Thrive in Your 30s:
Feel Good,
Stay Healthy
Prevent health risks with timely screenings & wellness tips
Your 30s are a great time to build strong health habits. As your body changes, regular check-ups like well-woman visits can help spot high blood pressure, early signs of diabetes, bone loss, or even cancer. Taking care of your health now helps you feel better today and stay healthy for the future.
Have questions about your health or need assistance? Call us today at 1-888-759-2764, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Central Time.
We’re here to help!
Schedule Your Annual Flu Vaccine
Vaccines help keep you healthy and protect the people around you. When you get vaccinated, you stop sickness from spreading and give yourself a better chance at a healthy, happy life.
About the Flu:
The flu is a virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Why Get Vaccinated?
The flu can cause pneumonia and spread to other members of your community. The vaccine helps decrease the chance of getting the flu and/or having a lot of symptoms.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer happens when unhealthy cells grow in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It usually grows slowly and may not show symptoms at first.
What causes it?
Most cervical cancers are caused by a virus called HPV (Human Papillomavirus). HPV is very common, and most people don’t know they have it. Some types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer over time.
How can you prevent it?
HPV Vaccine: This protects against the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. It works best when given between ages 9–14, before someone is exposed to the virus.
Regular Checkups: Doctors can use special tests (like Pap and HPV tests) to find early signs of cervical cancer, even before you feel sick.
Why it matters:
Cervical cancer is preventable. Getting the HPV vaccine and having regular checkups are easy ways to stay healthy and safe.
Well-Woman Visits and Nutrition: Why They Matter
A yearly check-up with an OB/GYN or nurse practitioner helps keep you healthy and spot health problems early. At these visits, your healthcare provider can check your blood pressure, discuss hormone therapy, mental health, and answer any questions you have. During your visit, you can:
Set small health goals
Get a physical exam
Talk about your habits and health history
Eating Healthy
- Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. The Mediterranean diet, which focuses on these types of foods, is a great option.
- Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Walking, dancing, and even playing your favorite sport counts!
- If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes or asthma, taking your medication as directed is super important. Always talk to your doctor before stopping or starting any new medicine.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility means having trouble getting pregnant. Some women may experience fertility decline in their late 20s or 30s. Common symptoms and causes include:
Symptoms:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Hormonal changes
- Trouble getting pregnant after a year of trying
Causes:
- Problems with ovulation
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Uterine or cervical issues
- Age-related decline
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, obesity)
Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy
There are steps you can take to make sure your pregnancy is as healthy as possible. Here are a few tips to get you started!
Maintain a healthy weight to help with getting pregnant.
Eat nutritious food and stay active to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
Have both yourself and your partner checked out for health problems.
Increase your intake of folic acid and iodine, and limit caffeine.
Make sure your chronic conditions are well-controlled.
Check that your vaccinations are up to date.
If you're having trouble getting pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your experiences and any concerns you have.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Family
Family planning helps you decide when and how many children to have. This can lead to healthier moms, more time for family, and better financial planning. There are different ways to plan your family. If you have a health condition, talk to your healthcare provider about the safest option for you.
Pills
Birth control pills are taken daily and use hormones to stop your body from releasing eggs and to keep sperm from reaching them.
Implants
A small rod placed under the skin of your upper arm. It uses hormones to stop the release of eggs and blocks sperm. It can work for up to 3 years and can be removed at anytime.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An IUD is a tiny T-shaped plastic device placed in the uterus. It stops sperm from reaching the egg and can last 3 to 10 years.
Tubal Ligation
Is a form of birth control for women. It involves a surgery that permanently prevents pregnancy. The healthcare provider blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes, so eggs can’t meet sperm. This means you can't get pregnant naturally.
Vasectomy
If you don't want more children, a vasectomy is a small surgery for men. It blocks sperm from getting into semen permanently and takes about three months to fully work.
Baby Yourself
Baby Yourself is a free program from Blue Cross that helps moms stay healthy during pregnancy and after delivery. Here's what it offers:
- Free gifts and learning materials
- Help with breastfeeding through tips and resources
- A personal nurse with experience in prenatal care, labor and delivery
- A free mobile app to track your pregnancy, baby’s growth, and more
To learn more or sign up, visit: AlabamaBlue.com/BabyYourself.
High Risk Obstetric (OB)
Blue Cross offers a dedicated care team to support mothers with high-risk pregnancies. Your care team will work with you, your family and your healthcare provider during and after delivery, ensuring you receive quality care at no extra cost to you. To learn more or sign up, visit: AlabamaBlue.com/BabyYourself.
Have Questions?
Contact UsInformation contained in this communication is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your healthcare needs.
