In your 20s:
Courtney Kreul, a 21-year-old dietetics student, makes her personal health a priority. “It can prevent so much if you start taking care of yourself early,” Kreul says. Her keys to keeping a healthy diet include eating only whole grains and at least three servings of milk and vegetables a day, and eliminating fast food. Women in their 20s should also be conscious about protecting their skin from the sun. According to www.Parents.com, “Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death among 25- to 29-year-old women.” Kreul recommends wearing at least SPF 15 whenever you are in the sun, and choosing self-tanners instead of tanning beds.
In your 30s:
These are the years where your metabolism will start to slow down. To prevent gaining extra pounds, it is important to get moving and stay active. Amanda Alexander, a local mother of three, sets aside time to run six to eight miles, four times a week. “That’s my personal time,” Alexander says. “I like the satisfaction and energy I get from running.” Aside from staying active, women in their 30s should begin annual clinical breast exams. Although breast cancer is not a major worry in your 30s, it is a good time to start being aware and proactive in order to prevent it.
In your 40s:
As you get closer to menopause, your metabolism will slow down even more. So, stay active. Teresa VanGerpen, a local mother of two, makes sure to work out at least four to six hours a week. She also maintains a healthy, balanced diet that is high in protein and filled with fresh fruit and vegetables. A healthy diet and exercise plan will reduce your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and breast cancer. Your 40s are also the years to begin getting annual mammograms and annual skin checks in order to prevent breast cancer as well as skin cancer.
Amanda Blue is an intern for KC Parent Magazine. She is a sophomore at the University of Kansas where she is studying journalism.