With the H1N1 virus making its debut with an unprecedented vengeance – we all need to be more vigilant in keeping our innate immune defenses working at peak performance.  Past studies have consistently shown that those who maintain a regular exercise regimen get less colds and flu type infections than their couch potato counterparts.  A new lab study adds to the evidence that something as simple as moving your body can reduce your risk of developing a potentially life-threatening infection.  In this investigation, lab rats that were exposed to flu virus, who had consistently run on a treadmill for the preceding 3 ½ months, developed milder symptoms versus those who had been sedentary.  The fit mice were found to have lower levels of inflammation and virus in their lungs. Regular physical activity appears to boost our initial defenses against invading viruses limiting its spread while increasing its clearance more rapidly.  For my comprehensive advice on boosting your immunity so you can just say whoa! to colds and flu click here.  Here is my favorite immune-boosting smoothie recipe.