When you’re in your twenties, it’s easy to think you don’t need to worry about health problems like colon cancer or high blood pressure yet. However, many health issues typically seen in those over forty can still impact women in their twenties.
Recent studies show that some disorders we associate with older age can affect younger adults due to lifestyle choices that increase the risk of health problems. Understanding these illnesses and the preventable risk factors can help you make lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of developing them.
High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because most people with it don’t experience symptoms. This condition can damage your heart, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys. Although the percentage of women aged 20 to 34 with high blood pressure is low, this age group is less likely to get diagnosed and receive treatment. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and strokes, so monitoring and managing it is crucial.
In the United States, around 3.1 million women have undiagnosed diabetes due to a lack of symptoms. Obesity is a leading cause of diabetes, and younger generations have higher obesity rates than previous ones. Native American, African-American, and Hispanic women are four times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. If you develop diabetes, you’re at a higher risk for heart disease later in life. Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are 20% to 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later on, making regular screenings essential.
There’s been a worrying rise in rectal and colon cancers among young adults. If you notice blood in your stool or changes in bowel habits, see a doctor immediately. Younger people are less likely to have colorectal cancer, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Regular cancer screenings, including whole-body MRI scans, can help detect issues early and provide peace of mind.
Most strokes occur in people aged 65 or over, but there’s been an increase in strokes among women aged 18 to 34. While it’s less common, strokes in younger women can be more fatal. This rise is linked to factors like high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus also increase stroke risk.
Brain shrinkage might sound alarming, but it’s a normal part of aging. However, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity can speed up this process. Healthy heart choices can protect your brain and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Balancing a busy life with school, work, marriage, or parenting can make it hard to focus on your health. But it’s important to make time for yourself. Taking care of your health now can greatly impact your future well-being and reduce the chances of developing serious health issues.
