Mesothelioma Health Care Management Tips for Sufferers

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 125 million people worldwide are affected by asbestos in their workplaces. Asbestos fibers can get trapped in your lungs and trigger the development of mesothelioma – a type of cancer that damages the lining of the walls of the lungs, chest, stomach, and heart.

Despite its ban in more than 60 countries around the world, asbestos exposure still remains the number one cause of work-related deaths worldwide. A staggering 107,000 workers die due to asbestos exposure in their jobs. And about 1,523,000 are left with disabilities or life-long health problems.

These neglectful manufacturers are the reason why you should know what is a mesothelioma law firm, and how they can help if you’re experiencing asbestos exposure in the workplace. They can help you take legal actions against manufacturers or employers who disregard the dangers of asbestos, exposing you to possibly developing mesothelioma.

If you’re already diagnosed with mesothelioma, immediately get in touch with experienced legal professionals. You should also take note of these tips to effectively manage your condition:

Understand Your Diagnosis And Available Treatment Plans

It’ll be hard to manage mesothelioma if you don’t know what you’re up against.

Once diagnosed, make sure to ask your doctor about your condition:

• Are you prohibited to engage in specific activities?
• Should you change your daily routine to manage your condition?
• What types of food should you eat?

Knowing how this cancer begins and develops, will make it easy for you to determine what to change in your routine and lifestyle and manage your condition better. Always consult your doctor’s advice first before making any changes. Ask to make sure if it’s safe and compatible with your current treatment.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital to achieving optimal health – and the same is true when you have mesothelioma. Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night is vital in repairing cells damaged by cancer. Sleep has been proven to boost the immune system, prevent DNA damage, and lower cortisol levels. For mesothelioma patients, simply getting enough sleep can be an effortless solution to stay healthy.

Follow A Healthy Diet

Patients with mesothelioma should pay extra attention to their diets. The food you eat can significantly affect how your body responds to your treatments.

For patients with mesothelioma, a balanced diet should include:

• Food high in protein.
• Low to no refined or added sugars.
• Starches such as beans, whole-grain cereals, and red potatoes.
• At least one serving of fruits and vegetables.

Sticking to a healthy and well-balanced diet can keep your body strong and safe from other chronic diseases. Getting proper nutrition from the food you eat can provide vitamins and minerals to your body and enhance your immune system.

Stop Smoking

Smoking can cause chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and even lung cancer. It can damage the small air sacs and airways in your lungs, and needless to say, smoking can only make mesothelioma worse. If you regularly smoke before you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, the only thing to do is to quit smoking. And when you have mesothelioma, these risks only increase your susceptibility to heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly can boost your energy, lessen fatigue, improve physical function, and increase your appetite. Mesothelioma patients are usually advised to engage in low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, swimming, and cycling. A regular routine of low to moderate exercise and strength training of 30 minutes, 3 times a day is said to reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and improve your immune functions. Again, it’s always best to consult with your doctor to know the appropriate exercises for you.

Reduce Stress

While stress is always present, taking steps so that it’s always minimized and managed will do a lot of good in your recovery. Aside from daily stressors, mesothelioma patients can also get stressed from their diagnosis and treatments.

You can fight off stress with the following:

• Find support from your friends and family.
• Maintain a positive outlook.
• Pursue your hobbies and interests.
• Practice mindfulness.
• Talk to a counselor or therapist.

Think Positive

Mesothelioma is a serious disease, but this doesn’t mean that you can no longer do anything with your life the moment you’re diagnosed with this cancer. A positive outlook can also lower stress, which can trigger a rise in your cortisol level or more popularly known as stress hormones. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help clear your thoughts and shift your focus from the disease to recovery.  Thinking positive and knowing how to manage your condition can help you get through your diagnosis and treatment.