Even though the survival rate for bladder cancer has increased over the last few decades, this disease is still lethal. Doctors claim 8,700 Canadians are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year, and the survivors can experience a drop in their quality of life. For these reasons, it is important for seniors to strengthen their immune systems and reduce their risk of bladder cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Mississauga. Our professional caregivers are available around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Here are a few steps seniors can take to stave off bladder cancer.
1. Check the Home for Radon
Bladder cancer can be caused by environmental carcinogens such as radon. Seniors who spend the majority of their time indoors could potentially be inhaling radon and other toxins every day. Testing for radon involves placing a series of detection devices around the home for a few days and sending the results to a laboratory.
2. Test the Water for Carcinogens
Most cities have strict regulations regarding local water sources, but dangerous chemicals can still get into the water. Seniors should consider testing their water once every few months to make sure it doesn’t contain lead, benzene, or other carcinogens. Most water-based contaminants can easily be removed with a reverse osmosis filter. If you are worried about carcinogens in the water, you should avoid pitcher filters that haven’t been thoroughly tested.
3. Quit Smoking
Using tobacco products increases a senior’s risk of developing serious medical conditions such as bladder cancer. Cigarettes contain over 40 different carcinogens, which can suppress a senior’s immune system. While quitting can be difficult, there are several products that can help older adults overcome their cravings. Within just five years of quitting, a senior’s risk of cancer could drop by over 13 percent.
Quitting cigarettes can lead to nicotine cravings, which can be difficult to manage. Providing care for seniors who are trying to give up unhealthy habits can be overwhelming for many family caregivers. Mississauga respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the gastrointestinal system and reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Within moments of being ingested, water begins to dilute the various toxins that could cause cancer. In addition to drinking as much water as possible, seniors should also limit their intake of diuretics such as coffee, tea, and alcohol.
5. Eat Healthy Foods
A healthy diet is the first line of defense against bladder cancer and many other health problems. The foods seniors eat every day should be able to stimulate their immune systems and activate the body’s natural healing response. Most seniors benefit from plant-based diets. They should also be wary of eating salted fish, deli meats, and any other foods that might contain carcinogens.
Some seniors experience cognitive impairment in addition to bladder cancer. Seniors with dementia often have difficulty expressing their pain, and they may need professional caregivers to help them manage cognitive decline. For dementia care Mississauga, ON, families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking. To learn about our holistic approach to home care, call us at 905-337-1200.