Never Too Young: 3 “Old Man” Maladies Millennials Can Get Too

No matter your age, you need to take care of your health. There are plenty of conditions that, although they have a reputation for developing later in life, they can develop in young people too. Don’t just assume that because you are young you are immune to these “old man” maladies. Hemorrhoids While often not particularly serious, hemorrhoids are often an insanely uncomfortable condition. They are also increasing among younger people. Treatment often doesn’t require a physician, and you can use ice packs, warm baths, and over-the-counter products to control the symptoms. More fiber, more fluid intake, and regular exercise can help both prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids and alleviate symptoms. For more severe cases, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, and surgical removal are options. Various Forms of Cancer Cancers can occur in young people, with the most common being breast cancer, lymphomas, brain tumors and leukemia. It is definitely possible for young people to get Colon Cancer, for example, even though regular screening for this condition is typically started after age fifty. Prostate cancer is also very possible in young people, and it’s important to know and recognize the symptoms before it’s too late. Classic symptoms of cancer include unexplained or rapid weight loss, fatigue or odd, hard lumps anywhere on your body. New treatment options for different types of cancer are always coming out, although the standard treatments largely still involve chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumors. Varicose Veins Due to the sedentary lifestyles that are common among Millennials, cases of young people with varicose veins are actually on the rise. Symptoms of varicose veins include swollen, painful legs, bulging veins that appear like cords in your legs, discoloration and worsened pain after you’ve been sitting or standing for a prolonged period of time. Women are more likely to develop the condition, especially during pregnancy. A sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition and obesity can also increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Treatment can involve procedures such as laser surgeries or sclerotherapy. You can also do self-care that includes losing weight, exercising, elevating your legs and not standing or sitting for long periods of time. Young people can certainly get standard “old man” maladies, and some of these conditions are even on the rise. If you are a Millennial, be sure not to ignore symptoms just because you think you can’t possibly have the condition those symptoms are commonly associated with. Quick action might very well save your life.