Posted by Brittany Galla
There are things you do every day — whether you are aware of these actions or not — that help keep you alive: wearing your seat belt in the car; looking both ways before you cross the street; eating smart; or going for a run (even if it is only once a week). But there are also other little things you should be doing to protect yourself. Read our suggestions, share them with friends and you never know who’s life you might save. It could be your own.
1. Don’t be so quick to turn on your car’s A/C when the weather is hot.
When you start your car in the morning on a hot summer day, the worst thing you can do is start your A/C at full blast with the windows up. Think about it: Your car’s interior is made out of plastic materials, meaning that when these pieces heat up, you could be breathing in potentially cancerous emissions (the same way the FDA advises against drinking out of a heated up plastic bottle). Instead, when you get in your car, open all the windows for a good 10 minutes, letting fresh air into your car, circulating the not-so-good emissions out.
2. Get a pap smear once a year. (And if there’s a problem, every six months.)
The CDC reports one in four sexually active women have a strain of HPV, an STD that’s been on the rise in recent years. Most strains are treatable (and may disappear on its own). Even the most dangerous strains that could be linked to cervical cancer ARE curable if caught early. It’s scary stuff, yes, but a gynecologist we talked to said she was most worried about the patients she doesn’t see or who don’t follow up for a six-month appointment when abnormal cells are found — in fact, she’s more concerned with those cases than patients who do have a pre-cancerous strain, but always show up for their appointments.
So if there’s a problem or something is found, take care of it with regular check-ups. Go to your six-month follow-up, protect yourself if you’re sexually active and always be upfront with your gyno. Your health is your responsibility and your responsibility only. Taking the time to schedule important check-ups now could affect the length of your life, so don’t let any excuses get in the way. And the same goes for breast exams, which you can even give to yourselfwhile you’re lying in bed watching Friends reruns.
3. Put down your cellphone while driving.
You saw the CNN headlines. You see the celeb-endorsed commercials warning against it while watching Teen Mom. And yet, tons of 20-something drivers still do it: TEXTING WHILE DRIVING! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,474 people were killed and as many as 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes reportedly involving distracted driving in 2009. Of those killed, 995 of the accidents were related to cell phone distraction. That’s far too many. The next time you get into your car, think about what you learned in driver’s ed: Two hands on the wheel and eyes always on the road. Responding to one text or email or even a Words With Friends game at a red light has its consequences. Make a vow to leave your cell in your purse while you drive and blast out to your fave playlist instead. And if you’re really committed, sign this petition letter to let your state representatives know that you support a law banning texting while driving. You owe it yourself and the other drivers on the road.
4. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Rapes, attacks and muggings can all happen in a matter of seconds. Instead of chatting on your cell or listening to your iPod as you walk, keep both in your pocket and pay attention to who is around you at all times. Follow your instincts — if your gut is telling you something doesn’t feel right, listen to it! Walk faster, go to a well-lit area, or get yourself in a safe, public area where disaster won’t usually strike. Always think ahead and don’t get distracted by things around you.
5. Be happy.
We all know the 20-something years are stressful, surprising and full of challenges and changes. (That’s why you’re a fan of this helpful site!) But many studies have shown that happiness can lead to a longer life. What can you do to feel happier? Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop putting yourself down. And escape the negativity (i.e. toxic friends, disrespectful boyfriends, even your own bad thoughts). Remind yourself every day why you are who you are and do what you do. Make an effort to find the happiness and peace you desire each day instead of waiting for it to find you.
What are some of your own life-saving tips?
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