At the risk of sounding like the old guys discussing their colonoscopies in loud voices at Tim Hortons, I thought I would tell you about my doctor’s appointment this morning. I had to walk uphill – both ways! Oh wait, wrong old guys.
Anyway, I went for my annual tune-up and 75-point inspection, and as always, we discussed my diet and level of physical activity. While I am not due for much blood work this year, she told me that due to my level of physical activity, she was sending me for tests* for haemoglobin, thyroid, kidney function, IQ, midichlorians, some other stuff I can’t remember, and an EKG. “EKG?” I wondered aloud.
She told me that the current recommendation for anyone who is very active (there’s that term again! I love it when medical professionals say that!) is to have an EKG, both to ensure there’s nothing abnormal going on (at least not with your heart!) and to have a base line for the future.
It was a really simple and completely painless** test – the lab technician spent more time sticking stickers on me than actually recording information – I was in and out in less than five minutes. I just thought I would throw that out there in case anyone happens to be chatting with their GP and thinks this might be a good idea. After all, on those rare occasions where you hear of someone dropping dead in a sporting event, most times the story contains the phrase “pre-existing, undiagnosed heart condition.”
*list may not accurately describe prescribed tests.
**for me anyway; anyone with a hairy chest or ankles may disagree.
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Being at the cusp of “old guy” status…and having had the blood tests…including an EKG and an ECHO …both are very painless…however…it is a bit humbling to see your heart beating in your chest on a LCD screen. Be thankful that you are in the “very active” population and that your Dr. is so prudent to get you tested. 🙂 On a personal note, my midichlorian count is off the scale…my Padawan apprentice.