Fitness: A Flu Buster

With all of the recent reports about Avian and other flu viruses hell bent on ruining our holidays, now more than ever is the time to stick with, or ramp up, your fitness routine no matter how much holiday shopping you still have left to do! And no, power shopping does not count as an aerobic exercise.

FACT: Those who exercise regularly are less likely to come down with a cold or be greatly debilitated by one. Frequent exercisers experience less symptoms and quicker recoveries from colds.

During even moderate exercise, various immune cells are rapidly circulated through the body and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses. Once the bout of exercise is over, the immune system remains elevated for a few hours before returning to normal levels.

In other words, every time you go for a brisk walk, your immune system receives a boost that should increase your chances of fighting off cold viruses over the long term. The same concept holds true for kids, which is yet another great excuse to shut down their video game system and get them moving!

Some of the best reasons for incorporating regular exercise into your life is that you’ll feel better, enjoy life more and reduce the frequency of common colds. Since you will be spending less time being sick you will have more time to enjoy work and play. And we Modern Moms know just how precious time is. And, yes, you’ll look darn good, too!