And that’s true. But what happens next in life depends on what you do during this “care free” decade. So, what are the 9 things men and women in their 20s need to know and do? See your doctor once a year and discuss any potential problems. Now is the time to make lifestyle changes or add needed medication to your life in order to prevent serious disease. It’s also a great opportunity to develop a strong relationship with a healthcare provider, which is a great thing to have before you need it. For young men, see a urologist for any changes in the urinary stream, pain or swelling. Men often ignore symptoms such as changes in urinary stream (including blood in the urine), which could signal an infection, or early signs of bladder or kidney cancer. Any abnormal swelling in a young man of the testicular region needs to be investigated as it can be a sign of testicular cancer. There is a two-fold benefit to having an electrocardiogram at a young age. First, it can identify if there is anything currently wrong with your heart. (A lot of heart disease in young people is asymptomatic and an office EKG can detect this.) Second, it is important for your doctor to know what your heart looks like when you’re young and healthy. As we age and our EKG changes, it might indicate the need for further testing (such as an echocardiogram or stress test.) My recommendation is to get one baseline EKG in your 20s and then every five years as long as you don’t have any new symptoms. If you’re interested specifically in skin care, check out our top natural tips for healthy aging to begin in your 20s. For over 25 years Nancy, who has a practice in Livingston, NJ, has been involved in all aspects of internal medicine, with a focus on women’s health. Known for her diagnostic ability, coupled with her wit, Nancy is dedicated to raising awareness by providing the most current and up to date information that women at any age can utilize to feel and look their best.
