A lot of people stress out about turning 30, but the truth is your thirties may very well be the best decade of your life. If you want to ensure each year is better than the last, though, start prioritizing your health now — especially if you failed to do so while in your twenties. Below, the caring team at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine in Anchorage, AK, shares a few men’s and women’s health mistakes that those in their thirties should avoid.

Men’s & Women’s Health Expert Shares 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Thirties

1. Ignoring Your Changing Metabolism

Although researchers are not sure why, the body’s metabolism slows down with age. Most people will only experience a slight dip in their metabolism upon turning 30, but failing to account for it can lead to substantial weight gain over time, especially around the midsection. Fortunately, strength training can help you maintain an efficient metabolism, as can consuming a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods high in sodium, trans fats, and saturated fats.

2. Ignoring Your Biological Clock

Men’s fertility typically starts declining around age 40, but women are most fertile in their twenties. A woman’s fertility will start declining gradually when she turns 32, and women’s health experts agree that it experiences a sharp drop by age 37.

The older a couple is, the more challenging it will be for them to conceive. If you and your partner are certain you want to have children, it is worth discussing a reasonable timeline by the time you both hit 30, so you can be sure you are on the same page.

3. Ignoring Your Mental Health

Most people’s careers are in full swing by the time they hit 30, and constantly striving for a higher earning capacity can cause a lot of stress. The thirties are also the decade in which individuals take on substantial responsibilities, like buying a home and having children. Such life transitions can be anxiety-inducing, and the daily demands can lead to sleep deprivation. Ignoring your mental health can have negative consequences in the long run, though, including debilitating physical ailments because of a weakened immune system.

Individuals in their thirties should get into a good healthcare routine. At the very least, you should visit your primary care provider once a year for a thorough physical exam. If you can’t remember the last time you had a physical, turn to Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine in Anchorage, AK. You can learn more about the men’s and women’s health services they provide by visiting their website. To make an appointment with one of their compassionate health care providers, call (907) 344-0200.