Be Fit: What to do in Your 20s Posted by S. Brent Ridge, M.D.<http://health.yahoo.com/experts/agingridge/bio;_ylt=Al4FSLKcJ7LVndxIcGAkTI4BDs0F>
We are a society obsessed with youth. Visit any nutrition store, and you'll find thousands of supplements meant to delay the aging process. However, most medical experts, as do I, believe aging gracefully has nothing to do with popping pills or radical treatment. Rather, it is about general health and fitness, a balanced diet, stress relief, and attempts to prevent major medical issues. As an expert in the aging body, I'm going to tell you something many of you may not want to hear - there is *NOTHING* to turn back or to stop time. We cannot grow younger (despite what the infomercials late at night tell you). However, there are steps we can take at every stage of our lives to age gracefully. Here and in the next few postings, we'll take a decade by decade look at what you should be doing. *If you are in your teens and 20s:* - Talk to your doctor about habits you may be developing. Take stock of risky behavior, such as alcohol, drug use, sexual activity - even something as mundane as using a seat belt and bike helmet. If left unchecked, dangerous habits such as drug use and sexual promiscuity can quickly spiral into medical issues and put you at risk for other problems that can really cut years off your life. - Start to develop a relationship with your physician. You should see your doctor at least twice during your 20s. Establishing a relationship with your doctor will serve you well as you go through life. It will help catch any problems early on, and it keeps you current on preventative testing and immunizations. (Immunizations *are not* just for children - they may also be needed for adults) You may also want to establish a relationship with a dentist as good oral care will ensure the maintenance for a good healthy diet later in life. - Exercise. I know, I know. Why do all doctors, without fail, push exercise? Well, consider this: studies have shown that people who exercise tend to live longer than those who do not. While it is never too late to start exercising and see the benefits of your activities, it is easier to start earlier and keep going throughout your life. Therefore, starting in your teens and 20s would be most beneficial in the long run. *For women in this age group:* - You should be learning the breast self exam and begin having annual PAP smears. *Men:* - Learn the testicular self exam. It's amazing - if you ask any man if they have ever performed this exam, they will say "no" or give you a blank stare. However, did you know that testicular cancer usually occurs in the teens and 20s? This is why we really need to encourage young men to do this.
