Ward off Winter Colds with Exercise

Brace yourself. It’s that time of year again-the months of sneezes, sore throats and stuffy noses. Cold and flu season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean you should hide at home until spring. In fact, research says you should do just the opposite. Recent studies at North Carolina  Appalachian State University indicate that people who do moderate exercise such as walking on most days of the week experience up to 50% less sick time than those who don’t.  Previous studies have shown that exercise boosts immunity. Not only are active people likely to have stronger immune systems, protecting them again viruses in the first place, but they also may suffer less-severe symptoms and recover more quickly when illness does strike. Regular moderate exercisers demonstrate improved immune response, including a post-workout,  three-hour flooding of natural cells that help find and kill viruses. Over the long term, exercise can reduce sick time by helping to counter inflammation, and underlying cause of many chronic diseases. Be careful not to overdo it, though. Some studies suggest that high-intensity activity can actually hinder immune-system function.  

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