Most women start losing muscle mass after the age of 30. Strength training can prevent this muscle loss and help build bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, strength training can boost your metabolism, helping you maintain a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy weight is also beneficial for preventing diseases like cancer.
Take Time to Unwind
Chronic stress impacts nearly every system in your body, making it harder to fight off diseases such as cancer. To manage stress, try incorporating relaxation techniques like breathing exercises into your routine.
Test for HPV During Your Pap Smear
Women over 30 should get an HPV test alongside their Pap smear every five years. High-risk strains of HPV are found in over 99% of cervical cancer cases. HPV testing isn’t usually recommended in your 20s because, at this age, the immune system is more likely to clear the virus on its own, and regular testing could lead to unnecessary treatments. The good news is that the HPV test can be conducted during your routine Pap smear, so no additional visit or exam is required.
Quit Smoking
Nearly 20% of women aged 25 to 44 smoke, which raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and reproductive health issues. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. If you quit smoking while pregnant, it’s important not to resume after your baby is born, as nicotine can be passed through breast milk, and secondhand smoke can affect your child’s health. If you want to quit, you’re not alone-70% of women who smoke express a desire to stop. Seek help and support, and if quitting entirely is difficult, try to cut back as much as possible and make your home a smoke-free environment.