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reduce inflammation and improve the immune response. However, it's important to know that there is such a thing as too much exercise, and that excessive exercise can actually increase inflammation and make you more susceptible to viral illness. In other words, don't try to "kill it" in the gym every day. Try to get in a consistent dose of 30 minutes to one hour of moderate exercise most days of the week. SLEEP, REST AND CHILL: Get your sleep at night and try not to "burn the midnight oil" all of the time. Sleep is important for immune system balance. Also, don't stay busy all of the time. Learn to take time to relax regularly. GET OUTSIDE: One of the hands- down most important substances that we can take in to balance our immune systems is Vitamin D, and our most available (and free) source of it is sunlight. Get outside and let the sun shine on your bare skin, keeping sun safety in mind. It's important to note that the darker your skin color, the more sun exposure you require for adequate Vitamin D production. These are but a few actions that you can take to make sure your immune system is balanced and ready to respond appropriately to viral threats. Hopefully, this helps you to be motivated to take steps to improve your immune health – and overall health for that matter. As I like to remind people, though, make sure you do your part. You won't get healthy by simply reading about it! Subscribe today! Subscribe online: maconmagazine.com Contact us: hello@maconmagazine.com (478) 746-7779 Shawn McClendon is an ACE-certified personal trainer and owner of Back to Basics Health and Wholeness LLC, an organization dedicated to empowering people to take control of their health and avoid lifestyle disease. He hosts the health and wellness blog YourHealthAtTheCrossroads.com and has authored several health/fitness books. JUNE/JULY 2021 | maconmagazine.com 33