Maintaining hygiene, good nutrition, and mental health is vital to staying safe and strong during the rainy season
While monsoons are a welcome change from the sweltering summer heat, there are many issues related to your health you need to take care of. Rain is a refreshing welcome but also risky for cancer patients. Due to weakened immunity caused by cancer and its treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy, patients become more vulnerable to infections and health complications.
And so, according to experts, it is important to take special care of hygiene, nutrition, and mental health, which becomes extremely important to prevent illness and support overall well-being during this time. “Maintaining hygiene, good nutrition, and mental health is vital to staying safe and strong during the rainy season,” Dr. Gaurav Jaswal, radiation oncologist at Onco-Life Care Cancer Centre, told Times Now.
How does the monsoon affect cancer patients?
According to Dr. Jaiswal, continuous rains and damp weather can have a significant impact on the overall health of cancer patients. Increased humidity in the air, combined with fluctuating temperatures, can create an environment where infections thrive.
Cancer patients, who often have weakened immune systems due to their disease or treatment, are more susceptible to these infections. Respiratory problems can be aggravated by high humidity, and waterborne illnesses are more common during this time of year, so cancer patients need to take extra precautions.
Hygiene
Good hygiene helps stop the spread of infections, mainly fungal and bacterial infections that thrive in damp conditions.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition boosts immunity, helping the body fight infections and recover from treatments.
Mental Health
The monsoon season and illness can affect mental well-being. Dengue, malaria, typhoid, chikungunya, and respiratory infections are common in cancer patients.
Tips for cancer patients during the monsoon
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Sanitise hands after visiting the washroom, before eating food, and after touching surfaces.
- Keep your living area clean and dry.
- Change wet clothes immediately to prevent fungal infections.
- Use clean, dry towels and avoid sharing personal items
- Eat freshly cooked, warm meals. Home-cooked food is the best option.
- Include immunity-boosting foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts.
- Drink plenty of clean, boiled water to stay hydrated.
- Say no to smoking, alcohol, sugary drinks, and sodas.
- Avoid street food and raw salads, as these can raise the chances of infection.
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Stay connected with family and friends for emotional support. Open up about your feelings or join a support group to seek help from others.
- Engage in light indoor activities or hobbies to keep your mind active. Opt for reading, puzzle-solving, and listening to music.
- Speak to the expert if feeling anxious or depressed. Opt for counselling to be able to stay calm and composed.
