Good day, I am Dr. Ria Smit.

In this episode of Sprankel I talk about things you should be aware of in your 20s.

You should get your first Pap Smear at 21.  Here’s a chance to start building a relationship with a doctor who’ll help you manage your routine health care.

Even though it’s a bit unpleasant, it shouldn’t hurt. I use a sterile Speculum to do the Pap Smear exam. It is fitted with a light. The smear is taken with a brush and place in a liquid medium which is sent off to the lab. for testing. A little spotting is normal the day of and/or the day after the Pap Smear. It is nothing to be worried about. If the Pap Smear is normal, it should be repeated at least every 3 years. The Pap Smear can be used to test for Human Papillomavirus.

Immunization for HPV is recommended in your 20’s, but guidelines can be discussed in a consultation.

Our cells “remember”, and it shows up later in life. It is therefore important to establish good habits now. Plan your diet and exercise program and focus on staying healthy. There is also such a thing as being unhealthy whilst being the right weight.

Another good habit is a good skincare routine.

You’ll hear more about this in the aesthetic episodes, but I really can’t stress enough how important it is to use proper medical grade sunscreen. Sunscreens do however block the absorption of vitamin D through the skin, and I see more and more young people with vitamin D deficiency. In the body, vitamin D plays a huge role in bone health and immunity, but also plays an important role when it comes to prevention of: Diabetes | Hypertension | Depression and anxiety, just to name a few.

It is good to take 1000units vitamin D per day to maintain a normal blood level of vitamin D.

Enjoy your 20’s. Take care of yourself. Get to know yourself. Focus on your spiritual life and build a strong value system. You might be interested in dating in hope of finding someone special. In order to be happy in a relationship, I believe that you must be happy with yourself. Therefore, make the most of the time you have for yourself.