Monday, September 7, 2009

For my lady friends

This info came from Web MD and thought it was interesting. Something that I've not seen before:
TEST High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
This simple test measures the amount of inflammation in your body by examining levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) in your bloodstream. The body naturally produces an inflammatory response to fight off infections and heal wounds. “But chronically high levels may cause your blood vessels to harden or fat to build up in your arteries,” says Goldberg. In fact,
CRP may be an even stronger predictor of heart disease than cholesterol: According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, women with elevated CRP levels were more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than those with high cholesterol.
Excess CRP has also been linked to the development of other problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease. “The test is like an early warning system for your entire body,” says Goldberg. If your level is high (a score of 3 milligrams per liter or more), your physician may recommend that you exercise 30 minutes a day and up your intake of produce, whole grains, and lean protein. She also may suggest taking medications, such as cholesterol-lowering statins or aspirin, to fight inflammation.
WHO NEEDS IT Women with several risk factors for heart disease, meaning those with high cholesterol (200 or more milligrams per deciliter) and blood pressure (140/90 millimeters or more of mercury) and a family history of early heart disease. Ask for the high-sensitivity CRP test rather than the standard one, which is used for diagnosing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. The screen costs about $60 and is covered by most insurance plans.

TEST Vitamin B12
If you never seem to have enough energy, this simple screen may be in order. It measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood, which helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells in the body. “In addition to fatigue, low levels of this nutrient can cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, loss of balance, and anemia,” says Lloyd Van Winkle, M.D., a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Over the long run, a vitamin B12 deficiency can raise your risk for depression and dementia. If you’re diagnosed with the condition, your doctor can prescribe high-dose supplements in pill, shot, or nasal spray form. She may also test you for pernicious anemia, a disease in which the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 properly.
WHO NEEDS IT Consider this test if you’re a vegetarian, since the only dietary sources of vitamin B12 come from animals. One German study found that 26 percent of vegetarians and 52 percent of vegans had low B12 levels. You should also ask your doctor about the test, which costs $5 to $30 and is covered by insurance plans, if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.

The other two overlooked tests are Audiograms for those that might have injured hearing over time and Glaucoma. Presuming with your a regular eye check, you are getting the Glaucoma test.

Hope this info is useful.

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