They are invaluable, I've learned. Reveal hidden "smoldering" things ready to eat your existence. I write this purposefully to catch attention. Few look at, and try to understand, as their doctor does, the results of a CBC (Complete Blood Count). Not infallible, though. I was sent for a bone marrow biopsy over 10 years ago, refused it. Was told possible blood cancer (leukemia, lymphoma). I'm still alive and kicken'! Here is how I see the CBC. Combined cholesterol, 200 max, if above 250, consider drug treatrment (doctor will order drugs for any reading over 200). Blood glucose: (sugar), 100 max. If higher, start watching it. Thyroid check: important, watch it. Liver enzymes: Look for high readings much over 10-20% above acceptable. (AST, ASP, GGT, Bilirubin). Red and white blood cell counts: if within acceptable range, walk. Last doctor visit, my own doctor said he wished his own blood workup looked as good as mine: he is 20 years younger. He said "Whatever meds I take, and whatever else I do, keep doing them". How do I gauge his earnestness? Frank
Doctors are the so call Gods of heath and if your blood test is better than his he should be asking you what to do. As far as cholesterol there is a question if it is even important to messure. The American Eskimos have the least heart problems on any one on earth and they have blood cholesterol of 350 to 500 According to Dr. Steven B Hulley, University of California, San Francisco, if you get your blood cholesterol below 200 mg/dl you actually increase your risk of dying from an intracranial haemorrhage or stroke by 200 percent, liver cancer by 300 percent, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by 200 percent, depression and suicide by 200 percent and dying from an addictive process [i.e. - drugs, alcohol, smoking, additive eating] by 500 percent.