The "Must Do" of Annual Blood Work
We know how you feel- getting poked and prodded might not be your idea of a fun day. Truth be told, we don't like doing it to you any more than you like having it done.
But annual blood work is essential for keeping you strong and healthy. We offer quick and easy ways to get your blood tested for the vital things to help you live your best life for a long time.
Why Is Annual Blood Work Important?
We do annual check-ups on your body for a whole host of reasons, but it all boils down to; Things change. Your cardiovascular health, metabolism, and even how many red and white blood cells your body is producing all change. These things change and fluctuate as we age, and while the difference is normal, keeping an eye out to make sure the correct change is happening is essential. Blood work can help prevent illness or diagnose illness early, saving your life.
What Blood Work Should I Get Done?
Your doctor knows what blood work should be ordered to gauge your health and what should be done to manage it better.
But self-advocation is essential, and understanding what's being done in your doctor's office is a great way to take charge of your health. Talk to your doctor about these tests to see how you can get the most out of your check-up.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This one is pretty basic, and we'll probably check it without you asking for it. This test counts how many red and white blood cells you have in your blood at the time.
This test looks at the size of your red blood cells. If they're too small, they might not be able to escort oxygen around your body. If they're too big, they're lacking B12 or folate. Measuring these cells can help tell us if they're getting the nutrients they need to support their critical role in your body.
White blood cells are measured for quantity in this test. Too many white blood cells might mean you have an infection, inflammation, or allergies. This test helps us see what's going on with your immune system to ensure that everything is in tip-top shape.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
This test checks to see what your metabolism (the process of your body converting what you eat and drink into energy) is up to. It usually includes measuring your fasting blood glucose, which can be a quick and easy way to see if you're at risk for diabetes or blood sugar imbalances. It's also a screening test for your kidney and liver function.
Lipid Panel
We'll make sure the old ticker is working well with a standard lipid panel. This measures your good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. This is a good baseline test to see your heart's state.
This is an elementary test and doesn't necessarily give the complete picture. Heart disease appears in many shapes and forms, and sometimes people who have normal or low levels of bad cholesterol can still suffer from heart disease.
To combat this, you can ask for a more advanced lipid panel. A more advanced version of this test includes a breakdown of lipoprotein size, showing a more comprehensive picture of what's in your heart.
A Life-Saving Chore
Annual blood work doesn't have to be scary, confusing, or annoying. Our online appointment booking tool makes booking your yearly blood work appointment quick and painless. Click here to book your appointment.