By Henry Relfield
Having a loved one diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. As a caregiver, you are faced with your own set of challenges as you are physically and emotionally stretched to your limit. In fact, studies have demonstrated that individuals who are caring for a loved one with a serious illness can often succumb to physical and emotional issues as well, including:
* Worsening of their physical health.
* Impaired social and family quality of life.
* Increased anxiety and depression.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, more then 50 million family caregivers are taking care of a loved one in the United States due to chronic illness, disability, and injury. Three of four families will find themselves caring for a cancer patient. The quality of life for these caregivers is often overlooked. Just as the patient's life changes dramatically during serious illness, so do the lives of their caregivers. Caregiver quality of life is influenced by the seriousness of the illness of their loved one, individual coping methods, social support, and many other factors. From a diet and lifestyle perspective, caregivers can benefit from the same advice given to the patient. This includes eating a whole foods-based, healthful diet, performing consistent physical activity, taking dietary supplements when appropriate, and regularly engaging in proactive stress reduction techniques. In addition, caregivers will benefit from the following advice:
1. Develop an organizational system that helps you manage the details of your loved one's medical situation.
2. Ask for and accept help from family and friends.
3. Do not isolate yourself.
4. Remember that your feelings of fear, frustration, anger, or whatever they may be are valid and deserve to be recognized.
Psychological and social support including groups such as Gilda's Club, the Wellness Community, and others provide a wealth of benefit to families of people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Caring for a loved one with cancer is perhaps one of the most difficult things you will ever face. By taking care of yourself during the process, you will also be taking care of your loved one.
Having a loved one diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. As a caregiver, you are faced with your own set of challenges as you are physically and emotionally stretched to your limit. In fact, studies have demonstrated that individuals who are caring for a loved one with a serious illness can often succumb to physical and emotional issues as well, including:
* Worsening of their physical health.
* Impaired social and family quality of life.
* Increased anxiety and depression.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, more then 50 million family caregivers are taking care of a loved one in the United States due to chronic illness, disability, and injury. Three of four families will find themselves caring for a cancer patient. The quality of life for these caregivers is often overlooked. Just as the patient's life changes dramatically during serious illness, so do the lives of their caregivers. Caregiver quality of life is influenced by the seriousness of the illness of their loved one, individual coping methods, social support, and many other factors. From a diet and lifestyle perspective, caregivers can benefit from the same advice given to the patient. This includes eating a whole foods-based, healthful diet, performing consistent physical activity, taking dietary supplements when appropriate, and regularly engaging in proactive stress reduction techniques. In addition, caregivers will benefit from the following advice:
1. Develop an organizational system that helps you manage the details of your loved one's medical situation.
2. Ask for and accept help from family and friends.
3. Do not isolate yourself.
4. Remember that your feelings of fear, frustration, anger, or whatever they may be are valid and deserve to be recognized.
Psychological and social support including groups such as Gilda's Club, the Wellness Community, and others provide a wealth of benefit to families of people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Caring for a loved one with cancer is perhaps one of the most difficult things you will ever face. By taking care of yourself during the process, you will also be taking care of your loved one.
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