World Cancer Day is commemorated on 22 September.
We often forgive ourselves for all the mistakes we have made, yet find it difficult to forgive others as it is easier to blame than to accept.
Just as our actions mimic our thoughts, so do our cells. When sicknesses, diseases and other ailments start to creep under our skins, we tend to curse our lives, genetics and living conditions for these destructive changes, causing a ripple effect in the way we move forward.
Weigh-Less describes cancer as one such brute pandemic. According to Heidi Lobel, Weigh-Less dietitian, “Patients with this vile malignant demon suffer with a series of issues affecting their mind, body and soul.
“The first stage of coping with cancer is accepting, acknowledging and understanding the disease as many sufferers are mentally overwhelmed in the initial stages, which causes more stress and tension than the rapidly growing abnormal cells. The problem will be real, but it is your choice: you stay in it or get out of it. A positive mind equates to a buoyant body.”
Healthy living with cancer
Many cancer survivors and patients worry about the cancer coming back, but making positive lifestyle changes during and after cancer treatment may help prevent a recurrence or a second cancer. However, many survivors are more likely to develop other chronic health issues, such as obesity and diabetes.You can help prevent and manage these health issues by talking to your oncology team.
They will give you suggestions for improving your health and quality of life, for instance by eating healthier and finding positive ways to manage stress. Cancer survivors can build their strength after treatment by eating a diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and other unprocessed, low-fat foods. Healthy eating can also reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
Weigh-Less recommends eating healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; lean protein; and low-fat dairy products and to avoid highly processed foods as much as possible. Exercise is an important part of healthy living. Being physically active during and after cancer treatment helps reduce anxiety and fatigue, improve self-esteem, increase feelings of optimism, improve heart health, maintain a healthy weight, and boost muscle strength and endurance.
Side-effects from cancer and cancer treatment, such as fatigue or sleep problems, can keep you from being active. It may help to talk to a certified health and fitness professional. If you have been inactive for a long time, start with 10 minutes of walking a day and build yourself up. Add exercise to your everyday activities and chores by walking to the store, taking the stairs, or parking further away from the entrance to the mall when you go shopping.
Exercise while doing other activities, such as watching television or listening to music. Find an exercise partner or group that provides friendly support. If you are struggling with fatigue, exercise when you have the most energy.
Prevention is better than cure and sustainability of the benign cells is essential: Weigh-Less offers great Eating Plans with a Best Food Choice List formulated to help and support you in leading a healthier lifestyle while combating cancer.
Heidi recommends the following guidelines for chemotherapy patients:
To combat nausea and vomiting, a decreased ability to eat as the day progresses and a poor appetite –
• Small frequent meals (two-hourly meals help keep blood sugar levels constant) are best tolerated.
• Eat and drink very slowly and try relaxing after meals.
• Eat dry toast or dry crackers first thing in the morning and after periods of rest.
• If you are taking anti-nausea tablets, take one 1–1½ hours before a meal.
• Rinse your mouth out before eating.
• Avoid drinking at meal times.
• Avoid fatty and greasy foods.
• The morning is usually the best time to eat, so ensure you get in a healthy breakfast and mid-morning snack.
• Cold foods (sandwiches, salads, and fruit) do not stimulate the sense of smell and are therefore less likely to make you nauseous. Avoid the smell of cooking foods.
• A soft food diet is usually tolerated better.
To combat that metallic (iron) taste
• Cold foods and fluids can help.
• Milk products have also proved to be effective.
• It is recommended to avoid red meat, chocolates, tea and coffee as they are generally not well tolerated.
• If the problem is bad, sucking on fruit-flavoured sweets can help.
To combat decreased saliva production (a dry mouth)
• Concentrate on high moisture foods such as fruits, vegetables, casseroles, stews and beverages with food.
• Sugarless lemon drops and gum can help stimulate saliva production.
• Frequent saline (salt-water) rinses can also help.
• Avoid dry foods such as dry crackers, breads, and bananas.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
