According to IOL news – Cancer causes more deaths in South Africa than HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria combined, and a special report by Discovery Health Medical Scheme (Discovery), released for the first time in 2018, quantifies the scheme’s spending on cancer-related claims and reinforces the need for greater cancer awareness.
For those that are undergoing treatment and dealing with their own diagnosis right now, there is a lot one can do to deal with the emotional and physical stresses that come with receiving treatment. Here at PrettySpecial weighted blankets & things we wanted to offer a few tips to help with prevention.
Here are 6 tips on how to prevent the onset of cancer
1. Knowledge Is Power
We know that early detection is key to enabling effective treatment and a better chance of recovering from cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms which concern you, it is vital to have them investigated by a health professional as soon as possible. It is also important to know what screening options are available to you, especially if you have a family history of cancer. It is important to detect cancer early by conducting regular self-examinations and going for regular medical check-ups.
2. Think before you eat & drink
According to CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa – Research strongly indicates that making smart choices regarding what is taken in and exercising regularly can have a positive effect, not only on a person’s well-being, but also reduces individual cancer risk
Dietary and physical activity factors have been shown to affect our biological processes and cancers associated with diet are commonly found in the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, and bowel).
3. Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco-related diseases kill over 44 000 South Africans and seven million people worldwide annually, of which close to 900 000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke…
Tobacco usage increases the risk of over 18 types of cancer: cancer of the lungs, renal pelvis, oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, oesophagus, larynx, nasal cavity and sinus, ureter, bladder, pancreas, kidney, stomach, colorectum, uterine cervix, breast, ovary and myeloid leukaemia.
Here’s the latest fact sheet on conditions causing cancer
4. Know the risks of Anxiety and Stress caused by a cancer diagnosis
Anxiety and distress can affect the quality of life of patients with cancer and their families, and patients with cancer have different levels of distress.
According to the National Cancer Institute, causes of cancer anxiety include the following:
Being screened for cancer.
Waiting for test results.
Hearing a cancer diagnosis.
Being treated for cancer.
Worrying that cancer will recur (come back).
Anxiety and distress may cause problems such as nausea and vomiting before each treatment, having more pain than usual, and sleeplessness. Patients may decide to delay cancer treatment or miss check-ups when they feel anxiety and distress.
The following are risk factors for high levels of distress in patients with cancer:
Trouble doing the usual activities of daily living.
Physical problems and side effects of treatment (such as fatigue, nausea, or pain).
Problems at home.
Unmet social and spiritual needs.
Depression, cancer-related post-traumatic stress, or other emotional problems.
Patients who have a high level of distress when they are diagnosed with cancer are more likely to have continued high levels of distress after their diagnosis.
5. Fight Cancer Fatigue with a PrettySpecial Weighted Blanket.
If you or someone you know feels anxious about a cancer diagnosis, a weighted blanket or wrap can help you feel secure and bring rest in a noninvasive, drug-free manner, using DTP. Deep Touch Pressure not only aids a feeling of well being and sleep, but also has a remarkable influence on your mental health.
According to a study published in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, weighted blankets help reduce the physiological signs of stress, including lowering blood pressure and improving pulse rate. In the study, 63 percent of participants reported lower anxiety levels and 78 percent preferred the weighted blanket as a calming modality.
If you are experiencing tension throughout your body and emotional stress, the Deep Pressure Touch given by a PrettySpecial weighted wrap relaxes the mind and body. Pressure from the weight soothes aches and comforts those who need it most. Trouble sleeping due to worry can be reduced since the pressure acts as a stimulant for serotonin production. Serotonin becomes melatonin naturally, which is the body’s hormone to aid sleep.
The portability of a PrettySpecial weighted wrap allows you to take it with you to appointments to make the waiting tolerable and lift your spirits.
For more information or to order simply contact us via our contact to order form or email us to info@prettyspecial.co.za
We deliver straight to your doorstep, anywhere in South Africa.