speaking to do this task. Be sure to provide... read more
by Life Credit Company | Nov 25, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Diet is an important aspect of any healthy lifestyle, especially for folks recently diagnosed with cancer. Eating the correct balance of vitamins and nutrients during and after treatment can help you to feel better and to become stronger and more energetic. Here are several tips on the proper nutrition for cancer patients: Proteins Your body relies on vital proteins for tissue repair, growth, and a healthy immune system. When your body doesn’t get enough protein, it may start breaking down muscle for the fuel it needs, resulting in longer recovery periods after surgery. Folks dealing with cancer often need more protein than normal to stay healthy. Good sources of protein to consider include lean red meats, eggs, nuts, low-fat dairy items, soy foods, and fish. Carbs Though many people try to cut carbohydrates when dieting, they are a major source of energy for ill people. Carbs give your body the fuel it needs for physical activity and proper organ function, both of which are important for a speedy recovery after surgery or chemo. The best source of carbs is whole grains such as cereals, breads, and flour, as well as corn, peas, and beans. Lean Fats The right kinds of fats can be very nutritious for and help cancer patients. They are a rich source of energy for the body and aid in insulating body tissue and transporting vitamins through the blood. The right kinds of fats you should be consuming are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated are found in veggie oils like olive and canola while polyunsaturated are in sunflower, corn, and flaxseed oils. Water Getting the right amount... read more
by Life Credit Company | Oct 30, 2015 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
Anybody who has ever had a loved one who has dealt with cancer knows the feelings of helplessness and fear that can occur upon a diagnosis. But when it comes to a child being diagnosed, that’s a whole other level of devastation. Due to today’s technology, more than 80 percent of kids with cancer now survive for five years or more. Still, pediatric cancer is the second leading cause of death in people younger than 15 years of age. Here are the major types of cancer that affect children and what to do if your son or daughter is ever diagnosed. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia This is the most common type of cancer in kids and accounts for more than 30 percent of all pediatric cases. Symptoms include bones and joint pain, fever, weight loss, weakness, and bleeding. Brain Tumors This makes up about 27 percent of childhood cancers. Signs include headaches, balance issues, vision or hearing problems and frequent vomiting. Wilms Tumor Wilms tumors occur in the kidneys and cause swelling of the belly, fever, pain, and poor appetite. The disease is typically found in kids that are ages three to four. When Your Child has Cancer Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer can be very, very tough to do. There will be many emotions that will run through your head. Some things to keep in mind when you first receive the diagnosis are: It will be a crisis for the entire family Ways to improve coping include getting help from a support group or cancer team, involving others and taking the time to care for yourself Get a second... read more
by Life Credit Company | Oct 16, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Meditation is known to have a positive effect on the emotional and psychological impact cancer has on its survivors. Some recent studies have also suggested that mindfulness also strongly impacts the physical bodies of cancer survivors, with effects extending to a cellular level. According to researchers at the Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary, breast cancer patients that practice meditation experience positive cellular changes within their bodies. The study shows that telomeres were longer in the group of women who participated in mindfulness compared with survivors who didn’t undergo these interventions. What is Meditation? Meditation is an age-old practice from the eastern world that helps people to stay aware in the present moment. Regular practice leads to clarity, insight, serenity, and improves the wellbeing of the mind and body. There are many different forms of mediations that can help cancer patients; from mindful meditation, to meditation that relives stress and anxiety. How to Meditate Find a comfortable position on the floor. You can use a mat or cushion to help prop your body up. Sit cross-legged and place your hands on your lap. Focus on your breath. Count for every inhale you take. If your mind begins to wander, allow it to, but gently pull your attention back to the breath. If you find that meditating alone is difficult, find a group that hosts guided meditation practices. Many hospitals offer these types of services to help cancer patients and survivors. A Lifetime of Help Here at LifeCredit, we want you to not only be mindful of your life, but mindful of your finances. That is why we... read more
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