IT IS that time of year when companies check their stock. This annual stocktaking allows companies to determine areas of strength and weakness in their inventory. The assessment allows companies to avoid product shortages while preventing excesses.

Might I suggest that all men take stock not only of their material assets but, more important, of their health. This week, we will be guiding men through a personal health stocktaking.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians.

1 Reduce your risks

The first step in your health stocktaking is to control your risks of getting ill. If you smoke, make up your mind to stop. If you have tried to stop smoking before, but you were unsuccessful, get help from your doctor or the Jamaica Cancer Society. Reduce your alcohol intake as much as possible by having no more than two beers or four ounces of wine or one ounce of rum per day.

2 Control your diet

Follow a low-fat diet. Just by reducing the quantity of foods from animals (such as eggs, milk, fish, poultry and other meats), you should make a significant dent in your fat intake. This will help to control your intake of cholesterol in foods. Control the amount of sweets you eat. Try not to add sugars and syrups to your meals. Also aim to have fruits rather than fruit juices or drinks. The latter are higher in calories and reduce your chances of achieving your ideal weight.

3 Exercise

Increase your level of physical activity by any means available to you. Look for every opportunity to walk or take the stairs. However, before starting an exercise programme, discuss it with your doctor.

A programme of daily walking is excellent for keeping healthy. Try skipping if it is unsafe to leave your home. Always exercise at an intensity that permits comfortable conversation.

4 Learn to relax

Examine the amount of relaxation in your life. Think about how you are managing the stresses in your life. Practise meditation and prayer as a method of daily relaxation. Concentrate on the good in your life. Share your feelings with friends and family. Consult a health-care provider if you feel overanxious or depressed.

5 Health checks

As you prepare for the new year, examine your life and take stockof your health risks. Visit your health-care centre to checkyour blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Take stock of your diet and level of physical activity and make the necessary changes. If you smoke, stop now and keep alcohol intake at a low level. Enjoy life!