Health in your 20s (20-29 Years)
A lot happens between the ages of 15 and 29. It is a period of transition physically, emotionally and socially; from childhood to adulthood and from education into work.
For many men this period in life can present a number of challenges. Such life challenges can increase the likelihood that young men will be susceptible to a group of health risks associated with their age group. These include a vulnerability to certain mental illnesses, harmful alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, self harm and suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, and injuries caused by car accidents.
Many of the health risks faced by men in this age group are self-inflicted. It is a time when men often challenge themselves, those around them and the environments in which they live to understand and test their skills and abilities. This also means that many of the health risks men face are under their direct control.
It is important for men to have information on the factors that can prevent young people’s vulnerability to these health problems, and promote healthy social functioning, healthy diet and nutrition, and physical activity.
Through their teenage years many men are physically active. One of the most important lifestyle behaviours not to leave behind is that of physical activity. If men can maintain a habit of regular physical activity despite the changes to their work, family and social habits, they will reap a very considerable benefit for the rest of their lives.
At any age, men are not particularly good at visiting their doctor. Under 30s, at least when not encouraged or physically dragged there by their parents or partners, are often the least likely age group to visits the doctors.
A broken arm playing sport will be a clear enough indicator that a doctor’s visit is required and they may be right to stay away for a case of the sniffles. But men who continue to ignore that lump or persistent pain may be doing themselves a considerable disservice by not having it checked out.
Perhaps the most important thing men in their 20s can do in terms of their health is to realise how lifestyle habits they choose now will affect their health in the future – not smoking, drinking alcohol only in moderation, maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity, being sexually responsible and not indulging unnecessarily in risky behaviours.
Your doctor can play a significant part in this by reviewing:
- Family History
- Height & Weight
- Blood Pressure
- Skin Cancer Screening
- Vaccination Influenza yearly
- Pneumovax 5-yearly
- Tetanus 10-yearly
- Fasting blood cholesterol and fats
- Random Blood Glucose
