By: Dr. Amy
In last month’s article, we outlined the basic in-office screen and lab work that you likely receive at your annual or biannual physical, including blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio (assessment of body type and risk), and blood work, including a complete blood count, chemistry, and cholesterol screen. These screenings constitute the traditional basics: the tests you should have to make sure that you will be well into the future.
In integrative medicine, however, there are many screenings that go far beyond the basics to detect and even prevent disease. A few of these tests are ordered only by naturopathic or integrative physicians, which is a good reason to add one of these doctors to your healthcare team. Many of these preventative screens, however, can be added to your next lab-order by your general practitioner. These tests, which you should consider with your doctor, include: Vitamin D, Fasting Insulin, Homocysteine, CRP-hs, and lipoprotein(a).
Read the rest of the article here.
