Healthy living in your 20s

You're in your 20s! What can you do to live a healthier life? Be healthier with one — or all — of the steps below! Get the conversation started at your next well-woman visit with this list.

Every day, I will try to:

Eat healthy — use the MyPlate Plan to get started

Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity

Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep

Reach and maintain a healthy weight

Get help to quit or not start smoking

Limit alcohol use to 1 drink or less

Not use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs

Wear a helmet when riding a bike and wear protective gear for sports

Wear a seat belt in cars and not text and drive

Take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid

I will talk to my doctor at least once a year about:

Whether I plan to get pregnant in the next year or the right birth control for me

My weight, diet, and physical activity level

Whether I use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs

Any violence in my life

Depression and any other mental health concerns

My family health history, especially of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

Protecting myself from the sun and the hazards of tanning

I will ask my doctor whether I am at higher risk of or need tests, medicines, or vaccines this year for:

Blood pressure

Breast cancer prevention medicines

Chickenpox

Flu

Hepatitis A, B, and C

HIV

HPV

Measles, mumps, and rubella

Meningitis

Pap (if 21 or older)

Sexually transmitted infections

Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough

Tuberculosis

Urinary incontinence

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The decision to get any medical test or procedure, at any age, is a personal one between you and your doctor. These recommendations may not apply to every person.

These guidelines are based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (link is external), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the Women's Preventive Services Guidelines, the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

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