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Wellness Tips for Young Adults

  • Eat a healthy diet to reduce your risk for heart disease and other chronic health problems like diabetes.
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight by limiting fast foods and processed foods and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low- or nonfat dairy products.
  • Important nutrients that young adults often overlook include protein, calcium, potassium, healthy omega-3 fats, and folic acid (for women during their reproductive years). Pay attention to portion sizes and get in the habit of chewing your food slowly. Take supplements as recommended by your health care provider.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products. Nicotine is highly addictive and smoking and tobacco use are associated with a number of serious health problems. 
  • Avoid illegal substances and drink alcohol only in moderation (no more than 2 drinks per day for men, 1 for women). Never drink and drive or get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
  • Get enough sleep. This may be easier said than done for many young adults, but studies confirm that a proper amount of sleep at every age is essential to maintain good health.
  • Take care of your sexual health. If you are sexually active, talk to your health care provider about contraception, safer sex, sexually transmitted diseases, STD prevention and HIV screening.
  • Take care of your mental health. Your 20s can bring on significant life changes and new responsibilities—”that first "real" job, moving out on your own for the first time, additional expenses and bills to pay, and many others. These changes can be very exciting, but they are often stressful too. Take steps to reduce stress in your life.
  • Talk to a qualified health care provider if you experience symptoms of depression, including feeling down, sad or hopeless for an unusually long period of time, or losing interest in things you usually enjoy.