(BPT) - The holiday season can be a wonderful time - from gathering with family and friends to enjoying some time off work and even indulging in all the yummy treats. The last thing we want is to become sick with illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and miss out on this joyful time with the ones we love. That's why it's important to take a proactive approach when it comes to our health. And fortunately, there are ways to help protect ourselves against certain illnesses so we can continue enjoying all of the magic and festivities this season has to offer.
Here are some ways you can prioritize your health ahead of the holidays:
- Wash your hands regularly: lather on an antibacterial soap to defend against germs
- Eat a balanced diet: try new recipes that focus on getting a proper share of protein and veggies
- Get enough sleep: stop scrolling before bed and ensure you're getting the amount of sleep you need to feel your best
- Exercise: even if it's just a walk around the block, moving your body can help you feel better physically and mentally
- Protect yourself from cold weather: break out your favorite scarves and gloves to bundle up in style
- Get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease
Are you 50 or older? The CDC now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 50 and older. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks, put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia are also responsible for invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis.
It's important to know that being 50 or older puts you at increased risk for these illnesses, even if you're healthy. Those 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, chronic heart disease and COPD are also at increased risk. If you fit in any of these groups, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself.
There's a misconception that you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year. Vaccination is available all year round, so now is a great time to assess if pneumococcal vaccination is right for you.
Even if you've already been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.
The holidays are all about being present with our loved ones. So make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination and visit VaxAssist.com to schedule a vaccination appointment today.
Brought to you by Pfizer.
