Pneumonia: How to Reduce Your Risk this Winter

The winter season brings with it a host of health hazards. A simple cough might not be a

simple cough. A sneeze may be portends of things to come…perhaps a simple cold, but

maybe something more serious, like pneumonia.

At Winters Healthcare, your health and well-being are important to us. If you are

experiencing symptoms of pneumonia — don’t wait — make an appointment with our

office where we can evaluate your condition and prescribe the best treatment plan. Left

untreated, pneumonia can potentially develop into a serious, life-threatening condition.

The good news is that there are ways to reduce your risk of developing pneumonia and

the uncomfortable symptoms that go with it, like coughing, wheezing, aches and pains.

Topping the list is vaccination, which is effective in decreasing your risk. But there are

other things you can do as well including:

1. Stop smoking: By stopping smoking, you boost your body’s natural defenses against

the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.

2. Avoid being around others who are sick: This is the easiest and most common way

for germs to spread from one person to another.

3. Practice good hand hygiene: Having clean hands helps prevent the spread of

infection and illness, as germs can linger on virtually everything we touch.

4. Eat healthy/exercise regularly: Make sure your daily nutritional plan includes

plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Regular exercise

helps boost the immune system, which fights infection.

The more mindful you are about pneumonia prevention, the better the odds that

you’ll stay healthy this winter. At Winters Healthcare, we pride ourselves on building

strong doctor-patient relationships and on our high quality of skilled and

compassionate care. For more information, give us a call today.