Staying healthy at all stages of life is important. However, our twenties are a time of big life changes and new experiences. So it’s a great opportunity to start forming good health habits now. Here are the top 5 issues to pay attention to in your twenties.
Sexual health
Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are on the rise. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common STI’s and both infections have seen an uptick in recent years. While these infections can present with obvious symptoms such as painful urination or vaginal discharge, at times they have no symptoms at all. Regular STI testing might be the only way they’re spotted.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia:
- All sexually active women younger than 25 should be tested yearly.
- Those 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners should be tested more frequently.
Practicing safe sex (ie. using condoms) is the single best way to protect yourself from getting an STI. Getting tested on a regular basis is the second best step to help keep yourself safe.
Birth control options and pregnancy planning
For those considering pregnancy (or for those who aren’t), making sure that you’re on the appropriate contraception is a discussion worth having with your doctor. Pills, patches or IUD’s all come with their own list of pros and cons. And depending upon your lifestyle, medical history and personal choice, some contraception choices may be better than others.
For women planning to become pregnant in the near future, a pre-pregnancy check-up with your doctor is also a good opportunity to go through any questions or concerns you may have beforehand.
Cervical cancer screening
Past the age of twenty-one, women should begin scheduling regular pap tests. Pap tests are a screening tool used to catch cervical cancer in the very early stages. Like most cancers, the earlier they’re detected, the better the chances of survival. When detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate for women with invasive cervical cancer is 92%. Regular pap tests are an important part of good preventative health.
Sleep well, eat well
It’s amazing what good food and plenty of sleep can do for your energy level, mood and stress. Meanwhile, don’t neglect your sleep. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation may lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality.
- Eat a balanced diet and pay special attention to omega-3.
- Restrict intake of red meats.
- Where possible try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep. If you’re having difficulty getting good quality sleep, try to adopt positive sleep hygiene habits.
Your twenties are a time of limitless possibilities. But they’re also a chance to grow. Try to adopt healthy habits today. They’ll stay with you for a lifetime and create a strong foundation that can carry you along through a long, healthy, happy life.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/statistics
http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2019/2018-STD-surveillance-report-press-release.html.
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-requirements