Senior Care News

Cancer Prevention Month

Home Care in Ashland, OH

The most important focus of your home care journey with your elderly parent is keeping her healthy so that she can live the highest quality of life possible throughout her aging years. February is Cancer Prevention Month. This month long health observation is designed as an opportunity for people to learn more about the various cancers, find out how they can evaluate their personal risks, and make steps toward improving their lifestyle and health approach to reduce as many risks as possible so that they are as protected as you can be against the development of cancer.

Use these tips, and share them with your senior’s caregiver, to help you take steps in the right direction toward getting and staying healthier during Cancer Prevention Month and throughout the rest of the year:
• Know your personal risks. Cancer does not discriminate. It impacts people of all ages, sexes, ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and educational backgrounds. This does not mean, however, that your loved one is equally likely to get any form of cancer, or that she is just as likely as anyone else, or just as unlikely as anyone else, to get particular forms of cancer. Talk to her doctor about the specific risk factors she has for certain cancers so that you are aware of this increased risk and can focus on reducing it first. Be aware that many cancers carry a certain level of hereditary risk factor, meaning that the information your senior finds out about her cancer risks might also impact you so it can be highly beneficial for you to pay close attention to what the doctor has to say so that you are able to protect yourself as well.
• Get the right screenings. It is impractical to think that a doctor will put your parent through every single type of cancer screening applicable to her at each appointment, but there are certain screenings that she should undergo regularly. Depending on her personal risk factors her doctor will be able to tell you which tests he recommends and how often he recommends them. Early detection is key to the highest chances of treatment success, which includes stopping the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
• Eat a healthy diet. The impact that diet can make on your health is truly staggering. Studies have shown a close link between consuming red meat and colon cancer, and the consumption of processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and luncheon slices with several other forms of cancer. Make sure that your parent’s diet is as plant-based as possible and encourage her to avoid dairy products, red meat, pork, and processed products in favor of whole grains and produce.
• Stay physically active. Carrying around excess pounds is conclusively linked to at least six different types of cancer, and experts know that bodies that are at a healthy weight are more likely to work efficiently. Getting and staying active are also important for helping the body to fight off cancer. Set a goal of at least 30 minutes of activity a day to support ongoing health.

If you are considering hiring home care services near Ashland, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.

Source:
http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/News2?id=14377

Stephen Sternbach

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Skip to content