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Maintain a healthy weight in your 20's
Make sure you maintain a healthy weight. This can be done by exercising, and watching what you eat. Try to limit fast and processed foods intake. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain,s protein, and low fat dairy products. Make sure you exercise regularly to stay in shape. -
Period: to
20's
Healthy living in your 20's -
Good lifestyle choices in your 20's
Do not smoke or use tobacco products. Smoking and tobacco usage are both linked to a large number of very serious health problems. Speaking of smoke, make sure your house has smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and bedroom. Avoid illegal substances and drink alcohol in moderation. Never drink and drive, and make sure you wear a seat belt. If you're biking, wear a helmet. Also, make sure you get enough sleep. Sleeping maintains good health and energy. -
Preventing health problems in your 20's
Get regular exercise to improve bone strength because bone mass peaks at this age. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun by using sunscreen and wearing wide brimmed hats. Also make sure you avoid indoor tanning salons. -
Preventing health problems cont.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, shower, brush your teeth twice a day and floss. Find a primary health care provider and be aware of other health care facilities near you for routine checkups. Also, to determine your risks for diseases and other health problems, talk to your family about your family's medical history. -
Routine Health Care in your 20's
Have a medical checkup at least every 2 years, or as recommended by your health care provider. Make sure you visit a dermatologist, dentist, and eye doctor regularly, as recommended. Calculate your BMI, make sure it is 25 or below. For women: Make sure you have gynecological, clinical breast, and pap test every 2-3 years. Also, prenatal care is important, talk to a doctor if you think you're pregnant. Men: Have regular clinical testicular exams, and perform regular self exams. -
Special concerns in your 20's
Make sure you watch your sexual health. Practice safe sex, and other safe sex practices. Take care of your mental health. Watch for signs of depression and talk to a professional. Do your best to prevent accidental injuries. Common sources of accidental injuries for people in their 20's include overexertion, car accidents, food poisoning, and violence. -
Healthy lifestyle in your 30's
Make sure you maintain a healthy weight. It is hard to lose weight since your metabolism is slowing down, but try to avoid becoming overweight or obese. This will help you avoid diseases like heart disease. Consume a healthy and balanced diet. Find time to exercise regularly and for the recommended amount (30-60 minutes on most days of the week). Also, get enough sleep. -
Period: to
30's
Healthy living in your 30's -
Preventing Health Problems in your 30's
Do not smoke, use tobacco, or drugs. Drink alcohol in moderation. Make sure you protect yourself from the damaging effects of the sun. Cover your skin, and wear sunscreen. Reduce stress, this can be done by walking, exercising, or sleeping. Monitor your BMI, cholesterol level, and blood pressure and keep them within a healthy level. Follow your health provider's recommendations for screening and health tests. Prevent accidental injuries by following safety regulations and laws. -
Health Care Recommendations in your 30's
Women should have a gynecological exam, pap test, and a clinic breast exam regularly. They should also speak to their doctor before getting pregnant. Men should have a clinic testicular exam regularly as well. Everyone should have a dental, eye, and hearing tests regularly and as recommended. They should also have skin and cholesterol screenings as recommended by a health care professional. -
Special health concerns in your 30's
Take care of your sexual and reproductive health. Most people are either married or in a committed relationship, and have either started or are thinking about starting a family. Talk to a health provider about STD prevention and reproductive issues. In your 30's, your body starts replacing muscle with fat, so exercise regularly to stop or slow down this process. Take care of your back and skin. Back problems are very common at this age. -
Staying Healthy in Your 40's
Your 40's is a crucial decade to preventing health problems. Make sure you're eating healthy and exercising often. Keep up healthy habits like eating healthy, not smoking or doing drugs, and drinking in moderation. For safety, use your common sense and follow laws and regulations. If you notice anything unusual about your health, make sure you talk to your health provider so they can give you advice. -
Period: to
40's
Healthy living in your 40's -
Health Concerns in Your 40's
Make sure you watch for chronic pain. There are steps you can take to prevent overuse of limbs and muscles. Watch for high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression. You can talk to a therapist or professional if you experience these. Watch your blood glucose and BMI. These can be kept in check by exercising regularly and eating healthy. Watch blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine levels, and resting heart rate. These can be early warnings of heart attack or stroke. -
Additional Health Concerns in your 40's
Watch your sexual health, as with the previous two decades. At this age, men may begin experiencing testosterone deficiency, BPH, enlarged prostate, transient erectile dysfunction. Although women don't usually don't start going through menopause at this age, they start to feel the effects of it. Watch out for skin problems, if you see any problems contact a dermatologist. Changes in vision and hearing and digestive problems are very common as well. Contact your doctor if you have concerns. -
Health Care Recommendations in Your 40's
Follow your health care provider's advice about regular checkups. The following are general guidelines:
Physical exam- Every 2-3 years
Dental exam- Every 6 months- 1 year
Eye exam- Every 2-3 years
Blood Pressure screening- Every 2 years; more often if you have a disease like diabetes.
Cholesterol screening- Every 5 years
Skin exam- Every 3-4 years
Baseline EKG
Colorectal Cancer Screening- Starting at age 45, as recommended.
Additional tests for women and men are the same as the past 2 decades. -
Healthy Lifestyle For Your 50's
Eat healthy. Try to start cutting back on sodium and unhealthy fats intake. Make sure you get 30-60 minutes of exercise on most days, especially aerobic exercise. Studies show that challenging your mind can also improve health and function. As always, do not smoke or use tobacco products, drink in moderation, watch your stress, and drink only in moderation. -
Period: to
50's
Healthy living in your 50's -
Common Health Problems in Your 50's
Health concerns that increase as you grow older include these:
Abnormal blood sugar levels, anxiety, cancer, changes in vision, chronic pain, depression, digestive issues, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, hearing loss, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopause, osteoporosis, overactive bladder, prostate issues, skin problems, thyroid problems, and urinary inconsistency. Contact your primary heath provider if you have any concerns about your health. -
Health Care Recommendations in Your 50's
Needs depend on risk levels and history. Below are general recommendations:
Physical exam- Every 2 years
Dental exam- Every 6 months- 1 year
Eye exam- Every 2 years
Blood pressure screening- Every year, or more often
Cholesterol screening- Every 5 years
Diabetes screening- As recommended
Skin exam- Every year
Baseline EKG
Colorectal cancer screening- Starting at 50, earlier if at increased risk
Immunizations
The same special tests for men and women with addition to bone density tests for women. -
Healthy Lifestyle and Living in Your 60's
Make sure you eat healthy, exercise regularly, never smoke, and drink alcohol in moderation. Protect your heart. Heart disease is very common now. Make sure you contact your doctor if you notice changes in cognitive and mental health. Always wear your seat belt in a car and wear a helmet when riding your bike. In your home make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and if you own a firearm, make sure it is stored safely. Take steps to reduce risks for falls, and practice safer sex. -
Period: to
60's
Healthy living in your 60's -
Health Care in Your 60's
These are the general health care recommendations for people in their 60's: Annual flu vaccine
Blood pressure screening- Every year
Bone density test- Age 60 or 65
Clinical breast exam and mammogram (in women)- Every year
Colonoscopy- Every 10 years from age 50
Dental exam- Every 6 months
Digital rectal exam- Every year
Eye exam- Every year
Blood glucose test- Every 3 years
Vaccines- As recommended
Pap test (women)- Every 3-5 years
Pelvic Exam (women)- Every year -
Health Care in your 60's (cont.) and Health Concerns
More recommendations for health care:
PSA test (men)- As recommended
Testicular exam (men)- Every year
Tetanus shot- Every 10 years
Thyroid test- Every 5 years
Skin exam- Every year You should also learn about warning signs for serious medical conditions like heart attack and stroke. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes or have concerns about your health.
