When was the last time you had blood tests, a PAP smear or even had your blood pressure checked? Busy women can often put off having a health check-up because other things end up taking priority. Monitoring your health and being aware of any changes to your results can make a difference to your life. This list is only a guideline and does not attempt to replace good quality advice from your GP or naturopathic practitioner. There are many tests available and it’s important to take an approach of “optimum results for optimal health” as opposed to just scraping through the minimum range, especially when it comes to iron, thyroid and vitamin D.
1. Full blood count
Good to assess red and white blood cell parameters. This will rule out anaemia and ensure your white blood cells are in balance. You have several types of white blood cells that perform different functions.
2. Iron studies
Here we are looking at ferritin, your iron stores. Your full blood count may be normal, but your iron stores can be really low, resulting in fatigue. If your results are the lower end of normal, it is essential to consult a practitioner who will guide you on how to get your levels into an optimal range.
3. Thyroid
TSH is the general screening test for thyroid function. Your thyroid is involved in many functions of the body, especially related to metabolism which can affect your energy levels, weight and a whole host of other things including hair and skin health and ability to withstand the cold.
4. Cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides
Your total cholesterol, as well as the balance between your good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL), is especially important for cardiovascular and general health. Your liver actually makes two thirds of body’s cholesterol, so if your levels are high, optimising liver function and addressing your nutrition are essential to benefit your cholesterol levels.
5. Liver and kidney function
Good to get a general idea of how these two vital organs are functioning.
6. Fasting glucose
Important test to ensure your body is effectively metabolising sugar. If elevated, can indicate a propensity for diabetes.
7. Fasting insulin
Often overlooked, but a great test as it identifies if insulin resistance is involved in difficulties losing weight and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
8. Highly sensitive C-Reactive protein
A general marker of inflammation in your body, but levels are also linked with risk to cardiovascular disease. The lower the result, the better.
9. Vitamin D
Most people know that our body makes vitamin D from sun exposure, however, if you are spending most of your day inside your office, then there is a good chance your vitamin D will be low. Vitamin D is currently one of the most researched topics by scientists due to the numerous roles it plays in cancer prevention, immune system regulation, healthy metabolism and heart health. Despite our sunny climate, more and more Australians are being diagnosed with low vitamin D.
10. Blood pressure
Such a simple test, yet there are many Australian’s walking around with undiagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure). Regular checks are important, especially if there is a family history of high blood pressure.
11. PAP smear and breast examination
We all know that these two are super important so remember to keep up to date and perform breast checks on yourself between visits.
12. Skin cancer check
One that can get forgotten, but great to get in the habit of having checked regularly.
