It is the end of Women’s Health Week and I did not want the week to go by without doing this important post. Many women seeing their OB/GYN for their yearly pap smear check up. While this is important for seeking abnormal cell growth, when is the last time you had your blood drawn for a complete check up? And I am not talking the good ole cholesterol and fasting glucose test. Wait, you are not sure? Here is what you need to ask for:

Getting a full check up can save your life in the future

The Chemistry and Complete Blood Count
Cholesterol Panel: Total, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides
C-Reactive Protein Test: Inflammation in the body and determines risk for developing Coronary Artery Disease
Hemoglobin A1C: Measurement of average blood sugar over past 3 months, determines your risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Basic Metabolic Panel: Kidney and Electrolyte tests
Thyroid Testing: T3, T4, TSH, Thyroid Peroxidase and Anti Thyroglobulin Antibody. Many doctors will only test the first three, however, the other two can give a better description in case you are having any symptoms of undo fatigue, difficulty losing weight, rapid weight gain or losing weight too fast.
Vitamin D3: Vitamin D deficiency is more common than once thought. Over 30,000 studies have been published regarding how vitamin D can improve health outcomes including: Preeclampsia, Autism, Cancer, Colds/Flu, Obesity, Losing Weight, etc.
Vitamin B12: an important test if you are a woman of child bearing age, gluten-free, vegan or raw vegan and if you are feeling extremely fatigue. Known as the energy vitamin, vitamin B12 helps to bind to folic acid in the body. If you are deficient, it becomes more difficult for folic acid to absorb into the body. Read Six Common Misdiagnosis: Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Magnesium: Serves for over 30,000 different enzyme functions in the body, a magnesium deficiency can lead to a whole host of health problems. Research has found that approximately 80% of us are deficient and don’t know it. Drinking coffee can deplete our magnesium levels if not replace properly through diet. Some magnesium rich foods are: Raw nuts and seeds, black beans, raw broccoli, oysters, halibut, spinach just to name a few.

I am thankful my OB/GYN ordered many of these tests for myself. She was being proactive in my health and wellbeing. Many OB/GYNs will not take this extra step. I actually learned something about myself and while she said she is not worried, but it is good to know. She said given my healthy eating and lifestyle, sometimes numbers are just numbers.

If you do not know any of your numbers, grab your phone and call for a check up. Well…what are you waiting for?