Current:Home > NewsI got 14 medical tests done at this fancy resort. I didn't need most of them. -PureWealth Academy
I got 14 medical tests done at this fancy resort. I didn't need most of them.
View
Date:2025-04-17 20:44:45
TUCSON, Ariz. – You know the drill. You go to the doctor's office for your annual physical. Everything looks OK, but they recommend some routine bloodwork to check a couple of things to be safe.
Imagine doing that – plus more than a dozen other tests – and you'll understand what I experienced at Canyon Ranch, a wellness resort offering a new longevity program called "Longevity8" with eight health pillars: integrative medicine, mental and emotional health, strength and endurance, sleep, flexibility and fitness, spiritual wellness, nutrition and outdoor experiences. It will cost a pricey $20,000 for single people and $36,000 for couples.
Here's a look at all the tests I had done as part of the program – and what outside medical professionals actually thought was worth it.
- Extensive bloodwork (beyond what a doctor would typically prescribe)
- Galleri cancer screening
- EKG
- Carotid doppler
- Pulmonary function test
- Diet intake and consultation
- Continuous glucose monitoring
- Therapy session
- Spirituality session
- Joint assessment
- DEXA body composition and bone density analysis
- Genetic testing
- VO2 max assessment
- Sleep study
What is the average life expectancy?And how to improve your longevity.
What medical tests does the average person need? Not many.
Overall, outside medical experts I spoke to thought most of the testing I had done was highly specialized and unnecessary for the average person. Multiple doctors recommended people check out the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for guidance on any kind of preventive care.
Looking at the Canyon Ranch protocol specifically: The most reasonable tests were the bloodwork and diet intake and consultation, according to Dr. Douglas E. Vaughan, professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the director of the Potocsnak Longevity Institute. Specific patient populations might benefit from specialized tests, like the DEXA body composition (i.e. women after menopause who typically lose bone density). Certain symptoms might prompt some of these assessments as well. Asthmatic patients, for example, might want a pulmonary function test after chatting with their doctor.
The VO2 max assessment is "usually performed for athletes or individuals interested in cardiovascular fitness," says Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, associate professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Not standard for routine screening." Ditto for the continuous glucose monitoring: It's "primarily used for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes to manage and monitor glucose levels."
The short answer: No need to break the bank, and if you want to do some additional testing, blood work is probably your best bet. Still, if you'd like to take it a step further, you can easily find specialty facilities and doctors who will be happy to take your check.
The reporter on this story received access to these services from Canyon Ranch. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
veryGood! (2932)
Related
- Messi injury update: Ankle 'better every day' but Inter Miami star yet to play Leagues Cup
- Woman killed during a celebration of Chiefs’ Super Bowl win to be remembered at funeral
- Wendy Williams, like Bruce Willis, has aphasia, frontotemporal dementia. What to know.
- How an eviction process became the 'ultimate stress cocktail' for one California renter
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Vigil held for nonbinary Oklahoma teenager who died following a school bathroom fight
- Magician says political consultant hired him to create AI robocall ahead of New Hampshire primary
- Olympic champion Suni Lee finds she's stronger than she knew after facing health issue
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Wendy Williams, like Bruce Willis, has aphasia, frontotemporal dementia. What to know.
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael returns home after more than a week in hospital
- In his annual letter, Warren Buffett tells investors to ignore Wall Street pundits
- At 99, this amazing Holocaust survivor and musician is still beating the drum for peace
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Fulton County D.A.'s office disputes new Trump claims about Fani Willis' relationship with her deputy Nathan Wade
- NFL has 'unprecedented' $30 million salary cap increase 2024 season
- South Carolina Welcomes Multibillion Dollar Electric Vehicle Projects, Even Though Many Echo Trump’s Harsh EV Critiques
Recommendation
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
Guinness strips title from world's oldest dog after 31-year-old age questioned
Boyfriend of Ksenia Khavana, Los Angeles ballet dancer detained in Russia, speaks out
Dancing With the Stars' Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson Detail Son's Bond With Maks' Kids
NCAA President Charlie Baker would be 'shocked' if women's tournament revenue units isn't passed
At 99, this amazing Holocaust survivor and musician is still beating the drum for peace
LA Dodgers' 2024 hype hits fever pitch as team takes field for first spring training games
Man guilty in Black transgender woman's killing in 1st federal hate trial over gender identity