2) Physical Health (Your Body Is Infrastructure)
Complete foundational tests (know your numbers)
At your annual physical, request these baseline tests: CBC (Complete Blood Count) checks your red and white blood cells for anemia or infection. CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) evaluates your liver and kidney function. Lipid Panel measures cholesterol—but ask specifically for ApoB, the best predictor of heart disease risk (standard LDL is outdated). HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over 3 months—anything above 5.5% needs attention. Blood Pressure should be under 120/80; anything higher is a warning sign even if doctors say it's 'fine.' Track your Resting Heart Rate—50-70 bpm is optimal; above 80 suggests poor cardiovascular fitness or chronic stress.
In the U.S. healthcare system, knowing the vocabulary isn't just about being smart, it’s about protecting your bank account. If you don’t understand these terms, you might accidentally sign up for a plan that costs you thousands of dollars more than it should.
Think of health insurance as a financial partnership between you and the insurance company.
Record your progress
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