Ever wonder what labs and imaging you should be getting on a regular basis to stay healthy? Prevention is the best cure, and you do that by watching labs and investigating your health to ensure you're body is functioning optimally.
So, what should be on your checklist?
SCREENING LABS
These should be done yearly.
This is what I most commonly recommend on a yearly basis:
CBC, CMP, Lipids, homocysteine, hsCRP, Vitamin D 25-OH, TSH, free T3, free T4, Thyroid antibodies, B12 & folate, ferritin, HbA1c, fasting insulin, urinalysis
Hormones: AM Cortisol, Testosterone free & total, Progesterone, Estradiol, SHBG, DHEA-s
These are not always part of recommended screening labs, however, I highly recommend checking them to look for patterns early so it can be addressed!
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) if age >45 years
SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS
Colonoscopy: age 45
Yes, this changed in May 2021! New guidelines suggest screening before the age 50 as previously recommended.
Additional screenings: FOBT (above) and Cologuard
Pap/Well Women’s Exam: for women >21 years old every 3-5 years until age 65
Depending on results this guideline may be more often.
Mammogram: for women age 40+
Screening can start as early as 10 years prior to an immediate family member’s diagnosis should you have a family history.
DEXA (bone density scan): for women age 65, and men depending on medical history
If you have a significant history of bone fractures, use of steroids, and other risk factors you may need to do this earlier.
Abdominal Ultrasound: men age 65-75, women who have ever smoked age 65-75
PHYSICAL EXAM
You should have a complete physical once per year! A physician should listen to your heart, lungs, look in your ears, throat, listen to your stomach, and physically examine any bodily concerns you have.
Please be your own advocate and speak up. I catch things when doing a physical exam that talking to someone doesn’t always evidence, this is why physical exams are done!
Print this out and check it off each year. If you have any underlying health conditions some of these tests may need to be done more frequently or in conjunction with additional testing. Your health has a direct and long-lasting impact on the course of your life. You have the power to heal yourself, never forget that!
