Toxins are everywhere, and prolonged exposure to them can be fatal. Even if the exposure does not kill a person right away, victims may end up with life-threatening diseases. The Camp Lejeune contamination that happened decades ago is an instance of the grave threat of toxin exposure. Residents who were exposed to toxic chemicals in the local water supplies suffered from various types of cancers and several fatal conditions in the aftermath. Many victims live with terminal illnesses even today.
The pain is far greater for such victims because their suffering wouldn’t have happened, had they not been exposed to toxins. However, one has to learn to live with a terminal illness, regardless of the circumstances. Expect life to be challenging if you are a patient, but embracing some self-care tips can make a difference. Let us share the best advice for patients dealing with a toxin-induced terminal illness.
Nourish your body
A terminal disease takes a dire toll on your physical health, and you may suffer from several problems and side effects of medicines and chemotherapy. But nourishing your body with the best diet helps you minimize the concerns and boost your immunity. Get dietary recommendations from your doctor and stick with them. Besides eating a balanced diet, staying active helps you strengthen your body as much as possible. You need not join the gym, but following an easy fitness regimen can surely help.
Strengthen your mind
Living with a terminal illness can be devastating for your mental well-being as you struggle with the thought of death every moment. Your self-care initiative should focus as much on mental well-being as physical health. Fortunately, you can embrace several measures to strengthen your mind. Start with a daily meditation routine that purges negativity and gets positive thoughts into action. Therapies like yoga, aromatherapy, and massage can also relax your mind. Consider seeing a therapist who specializes in helping terminally-ill patients.
Seek justice
Seeking justice for your suffering is also a part of self-care for people suffering from diseases due to toxin exposure. For example, Camp Lejeune victims are entitled to bring up Camp Lejeune toxic exposure compensation claims against the authorities because the government is ready to pay for the negligence. Getting justice does more than give you peace of mind. You can actually get better treatment for your illness with the compensation amount, which is likely a hefty one for toxin explorers. You can ensure comfort for yourself during your lifetime and financial safety for your loved ones with the compensation amount.
Slow down
Slowing down is vital to coping with a terminal condition like the last stages of cancer. It helps you live one day at a time, and live every moment to the fullest. You cannot be sure about what lies around the corner when you have a fatal disease. Taking things easy enables you to handle the woes of being terminally ill. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset, spend quality time with loved ones, and keep yourself busy doing things you enjoy. The more you focus on happy moments, the better you cope with anxiety and negativity.
Prioritize sleep
Sleep is a part of the healing process because it gives your body the rest it needs to fight the disease-causing cells. Although you may not expect a complete cure, you can reach the maximum level of healing with optimal sleep. But patients often struggle with insomnia due to the pain and anxiety. You can seek treatment for a sleep specialist and look for holistic alternatives instead of relying on sleeping pills. A healthy bedtime ritual with activities like reading, meditation, a hot bath, and herbal tea can help. Stick to a regular routine to keep insomnia at bay.
Write a gratitude journal
Although life may not be great for terminally-ill patients, they may still have several things to be thankful for. People who practice gratitude live longer and happier, regardless of the illnesses they live with. Writing a gratitude journal is an ideal self-care practice for such patients. You may not find much to write about initially, but things change once you adopt a fresh perspective. Look for happiness in small things, and you will have a lot more to write in your gratitude journal.
Self-care can help terminally ill patients live longer and more fulfilled lives. It becomes even more crucial for people dealing with the trauma of negligent toxic exposure. Although nothing can reverse your suffering, these simple self-care tips can definitely help you make the most of the time left.
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