You are never too young to start monitoring your health. Doctors say eating right and exercising are crucial during your 20's, for a lifetime of health.
Knowing your family medical history, helps your health care provider determine what medical tests and screenings you will need. Blood pressure, cholesterol and skin cancer screenings, along with vision and hearing tests are common during the 20's. Your doctor can give you advice on what kinds of tests you need and how often.
A Pap Smear to test for cervical cancer is almost always recommended. Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson of Aspirus in Wausau says, "We start cervical cancer screenings at the age of 21 and then do them every two or three years." The testing is no longer generally recommended for teens. Bublik-Anderson says,"The changes went into effect in November of 2012 to reduce complications for pregnancy."
Many women in the 20's begin or start to lay the foundation for raising a family. Bublik-Anderson says you can optimize your fertility by getting sufficient levels of folic acid. A supplement can be used in addition to folic-rich foods, like grains, lentils and spinach.
The 20's are a time for young women to form healthy habits and get rid of any unhealthy ones. The medical experts say this will help lay the foundation for the rest of your life and enrich the lives of your entire family.
Every week this month we will key in on women's health. Next week, we focus on the 30's.
