CBC/CMP/Lipid: CBC: Including; Red and white blood cell counts. Platelet counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit. These will check for Anemia, Leukemia, and infection. One of the most widely utilized diagnostic blood tests. Metabolic Panel: Kidney function, Liver function, and related values. Glucose levels are checked for diabetes and hypoglycemia. Lipid Panel: measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and risk ratios.
Thyroid Panel: Abnormal Thyroid may exhibit the following common symptoms: unexplained weight gain or loss, unexplained fatigue, hair loss, sweating, insomnia, or constipation. Panel includes Free T4, sensitive TSH. Baseline thyroid levels are effective for comparison in subsequent tests. Recommended annually.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Blood test that measures the thyroid stimulating hormone. Your thyroid makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy.. Recommended annually.
Cotinine: To detect the presence of nicotine or the byproduct of nicotine use, cotinine.
Body Mass Index (BMI): A numeric value of weight in relationship to height.
Prostate Cancer Screening: PSA blood test. Recommended for males above 40 years of age. Persons with family history of prostate cancer should consider testing at an earlier age.
CA-125: Ovarian Cancer testing. {Blood Test} Recommended for females of any age.
Blood Typing: Tests for the two most important aspects of your blood. Blood type and RH factor.
Pylori: A simple blood test to detect the bacteria H. Pylori, which is believed to be responsible for certain types of gastritis and ulcers. Causes indigestion, heartburn, stomach aches or may be non-symptomatic. Can lead to serious abdominal problems, including cancer if left untreated.
Arthritic Profile: Blood test to screen for rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the joints and major organs. If results of this test are negative and joint stiffness, pain and swelling are present; x-ray would determine if you have osteoarthritis. Recommended for anyone with undiagnosed joint discomfort or pain.
Homocysteine: A blood test to determine levels of homocysteine (an amino acid). Recent studies have shown a relationship between high homocysteine, and heart disease and stroke. People with elevated homocysteine levels have a substantially higher rate of arteriosclerosis.
This test is recommended for people with one or more of the following.
- Personal history of heart disease
- Family history of heart disease
- Smoker
- High cholesterol
- Excessively overweight
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
Occult Blood Testing: A simple take home test for detection of blood in stool samples. Colon cancer screening. Recommended for anyone over 50. Those with a family history should consider testing at an earlier age.
Osteoporosis Testing: A simple urine test to determine bone loss. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Estrogen deficiency
- High Caffeine consumption
- Family History
- Chronic low intake of dietary calcium 6. Dietary faddism resulting in below average body weight
- Cigarette smoking
- Early Menopause
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Certain Medications (e.g. Corticosteroids)
C-Reactive Protein: This test measures levels of C-Reactive Protein. This protein is released due to inflammation. This test is used for risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease. Increase in levels shows an increase in risk. Recommended testing, the same as Homocysteine.
Vitamin D Levels: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in Calcium absorption. It is also important in promoting Insulin Sensitivity and Sugar Regulation, and promoting a Healthy Immune System. A large number of people have Vitamin D deficiencies that go undiagnosed until damage has been done. Recommended for any age.
Signs and symptoms or Vitamin D-Deficiency
- Joint Pain
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Stomach Problems
A deficiency in Vitamin D can contribute to: An excess of Vitamin D increases calcium
- Osteomalacia (softening and weakness of bone) absorption and can contribute to:
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Calcium Deposits (such as kidney stones)
- Abnormal Growth
- Blood Pressure Problems (Calcium Absorption Related)
- Heart Disease (Calcium Absorption Related)
- Nerve Health (Calcium Absorption Related)
- Blood Clotting (Calcium Absorption Related)
- Colon Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Depression
- Inflammation of the Stomach
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Hormonal Imbalance
Vitamin B-12 Levels: Crucial in the maintenance of Nerve Health. Irreversible nerve damage (paralysis) can occur if left untreated.
B-12 also plays an important role in the manufacturing of Red Blood Cells. Recommended for any age.
Several groups are at higher risk for B-12 Deficiency:
- Vegetarians
- Elderly (decreased amounts of stomach acid)
- Persons affected with stomach disorders
Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Loss of Appetite
- Memory Loss
- Diarrhea
- Facial Pain
- Numbness and tingling of hands or feet
- Eye Twitch
- Paleness
- Depression
- Shortness of breath
- Bi-Polar Disorder
- Weakness
- Chronic Pain
- Fatigue
- Declining Eye Site
- Sore Mouth and Tongue
- Heart Problems (B-12 Deficiency is linked to high Migraine Headaches Homocysteine Levels)
Testosterone Levels: The Effects of Low Testosterone Levels
While many of the effects of low testosterone are commonly associated with age they are not by any means something we must inevitably accept. As discussed, many men suffer from improper functioning pituitary glands and thereby see their levels fall faster and much sooner than they would otherwise. Further, for those who still possess proper function, as they age the levels will still drop, although perhaps not as dramatically as those who do not possess proper function. Common symptoms of low testosterone levels include and may not be limited to:
- Decreased Libido/Sex Drive
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Decreased Energy Levels
- Decreased Clarity of Thought
- Depression
- Decreased Strength
- Decreased Muscle Tissue
- Increased Levels of Body-Fat
Hepatitis C Information:
(CDC Recommends everyone should be tested for Hepatitis C)
(30% of all Baby Boomers Test Positive for Hepatitis C)
About Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a contagious liver disease. It’s caused by the Hep C virus and over time may result in serious liver damage, including liver failure. In the US, it’s estimated that about 3.5 million adults have chronic Hep C. This is because the disease progresses slowly and often shows no symptoms. Many of those with Hep C don’t know they have it, and they may be unaware that Hep C is curable.
(All tests are blood tests unless otherwise indicated)