What if your body was sending warning signals years before disease struck—and you could actually see them? That's exactly what comprehensive blood testing offers, yet most people avoid or minimize the importance of regular lab work until symptoms appear. In this eye-opening conversation, fitness coach Derrick Wellock and his wife Cassie, a physician assistant who recently opened Vertical Primary Care within Double Edge Fitness, share their expertise on using blood work as your body's early warning system.

Cassie explains how standard lab ranges reflect the average population rather than optimal health, and why "normal" results might still warrant attention, especially for those seeking longevity and peak performance. The couple dives deep into cholesterol testing, revealing why an advanced NMR panel that measures particle size offers far more valuable information than standard lipid profiles. Derrick transparently shares his personal journey with high cholesterol and how coconut oil—touted as healthy in fitness circles—sent his numbers "bonkers" virtually overnight.

The discussion challenges common misconceptions about carbohydrates and insulin sensitivity, with both hosts explaining how strategically incorporating quality carbs actually improved Derrick's blood glucose levels. They also tackle hormone optimization for both men and women, providing a nuanced view of testosterone replacement therapy beyond the oversimplified approaches offered by many hormone clinics.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast who assumes external health equals internal health, someone avoiding medical care, or simply curious about preventative medicine, this episode offers practical guidance for using blood work as a powerful tool in your health journey. As Derrick aptly puts it: "Blood work is like your car's dashboard—it tells you when to act before the engine fails."

Ready to take control of your health journey? Schedule those labs, establish your baseline, and discover what's really happening beneath the surface. The insights could add years of quality life to your future.

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