Call now for blood work or tests you want done in 2011. If you know you are going to meet your deductable during this year, you need not put important tests off. I recommend a basic blood count, sugar, cholesterol (including HDL, the good one; and LDL, the bad one). Other tests may be recommended based on the medication you are taking.
Some medications should be monitored by checking levels. Some medications require monitoring of other tests. For example:
If taking "water pills" or diuretics, you should get a potassium and possibly a sodium and kidney test periodically.
If taking pain medications, you should monitor your liver functions.
If you are taking a statin for cholesterol, you should check a lipid panel to make sure the medication is working and an ALT or AST to monitor your liver.
Arthritis pills require monitoring of kidney function and basic blood count.
If you are taking diabetic medications, we need to check your urine at least two times a year and check your HbA1C--the test that tells us your average blood sugar for the last 2-3 months--at least 4 times per year.
Community Events
Participating in the community can be good for your social and emotional well being and good for the community, too. Click the calendar for upcoming local events.
Educate yourself about your health
Can you believe what you read on the internet? That depends upon where you look. Many web searches lead you to other ordinary people who are expressing their opinions and experiences. These may be true or false for your particular condition. On the other hand, your experiences may be very different.
For reliable information, use web sites sponsored by authoritative medical experts. These include Web MD and UptoDate Online. On the other hand, your experiences may be very different.
Use Web Sites sponsored by authoritative medical experts. These include Web MD and UptoDateonline.
If you are seeing this, you have attempted to link to the UpToDate widget but are experiencing a problem. Please visit UpToDate for more information.
