What Does Dr. Oz Do To Avoid Getting Sick?

It is a given that in the winter I am going to get at least one or two colds. Dr. Oz is never sick. He offers a couple tips to avoid the winter colds.

I know I am a baby when I am sick, but I would love to go one winter with no colds.

Dr. Oz recently did an article for Oprah's magazine about the five main things he does to avoid catching a cold this time of year.  They're all things you've probably heard before, but a little refresher won't hurt . . .

1.  Get a flu shot.  Peak flu season doesn't start until next month, but get one as soon as possible.

2.  Wash your hands a lot.  20 seconds is fine as long as you use soap and warm water.  And he also carries around an alcohol-based hand sanitizer wherever he goes.  Look for one that's at least 60% alcohol.

3.  Don't skimp on sleep.  One recent study found that if you average less than six hours of sleep a night, you're four times more likely to catch a cold.

4.  Get at least 15 minutes of sun every day.  That's not always easy in winter, but the vitamin D you get from it can make a big difference.  He says he also takes a vitamin D supplement every day.

5.  Exercise.  But it doesn't have to be a full workout.  Even a few jumping jacks several times a day can help strengthen your immune system.   And he also drinks a cup of Echinacea tea every day.

[via: Huffington Post]