health testing

Importance of Health Testing in Your 20s

Testing your health is one of the most important things you should do in your twenties, and it should remain at the top of your priority list.

It’s a time when we have a lot on our plates—finding a new job, a nice house and our other half, and if you’re a parent, it’s much more so! Notwithstanding, you should not lose sight of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The popular saying, “health is wealth,” is very true and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Even if you think you are in great condition, it is essential to have regular health checks. With early detection of a disease, you have the best chance possible to address its symptoms before it becomes severe.

Let us have a look at the important health tests to do in your 20s.

 

 

1. Cholesterol Test

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are the two forms of cholesterol present in the human body (HDL).

LDL cholesterol is also referred to as the “bad” kind of cholesterol because of its potential to accumulate in the arteries of the heart, generating thick plaques that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

On the other hand, HDL is a healthy kind of cholesterol because it helps in the removal of excess LDL from the arteries.

Smoking, eating a diet high in LDL, and not getting enough physical exercise are all factors that contribute to an increase in the level of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is also proven to be a contributing factor to high blood pressure.

Having a high level of bad cholesterol is not associated with any symptoms, and that’s why it is important to have regular cholesterol tests performed to monitor your health.

 

2. Skin Cancer Screening

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women between the ages of 15 and 29 have the highest risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

Cancer hits people in their twenties and manifests itself in a variety of ways. Frequent skin checks can help find precancerous or cancer-prone parts of the skin.

The good news is that cancer is treatable if it is discovered in its early stages. As a result, it is recommended that you conduct frequent tests to check for any indicators of cancer before they progress to a more severe stage.

 

3. Allergy Test

Allergy testing is performed by a qualified allergy specialist to determine whether or not your body is susceptible to an allergic reaction to a particular substance.

Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to a known substance, such as mold, pet dander, bee stings, and peanuts. As a result of the overreaction, various health concerns such as sneezing and itchy eyes develop.

A healthcare provider injects allergens into your skin during a skin prick test to see if you develop a wheal (raised mark), rash, or other response. Blood tests can check for IgE antibodies.

The results can help you control your allergies. It is important to understand what you are allergic to so that you can avoid putting your health and safety at risk.

 

4. Blood Pressure Test

The elderly and middle-aged are not the only ones who suffer from high blood pressure; people as young as 20 years old can be victims of this silent killer. Having high blood pressure means that the force pushing blood circulation through your arteries is high.

If you have high blood pressure, the force driving blood circulation through your arteries must be quite strong.

This tremendous force has an influence on the lining of the arteries over time, causing damage to the capillary walls. As a result, heart problems like strokes and cardiac arrest are more likely to happen.

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” since the symptoms do not appear until the patient ends up in a critical condition. This is why it is recommended to have a routine blood pressure test done.

As part of your routine blood pressure check, make sure that both your systolic and diastolic blood pressures are within normal ranges.

The diastolic blood pressure measures the amount of pressure that is placed on the artery walls while your heart is at rest, and the systolic blood pressure measures the amount of pressure that is put on the artery walls when your heart is beating.

Blood pressure readings should be less than 130/80 on the blood pressure monitors. Any results that are greater than normal indicate high blood pressure.

 

5. Mental Health Check

It is estimated that nearly half of the population will suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.

A large number of people in their twenties suffer from mental illnesses such as sadness and anxiety. It can be very bad for someone’s mental health and well-being if they don’t get help for their mental issues.

A mental health test evaluates a person’s mental state to detect signs and symptoms of mental illness. You should perform this test on a frequent basis, especially if you have noticed a shift in your thoughts or feelings about your life or environment.

 

6. Sexual Health Test

If you have a sexually active lifestyle, this test is absolutely necessary. Young people are more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases.

Many of these sexually transmitted infections (STIs), if left untreated, can become more serious health problems that can get in the way of your daily life.

It is recommended by medical professionals that you get a sexual health test done regularly, especially if you are sexually active and have a lot of sexual partners.

The more quickly a sexually transmitted disease is found and treated, the easier it is to manage or even get rid of the disease.

See a medical professional who can do urine tests, genital swab tests, or blood tests to check for the presence of a sexually transmitted infection.

 

All In All

These tests, which have been outlined above, are necessary for people in their 20s to undergo just as much as they are for those of other ages.

The sooner you start prioritizing your physical and mental wellbeing, whether it’s preparing healthy meals from scratch, trying a new fitness class, or talking through concerns with a psychologist, the better.

The health checks and tests listed above are intended to detect diseases early on, even if you aren’t feeling any symptoms.

Early detection will give you the best chance of addressing any problems before they become more serious, giving you the best chance of living a long, happy, and healthy life.

For those residing in London and seeking health testing, blood testing or allergy testing, please feel free to make an appointment with our specialist for a full consultation.

 

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