As I write this article, my hopes are that you are  feeling healthy and happy moving into this new year. What makes me healthy and happy is my exercise routine. Many times when I’ve been sick, I questioned just how far I should push myself to maintain that routine. In researching this issue, I found that according to Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. “Exercise is usually OK if your signs and symptoms are all "above the neck" — symptoms you may have with a common cold, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or minor sore throat. Don't exercise if your signs and symptoms are "below the neck" — such as chest congestion, hacking cough or upset stomach or if you have a fever, fatigue or wide-spread muscle aches. Remember, if you do choose to exercise when you're sick, reduce the intensity and length of your workout.”