Strengthen your immunity

In “Parks and Recreation,” Chris Pratt was a lovable tubby; today, as one of the Guardians of the Galaxy, he’s toned and healthy. Making $10 million a movie may be an incentive, but you don’t have anything if you don’t have your health — and his amazing exercise routine has given him a lot of valuable perks.

Turns out exercise doesn’t just speed up your metabolism, dispel stress and strengthen your bones, it beefs up your immune system, too. There’s a so-called niche in your bone marrow where the production of both new bone and new immune cells begins. And you have to move to get this essential process going.

Researchers from the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at the University of Texas Southwestern have discovered that walking — or running — is key to immune strength. Seems the pressure of your footfalls causes a cascade of reactions that end up sending messages to bone-forming cells in your marrow. The big news is that those bone-forming cells then secrete a growth factor that stimulates production of infection-fighting B and T cells in your immune system.

Walking away from virusand bacteria-borne disease! Now that’s great. So, to promote your immunity and strengthen bones (and improve your cardiovascular health), start a regular exercise routine five days a week. Aim for 10,000 steps a day (about five miles). Plus try a high-intensity interval training routine of about 25 to 30 minutes two to three times a week. Check out “9 HIIT Exercises To Get Fit,” at DoctorOz.com. That’ll guard your galaxy.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare. com.