Blood Tests

As part of my health improvement program, I also want a complete set of blood work results. Every year for my annual physical, I found out about my cholesterol, but that is about it. After reading "You, The Owner's Manual", I know that I need to know a lot more about my blood. I need to know my levels of cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL), blood sugar, homocystein, hormones, minerals, kidney and liver functions and disease screening such as PSA for prostate cancer. So I am having my blood work done today. I recommend using Health One Labs (http://healthonelabs.com/user/inside.php) because they offer comprehensive testing at reasonable prices. First, I went to several pharmacies to see if I could test my blood sugar and cholesterol levels myself, and you can. However, the cheapest kits, to test just those two levels, cost about $50 to $60. The Health One Labs comprehensive screen cost $59. Which is by far the best price I found for this type of testing. There are some really cool websites that give more comprehensive testing and an analysis of the results, but these test usually run about $300 (see http://www.yourfuturehealth.com/services_healthprints2.htm). Not in my budget right now, but I am bummed that my testing will not include my hormone levels or a thyroid screening. So my big hope is that not only will I look and feel better by completing the BFL Challenge, but that I will see measurable improvements in the health and real age of my body. I hate needles. So wish me luck!