Figuring Out Your 20s: Advocating for Your Health

Seattle — Last month, it was reported that beauty influencer Jessica Pettway died at 36 from cervical cancer, which led to people sharing the need to advocate for your health. 

Adulthood calls for responsibility, and that includes your health. Long are the days when parents scheduled your doctor or dentist appointments, or you were on a family’s health insurance plan (if that was your experience). Your 20s are the time when prioritizing your health is extremely important.

Although life and your health can be unpredictable, there’s still value in developing habits now that will set you on the path of maintaining good health. 

Here are ways to advocate for your health:

• Regular check-ups: The best way to know your health status is to have regular check-ups. According to Pomona Valley Health Centers, regular check-ups detect early health conditions, increase treatment and cure options, and monitor existing conditions. You’ll feel more comfortable having a consistent provider to help you navigate your health and know what’s happening.

• Have insurance and understand your benefits: Health care costs in the United States are unfortunately one of the highest costs in the world, and the best way to get the care you deserve without financial stress is having health care and taking advantage of your benefits. There are many options for coverage, including staying on parent’s insurance until age 26, getting insurance through work, or applying for marketplace coverage via https://www.healthcare.gov/. 

Knowing what benefits you have allows you to take full advantage of your insurance and increases your ability to get care and stay up to date on your health. 

• Save for health-related expenses: You can save as little as $20 monthly for expected or unexpected health costs and have peace of mind. Flexible Saving Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are great ways to save for health-related expenses, and there are ways you can use the money for retirement or beauty, skin, or health products if you have money in the accounts by the end of the year. If you decide to keep your money in savings, be sure to use a High-Yield Savings Account to get paid interest on your money until you choose to use it. 

• Develop eating and exercise habits: Apply your doctor’s recommendations on foods to eat and exercise based on your health needs. A good diet and exercise will always take you far.

• Stay informed: Don’t overwhelm yourself with information, but remain vigilant about your health and the latest health news. Always ask your primary care provider questions about what you are experiencing and get different opinions when something doesn’t seem right. 

They say health is wealth, and your 20s are the perfect time to develop the proper structure to begin and remain healthy. Ultimately, remember to always advocate for yourself.

Tracy Noze is a Seattle-based journalist.

Edited by Nykeya Woods