Your 20s through mid-40s are a time of growth, change, and possibility—and your health should move with you every step of the way. Owning your health starts with simple, proactive choices that support your physical, emotional, and reproductive well-being over time.
From staying on top of screenings to building healthy habits, preventive care helps you feel your best today while protecting your health for the future. No matter where you are in life, you have the power to take charge of your health and create a strong foundation that lasts.
Preventive visits are an important part of staying healthy—even when you feel well. Routine checkups with your primary care provider (PCP) or gynecologist (GYN) give you the opportunity to:
Regular visits help you build a relationship with your provider and create a personalized care plan that supports your needs over time.
Preventive screenings help detect potential health concerns early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective. Screening recommendations can vary based on your age, personal and family health history, symptoms, and other risk factors, so talk with your provider about what is right for you.
Chlamydia and other STI screenings are recommended for sexually active women, especially those ages 24 and younger. Women ages 25 and older should continue to get screened if they have higher risk based on factors such as a new partner, multiple partners, or a history of prior infection. Screening should happen as part of routine preventive care, and your provider can help determine how often it makes sense for you. These infections often do not cause symptoms, so testing is important because early detection and treatment can help prevent complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain, and infertility.
Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women beginning at age 21, even if they feel healthy and have no symptoms. For most women ages 21 to 29, screening is done every three years with a Pap test. Starting at age 30, screening may continue every three years with a Pap test, every five years with primary HPV testing, or every five years with co-testing, depending on your provider’s guidance and your health history. These screenings help find abnormal cell changes early—before they become cancer or when they are easier to treat.
Breast cancer screening is recommended for women starting at age 40. For most women at average risk, mammograms are typically recommended every two years through age 74, although some women may need a different schedule based on personal risk factors, family history, or provider guidance. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, often before a lump can be felt, which improves the chances of successful treatment and may reduce the risk of more intensive care later on. If you haven’t had a mammogram recently, or aren’t sure if you’re due for one, ask your PCP or GYN. They can help you schedule your screening if needed.
Dr. Elizabeth Warner, MVP’s Chief Transformation Officer, and a former general surgeon, addresses common questions about mammograms and explains how regular breast cancer screening can help you take an active role in your health.
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for most adults starting at age 45. There are several screening options, including at-home screening tests, and your provider can help you choose the option that fits your needs and risk level. Screening matters because it can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. In some cases, it can even detect and remove polyps (precancerous growths) before cancer develops.
Take the Next Step
Staying on top of your health is easier with the right tools and support. Start with Gia®, your digital health experience:
This stage of life can bring competing demands related to work, relationships, caregiving, finances, family planning, pregnancy, parenting, and changing hormones. Stress can build gradually, and anxiety, depression, burnout, or trouble coping can affect your energy, sleep, focus, and physical health.
Taking care of your behavioral health is not a sign of weakness—it is a key part of staying healthy, resilient, and able to care for yourself and the people who depend on you. Pay attention to signs that stress may be affecting your behavioral health, such as:
Support can start with a conversation with your PCP, GYN, or a behavioral health professional. Getting help early can make a meaningful difference, and healthy routines like sleep, movement, social connection, and stress management can support your mental well-being along the way.
Explore MVP behavioral health resources to find care, connect with providers, and access tools that support your mental and emotional well-being.
The habits you build now can shape your health for years to come. Small, consistent choices can make a big difference.
Move your body regularly
Move your body regularly to support heart and bone health, strength, and energy
Choose nourishing foods
Eat well with balanced, nutrient-rich foods to fuel your body
Prioritize sleep
Prioritize sleep to restore your body and support mental well-being
Manage stress levels
Manage stress with routines that help you recharge
Stay connected
Stay connected to supportive people and care when you need it
These are the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Learn how to incorporate Lifestyle Medicine into your daily habits.
If you're planning to start a family now or in the future, having the right support matters.
