Humans are diligent in keeping up with statistics—and this time of
year it’s all about football. Who is winning and who is losing.
Who threw the most yards, ran for the most yards and who has the most
penalties. So, how well is your team performing?
As vigilant as we are about our team stats, it’s also a good idea
to monitor
your numbers—your blood sugar, your cholesterol and what exactly is your
iron doing these days?
Having a basic blood draw is just one way you and your doctor can monitor
how well your body is performing.
CCH
Wellness offers a daily blood draw service that includes a
Wellness Panel, which can help you obtain most the information needed for you and your
doctor to monitor your health through a simple, affordable blood test.
The Wellness Panel covers 32 tests that measure cholesterol, triglycerides,
blood glucose, thyroid function, uric acid, liver function, kidney function
and several minerals. The American Heart Association recommends individuals
who are over the age of 20 have their cholesterol checked every four to
six years, and is just one example of why having a regular basic blood
screening is important.
If you are planning to have a Wellness Panel screening, there are a few
things you need to do to ensure accurate results are reported. First,
fast for 10-12 hours. This is because the normal values for the blood
glucose test results in the Wellness Panel are based on a state of fasting,
which simply means to not eat any food or take in calories during a 10-12
hour period before your blood is drawn. Drinking water is acceptable,
and can actually help your blood draw go more smoothly. Contrary to the
old wives tale, you can brush your teeth too! You do not need to abstain
from your regular medications—please take them as prescribed.
Exercising one to two hours before a blood draw is not recommended. Working
out prior to a blood draw can change the blood glucose results of your
test, and can alter the cholesterol tests, too. A strenuous workout can
also alter liver enzymes in the body. It’s best to also avoid smoking
during the fasting period, as nicotine can alter some screening results.
If you want more information on how to get the most accurate blood test results,
read this blog.
Football teams use their statistics to alter their performance and evaluate
what changes need to be made to be in tip-top shape. When you collaborate
with your health care team, a blood draw may be the first step in the
evaluation process to help you make the most of your health. It’s
like the instant replay for your heart and more!
Wellness offers the Campbell County, Wyoming community daily blood draws
every Monday-Thursday, from 6 am-12 pm, and Friday, from 6-11 am, at 1901
Energy Ct., Suite 125—located behind Wendy's in Gillette, Wyoming.
For Wright residents, these screenings are also available at the
Wright Clinic, 500 Latigo Drive, Monday-Friday from 8-11 am. No appointment required!
Use the My Health Home patient portal and get access to most test results
in less than 48 hours. For more information about the blood tests and
health screenings available at Wellness, call 307.688.8051 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/screen.
Have Questions?
Rachel Conrad, PBT, CPT, MA, works at CCH Wellness as a Technician, Phlebotomist and
Health Coach in Gillette, Wyoming. Campbell County Health's Wellness
works to reduce health risks and promote overall wellness among employee
groups and individuals in Campbell County, Wyoming and beyond. To learn
more about Wellness, please visit
www.cchwyo.org/Wellness or call 307.688.8051.