Exercise and Illness:

Exercise and illness-when you should call it quits, and when you should go work out-

Mild to moderate physical activity is usually OK if you have a garden-variety cold and no fever. It may even help you feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.

As a general guide for exercise and illness, consider this:

• Exercise is usually OK if your signs and symptoms are all "above the neck" — symptoms you may have with a common cold, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or minor sore throat. Consider reducing the intensity and length of your workout, though, or you may feel worse. Instead of going for a run, take a walk, for example.
• Don't exercise if your signs and symptoms are "below the neck" — such as chest congestion, hacking cough or upset stomach.
• Don't exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches.

Let your body be your guide: If you feel awful, and the cold is severe, taking a day or two off won't ruin your exercise goals, or set you behind. If you are unsure, check with your doctor. Overall, the fact that you exercise regularly will afford you the benefit of staying healthy and fighting off most of the minor colds and viruses, so take heart!

And to avoid getting sick, consider washing your hands more often, avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes until you do wash up, and add healthy vitamin C rich foods to your diet during the cold and flu season, like kiwi, and citrus fruits. One of my best kept secrets is "Host Defense". http://www.luckyvitamin.com/p-140291-fungi-perfecti-host-defense-mycommunity-extract-2-oz

This an extract of mushrooms that helps aid your body in fighting off infections. Of course, check with your doctor or nurse practitioner before adding anything to your regimen.

Have a great week!