HEALTH is something rarely given attention to during younger years. Usually, people pay attention to their health when they reach a certain age, say 40s or 50s, or when they start to feel something in their body or be diagnosed with a condition. Rarely would you see someone still young and has great vigor being very conscious of his/her health and lifestyle.
This March, in celebration of Women's Month, I’ve gathered five health must-haves of women in their 20s. It’s never too late to take care of your health. Cliche as it is, but there’s some truth to “Prevention is better than cure.” Some of the items in the list may be a little pricey but are definitely way more affordable than having to go undergo treatment when the time comes.
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
One of the primary causes of death among women is cervical cancer specifically because of the human papillomavirus. Unfortunately, HPV infection doesn’t show apparent symptoms until it later progresses to cervical cancer. The good news, that only a few women know, is that it is preventable through the HPV vaccine.
The vaccine can be administered to girls as young as nine years old. Here in Davao City, the City Health Office (CHO) had scheduled vaccination in elementary schools pre-pandemic for free. The good thing about the HPV vaccine is the earlier you have it, the better. Once you have it, the effect also lasts a lifetime so once you’ve completed the three doses, you’re guaranteed safe from future risks of HPV infection and cervical cancer.
However, free HPV vaccines are not available in health centers and must be taken through your gynecologist. There are two types of HPV vaccines: Cervarix and Gardasil. An individual may choose either of the two. Whatever you choose, HPV vaccines are given for three doses.
I’ve written about the HPV vaccine in 2018. You can read more about that here: 5 things you need to know about HPV Vaccine - SUNSTAR
2. Contraceptive preference
If you are in your 20s and are sexually active but do not plan on having children anytime soon, talk to your gynecologist who can offer you a wide variety of contraceptives you can choose from. You can opt for pills, IUD, or condoms -- whatever you and your partner find convenient. It’s also important to talk with a gynecologist about this to make sure that you are aware of the pros and cons including the side effects.
On the other hand, there are also women in their 20s who would need prescribed contraceptive pills because of hormonal imbalance whether or not they are sexually active. Take for example, women who are diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are prescribed with contraceptive pills to help regularize their menstruation among others.
Sexually active or not, a woman should already have a gynecologist she visits on a regular basis to make sure her reproductive system is in good health.
3. Period tracker app
At this time and age, almost every app imaginable has been created. It becomes easier to track expenses, itinerary, and even your menstruation.
Period tracker apps available on Google Play and Apple Stores are a great help to women who (1) have regularly scheduled menstruation and would want to prepare for the next cycle; or (2) have irregular menstruation and would need to observe their cycle and would need details to tell their ob-gyne.
As most apps are supposed to go, these period trackers are made for the convenience of the users. If you stumble upon the good ones, they also have bonus health tips and advice for women during specific days of the cycle. If you are also extra diligent in tracking your period through the app, you will also get to know more about your cycle and yourself.
Just be reminded that these apps are just there to help you monitor but is in no way the primary source of diagnosis. If something doesn’t seem right, the best decision is to still consult a gynecologist.
4. Physical activity
It doesn’t have to be as rigorous as going to the gym and doing full-on physical routines and exercises especially if you’re new to this and not exactly a sporty person. Find something that keeps your blood pumping but will keep you entertained.
Maybe you can try yoga, pilates, or running and/or jogging around your neighborhood. It’s good if you make it a habit and eventually your body will look for it. Before you know it, it’s become a part of your daily schedule.
Personally, I’ve considered cycling as both my physical and essential activity as I would need to bike from one place in the city to another for work and errands. Aside from that, I’ve also been planning to go back to practicing pilates to help with my scoliosis.
5. Meditation
Meditating can come in different forms. If you’re new to this, there are apps available for download that you can try. They are very friendly to beginners and will give you help with starting. Starting with meditation can be easy, it’s the consistency that’s difficult.
However, if you’re still not comfortable with the idea of actual meditation, just consider any quiet alone time with yourself away from social media -- doing something you love without having to think of taking a photo of it and posting it later on. Your me-time can be reading books, tending to your plants, cleaning your bathroom, sweeping the yard, or anything that connects you to the present and provides you a pause to all the chaos and floating ideas in your head. It’s better if you can find the time to do this regularly.
Your mental health will thank you for that.