Now that blood testing centers are established throughout the country, it’s no longer necessary to go to your family doctor to demand blood work. Instead, you can visit a doctor directly at the testing center, request the tests, receive a doctor’s order, and get the results sent to your home. It’s easier than ever to stay informed about your health, and four tests are particularly crucial
The CBC
Also known as a complete blood count, the CBC measures how many red and white blood cells you have, plus the number of platelets, which help the blood to clot property. It’ll help you determine if you may be anemic. The good news is that even if you are, it’s often possible to treat the condition by simply taking an iron supplement about a half hour before breakfast.
Thyroid Tests
Did you know that your lifestyle habits might be contributing to a problem with your thyroid gland? The gland is located on the front of your neck, and even something like constant stress or not getting enough sleep can cause it to function incorrectly. A person with an overactive thyroid gland might notice symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, nervousness or weight loss, where someone with a sluggish thyroid gland might experience memory problems, hair loss, weight gain and even personality changes.
You’ll be prescribed a different treatment depending on whether your thyroid is too active, or not active enough, and a thyroid-stimulating hormone test will be necessary to get your basic results. If something seems amiss, there are two more detailed follow-up tests that can provide a more complete picture. According to Dr. David Brownstein in his book Overcoming Thyroid Disorders often thryoid problems are simply an Iodine deficiency.
Blood Sugar Screenings
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that as many as half of all people who suffer from diabetes aren’t aware that they have it. This is particularly unsettling since managing the disease correctly is so instrumental to preventing complications.
Type 2 diabetes is very common, but it’s easily screened for via a fasting glucose test. Usually, that reading will get compared to your average blood-glucose levels over the previous three months or so.
If your levels are high, it might be recommended that you get an additional oral glucose tolerance test, which taxes your metabolism more than usual and gauges your body’s reaction. Depending on which test you take, it can last up to five hours. However, the results will help you determine if it’s time to make some lifestyle changes, especially if they show that you’ve reached a pre-diabetic phase. The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse
Diabetes
The CRP Test
A March 2012 article published in the the Daily Mail mentioned that more than 200,000 people under the age of 35 may have an undiagnosed heart problem. However, high cholesterol can lead to heart attacks in people who are otherwise healthy.
A CRP test measures the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood, and can give you a warning about inflammation in your arteries. If your test does show a worrying level of inflammation, you can help reverse things by quitting smoking, or even occasionally drinking red wine.
These four tests are quick, but could save your life because they shed light on potentially dangerous health problems. Take control of your well-being by getting some blood screenings today.
See Also:
- Choosing a Family Health Insurance Plan
- Why Do I Need a Long Term Care Insurance Policy?
- Health Insurance Information and Procedures
- Is Individual Dental Insurance Worth Purchasing?
Resources from Amazon: