Your Health in Your Hands - Affordable DIY Tests

By ,
on Jun 16, 2023

If you're familiar with the work of Dr. Peter Attia, you know he champions a proactive, patient-centric approach to healthcare, which he calls "Medicine 3.0". This philosophy revolves around empowering you, the patient, to become informed and take control of your health. And this isn't just about reading up on health-related issues, it's about taking action.

Here's some good news: You can carry out many health screenings and tests usually associated with doctor's offices and hospitals, all by yourself. And without relying on insurance, you could save thousands on medical bills.

Let's explore some of the tests you can perform on your own, as recommended by Dr. Attia:

  1. DEXA Scan: A DEXA scan is a highly accurate method for measuring body composition. Think of it as a super detailed health snapshot of your body's bone density, muscle mass, and fat distribution. And all it takes is a quick, low-radiation X-ray that's completed in 3-4 minutes. Regular DEXA scans can help track the effectiveness of your diet or exercise regimen for better health and longevity. Cost: $50
  2. VO2 Max: This is a measure of how efficiently your heart and muscles work together to utilize oxygen, an important marker of cardiovascular health and physical endurance. Dr. Attia has often said, "no other metric is more closely associated with life expectancy than VO2 max." Cost: $100
  3. LP(a) and ApoB Tests: These are blood tests that provide insights into your cholesterol and lipid levels, which are vital indicators of heart health. You can now perform these tests by yourself, without a doctor's office visit. Cost: $30
  4. A1c Test: Also known as the HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin test, this is a blood test that gives you a picture of your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. High A1c levels can be an early warning sign of insulin resistance or prediabetes. By regularly monitoring your A1c levels, you can intervene early and make lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of diabetes. Cost: $35
  5. APOE genotype test: This test checks your APOE genotype, a key factor in your risk for Alzheimer's Disease. With early detection, you can make lifestyle changes to potentially slow down the progression of the disease. Cost: $200
  6. Family History: While not a test per se, understanding your family's health history can shed light on inherited conditions and your own risk factors for certain diseases. This information is essential in shaping prevention, early detection, and treatment plans. Cost: $0

Affordable testing services like Marek Health and OwnYourLabs can help you undertake these tests at prices significantly lower than traditional medical costs. For instance, a Reddit user reported being charged $1,338 for an ApoB test through insurance - a test that costs around $20 when done independently.

These platforms are not just affordable, but also user-friendly. You can easily order tests online, visit a local lab to give samples, and receive detailed results to analyze at home.

If you wish to conduct a more thorough health investigation, you can opt for a full-body checkup from Marek Health, which includes a wide range of tests such as PSA, Thyroid, ApoB, LP(a), HbA1c, etc. What's great is that these tests can be done at a fraction of the cost compared to a traditional full-body checkup. For example, a full-body checkup at a medical facility can cost over $2,000+, while you can conduct a similar test for just $450 or less.

Here's an example list of a similar comprehensive tests you can perform at home using RUPA HEALTH, a partner of Peter Attia's Early Medical Clinic:

  • Liver Function (ALT & AST tests)
  • Heart Health (ApoB and Basic Lipid Panel tests)
  • Kidney Function (Cystatin C test)
  • Hormonal Balance (Estradiol, FSH, LH, SHBG, and Testosterone tests)
  • Iron Levels (Ferritin test)
  • Thyroid Function (Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroglobulin Antibody, TSH, TPO Antibodies tests)
  • Diabetes Risk (Glucose, Hemoglobin A1c, Insulin tests)
  • Blood Oxygen Carrying Capacity (Hemoglobin test)
  • Inflammation Indicators (hs-CRP, Homocysteine tests)
  • Prostate Health (PSA, Total test for men)
  • Liver or Gallbladder Disease Indicator (Total Bilirubin test)
  • Gout or Kidney Disease Indicator (Uric Acid test)
  • Vitamin D Levels (Vitamin D, 25-OH test)

This detailed assessment of your body's key functions can empower you to take targeted actions to improve your health and potentially increase your lifespan.

Conclusion:

Embrace the proactive approach of Dr. Peter Attia's Medicine 3.0. This means not only understanding but actively taking control of your health. And the first step? Avail of the increasingly accessible and affordable self-testing options. Remember, the best advocate for your health is you.

Take the Next Step:

Ready to take your health into your hands? Start exploring the affordable testing options available at Marek Health and OwnYourLabs today. And, as always, consult your healthcare provider about your health goals and the results of any self-testing you conduct.

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