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Four Conditions to Watch for Before Hitting 30
The days of a carefree lifestyle start to wane as we enter the third decade of life. Aging brings a handful of interesting and unexpected health changes that can be difficult to combat without a bit of direction beforehand. Physical shifts range in both timing and severity for every individual, but knowing what’s coming and working on a prevention strategy is a necessary part of turning 30.
Hair Woes
If you’ve noticed changes to the feel or look of hair in your 20s, you are far from alone. Going gray may be an expected reality for men and women, especially when parents had silver locks early on in life. But a change in the texture of hair also rears its head for some. Insatiable dryness, dull color and difficulty growing can take place based on hormonal changes that occur naturally as we age.
There is no magic remedy for battling gray hair – once it starts, only hair dye can cover up unwanted grays. Textural hair changes, however, can be subdued by balancing out hormones. The simplest way to maintain a steadiness in this area is to pinpoint stressors and work to reduce them or their impact.
Varicose Veins
A surprising health condition that plagues a number of young adults is the appearance of varicose veins. A few decades of pressure on the legs creates a breakdown in the walls of veins, leading to pooling blood which causes unattractive and uncomfortable bulges on the calves and thighs. Varicose veins can be the result of a genetic predisposition, an unhealthy weight, pregnancy, or frequent strenuous weight lifting.
Fighting varicose veins starts with prevention, most commonly achieved by reducing the ongoing pressure put on the legs. Minimizing heavy lifting sessions, giving the legs a rest after each workday and keeping weight at a healthy level all help in this department. If varicose veins have already shown up to the party, wearing compression stockings at home can help ease discomfort and visibility. When all else fails, a number of non-invasive treatments are available to get your legs back to looking their best.
Losing Muscle
Entering your 30s may also lead to a breakdown of muscles, thanks to the natural progression of the body’s inner workings. Muscle mass lessens as the molecules that hold tissues together deteriorate, leaving us with reduced strength and balance over time. Most people lose between a half and one pound of muscle each year after they turn 30.
To prevent rapid muscle loss, a focus should be placed on strength training as a core part of exercise routines. Lifting weights can help, but care should be taken to do so in a healthy way. Instead of working on what are known as mirror muscles – those you can see clearly at quick glance – workout routines should place emphasis on building the core muscles that help with flexibility and balance.
Extra Pounds
Gone are the days of unhealthy food binges as your 30s approach, unless you want to pack on extra pounds. As we age, the rate at which the body burns calories (metabolism) slows substantially. A reduced metabolism leads to excess weight that can be difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise alone.
Maintaining a high caloric burn rate can be achieved by committing to a healthy, active lifestyle. Getting 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity each day is beneficial in keeping extra weight out of the equation. Balancing your diet and hydrating appropriately also play a critical role in sustaining the metabolism you enjoyed in your 20s.
Crossing the line into your 30s does not have to be a complete drag as it relates to your health. Knowing what is on the horizon is the first step in battling the common conditions that come with age; having a plan to prevent and correct issues is a close second.
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