Workup Health Guide

Schedule an annual wellness visit and ask for a comprehensive blood panel to track heart and metabolism (cholesterol particle number, inherited cholesterol marker, fasting glucose and a long-term blood sugar marker, thyroid, kidney and liver health, and inflammation).

Confirm which cancer screenings you need now: colonoscopy if due, a shared decision about the prostate blood test, a yearly full‑body skin check, and—based on your smoking history—whether abdominal aortic and lung imaging are appropriate.

Bring a complete medication and supplement list to review for interactions, dizziness risk, and blood pressure drops; ask for a fall‑risk screen with sitting and standing blood pressure and gait assessment.

Update vaccines per CDC guidance: seasonal flu, the latest COVID‑19 dose, shingles series, pneumococcal protection, and a tetanus booster if it’s been 10 years.

Build most meals around vegetables, beans or lentils, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, and fish twice weekly; aim for 25–30 grams of protein per meal to support strength and hair.

Use soluble fiber (oats, barley, psyllium, citrus, cooked carrots) to improve stool form and cholesterol; add gradually to avoid gas.

Keep sodium modest (about 1,500–2,000 mg daily unless your clinician advises otherwise); season with herbs, spices, lemon, and vinegar.

Follow a hydration plan: 6–8 cups fluid daily, more on hot or diarrhea days; consider an oral rehydration solution during flares and limit alcohol to protect heart rhythm and balance.

Ask your clinician to check vitamin D, B12, iron stores, and zinc, then supplement only to correct deficiencies that can affect energy, mood, and hair.

Consider a daily soluble fiber supplement such as psyllium to support healthy cholesterol and more formed stools.

Discuss omega‑3 fish oil if triglycerides stay elevated despite diet, and confirm the right dose and purity.

Bring all bottles to a medication review so supplements are checked for safety with heart medicines and dizziness.

Keep a 2‑week food and symptom log to spot triggers such as lactose, caffeine, very high‑fat meals, or artificial sweeteners.

Review medications and supplements with your clinician for gut side effects (for example, certain antibiotics, magnesium, or metformin).

Practice gut‑friendly habits: eat slowly, chew thoroughly, choose smaller, more frequent meals during flares, and use an electrolyte drink to stay hydrated.

Ask about evaluation if diarrhea lasts over four weeks or includes red flags (night symptoms, bleeding, weight loss), including stool testing and checks for celiac disease or bile acid issues.

Book a yearly full‑body skin exam and perform monthly self‑checks, looking for new, changing, or bleeding spots.

Use a broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ every morning on face, ears, neck, and scalp; wear a brimmed hat and reapply during outdoor time.

Moisturize after bathing with a fragrance‑free cream to support the skin barrier and reduce itching.

Adopt a gentle scalp routine with mild shampoo and avoid harsh chemical treatments; ask a dermatologist before starting medicated shampoos.

Accumulate about 150 minutes per week of moderate activity such as brisk walking or indoor cycling, using the talk test to stay in a safe zone.

Do strength training twice weekly focusing on legs, hips, back, and core with light weights or resistance bands.

Practice balance daily—heel‑to‑toe walking, single‑leg stands near a counter, or Tai Chi—and rise slowly to reduce dizziness.

Ask your cardiologist about exercise clearance and whether a cardiac rehab–style program or supervised sessions would help.

Protect sleep with a consistent schedule, a dark cool room, and a wind‑down routine; ask about sleep apnea if you snore or wake unrefreshed.

Schedule annual hearing and vision checks and use recommended aids to improve balance, communication, and safety.

Make home safer: remove loose rugs, add grab bars and night lights, and keep frequently used items within easy reach.

Invest in connection and purpose—join a walking group in a nearby NYC park, volunteer, or take a weekly class to stay mentally and socially engaged.

Ask your clinician to check for treatable causes of shedding—thyroid, iron storage, zinc, and vitamin D—and to review medications that may contribute.

Adopt a daily scalp routine: gentle cleansing, a 2–3 minute fingertip massage, and sun protection with a hat or SPF on the scalp.

Discuss evidence‑based therapies with a dermatologist, including topical options like minoxidil and whether low‑level laser devices or procedures are a fit.

Aim for 25–30 grams of protein per meal and include omega‑3‑rich fish twice weekly, along with colorful produce for micronutrients.

Keep a dizziness diary noting triggers, body positions, meals, and medications, and share it with your clinician.

Ask about bedside maneuvers if positional vertigo is suspected and request a referral to vestibular physical therapy for balance retraining.

Check blood pressure sitting and standing at home for a week to screen for drops, and review heart and blood pressure medicines for side effects.

Upgrade safety now: non‑slip shoes, grab bars, night lights, and use a cane or walker if recommended by your therapist.

Use an oral rehydration solution during flares and focus on gentle foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, broths) before gradually returning to your usual diet.

Trial a daily soluble fiber supplement and consider a short course of a well‑studied probiotic after discussing safety with your clinician.

Review all medications and supplements for diarrhea side effects and timing; ask whether targeted treatments are appropriate based on testing.

Seek evaluation if symptoms last more than four weeks, cause weight loss, bleeding, or night‑time waking.