Myths About My Body: What to Check-Up
Question
Are there things I should ask my doctor to check up if they haven’t during my annual?
Answer
General physical exams will rule out any major disease but as far as bloodwork, I would recommend asking for a full thyroid panel—including at least TSH, fT4 and fT3 but ideally also something called reverse T3. These are not typically done by internists.
I also like to check Vitamin D levels and Ferritin, which are iron stores and can affect everything from energy to fertility.
About the Author
Dr. Patti Kim blends her studies in Studio Art, her background in Eastern and Western medicines and her passion for healing to truly practice the art of medicine with her patients. As a Naturopathic Doctor and Chinese Medicine Practitioner/Acupuncturist, Dr. Patti works with patients to peel away the layers to get to the root cause of symptoms, imbalance and disease. Health and healing are about seeing the entire person as a whole and Dr. Kim uses tools like botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, functional medicine testing and acupuncture to reconnect the mind and body and to guide her patients towards balance. Dr. Patti works with her patients as a teacher and guide to help achieve long term wellness.
