Cancer is one of the leading health concerns for seniors today. Each year, 12.7 million people discover they have Cancer. But evidence shows up to a third of these cases can be prevented. One of the most common cancers is Lung Cancer. Luckily, it’s also one of the most preventable. Here are a few tips to prevent your elderly loved one from developing lung cancer.

Convince Them to Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the most common causes of lung cancer and the easiest one to prevent. While nicotine addiction can be difficult to overcome, especially for those who have been smoking for a number of years, there are now more treatment and management options than ever. Quitting reduces the chances of developing lung cancer, even for seniors who have smoked for a long time. Nicotine replacement products, counseling, prescription medications, and support groups are all great options to help your loved one quit smoking. Try to keep your loved one away from secondhand smoke as well. Research shows secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to a person’s health as smoking itself.

Suggzst Getting Vitamins from Food Instead of Supplements

Studies suggest using too many vitamin supplements can cause lung cancer. Seniors are encouraged to get their vitamins and minerals from the foods they eat rather than by taking a lot of supplements. Of course, using supplements isn’t a bad thing, but they should be carefully balanced with healthy foods to get necessary vitamins and minerals into your loved one’s diet. One great way to include vitamins and minerals from natural food sources is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables also have numerous other health benefits, so your loved one can prevent other health problems as well.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Dallas, TX, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Encourage Safety around Dangerous Materials

For seniors who are still working or previously worked in environments where they were exposed to chemicals or certain other hazardous materials, taking precautions is extremely important. For instance, many older buildings contain asbestos, which is highly carcinogenic. For those who work or once worked in such buildings, the risk of lung cancer is increased. Even for seniors who are now retired, regular checkups and careful monitoring are good ways to keep an eye on possible developing cancer and get it under control if it happens. If your loved one is still working, it’s important he or she follows any safety precautions provided by his or her workplace, such as wearing protective gear. This is especially true for seniors whose immune systems may not be as strong as they once were.

Implement an Exercise Routine

Exercising regularly not only helps the body stay healthier in general, but it’s also been shown to reduce the risk of numerous types of cancer, including lung cancer. If your loved one isn’t able to perform a rigorous exercise routine, even taking a walk outside on a nice day or beginning to practice yoga can be a great way to include exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

You may not always be able to personally make sure your parent gets the exercise he or she needs. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Dallas, TX, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.

Test for Radon

Radon is a highly carcinogenic element. In some areas, radon concentration is high in the soil and seeps into homes. Most people are unaware of high radon levels in the home, since radon is a colorless and odorless gas with no obvious side effects. However, exposure to radon over time can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer. Testing for high levels of radon in your loved one’s home will let you know if there’s a problem and if you need to take measures to prevent future radon seepage.

Lung cancer is one of the most serious diseases a senior could have, and prevention is key. Even if your parent doesn’t develop this disease, he or she may need help aging in place. When searching for reliable Dallas in-home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. To learn about our high-quality services, give us a call at (214) 363-3400 today.

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