Turning 21 is a very important milestone in your life. There are big expectations, new challenges, and new responsibilities ahead. So, it is very important to take care of your physical and mental health during this time. Today, let's talk about what you can expect when you go to see a doctor at this age (Well-Visit/Young Adult Checkup at 21) and what you need to be aware of.
What happens when you go to see the doctor?
You may think, "See a doctor again? I'm fine." But even if you don't have any health problems, a checkup at this age is very important. It helps you gain a better understanding of your health and identify potential problems early.
General tests
First, the doctor or nurse will:
1. Your body mass index, or `BMI (Body Mass Index),` is calculated by looking at your weight and height . This can help you determine whether you are at a healthy weight for your height.
2. Check your blood pressure . You may also have your hearing checked.
Take care of your mental health too.
We're talking a lot about mental health these days. So your doctor may ask you to take a short questionnaire to see if you have any symptoms of depression . This is a good time to talk about any stress or anxiety you're having. Don't worry, these are very confidential things.
What the doctor asks you and what advice he gives you
Next, the doctor will talk to you, ask you questions, talk about your problems, and give you some very important advice.
Let's think about food and drink?
A balanced diet at a young age is essential for a healthy life.
- You should eat three main meals a day. This should include lean protein , at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables , whole grains , and dairy products or calcium-fortified soy milk at least three times a day .
- Reduce your intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar as much as possible. Just think about how harmful it is to your body to eat fried rice, fried foods, and sugary drinks all the time.
How is your sleep?
Did you know that even at this age, you still need between 7 and 9 hours of good sleep a day? Some people may think, "Oh, I'm a big kid now, I just need to sleep a little more." But that's not the case.
"A good night's sleep isn't just about closing your eyes. It gives your brain and body the energy it needs to function throughout the day."
If you don't sleep properly, you'll be tired during the day and unable to do any work. Whether it's at school, at university, or if you have a job, it will also affect those tasks. Just think about how difficult it would be for you to sleep well at night. Therefore, it's very good to get a little rest before going to bed at night, and to get into the habit of putting things like your phone and computer aside before going to bed.
Do you exercise?
It's great if you can do moderate physical activity, like walking briskly for about 150 minutes a week, or vigorous activity, like running for about 75 minutes a week. This will help control unwanted weight gain and also help you relax. You can do anything you like - dance, play, run, cycle, whatever.
Your growth and next steps
By the age of 21, many young women experience things like:
- A sense of self and self-worth is created.
- Individual relationships are valued more than being with a large group of friends.
- They are starting to become more independent from their parents.
- Begins to think abstractly to solve problems.
- Making long-term plans for the future.
Do you feel these things too? These are normal things. You can talk to your doctor about them.
The Physical Examination
The doctor will examine your skin and listen to your heart and lungs .
Especially for young women
If you are a young woman, your doctor may recommend that you have a Pap smear . They may also refer you to a gynecologist if necessary. A Pap smear is an important test for early detection of conditions such as cervical cancer. There is nothing to be afraid of or ashamed of. It is important to do these things for your health.
Especially for young people
If you are a young man, your doctor will examine your testicles to check for lumps , hernias , or varicose veins (varicoceles) . These are also easier to treat if they are identified early.
You also need to remember about vaccines.
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from some serious diseases. That's why it's important to get your vaccines on time. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines you should get.
Maybe they'll do tests like this too.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may order other tests. For example:
- Anemia (lack of blood in the blood)
- High Cholesterol
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis C
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
The doctor will decide whether these tests are necessary or not.
Now it's time to get ready for the future, right?
After this medical examination, you also need to think about your future. You are no longer a little child.
How do you take care of yourself?
Here are some important things for you:
- Plan for the future. That could mean higher education (College/University) or a job. Think about what your dreams are.
- Continue to do things you enjoy. That means drawing, music, exercise, social service , etc. These things will bring you joy and will develop your personality.
- Get used to working responsibly , both at school and at work.
- If you have a problem or difficulty, don't be shy about asking for help from family, a health professional, or an adult you trust .
- Learn ways to deal with stress . Exercise, meditation, and talking to friends or family can help.
- Be aware of the symptoms of depression. If you experience frequent anger, loss of joy, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, poor grades, or negative thoughts about life , seek professional help immediately.
- If you are still going to a pediatrician, now is the time to switch to an adult doctor .
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste , floss , and see a dentist twice a year.
Safety comes first!
No matter how smart or big you are, you definitely need to think about safety.
- Always wear a seatbelt when riding in a vehicle.
- Don't text or talk on your phone while driving. It puts your life and the lives of others at risk.
- If you are sexually active, use birth control and condoms to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) .
- Leave a relationship that is violent, disrespectful, or pressured for sex. Your happiness and safety are most important.
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
- Do not use tanning beds. They increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Completely avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs. Also, never use prescription medicines that have not been prescribed for you.
- Never drive if you are intoxicated. And never ride in a vehicle driven by someone who is intoxicated. Instead, arrange for a responsible person to drive in advance (Designated Driver) or arrange for another vehicle.
Remember, your life is precious. So don't take unnecessary risks.
When talking about the home environment, remember that if you have things like guns , they should be kept safe, out of reach of children, and the bullets should be locked up separately. (To see how relevant this is to Sri Lanka, think about dangerous things in the home in general).
Finally, if you have any concerns about your living situation , such as a lack of food, a safe place to stay, or lack of health insurance, talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor may be able to refer you to community resources or a social worker who can help.
The last thing I have to say is this...
You probably understand how important this 21-year checkup is. It's not just a checkup to see if you have a disease. It's a great guide to creating good habits that will affect your whole life, to staying healthy, staying safe, and planning for the future.
Your health is your responsibility. So, don't skip these doctor appointments, attend them. Talk openly with your doctor. Ask your questions. Only then can you move on to a healthy, happy future.
Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who can help and guide you.
` Youth health, medical examination, 21-year health visit, young adult health, BMI, mental health, healthy living
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න