Medical practice in America is slowly shifting from reactive medicine to preventative medicine. We are also seeing more and more health management tools available to help us manage and stay on top of OUR OWN health. Right now, I am convinced that we are our own best weapon of defense through the COVID-19 pandemic by wearing masks, avoiding large crowds and staying as healthy and fit as possible. Outside of COVID-19, there are so many other things we can do to try to stay ahead of disease and the breakdown of body and mind through aging. The weekly challenges are sent out to provide our members with tips and reminders of some of the things we can do ourselves to stay on a healthy track!
In the spirit of taking health matters into our own hands, the challenge this week is to get a picture of your inner workings through your BLOOD. It’s so easy! CAMC has a walk-in lab called LabWorks in Kanawha City. It is on Chesterfield Avenue (near our beloved Dr. Mishoe), no doctor’s order needed, no appointment necessary, open from 6:00 am - 5:30 pm Monday through Friday (but don’t go on a Monday) and most likely costs less than what it will cost you to run it through your insurance. They take cash or credit card. You need to fast 8-12 hours before you go, which should be easy if you are in your intermittent fasting window! Results will be provided through CAMC’s PatientLink or can be mailed to you. Of course, optimally, you could make an appointment with your GP and combine the blood testing with a full physical. But in these crazy times, many are avoiding doctor’s offices. This option is a great alternative for a health check for those that fall into that category. This may have some of you squeamish-types cringing, but I promise it is less painful than cracking your shin on the side of a box! You can’t go by how you look and feel alone to determine your health status. Blood tests are amazing with how they can pinpoint health deficiencies, some of which can be easily remedied to make a world of difference. Feeling fatigued? Maybe you have low thyroid function. Maybe it’s a Vitamin D deficiency, low iron or low cortisol levels. Your blood tests can tell you. If you haven’t had a blood panel in over a year, do yourself a huge favor and spend a little bit of money and time and get it done. I have provided a list below with the tests available and the cost per test. I did some googling and figured out the importance of each of the tests and which ones I think would be good for me. I encourage you to do the same. So get in there and check the oil! While you’re at it, think about helping out your community and donating some blood, too. CAMC LabWorks 3004 Chesterfield Avenue - Kanawha City (304) 388-5070
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