Many of us feel somewhat immortal in our 20s. We feel as though the resilience of our teens hasn’t faded - we can party all night, drink without risking a crippling hangover and eat what we want without consequence. In our 20s, the average Australian is either studying a subject they have chosen at university or Tafe, or have started working in what may go on to be a career. In our 20s we’re on top of the world and don’t have to worry about anything.
That’s not exactly true. While the risk of mortality is low in your 20s, it’s also time that you should really start monitoring your health. You don’t have to be obsessive and worry about every little thing that happens to you, but by maintaining some regular at home checks, and getting some medical tests at the recommended intervals you can help ensure that you remain healthy and happy for a good long time.
Blood Pressure Tests
Your doctor will typically check your blood pressure each time you have an appointment. The test only takes a few minutes and involves an expanding cuff being put around the upper arm. This cuff is inflated then slowly deflated to gauge the pressure of blood in your arteries as the heart pumps.
Untreated high blood pressure may be an indicator of, or risk factor for a number of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes . It is recommended that you have your blood pressure tested at least once every two years.
Schedule an Appointment to See a Doctor for a Blood Pressure Check
Cholesterol Tests
There are two forms of cholesterol - LDL and HDL. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as bad cholesterol and HDL as good cholesterol. HDL helps clear excess cholesterol from the blood, so having low LDL and sufficient HDL is ideal.
High levels of bad cholesterol can form plaque on the walls of your arteries, leading to cardiovascular issues, stroke and other serious health problems. Testing cholesterol requires blood being drawn. A cholesterol test is typically included in a blood test, so if you are having your blood tested for glucose levels, thyroid and the like, cholesterol will normally be included.
As with many health issues, it is much easier to get cholesterol under control in your 20s than it is later in life, so it is recommended that you have your cholesterol checked regularly. The Department of Health recommends that you have your cholesterol tested when you turn 20. Your doctor will determine how frequently you should have your cholesterol tested depending on the results of the first test.
See a Doctor for a Cholesterol Test
Dental Check-ups
Everyone should see a dentist for a regular check-up twice a year, and people in their 20s are no exception. Tooth decay, gum disease and other forms of dental damage can happen at any age, so don’t leave off getting your teeth checked until you have a big problem.
Book a Dental Checkup with a Dentist
Diabetes Tests
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia, with type 2 diabetes accounting for around 85% of all cases. It’s estimated that around 15% of people with type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed. This is a major problem, as without control, diabetes may lead to a number of dangerous, debilitating and even fatal complications.
Diabetes is diagnosed with what is called a haemoglobin A1C test that measures blood glucose levels. Anyone with one or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes - such as being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, a first degree relative with diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome if you are a woman - should be tested.
Even if you do not have diabetes, it is much easier to manage or reverse risk factors for diabetes, such as weight issues, cholesterol or blood pressure in your 20s than it is when you get older. It is recommended that people with risk factors be tested every one to three years, with those at higher risk being tested most often.
Schedule an Appointment with a Doctor for a Blood Glucose Test
Eye Tests
It’s never too early to get your eyes tested . An optometrist will check your eyes to see if there has been any changes in vision, and will also look for signs of disease or degeneration. It is recommended that you have your eyes tested every two years. If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes, having your eyes tested regularly is especially important.
Book an Eye Test with an Optometrist Now!
Mental Health Assessment
It is estimated that around 45% of all Australians will experience mental health issues during their lifetime. There are around three million Australians living with depression or anxiety. A mental health assessment is performed by a GP as part of a Mental Health Care Plan . As part of this plan, the GP will refer you through to a psychologist for a number of sessions that are covered by Medicare.
Obviously not everyone needs to have a mental health assessment, but being in your 20s doesn’t make you immune to mental health issues and stress. If you experience any symptoms of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions, don’t ignore the signs. Getting to grips with your mental health in your 20s can make your life a lot easier in the long run.
See Your GP for a Mental Health Assessment
Skin Checks
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer and skin related sun damage in the world, so it’s all but inevitable that you will have some sun related skin issues during your life. While it’s unlikely that skin cancers will form in your 20s, melanoma is more prevalent in people with fair skin or who experiences frequent sunburn as a child.
Any blemish, mole, lesion or freckle that changes colour, size or shape should be closely monitored at home, with frequent (monthly at least) head to toe spot checks . If you notice any abnormality, you should have it checked by a doctor.
You should also have a GP perform a thorough head to toe spot check every two years to ensure that you haven’t missed anything.
STI Tests
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are most common in younger people as they are more likely to be sexually active and engage in casual sex. Chlamydia gonorrhea are two of the most common STIs and may be asymptomatic, so regular screening if you’re sexually active may be the only way the infection is detected. Both are caused by bacteria. Depending on risk factors, being tested for other STIs, including HIV/AIDs may also be required.
STI tests are fairly simple and straightforward. A test may involve urinating in a cup, getting a genital swab or having blood taken depending on what is being tested for and the symptoms displayed (if there are any). The frequency of testing is dependent on how at risk you are, but as a rule of thumb, sexually active men and women under 25 should be tested every year.
Book an STI Test with your GP Mow!
Checks for Women
Breast Exams
While regular mammograms may not be required in your 20s, women should perform regular breast self-checks. Performing a self-check not only helps you identify any lumps or changes in shape or texture of breast tissue, it also helps to familiarise yourself with the typical look and feel of your breasts, making detecting any abnormalities that may occur in the future that may be an indicator of breast cancer much easier to identify.
Cervical Scans
At the age of 25 and every five years after that, it’s recommended that women have a cervical screening. Cancer of the cervix is almost invariably caused by a persistent HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. A cervical screening looks for the presence of infection high risk types of HPV and can detect them before they can cause the type of cell damage or changes that lead to cancer.
In Australia, cervical screening has replaced the pap smear as the method for detecting cervical cancer and associated risk factors.
Schedule a GP appointment for a Cervical Scan
Checks for Men
Testicular Exams
Men are fairly safe when it comes to sexual health (outside of STIs) when in their 20s. That said, men of all ages should regularly perform a self-check of their testicles . As a rule, testicles should be egg shaped and smooth and handling them gently should not cause discomfort. If you notice any lumps, abnormalities in shape or experience pain, you should see a doctor for a professional examination. Testicular cancer is extremely treatable if caught early.
Even if you find nothing, continuing to regularly check your testicles is important. Familiarising yourself with the shape and feel of your testicles can help you identify any changes if and when they do occur.