How do you score in this health audit?

Audit means "a review or examination of one’s financial situation." That’s not what we’re about to do here. We’re not going to talk about the state of your finances but about the state of your health – not about your pursestrings but about your heartstrings. And there’s no one else but you who can do a health audit on yourself.

"Right, generalities aside, whatever age you are, you are the best-placed person to spot any problems so take some time to be aware of what constitutes for you a ‘control’ level of good health," writes Caroline Righton, freelance TV producer, consultant, and author of The Life Audit Handbook for Life: How to make friends, beds, love, tea, money ... and the world a better place (available at National Book Store). Really think about every part of your body, bit by bit, notice any twinges or aches and pains you experience. Identify your personal weak spots. These might be susceptibility to catching colds, getting chilblains (inflammatory swelling or sore caused by exposure to cold), suffering from hay fever or indigestion. Most of us have an aspect of our physical makeup vulnerable to illness or under-performance. Consider, too, how your body reacts physically to anxiety."

Indeed, it is easy enough to take good health for granted – that is, until we get seriously ill. Like a car or a machine, our body needs tuning up or oiling. We shouldn’t ignore the rattling in the engine because it might be too late. "If you look after yourself and deal with problems or seek help as soon as they arise, you will get gratifying payback in your body functioning better," asserts Caroline.

So, take heart and take this little health audit quiz from Caroline Righton’s book:

Do you sleep well?

Sleep is needed by the body and brain to recharge and stay healthy.

Can’t sleep? The book offers some great tips for a good night’s zzzleep, like some relaxation and breathing exercises.

Do you feel stiff or have creaky joints when you wake up?

They say you know you’re old when your back goes out more often than you do; or when everything aches and what doesn’t ache doesn’t count. Make no bones about it: The state of your joints reflects your level of fitness. Do you exercise? Or is stretching your imagination or bending your principles your only idea of exercise?

Does your tongue look less than rosy pink?

Believe it or not, your tongue tells many a health tale. A less-than-rosy-pink tongue (especially when you get up in the morning) is a sign you are dehydrated. The solution to your health problem: Drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day and don’t overdose on caffeine and booze. And it may also help if you stop wagging your tongue.

What color is your urine and does it smell?

Your urine tells a thousand things about your health. It should be pretty colorless and odorless. Says Caroline, "Smelly pee means you might have a urinary tract infection and the darker yellow it is, the more likely you are to be dehydrated. Drinking a lot of alcohol can dehydrate your body so your urine may be dark after a night on the toot. Rehydrate to see if the problem persists and if it does, see your doctor."

Have you got your stress levels under control?

These days, the stress is on stress. But how can you tell for sure that you’re stressed? Well, you are stressed if:

• You feel guilty when you relax.

• You lie awake at night fretting and your body feels tense, especially around your neck.

• You get impatient or irritable at little things (or you sweat the small stuff).

• You feel tired all the time and have difficulty getting up in the morning despite getting plenty of sleep.

• You have difficulty concentrating on more than one thing at a time.

• You can’t make decisions.

• You have butterflies in your tummy, heart palpitations or sweaty palms.

The book offers some great de-stressing tips like taking up some gentle rhythmic exercise, such as swimming, cycling or jogging. And if we may add, reading this book.

Do you eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day?

To make sure you get your quota of this requirement, says Caroline, "chuck a handful each of five different sorts of raw fruit and vegetables into a bowl and pick at them throughout the day."

Do you take some form of exercise for at least half an hour five days a week?

Once more with feeling: Exercise helps keep the heart healthy, the joints supple, and one’s weight in check. It encourages the release of those feel-good chemicals called endorphins.

Do you eat a sensible diet with restricted fatty or sugary foods?

You and I know how high fat or high sugar can adversely affect one’s health (like causing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease).

Do you keep your salt intake low – to less than 6 g a day?

This is about the same amount as one level teaspoon. A dash of warning from the book: "Too much salt is a main risk factor for increasing blood pressure which can lead to heart attacks. Because so many processed foods and bread and cereals contain salt, it is important to keep track of your intake elsewhere in your diet."

Do you drink enough water?

The book pours on this friendly advice: Drink eight or more glasses of water a day to help digestion and keep the immune system healthy. Did you know that this healthy habit can also help keep one’s weight down?

Do you have any bad habits?

Acknowledging you have a problem is half the battle won. Make a personal diary of your habits and how they affect or dictate your day-to-day existence.

Can’t kick your alcohol habit? What are the safe limits for drinking? Fact is, two units a day have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in some men over 40 and in some post-menopause women by making it less likely for blood clots to form. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to half a pint of ordinary-strength beer or lager, a 125 ml glass of wine, or a pub measure of 25 ml spirit. The upper recommended daily limit of alcohol is three to four units for men and two to three units for women.

Can’t stop smoking?

Well, read this: One in two smokers will die of a smoke-related disease and there are at least 20 of these. Half of these deaths will be in middle age. Smoke gets in your eyes and in the way of your health: It can cause impotence, reduce fertility, and – women smokers, take note – age the skin prematurely.

Do you have any mental health problems such as eating disorders or depression?

Nobody is exempt from mental health problems. So, don’t be ashamed; seek professional help and support.

So, how did you score?

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We’d love to hear from you. E-mail us at ching_alano@yahoo.com.