The effects of exercise on immune function and its applications

Introduction

The medical world has made great advances in treatments relating from high blood pressure to HIV and cancer. One of the most common recommendations in most types of follow up treatments is to maintain a high quality diet and participate in an excise program on a regular basis. These suggestions are made because exercise has been proven to decrease LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL levels. In addition, exercise is known to decrease blood pressure and provoke a general overall feeling of contentment and well being. As we well know there is much to be said about the perception we have of our selves as it relates to our interaction with others. Unfortunately, some individuals insist on taking things to extremes and in these situations too much of a good thing can be detrimental to a person's health. Highly trained endurance athletes are frequently ill either from colds or flu or more serious forms of upper respiratory tract infections (7). Case in point, Irvin "Magic" Johnson, one of the all time great basketball players is HIV positive but still manages to maintain a extremely high level of activity. Has he in fact increased his life expectancy because of his commitment to a healthy lifestyle which includes an intense exercise regimen? The question that needs to be answered is in relation to our immune system; how much is too much and is there an ideal prescription for the levels of exercise the general public should be getting to achieve the maximal potential of the immune system.