What You Get...

Standard Comprehensive Physical Package

Description of Testing Services

These evaluations provide a complete assessment of factors which influence current and future probabilities of encountering any health problems and form the basis for a personalized lifestyle prescription.

Medical Evaluations

Physician’s Examination

This includes a thorough medical examination of you ears, eyes, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and other vital organ systems of your body conducted by the physician. You will have the opportunity to spend a substantial amount of time with the attending physician. Follow-up on findings will be reviewed by the physician at the time of evaluation. Abnormal findings will be addressed with specific recommendations to control or remedy the abnormality, and with recommendations for follow up or referral.

Laboratory Tests

                Chemistry Panel:

This includes a laboratory panel of 24 different tests which provide general as well as specific information concerning your overall health status. Early signs of abnormalities of organ systems such as muscle, lungs, kidneys, heart, liver, urinary tract or gastrointestinal tract are evaluated by this testing battery. It is useful as a preventative screening device for heart disease, diabetes, gout, hepatitis, and hypothyroidism.

                Blood Count

A blood count is done to evaluate the number and morphology of both red and white cells and detect early signs of anemia and infection.

                Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

                A thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to detect problems affecting the thyroid gland. TSH               causes the thyroid gland to produce two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 help   control your body’s metabolism. An under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms such                as weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, constipation, a feeling of being too cold or frequent menstrual periods.          An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate,   nervousness, diarrhea, a feeling of being too hot, or irregular menstrual periods.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test- Men 50+

                Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test          measures the level of PSA in the blood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the                            use of the PSA test along with a digital rectal exam to help detect prostate cancer in men age 50 and older.      The FDA has also approved the PSA test to monitor patients with a history of prostate cancer to see if the            cancer has come back (recurred).

                Urinalysis

A urinalysis is an examination of the urine by chemical means. Urinalysis comprises a battery of chemical                and microscopic tests that help to screen for urinary tract infections, renal disease, and diseases of other           organs that results in abnormal metabolites (break-down products) appearing in the urine.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Screening

VAP™ Test

The VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) Test is an expanded cholesterol test that provides valuable information that can identify hidden heart disease risk.  The VAP Test identifies twice as many people at risk than routine cholesterol tests, including those with inherited risk factors who often develop premature heart disease.

Like routine tests, the VAP Test measures total cholesterol, HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides.  The VAP Test is a more comprehensive cholesterol test; it also measures cholesterol subclasses that play important roles in the development of heart disease.  This additional information allows your doctor to improve the detection of heart disease risk from about 40 percent to 90 percent, and provides a foundation for patient-specific treatment plans.

C-Reactive Protein

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) has been recognized for its ability to predict future coronary events in apparently healthy individuals.  Recent data have shown that the predictive value of CRP is significantly higher than that associated with traditional or novel biochemical risk markers.  CRP is an excellent marker for assessing the risk of a heart attack because acute inflammation increases the potential for plaque rupture.

PLAC™ Test

The PLAC test is indicated to predict coronary heart disease associated with atherosclerosis and it is the only FDA approved blood test indicated to predict risk of ischemic stroke associated with atherosclerosis. LP-PLA-2 is a cardiovascular-specific inflammatory enzyme implicated in the formation of rupture-prone (unstable) atherosclerotic plaques. This test is useful for identifying patients who are at risk for coronary heart disease or stroke who need aggressive risk reduction therapy. Elevated levels confer a 2-fold increased risk for coronary heart disease or stroke.

Visual Acuity

This is a measurement of usable vision.

Audiometry

This is a measurement of hearing ability to help detect early hearing loss.

Chest X-Ray

The chest x-ray is used as a screening test and to provide baseline for future referencing should a problem develop. The chest x-ray can show if there is a change in the shape of the heart and a problem with the lungs.

Pulmonary Function Test

This test determines various lung capacities and flow rates of air through the lungs. This evaluation is used to screen for early signs of obstructive or restrictive airway disease (conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma as well as “smokers lungs” will have abnormal values on this test),

Physiological Fitness Evaluations

12 Lead Electrocardiogram (EKG) Exercise Tolerance (Stress) Test

This test will evaluate the ability of the heart and lungs to respond to maximal exercise. Heart rate and blood pressure are monitored throughout the test along with a 12 lead EKG. Results from this test are used to establish coronary risk status, aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance, and will provide information for a detailed and individualized exercise prescription. This test involves walking at 3.5 mph (brisk walking) up an incline which changes elevation every 2 minutes of exercise until maximal effort is achieved.

            EKG

            An exercise electrocardiography test compares the heart’s electrical activity at rest and under exertion.  A

recording of the electrical activity of the heart during physical stress displays the heart’s reaction to an increased demand for oxygen. The test may uncover problems with heart rhythm or blood supply to the heart which cannot be found on an EKG taken at rest. It can also be used to determine your fitness level and decide how much exercise is safe for you.

Peak Metabolic Equivalence (METs)

One way of measuring physical activity intensity is by the metabolic equivalent, or MET, level. 1 MET = the energy (oxygen) used by the body as you sit quietly, perhaps while talking on the phone or reading a book. Peak METs is the measure of the maximum amount you work you are capable of performing.

Estimated VO_2peak

VO_2peak is the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual utilized in a set period of time. It is a measurement of the upper limit of aerobic muscle cell metabolism and is dependent on both the maximal cardiac output and the maximal arterial-venous oxygen difference at the muscle or tissue level. This value is used as a measure of aerobic fitness and can be used to estimate caloric expenditure. This will be estimated from maximal workload reached.

Heart Rate Training Zone

Your training heart rate zone is a critical element in exercise. Finding the right zone is not as simple as plugging numbers in formula, it requires personalized measurements and calculations. Exercising at the right zone will maximize the result and minimize the risks of exercise. This will be determined from you physiological response to exercise.

Body Composition

Over time, people tend to gain fat and lose muscle without an obvious change in their weight. Excess body fat has been found to increase the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Skinfold calipers will be utilized to determine the skinfold thickness of seven different sites on the body. This evaluation gives a relative idea of body fat distribution as well as percentage of fat, fat weight, and lean body mass. This technique allows determination of an individual’s ideal body weight for health as well as performance.

Comprehensive Muscular Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility Assessment

            Muscular Strength:

Strength is important in all activities. Whether you are exercising or carrying groceries, muscular strength supports the activity. A grip test will be used to measure grip strength, a maximal effort static lift will be used to measure both leg and arm strength.

                Muscular Endurance:

Muscular endurance varies among different muscles and muscle groups. It is defined as the ability of a muscle or muscle group to resist fatigue. As muscles fatigue, their joint support and shock absorption capabilities become comprised increasing the risk for injury. Sit ups and push ups will be performed to a cadence until muscular failure to measure muscular endurance.  The Back Sorensen Test (see below) will be used to evaluate lower back endurance.

Back Sorensen Test:

The Back Sorensen Test has been reported as accurately predicting future occurrence of lower back problems. This test determines the ability to maintain a neutral lumbar spine position, horizontally, for a measured period of time.  It entails lying in a face down position with upper body extended off the edge of a table with legs and feet stabilized while holding a neutral back position until muscular failure.

Flexibility:

Flexibility is defined as the range of motion in a joint or a series of joints.  Your degree of flexibility is specific to each individual joint.  Flexibility varies greatly among individuals and is influenced by many factors such as gender and age.  Lack of flexibility in the hamstrings and low back may lead to lower back problems.

Body Age Analysis

The Polar Body Age System® is a computer software system that calculates an individual’s body age, compared to their chronological age, by analyzing seven different body components: 1) flexibility, 2) blood pressure, 3) height, 4) weight, 5) body composition, 6) upper body strength and 7) cardiovascular fitness, as well as a “Health Risk Appraisal,” which is a series of questions about lifestyle.  The components are then analyzed by the system to calculate the physical age of an individual’s body.  After the body age score is calculated, the system can then determine an obtainable body age, the youngest and individual’s body is capable of being. 

Additional Optional Testing

CT Cardiac Calcium Scan

Computed Tomography (CT) Cardiac Calcium scan measures the amount of calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart. Calcium is one of the many substances found in atherosclerotic plaques. The calcium score correlates with the amount and severity of blockages a person has. A higher score predicts an increased risk of heart problems in the future. This test can be thought of as a screening test for heart disease, much like stress tests. Calcium scans many detect very early atherosclerosis that may be missed by a stress test. In order for a stress test to show an abnormality, a coronary artery must be narrowed by at least 50% to 70%.

Bone Mineral Density

You cannot see or feel your bones getting thinner. Many people do not even know that they have thin bones until a bone breaks (fractures). A bone mineral density test (BMD), a non-invasive and painless test, is the best way to determine your bone health. Bone mineral density measures the amount of calcium in regions of the bones. Minerals (such as calcium) are constantly being added to and taken away from bone. When minerals are taken away faster than they are added, the bones become lighter, less dense, and more porous. This makes the bones weaker and increases their risk of fracture. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures and monitor your response to an osteoporosis treatment.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, and bleeding.

Pap Smear

The Pap smear test checks for changes in the cells of the cervix. This test can detect infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cells, or cancer.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue of film. This technique, called mammography, is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most effective way to detect early breast cancer.

Stress, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Risk Assessments

These risk assessments utilize risk factors such as family history, past medical history, lifestyle, current evaluations, and a series of specially designed questions to determine levels of risk in the areas of Stress, Heart Health, and Cancer.

MedGem®

The MedGem® is an innovated, new, portable, hand held device that measures resting metabolism, providing accurate and scientific measurement of the number of calories you burn each day while resting. Understanding your unique metabolism and monitoring changes provides essential control in managing nutrition, weight and general fitness.

Nutrition Evaluation

The nutrition evaluation utilizes a series of specially designed questions to assess you nutrition risk and to evaluate the quality of your diet.

Personal Training/Coaching

Personal training is the most effective way to reach your exercise goals. Personal Trainers dedicate their lives to staying up to date and informed on the ever changing fitness world. The information gathered from the Standard Comprehensive Physical will provide you with specific goals to achieve; the best way to successfully reach those goals is through education, motivation, and fun.

Nutrition Consultation

Diet and exercise go hand and hand. Trying to sift through all the myths, misconceptions, and broken promises in the world of nutrition can be frustrating. The best way to successfully improved all aspects of your nutrition is to receive quality nutritional education and guidance. Registered Dietitians are licensed by the federal government and trusted by doctors everywhere to provide safe, effective, and real plans to attain all your health improvement goals.