Annual Health Checks In Your 30s: What You Need To Know
Lets talk health checks in your 30s.
Yikes, its a heavier topic than our usual MJV Sundays but this is essential.
Happy Sunday!
Have you started your weekly self-care routine?
I honestly don’t do a major beauty regiment. On Sundays, I wash my hair, review my planner, jot out my Monday to-do list, then I relax and read. And that is my basic way to unwind.
Anyway lately, I’ve been tired. Since hitting 30, I go to bed earlier, almost every weeknight I am in bed by 9pm and I fall asleep. But when I wake up at around 6am I still feel tired. There is this fatigue that has gripped me.
I am thinking about my annual check up and I’ve been wondering what the major changes in my body are and how I need to consider these factors.
My health is my responsibility and I need to establish and maintain healthy habits to ensure that I live my best life.
I don’t have the best diet, but lately I have been cutting out foods that I aware my body doesn’t react well to. These are cheese, milk, and processed meats. I am trying to get more veggies in and less sugar.
But there other elements of my health that I a little uncertain. So I did some research, and these are major health checks that we need to make as ladies in our 30s.
Health Checks in your 30s
We are in the prime of our lives but we still need to follow on a few aspects of health and wellness. Your doctor will check and do the following tests:
Blood pressure
Do this at least every two years. High blood pressure has no symptoms. It is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and heart failure.
Cholesterol and glucose levels
This test is administered at your doctor’s discretion. High blood levels of cholesterol and/or glucose contribute to your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
In my mid 20s I had high cholesterol, this was resolved by carefully monitoring the foods I consume. But I may have slipped in during this, this will most certainly be an aspect of my health that I’ll be asking my doctor about.
Pap smears
This is usually done by a gynaecologist. Regular pap smears and pelvic exams are recommended for women over the age of 18 or for women who have ever had sex. This test detects changes to cells in the cervix before they develop into cervical cancer, which is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
I hate pap smears but they are necessary. Necessary. Go see your gyno ladies.
Dental checks and cleaning
Carried out by a dentist or oral hygienist. You already know the basic recommendations to floss, and brush twice a day for good oral health. But regular preventive dental check-ups are important too. Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you have a toothache, bleeding gums or any dental trauma.
I get my teeth cleaned once per year. That’s it. My oral health is decent. I floss and brush every day.
STI screenings
Depending on how sexually active you are and whether you use condoms consistently, you may choose to do STI screens and tests. Many STIs can be easily treated with antibiotics. But if left untreated some STIs can lead to serious health challenges including infertility and cancer.
My last gyno visit I did an STI/HIV test. This is an uncomfortable subject for many people. But trust me do these. It is so much better to know and get the treatments and support you need.
And those are the basics that you need to cover in your annual health check in your 30s.
Our health is vital to lives, we need to take care of bodies so we can be productive people and enjoy our lives.
Have you had your annual health check already?
Chantel DaCosta
Chantel DaCosta is a storyteller, editor and lifestyle blogger. She is passionate about mental health awareness and Jamaican women's own-voices stories.
