Your 20’s are an exciting time – male or female! Out of the house, off to college, on your own and discovering the world around you! Just because you seek to lead a care-free life doesn’t mean you should throw your health to the wind! There are many health issues you may develop later on in your life that can be avoided if you keep them in mind in your youth. This is especially important as a young woman!

First and foremost, check-ups are important. Schedule your yearly check-up, and keep a health diary between appointments so that you can provide your doctor with the most information about your health. This will make it easy for your physician to identify possible risk factors and health concerns.

You should also have a full check-up regarding the following:

· Obesity/overweight

· Depression

· Skin and mole exam

· Thyroid exam

· HIV test

The biggest health concern for women in their twenties is sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). According to the CDC, more than half of the approximately 19 million new cases of STDs that occur each year are among 19- to 24-year-olds. That being said, you should be concerned about your sexual activity and partners. Your reproductive health is very important and can be put at risk by making poor choices.

Another health concern is insufficient sleep. When your body does not receive the sleep it needs, you will increase your risk of obtaining chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and depression. Not only do you raise your risk of health problems later on in life, but lack of sleep can result in automobile crashes, accidents at work, poor grades and performance at school, social problems and depressed moods.

A Checklist of Checkups:

· Check Blood pressure every 2 years

· Cholesterol test starting at age 20

· Blood glucose or A1c test discuss your risks and if you need it with your doctor

· Breast exam

· Starting at 21, you should have a yearly Pap test every two years

· Starting at 21, you should have a yearly pelvic exam

· Comprehensive eye exam

· Hearing screen every 10 years

· Routine dental exams should continue

Immunizations:

· Influenza vaccine every year

· Pneumococcal vaccine for chronic smokers or women with chronic health problems

· Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine should be done every 10 years

· Hepatitis B vaccine

· Hepatitis A vaccine

· Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine if you are 26 or younger and have not yet completed the vaccine

· Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine

· Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine if you have never had chickenpox or have only had one vaccine

· Meningococcal vaccine if you plan on living in a college dorm situation

You should always consult your primary doctor before scheduling any of these immunizations, in the event that you have already had certain vaccines. It may also not be necessary for you to take some of these examinations if you are not at risk. If you have any other questions or concerns, visit our website by clicking here: University Hospital & Medical Center, to learn more about specific procedures and health conditions, or try our Consult-a-Nurse® hotline at 1-866-442-2362 for answers to health-related questions or free doctor referrals.

Sources:

Florida Department of Health

CDC

Women’s Health

Forbes

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