GENERATION GAINS

20s THE DECADE TO… BUILD GOOD HABITS

You’ve got it good. Right now, you have a youthful (read: fast) metabolism, boundless energy and the ability to shrug off a hangover on your side. With a little extra help, however, you can keep the good times rolling without racking up a debt your body will have a hard time repaying later on in life.

THE CHECK-UP

There was a 54 per cent decrease in cervical screenings between January and June 2020 compared to 2019, according to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report. “It’s so important that you attend your HPV cervical screening regularly from the age of 25,” says Dr Alex Eskander, a consultant gynaecologist.

You’re eligible for your first test when you turn 25 or two years after your last Pap test; screening then happens every five years.

NUTRIENTS TO KNOW: CALCIUM & VITAMIN D

It’s never too soon to start thinking of your skeleton, says sports dietitian Renee McGregor. “Bone density increases until age 25 and then begins to fall.” Getting your 1000mg RDI of calcium is essential; while dairy is a solid source, so are tofu, legumes and seafood.

Vitamin D strengthens your bones by helping your body effectively absorb calcium.