1. What You Already Know
Surely you have heard it before, but it must be said again. Smoking not only increases your risk of developing pneumonia and other lung conditions, it does absolutely nothing good for you, so quit now to protect yourself from pneumonia and other medical conditions. Additionally, it may seem obvious, but try to steer clear of folks with respiratory tract infections, cold and flu, as pneumonia often develops following these common infections.
2. Getting Rid of Germs
Wash your hands as often as possible, particularly before eating and after entering public places such as buses, grocery stores and schools. There is no need to use special soap, as your average hand-soap will do, but you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as well to keep your hands germ-free.
3. Foods That Fight Pneumonia
Diet is a great way to boost antioxidants and vitamins which increase immune system function and help to prevent pneumonia. Try to eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible, particularly dark, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli. Additionally, the mineral zinc is thought to reduce the risks of pneumonia development, particularly in children. Zinc-rich foods include grains, beans and lean red meats. While infants should receive 5 mg each day and children from 1 year to 4 years old should receive 10 mg, always speak to your doctor before giving supplements to your children.
4. Take a Deep Breath
Narrow breathing or limited lung capacity can increase the risk of respiratory infection, particularly for those who are weakened by chest or abdominal surgery. Deep-breathing exercises are a great way to expand lung capacity and reduce the risks of pneumonia. Breathe deeply through the nose, pushing out your abdomen as you try to fill your lungs as much as possible. Exhale through the mouth, pulling your abdomen in as you try to push all of the air out. Deep breathing exercises should be performed several times throughout the day for at least 5 minutes at a time, particularly if you have restricted lung capacity or risks for pneumonia and respiratory tract infection.
5. Have You Had Your Flu Shot?
There are several types of vaccines which help to protect against bacteria that can cause pneumonia. For those over 65, younger folks who have repeated respiratory problems and small children, a yearly flu shot is a great way to avoid pneumonia. Additionally, vaccines are available which are designed particularly for pneumonia and can be received every 5 to 6 years for those with higher risk. While these vaccines are not thought to prevent development of pneumonia, they can reduce the risk of serious and even fatal complications.
