Category Archives: Cancer Care Tips

Cancer Care Tips, News, Uncategorized

Smart Technology Boosts Fundraising for Cancer Research

Smart Technology is Being Used to Fight Cancer
Smart Technology is Being Used to Boost Cancer Fundraising

05Smart Technology Boosts Fundraising for Cancer ResearchToday’s sophisticated technology has been a game-changer for researchers working on immunotherapy for cancer and other treatments. Now organizations are turning to smart technology for innovative fundraising solutions.

“Sit Down for Cancer?”

Last February, Cancer Research UK installed 10 smart benches in select London boroughs. While they were initially a tie-in with World Cancer Day, the benches were intended to play a significant role in this year’s fundraising campaign.

These benches allow passers-by to donate funds with a simple tap of their debit card, providing a clever way for the charity to conduct “contactless fundraising.” The goal is to get people to think of charitable donations as part of everyday life rather than something restricted to specific events and drives.

All benches are equipped with WiFi and phone charging stations, encouraging people to think of them as a mutually beneficial service. They also provide an attractive element in the look and ambiance of public spaces.

Pros and Cons of Contactless Fundraising

In addition to making donations more convenient, contactless fundraising promotes overall awareness of a charity. Barclaycard has had success with contactless donation boxes installed on behalf of a number of charities.

The downside is that technology can make contactless fundraising devices too cost-prohibitive for some charities. Also, many organizations believe that the persuasive power of human contact still makes face-to-face fundraising the preferable method.

Issels®: In the Forefront of Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatments

While immunotherapy for cancer has become a hot topic, we have been using our integrative non-toxic programs for decades. Contact us for more information about cancer vaccines and other personally tailored treatments.

Cancer Care Tips, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Nutrition – What You Need to Know When You Have Cancer

Close up classic seafood paella with mussels, shrimps and vegeta
The Connection to Nutrition

Getting the right vitamins and minerals from the food you eat is so important as a cancer patient. However, many people don’t realize that nutrition is seriously affected by both cancer and the treatments used for it. Here at Issels®, we care about more than just treating cancer. Our focus is on improving your quality of life during your treatments. It is our hope that these nutrition tips for cancer patients will be helpful for you.

Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients

Prior to cancer, you may have been fairly healthy. Most people are familiar with what they need to do to eat a healthy diet. You probably focused on eating:

  • Plenty of whole grain foods
  • Less red meat
  • Lots of vegetables
  • Lots of fruits

As you know, when you have cancer your desire for food changes. You may need to make some changes in your diet too. Don’t be afraid to:

  • Eat foods that are higher in fat to keep your weight up
  • Eat high calorie foods
  • Drink plenty of milk if it tastes good to you
  • Eat ice cream because it may be soothing to a dry or sore throat

Why is Getting Adequate Nutrition So Hard for Cancer Patients?

If you have cancer, your body is going through a lot of changes internally. You have probably noticed that your throat is often dry. You may not have much of an appetite, or you could have sore teeth or gums. A number of problems can affect your appetite.

At Issels®, we can help you cope with these and other issues you may be facing. Contact us to learn more.

After Cancer, Cancer Care Tips, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Your Appearance is More than “Looking Good”

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Look Good, Feel Good
Look Good, Feel Good

Do you think that maintaining good grooming while you’re going through cancer treatment is a luxury? Caring for your appearance is a great way to lift your spirits from the outside in.

Personal Care Tips for Cancer Patients

  • Are you too tired or weak to get out of bed? Keep a portable mirror and grooming supplies in your nightstand.
  • Shave with an electric razor to avoid nicks and cuts that may become infected.
  • Brush your teeth and floss as usual, but consult your healthcare team before scheduling cleanings or other dental procedures.
  • Hair loss is a frequent side effect of cancer treatment. Opt for whatever solution makes you feel best, whether it’s wearing wigs and scarves or shaving your head.
  • Wear rubber or latex gloves during household chores to prevent contact with harsh soaps and chemical cleaning products.
  • Make sure manicuring tools are clean before using. Instead of cutting cuticles, simply push them back gently. Keep nails short to prevent them from catching on things.
  • Treat yourself to a relaxing spa session. Talk to your doctor beforehand if you’re planning a manicure, pedicure or waxing. Artificial or glue-on nails are usually restricted during cancer treatment.
  • Exercise daily at whatever level feels comfortable. Not only does exercise benefit you physically, it relieves depression and anxiety. Yoga is a good choice that promotes harmony between mind and body.

Personalized Immunotherapy Treatment at Issels®

No matter what form of cancer you have, your case is unique. Contact us to learn how we tailor your specific treatment program to address your individual needs.

 

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Stress-Reduction Techniques Help with Cancer Pain Management

Reduce Stress

Patients undergoing cancer treatment come to understand the close connection between their mental and physical well-being. Some people are turning to a 95-year-old Japanese stress-reduction technique to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

An Old Answer to a Current Problem

Reiki is a relaxation method that has been compared to “acupuncture without the needles.” While the patient lies flat, a Reiki practitioner places her hands on crucial areas of the body to improve the flow of energy and promote healing.

Many cancer patients who have undergone Reiki find that it helps them cope with anxiety, nausea and other common side effects of treatment. Some have talked about experiencing an overall feeling of calmness.

A Cancer Patient Speaks About Her Experience with Reiki

When Lewisburg, PA resident Erin Yust Brown was diagnosed with breast cancer, she recalled the comments of fellow yoga students regarding the benefits of Reiki. As Brown explains, the process treats the whole body as one, as opposed to the more limited approach of cancer treatment.

Brown’s practitioner, Nancy Giutini, refers to Reiki as “energy medicine” and uses the same methods that date back to its origin. Giutini emphasizes that Reiki is not a cure, but it’s been found to help patients by providing pain management and stress relief.

Personalized and Integrative Cancer Treatment at Issels®

Just as Reiki addresses the needs of the body as a whole, our immunotherapy cancer treatments focus on enhancing the body’s natural defenses. Contact us today to learn more about how we have helped a remarkable number of cancer patients achieve long-term remission.

 

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research, Cancer Survivors, Cancer Treatment, Immunotherapy for Cancer, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Taking Care of Yourself: Important Safety Reminders About Your Cancer-Compromised Immune System

Keep in Mind Your Immune System

When you’re undergoing cancer treatment, it demands the full attention of your immune system, leaving the door open for bacteria and other germs to sneak in. Use these food-handling tips to reduce the risk of disease and infection.

Food Preparation

  • Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after food prep and before eating.
  • Keep foods at the proper temperature. Hot foods should be above 140° F, while cold foods should be below 40° F.
  • Don’t thaw proteins at room temperature. Use a microwave or place them in the refrigerator with a pan to catch drips.
  • Defrosted foods should be used right away and never refrozen.
  • Don’t take chances. If any foods look, feel or smell strange, dispose of them immediately.
  • Wash produce under running water using a vegetable scrubber. Don’t use soaps, bleaches or other chemical cleaning products.

Cooking

  • Always use a clean spoon when tasting foods while cooking.
  • Don’t guess when cooking meat. Use a food thermometer for accuracy. Beef should be cooked to 160° F while poultry should be cooked to 180° F.
  • If your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, rotate the dish a quarter-turn a couple of times during cooking to ensure that food is evenly heated.
  • When reheating leftovers, cover food with a lid or plastic wrap and stir frequently.

Immunotherapy at Issels®: Personalized Non-Toxic Cancer Treatment

Our immunotherapy treatment programs are designed to boost your immune system, allowing it to fight cancer naturally. Visit our website to learn more about how our state-of-the-art cancer treatment has helped many patients achieve long-term remission.

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Caregivers

Find Out What to Expect When You Become a Cancer Caregiver

Improving the Lives of Others Can Help Improve Your Own Life.
Improving the Lives of Others Can Help Improve Your Own Life.

Has a loved one recently been diagnosed with cancer? Assuming the responsibilities of becoming a caregiver can seem overwhelming. Here are some cancer caregiver tips that will help you to better perform your role while maintaining your own physical and mental well-being.

Caring for a Cancer Patient

• The caregiver role is fluid. Duties can change based on factors such as where a patient is in the treatment process and whether he or she is staying in a hospital or at home.

• Caregivers are vital members of a patient’s healthcare team. Meet with the doctors frequently and don’t be afraid to speak up if you have questions or need more clarification.

• Talk to your loved one about how much they want to share with friends and family members and keep others updated accordingly.

• Everyone has their own way of coping with illness. Be available, but respect the patient’s wishes if he or she wants to be alone or doesn’t want to talk.

Caring for the Caregiver

• Caregiver is a rewarding role, but the road can be bumpy. Don’t feel guilty if you experience sadness, fatigue or grief. Joining a support group, either in person or online, can be a great source of strength.

• Have some friends or family members who can assist or even take over temporarily if you need a break.

• Plan activities such as workouts or movie outings that will help you maintain balance.

Issels® Is a Resource for Patients and Caregivers

Visit our website for more cancer caregiver tips as well as information about our personally created immunotherapy treatment programs, including cancer vaccines and NK cells.