10 Health Issues Millennials (and Their Parents) Need to Stop Ignoring

You’re not invincible

Millennials, born between approximately 1980 and 2000, probably believe their youth makes them one of the healthiest generations. Not exactly: This type of cancer is hitting them hard. “Part of normal development of this period involves feelings of invulnerability to bad consequences,” says Shivani Agarwal, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of Medicine in the division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “It’s often hard to live beyond the now, to try to visualize what bad outcomes could be prevented 10 years from now by doing the right things while still relatively healthy.” Because of this, they may be apt to let their insurance lapse as they transition off their parents’ plan. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the millennial generation, with 16 percent uninsured, are the least likely to be covered than any other age. But this lack of concern for their health can have big impacts later. “Regarding preventive care, millennials need to absolutely be aware of the fact that establishing healthy habits at this phase of their life will lead to longer term health as adults,” Dr. Agarwal says.