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...
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...
by Life Credit Company | Sep 8, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
How does a succulent shrimp dinner, topped with a sauté of fennel, scallions, and feta, sound to you? Delightful, right? Believe it or not, you can eat your way to better health and wellness through a Mediterranean diet. According to a recent study, the components of a Mediterranean diet help to drastically reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Additionally, the combination of plant-based ingredients and lean protein fall in line with the American Institute for Cancer Research’s guidelines for cancer patients and survivors, which recommends limiting red meat consumption and upping the number of fruits and veggies you consume. How to Live a Healthier Lifestyle Our team at Life Credit wants to provide endless amounts of support and information beyond financial assistance for cancer patients. That’s why we share reliable sources from other cancer institutions across the country, including Cancer Treatment of America. In a recent article published by the institution, they voiced how difficult it can be to change one’s eating and exercise regimen. In a world full of fast food and processed meals, where does one begin to start making healthier choices? In order to reap the benefits of a healthy Mediterranean diet, you should start incorporating the meals into your life slowly. There are tons of delicious Mediterranean recipes available online, such as roasted eggplant and feta dip, butternut squash pilaf, and Greek yogurt cheesecake with ouzo-poached figs for dessert. By slowly integrating one Mediterranean-based meal into your day, you can slowly become accustomed to the food and even develop new spins on old recipes that suit your palate. Not only are these food choices delicious,...
by Life Credit Company | Sep 3, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
More than three billion people worldwide use the Internet. In this digital era, folks share many aspects of their lives across blogs, websites, and social media posts. According to a 2011 report conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, almost half of the 74 percent of American adults using the Internet have read commentary about medical issues via an online news group, blog, or website. An additional 13 percent of patients have shared their first-hand experiences on a blog. How Cancer Patients Can Benefit Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-altering experience and one that can take a while to sink in. Blogging, while hardly a new idea, can provide numerous benefits and help cancer patients cope with their recent diagnosis. Some of the benefits associated with blogging include: Keeping friends and family up-to-date on your treatments and current health status Meeting others that share the same symptoms or disease and feeling like you are part of a community that can empathize with your condition Finding solace through writing about your experiences Health Institutions are Taking Notice Numerous top-tier medical facilities, such as John Hopkins and Massachusetts General Hospital, are encouraging patients to share their experiences with illness on a blogging platform. The institutions are partnering with companies, including CarePages, which offer private websites for patients and caregivers to share updates about their recent condition. Furthermore, additional institutions, like Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, host writing workshops to help cancer patients cope with their disease. A study conducted at the center found that patients who participated in a 20-minute writing task reported changes in their...
by Life Credit Company | Aug 12, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Help for cancer patients shouldn’t just be available for the physical components of the body. At Life Credit, we are dedicated to offering resources that also help to nurture patients mentally and emotionally. Along with offering financial support, we devote much of our “research time” to learning about unique programs such as meditation and mindfulness for cancer patients. The SPARK Cancer Support Center recently published a post on their website highlighting the benefits meditation and mindfulness can have in cancer patients’ lives. Imagine a world in which you are able to enjoy a deep sleep, drastically lower stress, and manage pain utilizing meditation. Mindfulness is the intentional focus of one’s attention on emotions, sensations, and thoughts that are happening in the present moment. The ancient system helps to improve memory and boost the immune system while cultivating peacefulness and reducing stress. Benefits of Mindfulness for Cancer Patients There have been numerous studies conducted that scrutinize the benefits of mindfulness for cancer patients. In 2014, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states, “Meditation programs, in particular mindfulness programs, reduce multiple negative dimensions of psychological stress.” Another study published in 2000 looked at 90 cancer patients who practiced mindfulness meditation during a seven-week period. An overwhelming 31% reported lowered symptoms of stress and 67% experienced less mood disturbance than those who did not meditate. A 2010 Canadian study reported that mindfulness helped to reduce stress in cancer patients and their partners. Additionally, a 2005 review by the Research Council for Complementary Medicine found that meditation, when practiced alongside chemo and radiotherapy, helped cancer patients to feel more positive and optimistic. Meditation for...
by Life Credit Company | Jul 29, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Patients who have cancer need all of the help that they can get. Not only can cancer symptoms have a huge impact on day-to-day life, the financial burden of medical treatments can add more stress to an already difficult situation. Even with health insurance, many patients may still need to pay out-of-pocket for treatments. Not only can financial issues cause anxiety, so can physical changes that result from undergoing chemotherapy. Many cancer patients will lose their hair, and have a drastic drop in self-esteem. Here are a couple of ways to cut your hair in preparation for radiation treatment to look fashionable. Loose Ponytails or Braids After your first chemo treatment, you many lose chunks of hair or experience hair thinning. To avoid less stress on your scalp, gently pull your hair up into a loose ponytail or braid. Use a light conditioner or hairspray to keep the tendrils in place. Pixie Cut Prepare yourself for treatment by playing around with short haircut options. A sleek pixie cut works well with almost any face type and can help you put your best fashion foot forward. Try a symmetrical cut, leaving your hair longer in the front so that you can experiment with different style options. Wigs Have you ever wanted to be a blonde but never wished to dye your hair? Purchase a variety of long and short wigs in different colors to see which style works best for you. With the latest technology, wigs look more authentic now than ever before. They can also be styled, combed, and curled for a more natural feel. Our staff at LifeCredit...
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