Alexander Mitchell, Gleaner Writer

5. FIVE must-have Jamaican dishes: Jamaicans surely love to eat and one thing that's certain, we all enjoy at least one of these side dishes.

✭ Fritters - Fried fritters stuffed with salt fish serves up a good midnight snack.

✭ Coconut drops - A medium-dried coconut, some shredded ginger, three cups of dark sugar and a cup of water will create your drops and delight your 'sweet tooth'.

✭ Blue drawers - Otherwise known as 'duckunoo' or 'tie leaf' is a starchy green banana-based boiled pudding that's good for dessert or a snack if you like.

✭ Dumplings - Whether fried or bowl, this is a must at the Jamaican dinner table.

✭ Bammy - Best side dish to have with escoveitch fish. To make your very own, just get a pound of sweet cassava with a pinch of salt and a tin of coconut milk and you're good to go.

4. FOUR healthy juices to indulge in: The days of purchasing a meal with sodas or artificially flavoured drinks are quickly becoming a thing of the past. People have become more health-conscious and are embracing healthier lifestyles. These juices are certainly supplementing this new phenomenon.

✭ Cranberry juice - Cranberries are very high in vitamin C and fibre and quite tasty.

✭ Orange juice - Also an excellent source of vitamin C, and goes well with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

✭ Sorrel - Some of us may have thought it was mainly good for Christmas time, but it's rich in vitamins A and C and, in general, can help build one's immune system.

✭ Water - Certainly one of the most important supplement for the body, just look at all the water brands we have today.

3. THREE common chronic diseases found among Jamaicans: As a result of our lifestyle, we are susceptible to certain illnesses as we get older.

✭ Diabetes - At least one family member is known to have this illness; it may be severe (Type One) or the more prevalent type (Type Two).

✭ Arthritis - Usually found among the elderly, although there are increase cases of younger persons having this illness.

✭ Hypertension or high blood pressure - Mainly due to stress, persons have come under this illness and even suffer from strokes and heart attacks.

2. TWO school bags that never seem to lose their signature style: JanSport and EastPak have always been a hit and they still carry the hype appeal.

1. ONE book everyone should read before they are 20:

✭ Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, written by Sean Covey. This book helps teens improve self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals and get along with their parents; this is quite the motivational book every teen should have.