(ThyBlackMan.com) If you ask anyone over the age of 40 what age they’d love to be all over again, chances are they’d pick between the ages of 20 and 29. Your 20s are some of the best years of your life. Think about it, during this time in your life you are either finished or nearing the end of your educational experience, you’re independent, and physically, you’re at your peak. If you’re going to maintain this vibrant lifestyle you now live, you’re going to need to start adapting to healthy lifestyle choices now to prevent health complications in the future.
But I’m Healthy…Why the Lifestyle Change?
Sure, you’re healthy now, but the choices you make today can ultimately shape your future. Eating poorly, failing to exercise, and even participating in reckless activities such as consuming drugs and overdoing it on the alcohol can certainly affect you in the long run. When you’re not your best physically, it can begin to take a toll on every aspect of your life. For this reason, adapting to a healthier way of living is ideal. Maintaining good health in your 20s will require things such as making good lifestyle choices, informed decisions, as well as preventative care.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Here are a few tips on how to live a healthy life in your 20s.
- Eat a well balanced diet. as a method for preventing disease and other health complications that can include heart disease, diabetes, and more. Important nutrients for young adults will include things such as protein, calcium, potassium, and healthy omega-3 fats.
- Exercise often. Working out for at least 15-30 minutes 5 days per week are ideal to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can really work wonders in your life and improve your health.
- Get plenty of rest. You might be used to staying up all night for parties or study cram sessions, but sleep is a very important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep at night can improve your quality of life.
- Don’t smoke. If you’ve adapted a habit of smoking a cigarette during the day you need to try and quit. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can lead to serious health problems down the road.
- Avoid illegal substances. During your college days you may have experimented with a few illegal substances as a way to “fit in” or even relieve stress. Whatever the reason was, illegal substances can quickly lead to addiction and other serious health complications. Find alternative ways to deal with instances in your life that may cause you to abuse illegal substances. If you believe you’ve begun to abuse certain substances or can’t kick the habit on your own, checking into a young adult rehab program for substance abuse can help you get sober and live a healthier life.
Preventative Care Tips
Aside from watching what you put in your body, exercising, and getting a good night’s rest, here are some things you can do to prevent health complications in the future:
- Protect your skin and eyes. Who doesn’t like to hit the beach and catch some waves or get a tan? Whatever you enjoy doing in the sun, make sure that you protect your eyes and skin to prevent skin cancer as well as premature aging of the skin. When going out in the sun for a long period of time apply sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF15.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. You’d be surprised to learn how your oral health can affect your overall health. To prevent the need for major oral surgeries, be sure that you’re maintaining good hygiene. Brush and floss twice daily and ensure that you visit the dentist twice per year for cleanings and checkups.
- Learn your family medical history. In order to prevent certain health conditions you will need to know your family’s medical history. This way you can take extra measures to ensure that you don’t end up putting yourself at risk. For example, if your family has a history of diabetes, you’d want to take preventative measures such as monitoring your sugar intake and eating a better diet.
- Find a primary care physician. Since you’re past the age of needing a pediatrician, you’re going to need to find a primary care physician. You want to see the doctor at least once per year to ensure that you are getting your routine blood work and physicals to ensure that your health is up to par.
- Take care of your sexual health. If you’re sexually active make sure that you are using proper contraception to prevent the chances of obtaining a STD. Also, getting checked for STDs at least once every two years is ideal.
Staying healthy in your 20s is not very challenging at all. If you can start adapting to various lifestyle changes, and ensuring that your health is first, you can improve your overall quality of life and prevent serious health complications in the future. If you are not doing all of the above mentioned healthcare tips, start incorporating them into your life bit by bit. After a while, they will become a habit making it easier for you to enjoy life while caring for your well-being.
Staff Writer; Greg Tillman