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Top 10 Blood Tests Every Patient Should Request

Specialists at California Health & Longevity Institute Go Beyond the Routine Blood Test to get Full Picture of Patient’s Wellness

Westlake Village, CA – March 25, 2012 – Experts at the California Health & Longevity Institute (CHLI) in Westlake Village, CA have released a list of blood tests that all people should receive during their annual physicals. Known for its “Healthy Executive” program, CHLI offers all ten tests with their exams, but encourages people to proactively request these tests as a way to identify potential problems.

“We prescribe a more comprehensive blood panel because it allows us to determine whether the body is performing at its most optimum level, or where it may be deficient in other areas,” says Jonathan R. Cole, M.D., medical director at California Health & Longevity Institute and one of the internists that over sees physicals for business executives.  “Optimal health is not merely the absence of disease.  We utilize these state-of-the-art tests in a proactive approach towards health and wellness.”

The list of tests includes:

- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - The CBC measures white blood count, platelets and size of the blood cells, and can help determine whether the patient suffers from anemia or deficiencies in iron, vitamin B-12 or folic acid;

- Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP), The CMP measures electrolytes, kidney and liver functions;

- Thyroid screen (TSH);

- Cholesterol profile: All cholesterol levels should be measured and not calculated.  CHLI measures Lp(a), Homocysteine, and CRP levels which are all predictors of heart disease. We also measure LDL particle size which goes beyond the basic measurements of a lipid profile and is a powerful predictor of heart disease.  Small particles of LDL have been shown to be much more plaque-causing than large molecules and are therefore more dangerous. 

- Urinalysis;

- Vitamin D (25 hydroxy Vitamin D) – This vitamin is important for bone integrity, immunity, and helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers.  Unfortunately, Vitamin D is difficult to obtain in the diet and we generally recommend avoiding long-term exposure to the UV rays of the sun. 

- PLAC Test – The PLAC Test is the only blood test cleared by the FDA to help assess risk for both coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic
stroke associated with atherosclerosis.  It is an inflammatory marker similar to C-reactive protein but much more specific to the arteries.

- Omega-3 Index – Found in fish oils, omega-3s are shown to help decrease cardiovascular risk.  Tests are now able to determine if a patient is truly deficient in this area.  Omega-3s are good for skin, brain, and heart function.

- Hemoglobin A1C – This is a measure of a sugar molecule attached to a red blood cell.  Since a red blood cell has an average life span of three months, it is a powerful indicator of sugar levels over a period of several months.  According to Dr. Cole, it determines if someone is diabetic or at increased risk for diabetes (formerly known as pre-diabetes); and

- Testosterone levels – CHLI tests all men over 40. According to Dr. Cole, “men can go through a “menopause” which can affect libido, strength, and overall sense of well-being.  If low, providing testosterone replacement therapy can be an important adjunct to men’s wellness.”

”Here at the Institute, we try to tailor the physical exam and our recommendations as everyone is created differently which is especially true when it comes to prescribing habits and testing.  We do not believe in blind supplementation of vitamins, but tailor them to the patient’s true needs.  Likewise, our testing is based on the most current evidence that exists in the literature today so that we can stand behind every test done and know that we are doing the best for every patient who steps through our door,” states Dr. Cole.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA HEALTH & LONGEVITY INSTITUTE

Located just North of Los Angeles at Four Seasons, Westlake Village, California Health & Longevity Institute (CHLI) is the only place of its kind offering a seamless integration of evidence-based medicine with qualified experts and programs designed to improve health and wellness for individuals and organizations.  The Institute uses a 360-degree approach by integrating five disciplines to achieve lifestyle and well-being goals: Medical, Nutrition, Fitness, Life Balance and Spa.  An on-site medical clinic fuses the latest breakthroughs in Western preventive-care medicine with complementary and alternative Eastern medical techniques, and houses a complete imaging suite, dermatology center and a medical laboratory.

About The Healthy Executive Program
The Healthy Executive Program transforms a routine medical checkup into a personalized health experience.  Designed for busy executives and professionals, our team of world-class physicians and lifestyle experts offers a convenient one-day, in-depth analysis, diagnostic testing, screening and a physical exam, that provides insight into an executive’s current medical, physical and emotional health.  This is complemented by a personalized, actionable plan to facilitate healthy lifestyle changes and improved performance in all aspects of a busy executive’s life.
For more information, please contact Kameron Nesen, Public Relations Specialist, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Nancy Fisher, RN, CDE

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Nancy Fisher joins the Institute with the unique skills and background of a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetic Educator.  As a Health Coach at the Motion Picture & Television Fund, Nancy assisted patients in setting and attaining their goals for healthy lifestyle change to prevent chronic illness and the complications associated with it.  Nancy’s specialty as a Certified Diabetic Educator made her a natural choice to implement a lifestyle intervention program based on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) landmark study, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).  She coached patients in weight loss and increasing physical activity.  Nancy graduated from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing and has had additional course work in behavior change techniques.

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Terry Schaack, M.D., Medical Director of “The Healthy Executive” Program at California Health & Longevity Institute Has Tips for Busy Professionals Who Want to Avoid “Senior Moments;” Suggestions Include Dressing in the Dark and Using Weaker Hand for Tasks.

Everyone at one time or another has or will experience what is referred to as a “senior moment,” or “tip-of-the-tongue” syndrome, when a person can’t quite retrieve the word or thought they are trying to find. According to Terry Schaack, M.D., medical director of California Health & Longevity Institute, there are brain exercises adults can do to stay sharp and vital as they age. According to Dr. Schaack, an effective cognitive fitness routine includes exercises that can help busy executives keep their competitive edge.

“Studies show that cognitive decline, especially in its more extreme forms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is the most feared disease in Americans, second only to cancer,” says Dr. Schaack who runs the Institute’s Healthy Executive Program that provides comprehensive physicals to senior level executives to help them stay physically and mentally fit. “Currently, there’s a 50 percent chance that an older adult will eventually develop some degree of dementia. But it’s never too late to start taking action against brain aging.”

Dr. Schaack offers five simple exercises that anyone can do daily to keep the brain in top condition.

Seek Novelty – Take a new route to work, try a new cuisine, learn a new word a day and use it. This builds new pathways in the brain.

Try using your non-dominant hand: If you’re right-handed, brush your teeth, dial your phone or use your computer mouse or remote control with your left hand, and vice versa. This creates “cognitive reserve,” a mental safety net.

Switch Your Senses – Use a different sense than you usually would to do something. For example, unlock your front door lock with your eyes closed or get dressed in the dark. This strengthens the brain’s ability to search for new pathways, what neuroscientists call brain “plasticity.”

Chunk Information – If you have a long list to remember, break it up into smaller units or categories that are easier to remember. If you can reel off your Social Security number, that’s probably because it’s chunked into groups of three, two and four. This is because our short term or “working memory” only has seven slots available – this was the basis for the seven-digit phone number.

Involve Multiple Senses – For new learning, you want to save information in several places in the cortex, the brain’s largest memory storage area. If you need to memorize a speech, try washing the dishes (touch), listening to classical music (sound) and burning an aromatherapy candle (scent), while you practice. This way, you’ll have many sensory storage places from which you can retrieve the memory when you need it.

Exercise–The brain thrives on oxygen and glucose. Its supply is increased when we get our blood pumping during vigorous cardiovascular exercise. Remember to increase the amount of water you’re drinking too. The brain is about 80 percent water and needs to stay hydrated to perform at its best. A happy fringe benefit: regular physical activity increases levels of Serotonin and Dopamine in the brain – chemicals that elevate our mood – keeping us engaged and energized.

Dr. Schaack says, whether someone is starting to notice subtle changes they want to address or they’re at the top of their game looking to take their cognitive performance to the next level, these exercises can help.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA HEALTH & LONGEVITY INSTITUTE
Located just North of Los Angeles at Four Seasons, Westlake Village, California Health & Longevity Institute (CHLI) is the only place of its kind offering a seamless integration of evidence-based medicine with qualified experts and programs designed to improve health and wellness for individuals and organizations. The Institute uses a 360-degree approach by integrating five disciplines to achieve lifestyle and well-being goals: Medical, Nutrition, Fitness, Life Balance and Spa. An on-site medical clinic fuses the latest breakthroughs in Western preventive-care medicine with complementary and alternative Eastern medical techniques, and houses a complete imaging suite, dermatology center and a medical laboratory.

For more information, please visit http://www.chli.com.

California Health & Longevity Institute Welcomes New Director of Fitness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

California Health & Longevity Institute Welcomes New Director of Fitness

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA—February 21, 2012– California Health & Longevity Institute, which is located at Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village in California, announced today that Susan Block has become the latest member of its fitness team. Susan has been a consultant and personal trainer at the Institute since 2009.

“Susan has the level of experience our clients require to become a member of our fitness team,” says Becky Leehey, executive director of California Health & Longevity Institute. “Our exercise specialists are an integral part of our Executive Physical program, which has created a personalized wellness program for business executives with the goal of transforming lives.”

Susan has 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, beginning in 1982 at the Sports Club Company (currently Sports Club/LA), where she was an aerobics instructor, facility manager and a director of activities for over ten years.  In 1993, she managed Warner Bros.’ Studio Facility and later became a fitness consultant for the Motion Picture and Television Industry’s Wellness Program. By 1998, Susan developed a national fitness coaching program called “Fitness by Phone.” She has been featured as an expert on exercise adherence in various publications including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and others.  Susan earned a degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Business Administration from UCLA. She is a Gold certified ACE Personal Trainer and IDEA Master Level Trainer. She has been a faculty member for the American Council on Exercise since 2000.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA HEALTH & LONGEVITY INSTITUTE
Located just north of Los Angeles at Four Seasons, Westlake Village, California Health & Longevity Institute (CHLI) is the only place of its kind offering a seamless integration of evidence-based medicine with qualified experts and programs designed to improve health and wellness for individuals and organizations. The Institute uses a 360-degree approach by integrating five disciplines to achieve lifestyle and well-being goals: Medical, Nutrition, Fitness, Life Balance and Spa. An on-site medical clinic fuses the latest breakthroughs in Western preventive-care medicine with complementary and alternative Eastern medical techniques, and houses a complete imaging suite, dermatology center and a medical laboratory.

For more information, please contact Kameron Nesen, Public Relations Specialist, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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The Healthy Executive Program

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Damien Craft

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Born and raised in Northern California into a family of spa professionals, Damien Craft knew that he would be involved in the spa industry at a very early age.  By age 18 Craft was a certified Massage Therapist and over the next several years Craft held Lead positions in day spas and health clubs throughout the Central Coast of California.  With over 15 years of experience, Damien has held senior management positions at premiere resorts such as Bacara Resort & Spa, Grande Wailea Resort and La Quinta Resort & Club, PGA West. Damien Craft represents Four Seasons Westlake Village as Spa Director of the largest spa within the company: a 41,000 square foot facility featuring 28 treatment rooms and an upscale Fitness Center.  Damien brings passion and energy to his position and is thrilled to provide support and dynamic leadership within one of the Institute’s fundamental pillars.

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