​Your 20s is a time when you can begin to take charge and manage your life. Think about what you eat, your physical activity and talking to your doctor about preventive screenings and managing your health. During this decade, developing healthy living habits, and reducing unhealthy habits, is important.

To ensure optimal health while in your 20s, you should:

• Exercise at least 30 minutes each day
• Eat five servings of fruit and vegetables each day
• Schedule preventive screenings and exams, such as:
  • Cholesterol panel — total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Annual physical exams for men and women
  • Pap smears every three years, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings, and annual clinical breast exams and monthly self-breast exams for women
  • Annual testicular exams with STI screenings for men
  • Baseline hearing and vision exams
  • Semi-annual dental visits for exams and cleanings
  • Baseline mole and skin exams
  • Immunizations: influenza “flu” (annually); tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) (once every 10 years); human papillomavirus (HPV) (three shot series completed by age 26); meningococcal (one vaccine with titer to follow)
  • Consider smoking cessation classes (if applicable)
• Practice safety:
  • Always wear seat belts
  • Don’t text and drive
  • Don’t drink and drive
  • Protect yourself from the sun