The best colon cleanse foods

A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy body. Unfortunately many of us feel less than vibrant and vital and struggle with digestive issues or food sensitivities and a tendency to catch every cold that pass us by. Interestingly about 70% of the cells that make up our immune system are in the wall of our gut. Yet a sluggish digestion, poor diet, stress (a big trouble maker!), environmental toxins and food toxins can really take it's toll.
That's when it's time to clean up your act and lighten the load on your system. Making sure to include some gut-cleansing herbs to your diet along with the following gut-cleansing foods can really help boost the cleaning of the gut. The hope is that all this will indeed flush the colon of any toxic build-up, help you lose weight, improve digestive function and re-energize you.

10 Effects of Fast Food on the Body

How often have you passed that vada pav stand and craved for one yummy bite of that delicious treat? But if vada pav is not your thing, how about when you pass a place serving burgers, wraps or maybe samosa? Feel that craving? Well, all these treats are called junk food. As per the dictionary meaning of junk food, it is considered something useless, extra or something that is not needed. Not only are those foods extremely unhealthy, they also impacts various aspects of your life. Here’s how.

1. It can cause type 2 diabetes
 One of major contributing factors for the emerging diabetes epidemic is unhealthy diet full of junk and fast food. When you eat a healthy diet, your body gets a steady supply of glucose, which helps maintain insulin sensitivity. On the other hand, when you eat only junk food, the excessive stress exerted on your metabolism affects the ability of your body to use insulin properly. Since junk food lacks fibre content, its consumption directly results in a spike in sugar levels. Further, junk food consumption leads to obesity, one of the main reasons for insulin resistance and development of diabetes.

How to Prevent Water Pollution With 12 Ways

Water Pollution refer to the presence of harmful substances or pollutants in water bodies. It happens when untreated wastes and pollutants are discharged into water bodies. As a result, the water of sea, rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoir, and ground-water get polluted.
The water pollutants are discharged both directly and directly. Though, human acts are mostly responsible for water pollution, sometimes water may get polluted for reasons beyond human control such as volcanic eruptions, soil erosion, natural mixing of mineral-oils at sea,  etc.
Water pollution may disrupt human life to a great extent. It is highly important to take steps forward to prevent water pollution.

Prevention of Water Pollution

Here are the top 12 ways to Prevent Water Pollution.

1. Sewage treatments
  The household water should be treated properly so that they become environmentally safe. Adequate care should be taken to ensure that effective sewage treatment process is in place and that contaminated water does not get mixed with the environment. in order to prevent water pollution, human and animal excreta should be prevented from mixing with its sources. Construction of pit toilet and proper sewage treatments can offer some solution to this problem.
2. Prevent river water to get polluted
  The flowing water of the river cannot be cleaned easily by natural process. Since, a large number of external substances are discharged into the water, the river water becomes polluted. This may cause diseases to the people using river water. Thus, every effort should be made to prevent the river water to get contaminated. People should not be allowed to throw wastes into the river water.

7 Important Rolls of Vitamin B12

It’s estimated nearly 40% of the American population suffers from B12 levels that are too low. With low B12 levels, your brain doesn’t work quite right and more often than not you’re suffering from chronic fatigue. But vitamin B12 does more than just support healthy energy levels. Its multiplexity of functionality is mirrored in its wide range of health benefits. The question is, are you getting enough?

The Seven Most Important Functions of Vitamin B12

Many people receive vitamin B12 injections on a regular basis to provide a boost in their energy levels. While it’s true that B12 does support energy, that’s not the entire picture. Here’s 7 functions of vitamin B12 and why you need this crucial nutrient.

1. Supports Energy

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in how your body creates energy. It keeps your cells fed, happy, and healthy. Without it, your cells get hungry and you feel weak, tired, and like you’re dragging all the time. The nutrient releases energy into the cell and provides you with the appropriate balance you need for thinking and moving throughout your day.

8 Ways to Get Rid of Bad Breath

There are many reasons to cover up bad breath (halitosis), but if you're tired of quick fixes and want to get rid of halitosis once and for all, take these instructions to heart... or should we say, mouth?

1. Brush your teeth regularly
  Two major sources of mouth odor are bacteria and decaying food particles. There are hundreds of nooks and crannies in the fertile landscape of your mouth where these offending bits of "rot" can get lodged.

• Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a soft bristled toothbrush, and hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums. Brush your teeth on every surface in short, gentle strokes, being careful not to press too hard or irritate the gums. If done properly, brushing should take about three minutes.
• Brush your teeth and rinse with mouth wash at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day.
• Take care to brush all the areas of your mouth, including gums and tongue, and not just your teeth.

9 Ways to Prevent Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition in which healthy red blood cells dip below normal limits. Anemia prevents your body from carrying adequate oxygen to your tissues and can make you feel weak and tired. There are many different kinds of anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia or sickle cell anemia that require different types of treatment. Anyone can get anemia, though women, strict vegans, people with poor diets, and people with chronic diseases are at a higher risk. Depending on the type of anemia, you can prevent and may even be able to cure anemia through diet or by taking supplements.

1. Be aware of your risk
Iron and vitamin deficiency anemia are two of the most common forms of anemia and are caused by either a shortage of iron or Vitamin B12 and folate in your body. Almost any person can get iron or vitamin deficiency anemia, so being aware of your risk can help you prevent it. The following conditions may cause a shortage of iron, vitamin B12, or folate and lead to anemia:

• Vegans who don't eat animal products or people with a poor diet
• Excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, surgery, or other trauma
• A gastric ulcer
• Cancer, especially intestinal cancer
• Polyps or other diseases, such as or Crohn’s or celiac disease, of the digestive tract
• Prolonged use of aspirins or NSAIDS
• Pregnancy
• Insufficient iron, vitamin B12, or folate consumption in your diet

2. Identify the symptoms of anemia

  The signs of anemia don't show up immediately, or they may be mild. Be aware of these symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Numbness or coldness in your hands and feet
• Low body temperature
• Pale skin
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Irritability

10 Ways To Prevent Malaria

Going to an exotic destination soon? Have you checked whether the region is a malaria risk area?
Are you aware of the essential tipps on how to prevent malaria?
Find out the top ten ways to avoid getting ill on vacation and make the most of your holidays.

1. Determine your level of risk

Inform yourself about your destination and the risk for getting malaria. Things you should consider are: The time of year you are travelling, the duration of your stay, the activities you plan to do and where you will be staying. The risk for an infection can vary considerably, even within a single country. Successful malaria prophylaxis depends on your knowledge - make sure you are in the know before you go.

2. Stay in well-screened areas at night

Avoid sleeping outside or in the vicinity of areas where mosquitoes like to live, e.g. standing water (tyres, lakes, waste dumps). If you are sleeping in a tent, make sure that there are no holes anywhere and keep the door closed at all times. These may be very basic rules, but they can significantly increase the success of your malaria prevention effort.

12 Tips To Prevent Kidney Problems Naturally

Our kidneys are designed such that their filtration capacity naturally declines after the age of 30-40 years. With every decade after your 30s, your kidney function is going to reduce by 10%. But, if you’re going to increase the load on your kidneys right from the beginning, your risk of developing kidney disease later in life will definitely be higher. To be on the safe side, follow these few tips and take good care of your kidneys to prevent the risk of developing kidney problems.

1. Manage diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease

In most of the cases, kidney disease is a secondary illness that results from a primary disease or condition such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Around 50% of people who have diabetes develop kidney problems and hence, it is important for people with diabetes to have regular kidney function tests. Also, people with blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg, need periodic medical advice and regular monitoring to reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Therefore, controlling sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure by following a healthy diet, exercise regimen and medication guidelines  followed by an annual health check-up is good for all those above 40 years of age to keep kidney disease at bay.

2. Reduce the intake of salt

Salt increases the amount of sodium in diet. It not only increases blood pressure but also triggers the formation of kidney stones. Hence, it is a good idea to lower your intake of salt and restricting it to five-six grams of salt per day, which accounts to one teaspoon, is beneficial. In general, it is good to limit the amount of processed and restaurant food and eat home cooked food with clean and fresh ingredients.

How To Avoid Communicable Diseases

Everything from food to water can lead to serious health problems in the Monsoons. Communicable diseases like malaria, flu, cold, diarrhea, food and water infections and typhoid area unit rampant.

However, these 10 tips for good health will keep you and your family healthy and safe.

Infection is defined as the entry Associate in Nursingd an increase in number of an infectious agent in the tissue of a host (in this case, you). If those infectious agents cause harm to the host (by making you sick), then the infection can manifest signs and symptoms. If the infectious disease can be transmitted either directly or indirectly from one person to another, then it is called a communicable disease or infectious disease. You can limit your exposure to these diseases by taking precautions, and using self-help strategies.

1. Wash your hands before and after contact with an infected person

In standard or universal precautions, all bodily fluids from the infected person are considered contagious. Hand washing is one of the most standard ways that you can avoid becoming infected once you have had contact with an infected person. When you rub your hands together while washing them, you remove the microorganisms that could be present. To wash your hands thoroughly:

How to Get Rid of a Red Eye

Red eyes (or bloodshot eyes) square measure caused by enlarged blood vessels on the surface of the eyeball.
While most of the time it is a passing disorder, red eyes with more severe symptoms can be a symbol of great health problems and medical attention should be wanted in real time.
For mild cases of red eye, drops can be purchased at a pharmacy to help the appearance of the eye, however it could not ease the discomfort or pain associated with it.
Natural cures for red eye are equally effective and can be done from the comforts of your house. If you are inquisitive the way to remove red eyes, then read additional below regarding how home remedies can help you.

Have you ever looked in an exceedingly mirror and noticed that your eyes were red? whether you've been watching a pc or TV screen for too long or square measure littered with allergies, red eyes can be painful and ugly. Fortunately, there are many ways that to cut back the irritation and swelling. Eye redness can go hand-in-hand with dry eyes, so some treatments address each issues. Other problems such as infections, inflammation, ocular trauma, or a foreign body can cause redness. At those times, it is best to seek medical attention.

 1. There are many completely different kinds of eye drops, each one suggested for different circumstances. For example, if you have red eyes and wear contact lenses, a blood vessel constricting drop may not work. It wouldn't be ready to get through the lens to treat your redness.

How to Get Rid of a Cough Fast

 It’s never a fun situation when you have a persistent cough. You don’t want to be that person in a quiet room during a lecture that can’t stop breaking the silence with your hacking, or that person at the restaurant that makes people fling themselves over their plates to protect their food while you cough away. Or that person on the plane that everyone throws disgusted looks at. Coughs are just terribly uncomfortable all around, both physically and otherwise.

There are two primary types of coughs, dry and productive. A productive cough is one in which you are coughing up phlegm or mucous-this is not a cough that should be suppressed, as your body needs to rid itself of the gunk that’s in your chest/lungs. While it shouldn’t be suppressed, some of these remedies will address a productive cough by including an expectorant, or something that loosens mucous and makes it easier for the body to get rid of.

A lingering cough can make you feel absolutely miserable, and you probably want to get rid of it as fast as you can. Coughs are common side effects of colds and flu, but they also are caused by allergies, asthma, acid reflux, dry air, smoking, and even some medications. Coughs can be extremely painful and annoying, so try some of the following tips to try to get rid of that cough quickly.

1. Use honey

  Honey is an effective way to suppress a cough and soothe a sore throat. Several studies have found that honey is at least as effective at reducing cough than over-the-counter drugs, and is sometimes more effective. Honey helps coat and soothe mucus membranes. It can be very helpful right before going to bed if the cough is making it hard to sleep.

• It's good for adults and children, but do not give honey to children under the age of 1 since it could increase the risk of infant botulism.
• You can take the honey directly. Try 1 tablespoon every few hours while your cough persists. Another option is to add 1 tablespoon or more to a glass of warm tea with lemon.
• Some studies suggest that honey is as effective as a cough suppressant as dextromethorphan, an ingredient commonly used in many over-the-counter cough suppressants.

Studies, such as one conducted at Penn State College of Medicine, have found that honey can work more efficiently to calm a cough than over-the-counter drugs. It is a rich demulcent, with a high viscosity and stickiness that does an incredible job of coating and soothing those irritated mucous membranes. Thanks to an enzyme added by bees when they harvest honey, it also has antibacterial properties as well, which may help shorten how long you have the cough if it is due to bacterial illness.
Note: This is an excellent alternative remedy for both kids and adults, but should never be given to children under the age of 2 years due to the risk of botulism.

You need:

-1 tablespoon of organic, raw, honey

Directions

Take 1 tablespoon of honey 1-3 times daily as needed to control coughing. Take immediately before bed if cough is disrupting your sleep. For children, you can adjust the dosing to 1 teaspoon up to one tablespoon.
 

How To Prevent Cancer Esophageal With 6 Tips

You already know that living a healthy lifestyle offers a number of benefits — you feel great, enjoy good health, and have plenty of energy. But taking good care of your body and eating a healthy diet has another benefit that you might not be aware of: you can help reduce your risk of esophageal cancer. Many times, cancer simply isn't preventable. But in the instance of esophageal cancer, there are a lot of things you can do to help reduce your risk.

Why Reducing Your Risk for Esophageal Cancer Is So Important

Esophageal cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancers, so it's important to do what you can to prevent it from affecting you. Esophageal cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, when the cancer has already spread into other parts of the body  making treatment difficult and the prognosis poor. Symptoms typically don't appear until late stages, and many people aren't regularly screened for esophageal cancer unless there's a strong likelihood that they’ll develop the disease.

"We have found a definite correlation between squamous cell esophageal cancer and smoking and drinking, so experts tell people 'don't smoke, and limit your amount of alcohol intake,'" says Wayne Hofstetter, MD, associate professor and director of the esophageal program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Tex. "Adenocarcinoma (the other common type of esophageal cancer) risk factors include smoking, being overweight, having reflux diseases and hiatal hernia,  those things can lead to Barrett's esophagus (a sometimes pre-cancerous condition)."

9 Tips to Prevent Colon Cancer

Colon cancer doesn’t get the same attention as some higher-profile cancers, but it should. It’s the third most common cancer in the United States, with 140,000 people diagnosed each year. And over a million men and women live with a history of the disease.
Then there’s the good news about colon cancer: It can be prevented. Seventy-five percent of all cases could be avoided by things you can do.
Use these eight tips as a guide to lowering your risk. Start with one or two and build from there. It’s your health. Take control.

 

How to Get Rid of Diarrhea Fast

Diarrhea occurs when the digestive system is not functioning properly, resulting in frequent loose or watery stools, three or more times a day.
The main causes of diarrhea are viral infections, bacterial infections, consumption of contaminated food and water, anxiety, food intolerances, and intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diarrhea can be accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and may cause complications like dehydration.
It usually takes two to four days for diarrhea and its accompanying symptoms to disappear completely, depending upon the intensity of the problem.
You can combat diarrhea with a variety of natural, home remedies to fight the infection as well as provide relief from the symptoms.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt, especially the one with live bacterial cultures such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium is a great home remedy for diarrhea.
These live cultures help restore the ‘good’ bacteria in your intestine and destroy the ‘bad’ bacteria causing the diarrhea.
In a 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that probiotics can help reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Just two bowls of yogurt a day can produce noticeable relief. Add or eat a banana with your yogurt for added benefits.
What You Need:

• Yogurt
• Banana (Other fruit)

Directions
Do remember that in purchasing the yogurt inside the store, it might be best to look for yogurt that is not pre flavored since this will work better against diarrhea. It can be mixed in with fruits like a banana to make it taste better.

6 Simple Ways to Prevent Air Pollution

Smog now darkens the sky in cities the world over, and the air we all breathe is increasingly contaminated with particulate matter and carbon monoxide. These pollutants are hazardous to human and environmental health. So how can you personally clean up the air? You might be surprised to learn how much your efforts can help. See Step 1 to learn actions you can take to reduce your contribution.
1. Question car culture
  Industrial manufacturing practices are the primary reason the earth's air is polluted, but car-related pollution is the next biggest culprit. The manufacturing of cars and roads, the production of fuel, and the emissions that result from burning that fuel all play a part.Since many cities are laid out in such a way that driving is almost a necessity, it can be hard to determine the best way to combat this problem. No matter where you live, you can take action by finding creative ways to be less dependent on cars. It may not be practical to give up your car entirely, but you can still take action by reducing your use of your car. For example, instead of driving to the grocery store every other day, make one trip every week or week and a half, stocking up on everything you need all at once.  Carpooling with your neighbors or signing up for a car share program are also great ways to reduce your car use.
2. Take the bus, subway or train
  If you live in New York City you're probably already used to taking mass transit wherever you go, but big cities aren't the only places that offer public transportation. Get familiar with your city or town's bus or train routes, and start replacing your car commute with a bus trip at least once a week. Work up to using public transportation as often as possible, only using your car when you can't figure out a good alternative. Taking a bus or train to work, school or any other activity has a lot of advantages. Aside from doing your part to reduce air pollution, you'll have extra time to read, knit, do crosswords, or people watch. Taking public transportation is also safer than driving, and will probably help reduce your anxiety level since you won't have to deal with rush hour traffic.

15 Ways to Eliminate Stress From Your Life

Relax. You deserve it, it's good for you, and it takes less time than you think.

You don't need a spa weekend or a retreat. Each of these stress-relieving tips can get you from OMG to om in less than 15 minutes.

1. Meditate

A few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety. “Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress,” says psychologist Robbie Maller Hartman, PhD, a Chicago health and wellness coach.

It's simple. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Close your eyes. Focus your attention on reciting -- out loud or silently -- a positive mantra such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” Place one hand on your belly to sync the mantra with your breaths. Let any distracting thoughts float by like clouds.

2. Breathe Deeply

Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the breath start in your abdomen and work its way to the top of your head. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth.

“Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure,” psychologist Judith Tutin, PhD, says. She's a certified life coach in Rome, GA.

10 Natural Home Remedies for Headaches

In a world of deadlines, late nights, irksome bosses, traffic jams, skimpy sleep schedules and constantly being on the move - we all deal with splitting headaches every now and then. Missing your quintessential cup of coffee in the morning or skipping lunch because of a meeting gets your head pounding, right? So when you're really having a bad day and it culminates to a severe migraine, what then?

The easy way out is of course to pop a painkiller, maybe even indulge in acupressure, sip on some chamomile tea. And we're willing to do just about anything to get rid of that pounding headache. Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of 10 natural home remedies that will zap the pain from your debilitating headache. It's true, your search for the best headache cure ends here. 

"Headaches are characterised by a feeling of tenseness in the neck, shoulder and scalp whereas migraines are basically pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head. Symptoms actually vary from person to person, and even from one migraine attack to the next," says Dr. Supriya Bali, Internal Medicine, Max Hospitals.
It is essential that you avoid headache-inducing substances like MSG (monosodium glutamate), excessive caffeine, alcohol, phenylethylamine found in chocolate and cheese, tyramine found in nuts and fermented meats and soy, and aspartame present in many artificially sweetened foods. If you start getting a headache, steer clear of all devices including your phone, laptop and TV. Eat healthy, and at regular intervals since a drop in blood sugar can set the stage for headaches. At least thrice a week, if not more, spend 30 minutes exercising. And always, we mean always, stay hydrated.

1. Ginger, The All-Rounder

Touted as an elixir for headaches, ginger is a home remedy for instant relief. It helps reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, hence easing the pain. And since it stimulates digestion, it also helps quell the nausea which occurs during migraines.
Wondering how to use this miracle ingredient? Steep ginger root for tea, or mix equal parts of ginger juice and lemon juice and drink up. You can consume this once or twice a day. You can also apply a paste of ginger powder and 2 tablespoons water on your forehead for a few minutes to provide quicker relief.

How to prevent Dermatitis

Some types of dermatitis are easier to prevent than others. Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding skin contact with the agents that cause the dermatitis. However, if you come into contact with an irritant, such as poison ivy, wash the exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible. Most other types of dermatitis develop in people with sensitive skin and can be prevented only by avoiding the irritant.

If you feel you are at risk for dermatitis, consider these preventive steps:

• Use a humidifier at home and at work to keep the air from getting too dry.
• Wear loose-fitting, natural-fiber clothing; untreated cotton is ideal.
• Avoid plated jewelry, especially in your ears, to prevent nickel-related rashes. Surgical steel or 14-karat gold earring posts are safer choices.
• Don't wear a watchband that presses against your skin for long periods; the friction and sweat buildup can cause rashes.
• Take warm, not hot, baths or showers and use mild soaps.
• Lubricate your skin after a bath and several times during the day when possible using an unscented lotion or cream.
• Take shorter baths or showers :limit your baths and showers to 10 to 15 minutes. And use warm, rather than hot, water. Bath oil also may be helpful.
• Use nonsoap cleansers or gentle soaps: Choose fragrance-free nonsoap cleansers or mild soaps. Some soaps can dry your skin.
• Dry yourself carefully:After bathing, brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
• Moisturize your skin:While your skin is still damp, seal in moisture with an oil or cream. Try different products to find one that works for you. Ideally, the best one for you will be safe, effective, affordable and unscented.

9 Tips to Increase Height & Grow Taller Fast Naturally

Are you a person who wants to know how to get taller naturally, especially for teenagers? Well, you are not alone because there are huge numbers of people who are asking the same thing. A lot of people have the problem with their height, particularly those who are short. Most of people who do not have the ideal height usually compare their height with other people when it comes to the height. Buying those height grow rate promoting products does not the ideal and only way to help you get taller. Fortunately, today, this article will provide you with tips on growing taller naturally without any harmful effects. Give them a try first before using other kinds of product.

If you want to control the height potential increase, you need to create some positive effects on the factors which affect the development of your natural height. Therefore, before your height growth stop, you still have chances to “extend” and add a few inches to your height if you have consistent interferences.
The decisive factor which is most important to your height is genes.
In fact, the height of humans is a characteristic of the gene, meaning that it is affected by many different genes. Saying so does not mean that if your parents’ height is short, you will not be able to get good height, or in contrast, if your parents are tall, you will get a formidable height. However, if most of your relatives are short, your probability of getting good height is also low.

There are many factors that affect the development of human height. Therefore, if you want to get an ideal height, you should not ignore these suggestions that can help you increase the height effectively! In the article today, I would like to show my readers in Vkool.com the best tips on how to grow taller fast.

5 Tips to Prevent Pneumonia

As the weather gets colder and wetter, we start to hear a lot about flu season , but it’s also important to stay informed about another infection that’s potentially dangerous for our older loved ones: Pneumonia. Pneumonia can originate from bacteria, viruses and other causes, but regardless of the cause of infection, it is one of the most common ailments in older adults. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, more than 60% of seniors over 65 get admitted to hospitals due to pneumonia.

5 Tips to Prevent Pneumonia

In fact, those over 65 are more susceptible to pneumonia, and this is due to a variety of reasons, including changes in lung capacity that occur with age, increased exposure to disease in community settings, and the presence of predisposing conditions like cardiopulmonary disease or diabetes.

1. Know the Symptoms of Pneumonia in the Elderly

There are challenges to the diagnosis of pneumonia in seniors because they may not suffer the classic symptoms like fever, chills and cough, according to the Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. Keep an eye out for non-respiratory symptoms like weakness, confusion, delirium or dizziness, or other, more vague symptoms , especially in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which can impair the accurate reporting of pneumonia symptoms. Also, it may be more difficult to notice pneumonia symptoms in seniors with preexisting conditions, so be alert to any changes in your loved one’s health, and see a doctor if any unusual symptoms occur.

2. Practice Good Hygiene Habits

Ordinary respiratory infections, colds and influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia; the Mayo Clinic advises that you wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of these illnesses. Other types of infections, like oral or dental infections, can also lead to pneumonia, so good dental hygiene is a must. Lastly, if you want to prevent pneumonia in elderly loved ones, make sure you help them avoid others who are ill, whether it’s routine illnesses like colds, flu and respiratory infections, or more serious diseases like measles or chickenpox. All of these can lead to pneumonia.

3. Make Sure Seniors Get Immunized

The Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute both advise seniors and others at risk for pneumonia to get vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a one-time vaccine that can prevent or reduce the severity of pneumonia. Your doctor may also suggest a booster vaccine after 5 years. It’s also a good idea to vaccinate seniors against other illnesses that can lead to pneumonia, particularly influenza.