Four Medical Tests You Should Know About

During an annual physical exam, most doctors will routinely order tests to check the patient's cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Keeping these levels within normal ranges can help us reduce our risk factors for serious health conditions such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. These four medical tests may alert you and your physician to potential health conditions that may need addressed to keep you healthy and fit until a ripe old age!

Vitamin D

New research shows that Vitamin D is even more important that previously thought. Vitamin D is known to be necessary for calcium absorption and healthy bone growth, but it also plays an important role in keeping the immune and nervous systems functioning, and in the prevention of cancers. Vitamin D deficiency is a major problem in the United States and many people aren't aware they are lacking this important nutrient.

Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin." Our skin absorbs Vitamin D naturally when we are out in the sun. People who don't get out in the sun daily, who live in northern climates, or who wear sunblock regularly, may become deficient in this important nutrient. Even though many dairy and soy products are fortified with Vitamin D, it is difficult to get enough of this vitamin from food sources.

Most people need about 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure daily to provide adequate amounts of Vitamin D; dark-skinned people may need more. Ask your doctor about the amount of daily sun exposure he would recommend for you. If he advises you to avoid sunlight exposure (due to previous skin cancers or other health conditions) ask him about the Vitamin D test and the possibility that you may need supplements.

CRP (C-reactive protein)

CRP testing has been used in the past to assess the condition of patients with forms of arthritis, and while it doesn't diagnose a specific condition, it can identify those who are at risk for various illnesses. CRP is a protein made by our immune system in response to inflammation. High levels of this protein may indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.