For most, turning 30 marks a memorable milestone in life. A balance between work, social, and personal life starts to become the norm while progress toward major life goals starts to take shape. But hitting the big 3-0 doesn’t always come with high hopes for the years to come. There are a handful of common health conditions that can plague your thirties, especially if you’re not paying close attention to your well-being. Here are the five most common health issues you may face before turning 30 – and tips for prevention.
Varicose Veins
Seeing veins bulge beneath the skin may not be an issue you think about when you ponder turning 30, but the problem is a common health condition that can appear early on. Vein issues, commonly referred to as varicose veins, can happen to anyone, male or female, but are most often caused by pregnancy, being overweight, or extensive pressure placed on the legs or feet. In some cases, varicose veins rear an ugly head thanks to a genetic predisposition. The bulges, typically visible on the legs, are the result of a breakdown of the vein walls which ultimately leads to pooling of blood in a single area.
If you have a family history of varicose veins or are otherwise concerned that varicose veins may affect you down the line, the first step is to control your weight by eating right and getting adequate active time in each day. You may also want to give your legs and feet a break every now and again, especially if you have a job where standing for prolonged periods of time is the norm. Compression stockings, elevating your legs and massaging your muscles also help in fighting off varicose veins.
Gray Hair
Imagine jumping out of the shower to get ready for your day and noticing a few gray hairs poking out of your head. Discouraging? Well, it’s an unfortunate reality for many 30-somethings. Making things even more frustrating is the fact that gray hairs aren’t caused by a specific event, meaning prevention isn’t a viable option. However, you should know that an unhealthy lifestyle that includes smoking, stress, or excessive drinking plays a role in how your hair pigment (color) holds up as you age.
If you’ve noticed a gray strand here or there, know that you have some resource. A variety of hair dyes are readily available for permanent or temporary coverage, either from your hair stylist or over-the-counter retailers. If you’re not keen on covering up the grays, you certainly aren’t alone. Having a silver hair or two may work to your benefit, as it gives off a distinguished, gracefully aged appearance that some can’t otherwise achieve.
Less than Perfect Skin
One of the most common health challenges to present right around the time you turn 30 is aged skin. The combination of overexposure to the sun, poor cleansing habits, and a diet high in fat contributes to a less than fresh face as you get older. You may experience excess dryness, hard to manage blemishes or sun spots that can’t be covered up with makeup.
The good news is that skin issues can be corrected without the need for cosmetic surgery or harsh procedures. First, start with getting into the habit of cleaning and moisturizing your skin every morning, and make sure to use a cleanser before bed. During the day, it’s also important to protect your skin by applying sunscreen. To make sure your skin stays healthy throughout your 30s, it is recommended to focus on eating healthy, reducing stress whenever possible, and make sure to get your beauty rest consistently.
Weight Gain
A frustrating result of aging that occurs in most adults on the verge of 30 is the potential for packing on excess pounds. Over time, muscles break down naturally, and rebuilding strength can be a challenge when the busyness of work, social, and personal commitments take hold of the calendar. When less muscle strength is present within the body, the metabolic process slows, causing weight gain as you get older.
Gaining weight doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of your 30s, so long as you take the steps to maintain beforehand. That takes regular exercise, focused more on strength building than cardio workouts, and managing your caloric intake each day. Finding a balance of activity and diet that fits your lifestyle is key to keeping the extra pounds at bay.
Wrinkles
Pesky fine lines and wrinkles start to show early on, especially when skincare has been put on the backburner throughout your 20s. Wrinkles and lines begin to appear as collagen and elastin in the skin break down. Whether it is vertical lines above the lips or wrinkles around the corners of the eyes, facial imperfections are a clear sign of aging for men and women alike.
Following the same guidelines for preventing blemished skin helps in the wrinkle department as well. Additionally, using topical creams and masks that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help promote the collagen production necessary to soften fine lines. There are also several options for non-invasive cosmetic treatments that can relieve you of the appearance of wrinkles without the need for surgical intervention.
Transitioning into your 30s doesn’t have to be a rough process when it comes to your health and well-being. Instead, take action to prevent the conditions you can safely ward off and prepare yourself for the natural changes you have the opportunity to experience as you grow older.
