But first a quick reminder that this Friday is "Freebie Friday" and I will be in from 9:30-12noon with answers to your questions, performing free consults for your family and friends and, if all else fails, passing out free samples....I look forward to seeing you there!

This week I'd like to tell you about some cutting edge tests it may make sense to get even if you have to pay for them yourself.  As we all know, insurance is charging more and more to cover less and less but these few tests may be so important to your long term health I'd encourage you to get them anyway, even if you have to pay, especially if you are at high risk for illness.

The first is called a CRP or c-reactive protein which can monitor subtle amounts of inflammation in the body, such as the veins, heart or connective tissue.  High CRP levels are a red flag that things need to change, and high levels in a cardiac CRP were indicative of imminent heart attack even in persons whose cholesterol levels were normal or  low. This test runs between $75-100.

Pillcam Colon Video is another test which can predict polyps, colon cancer, Barrett's esophagus, and relies on a camera which one swallows which videotapes the digestive tract and can help make a diagnosis in cases of unexplained bleeding or inflammation.  This test is expensive $500-2,000 but can be a real lifesaver for those at high risk of digestive cancers.

Hormone assessment panels can run from $250 to $1500 or more depending upon where you go however declines in hormone levels are associated with accelerated aging.  A good test will monitor estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, HgH, and DHEA levels.  If low, a compounded prescription can be prepared and monitored on a regular basis.  These hormones must be monitored by a doctor due to possibility of breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer if levels get too high.

CEA/CA125 are two tests around $100 each which are a Godsend for those who have already had cancer.  Despite false positives, these tests have merit for establishing precancerous or cancerous lesions in their earliest form in the thyroid gland, digestive tract, (CEA), and the female reproductive tract CA125.

Serum Vitamin D-3 is an affordable test under $50 which has merit for preventing cancers in the breast, prostate, prevention of autoimmune disorders and of course valuable in bone health as in anyone with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

When people ask me why insurance doesn't cover more of these tests I usually respond that they are not responsible for placing you in optimal health, that is a commitment, and responsibility on your part and very much up to you!

I think it is certainly worth it and attainable for many people. Check out our full array of functional medical tests right here in our store!

Best of Health!

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

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