Every winter, more and more Australians are faced with the burden of preventing a cold. Researchers at Baylor Family Medical Centre have shown that simple exercise can prevent people from catching this dreaded nasty, and the exercise doesn't need to be intense.

While chief investigator Dr Jane Sadler says the basic advice for preventing a cold centers on hygiene, particularly hand washing, she claims there is benefit gained from exercise done at moderate intensity.

As exercise increases white blood cell counts, and white blood cells are part of the immune system which fights infection, 30 minutes of brisk walking a day, five days a week, can decrease your chances of catching a cold.

Like all good things however, too much can have the opposite effect. Super athletes, tend to be on a razor's edge, where overtraining can actually increase their chances of viral infections.

For more information on how exercise can help reduce your risk of other forms of illness and disease go to www.lifestylemedicine.net.au.

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