No one wants to be sick, especially with something as serious as pneumonia. Pneumonia can cause complications in the lungs when not treated quickly, which is why preventing it is of extreme importance for senior health. Communities like Yuma Senior Living can play a large role in maintaining optimal health in its senior residents, but it’s still a good idea to know of ways that you can help to prevent pneumonia on your own.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your senior health and preventing pneumonia.
1. Get Vaccinated
Pneumonia doesn’t normally just happen on its own. It’s typically a result of another issue within the body and follows along after it. Viral infections, bacterial infections, or fungi can all lead to developing pneumonia. Because of this, one of the best ways to prevent pneumonia is to stay healthy by getting necessary vaccinations.
A yearly flu vaccine is just one of the vaccinations you can receive to help prevent pneumonia. It is a common cause of pneumonia for people each year, and vaccines are a helpful way to steer clear of the flu. Other health issues that can lead to pneumonia are pertussis (whooping cough), measles, and chickenpox, all of which have vaccines that are known to significantly reduce the risks for catching these infections. Preventing the initial infection that can increase the chances of developing pneumonia is one of the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia.
2. Wash Your Hands
When you get pneumonia, it’s typically a direct result of being infected with organisms such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Avoiding these illnesses can be a good way to prevent getting pneumonia, and one of the best ways to do that is by washing your hands. Bacteria on your hands can be easily transferred to your nose or mouth, which can get you sick in no time. Washing your hands often and thoroughly can help to clean off any lingering bacteria before it reaches your nose or mouth and enters the respiratory system.
Some tips for more effective hand washing techniques include covering all surfaces of both your hands and wrists with soap, scrubbing the for at least 20 seconds, and not forgetting to include fingernails and fingertips in the cleaning process. You can also use a towel to turn off the faucet to help avoid any repeat contamination. Lastly, if you do not have access to hand soap and water, the next best thing is to use hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
3. Maintain Good Senior Health Habits
When it comes to preventing pneumonia, your overall health plays a large role. If you are living an active and healthy lifestyle, you’ll have a better choice of avoiding pneumonia or beating it quickly. This is especially true for seniors, who often have weaker immune systems.
Maintaining good senior health is easier than ever when have the support of a senior living community. Communities like Yuma Senior Living can aid you in living a healthy lifestyle. As a member of the community, you’ll enjoy benefits such as nutritious chef-created meals to nourish your body, resident-centered wellness activities, as well as assistance with daily tasks and premier medical assistance. Simply give them a call at (928) 388-6858, and their Community Ambassador will schedule an onsite tour at your convenience.