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Regular exercise
appears to ward off, or at least significantly reduce, common
colds.
Over 500 healthy
adults were evaluated over the course of a year to assess
how many colds they experienced and how often they engaged
in moderate physical activity. This activity included anything
more strenuous than a walk, including household, leisure and
occupational activities.
People who reported
being the most active had 25% fewer colds over the course
of a year compared to those least active.
On average, adults
get between two to five colds a year. While generally only
a minor health nuisance, these colds are the leading cause
of visits to doctors and missed workdays. The researchers
suggest that employers can reap lower healthcare costs and
greater productively by encouraging exercise and activity
among their employees.
Medicine
& Science in Sports & Exercise 2002;34:1242-1248
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