According to the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015 report, the number of cancer diagnoses is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2030, which means there are going to be more than a few Canadian seniors working hard to prevent cancer or defeat the disease after being diagnosed. Because many seniors will want to fight cancer naturally, Mississauga home care e experts have a few suggestions your aging loved one may want to consider.
Shed a Few Pounds
Few people realize just how much of an impact obesity has on various types of cancer. Overweight seniors have much higher rates of pancreatic, kidney, and bowel cancer. Though losing a few pounds will not cure cancer, it can enable the body to fight off cancerous cells as efficiently as possible. The easiest way to track your loved one’s weight is to have his or her BMI tested at least once or twice a year. A healthy senior should have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
Make Dietary Changes
According to Cancer Research UK, unhealthy diets cause between 10 and 30 percent of all cancer cases. Red and processed meats have been studied for decades, and researchers found these food products often contain nitrites. When consumed in large quantities, nitrites create carcinogenic substances within the body. Some of the foods that should only be eaten sparingly or completely removed from your loved one’s diet include processed deli meats, bacon, pâté, and ground beef.
Eliminate Environmental Toxins
Seniors who live relatively sedentary lifestyles within the confines of their homes are often exposed to environmental toxins for dozens of hours every single week. Substances such as radon and asbestos drastically increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Testing kits can be purchased at most major home improvement stores and can tell you if any of these substances are present in your loved one’s home.
Treat Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Even with a healthy and varied diet, many seniors still have deficiencies simply because their bodies cannot process the nutrients properly. A high-quality multivitamin containing high doses of vitamin E, vitamin D, and other nutrients can combat cancer-causing free radicals, but make sure your loved one checks with the doctor before taking any new vitamins.
If your loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits to prevent or beat cancer, turn to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist with exercise, cook healthy meals, provide transportation to medical appointments, and help with many other important daily tasks. We also offer specialized Parkinson’s, stroke, and dementia care Mississauga families can count on. For more information on our senior care services, call a qualified Care Manager at 905-337-1200 today.