Pneumonia is an infection that can be caused by fungi, virus, or bacteria. The air sacs in the lungs fill up with fluid making it difficult to breathe and therefore preventing enough oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. It is a dangerous condition that in extreme cases can even cause death. In our Spring Hill Urgent Care center we treat patients with pneumonia on a regular basis. In this article, we are sharing 3 tips that can help prevent pneumonia. Keep reading to find out how to keep your lungs in good shape and resistant to infections.
1. Quit smoking (!) and avoid passive smoking at all cost
If you are a smoker, you have to stop smoking, and you have to do it now. No excuses. If you lack motivation, think of the harm you cause not only to yourself, but the people around you, especially your children. Do you really want to be the cause of their health issues? Passive smoking is believed to be even more deadly that active smoking, because unlike the smoker, the person inhaling the smoke passively is not protected by the filter. According to WHO, second-hand smoking is responsible for more than 600,000 deaths per year. Globally, more than a third of all people are regularly exposed to the harmful effects of smoke1. Quitting smoking is not something to consider. At Spring Hill Urgent Care Centre we always advise: do yourself (and people around you!) a favor and throw your cigarettes away.
2. Eat the right kind of food
A healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can be a great way of preventing pneumonia (and many other kinds of diseases). There are certain kind of foods that can boost your immune system and prepare it to fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi responsible for developing pneumonia in your lungs – our specialist at Spring Hill Urgent Care Centre are always keen to discuss how you can improve your diet and boost your health! Take ginger – it is rich in a substance called gingerol which has anticancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation properties2. Garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight off bacteria, viruses and fungi. It also helps bring down the body temperature and increases expectoration to clear phlegm out of the chest and lungs3. Make sure to include these products in your everyday diet to ensure your lungs stay safe from pneumonia.
3. Wash your hands
Something as simple as personal hygiene can make a huge difference in the way your body reacts to infectious bacteria. Throughout the average day, we visit different places and meet different people, therefore we are prone to coming into contact with many bacteria. Washing our hands is an effective way to get rid of it. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water at least few times a day, especially after any contact with money, public toilets or visibly sick people.
In our Spring Hill Urgent Care Center, we offer treatments for many conditions, including pneumonia. If, despite your best efforts, you find yourself suffering from pain in your lungs or breathing problems, make sure to visit our center as soon as you can. Of course – in emergency situations – we recommend you dial 911 or go to your nearest hospital – but for all non-life threatening issues, our team of professionals provides a wide range of healthcare services, all in a friendly, comfortable setting with convenient hours and no appointment needed. Visit our website or contact us today.
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