Along with cooler temperatures usually comes sniffling, coughing, and sneezing.  The average person will get 4 colds per year; however, it has been shown that by adding moderate activity into your daily routine, you can decrease your chance of getting a cold by 75%! 

Being moderately active will...

• Stimulate immune cells which may target cold infections
  
  
• Increase Natural Killer cells, which are part of the body's first line of defense against germs and viruses
  
  
• Strengthen the immune system
  
  
• Flush bacteria from the lungs
  
  
• Send antibodies and white blood cells (the body's defense system) through the body at a quicker rate, helping to detect illness earlier
  
  
• Increase blood circulation which may trigger the release of hormones that warn the immune cells of intruding bacteria or viruses
  
  
• Temporarily increase body temperature which may inhibit bacterial growth, allowing the body to fight infection more effectively
  
  
• Slow the release of stress related hormones
  
  
• The benefits of moderate activity don't stop there!  In additional to lowering your risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer it can also improve your mood by decreasing symptoms related to sadness, anxiety, stress, fatigue, anger, self-doubt, and hopelessness. 

How does this work?

• Exercise may increase certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain
• Releases tension in the muscles
• Decreases sleep abnormalities
• Decreases stress related hormones (cortisol)
• Increases body temperature, creating a calming effect
• Increases self-confidence and sense of accomplishment by setting and achieving goals related to physical activity

Chronic disease management, healthy weight loss, and a plain old good mood are among the benefits of the healthy lifestyle.  Make exercise a part of your daily routine.

Back to Articles & Research