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There’s no getting around it: It’s that time of year. Even here in South Florida, colds peak through the winter months. And of course you’ve heard the old saying: “They can put a man on the moon, but they can’t cure the common cold.” It’s true. We can’t. So the second-best alternative is to avoid them altogether.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that adults average two or three colds per year, with even more in children. It also notes that most people contract their colds during winter and spring, but that colds are a year-round curse. They’re the main reason people miss school and work, according to the CDC.

Your concierge physicians at MD 2.0 Jupiter follow the following regimen to keep colds at bay, and recommend the same steps for you.

1. Keep your hands clean

This is the best way to avoid catching a cold. Period. You should wash your hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. The classic timing guide is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while sudsing up. Do it often during the day. We do it after seeing every patient, after bathroom breaks, after coming into contact with public surfaces, and before cooking and eating. Most grocery stores these days offer sanitizing wipes upon entering the store. Use them, especially on the cart handles, at least until you can wash your hands.

2. Don’t touch your face

Unless you know your hands are clean, don’t touch your face, mouth, nose or eyes during cold season. These are the primary entrance points for cold viruses into your system.

3. Wipe down infected items

Alcohol-based wipes or sprays are useful for any shared items. You already know about computer keyboards, doorknobs or handles, shared phones, and signing pens for credit card purchases. But a recent study highlighted the alarming number of germs, including e-coli and cold and flu germs, that were found on a place you might never have thought of: ATMs. Bring a sanitizing wipe when you visit your bank!

4. Get plenty of sleep

One study found that people who slept less than an average of six hours a night were four times more likely to catch the common cold.

5. Exercise

According to an Appalachian University study, people who exercise five or more days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes spend 43 percent fewer days with upper respiratory infections.

6. Relax

A University of Wisconsin, Madison, study found that 51 people who practiced mindfulness meditation had 51 fewer sick days during the 2012-13 cold-and-flu season. A stressed body is a susceptible body, to any number of illnesses. So try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible, especially during the upcoming holiday frenzy.