WellMax Core Program

This program has been revised and the time required is slightly longer. We feel with the latest research on Heart Disease and Lung cancer we can no longer offer a comprehensive exam without including a Heart CT with a Coronary Artery Calcium Score and a Lung CT. In the past, you could complete the Core Program in about one and a half days; now it will take two days.

• THE WELLMAX CORE PROGRAM INCLUDES - CLICK TO VIEW

  • Extensive Medical Interview

    One-on-one consultation with your WellMax physician allows ample time to discuss your concerns. The physician reviews and updates your personal medical history as well as your family history. There is detailed screening for symptoms relating to all of your body’s systems, including neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and endocrine.

  • Comprehensive Physical Examination

    The physician completes a detailed checklist while conducting your physical examination. Since all of your data is entered into your personal database, this checklist assures that all necessary components are meticulously collected. For women, the physical examination includes ---at the patient’s option --- breast and pelvic examination as well as a ThinPrep™ pap smear. The ThinPrep™ Pap test is a very sensitive test of cervical epithelial cells and is highly accurate in detecting abnormalities. For men, a digital rectal exam of the prostate is included.

  • Nutritional Evaluation

    Forms are given to you to document everything you eat for 5 days. Practical and individual recommendations are made to increase the ‘nutrient density’ of your diet and regulate optimal caloric intake.

  • Musculoskeletal Evaluation & Fitness Assessment

    Your assessment includes measures of body composition, joint range of motion as well as flexibility and strength of the adjoining soft tissue structures. A postural assessment will be performed with recommendations to decrease the effects of degeneration on joints and muscles. Gait analysis is used to determine structural abnormalities and muscle asymmetry. With correction and retraining, you will be able to help decrease the stress on your body and slow the degenerative process. Specialized software is used to gather this data, which is stored to your WellMax Health Portfolio. We provide you with an extensive personalized report that includes your measurements, our recommendations and a program designed with your personal goals, interests and schedule in mind.

  • EKG (electrocardiogram)

    This test is a 12-lead electrocardiogram that measures your heart rate, rhythm, and function, and is used as a limited screening tool for cardiovascular disease and keep as a record of your personal heart patterns.

  • Cardiac Exercise Stress Test

    This test requires a continuous electrocardiogram, which screens for signs of heart disease or palpitations as you walk on a treadmill that gradually slants uphill. This provides a cardiovascular fitness baseline, and screens for early coronary heart disease before you are aware of symptoms. It is a good measure of changes in your coronary health.

  • Pulmonary Function Test

    This test measures baseline function of your lungs, as well as screening for asthma, emphysema, or any obstructive or restrictive lung disease. It includes FEV-1 and FVC (Forced Expiratory Volume and Forced Vital Capacity).

  • Comprehensive Eye Exam

    Routine eye exams can detect vision problems, eye disease and general health problems before you are aware a problem exists. Some instruments test for eye conditions (such as nearsightedness and dry eyes), and others test for eye diseases (such as glaucoma). Contrast sensitivity testing can help determine if you have vision problems beyond what is seen on conventional eye charts. Modern eye examinations using wavefront refraction can identify even obscure vision errors that may now be corrected for the first time through LASIK, eyeglasses, or artificial lenses. Your exam will include comprehensive retinal assessment with high resolution imaging; an exam performed to see how light travels through the eye, how the eye refracts or focuses light, and how refractive errors in the eye cause poor vision — but can be detected in an eye exam and corrected. A dilated retinal exam would be performed as needed.

  • Pure Tone Hearing Screening

    You will be asked to place a set of headphones over your ears. The headphones will deliver a series tones into your ears. A device called an audiometer electronically generates these "pure tones" which vary in tone and volume. This test helps to determine the threshold at which a patient hears different frequencies. Each ear is tested individually. You will indicate when you hear a tone by raising your hand or pushing a button. If further evaluation is needed, you will be referred to an audiologist.

  • Stress Assessment

    Because we are concerned with every aspect of your total health, part of our program includes an evaluation of your personal "stressors" and general outlook on life. The ESSI StressMap evaluates you on 21 stress-factor scales.

  • WellScan

    This 45-minute test uses a computer, a microprocessor, and several instruments to assess 12 "biomarkers of aging". These markers include visual accommodation, auditory and visual reflexes, high frequency hearing, pulmonary function, vibro-tactile sense, memory and other functions. Regression analysis is used to compute your "biologic age". If significant problems are discovered in one or more areas, further testing may be done.

  • Cosmetic Skin Consultation

    Enjoy an in-depth consultation to determine your individual skin care needs and address your cosmetic concerns. We utilize a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to skin care for both men and women of all ages and skin types. Here, we combine state-of- the-art treatments with a caring and healing touch to create a pleasant secure environment as well as beautiful results for each patient. A comprehensive treatment program can be provided and may include various prescription-only products and specific nutrients for ongoing skin care maintenance at home.
  
  PLUS:

• IMAGING TESTS - CLICK TO VIEW

  • DEXA Body Composition and Bone Densitometry

    This non-radiation screening shows any tendency, in both men and women, toward osteoporosis. Bone density is measured in the entire body, as well as special images of the hips and the lumbar spine. Our state-of-the-art equipment simultaneously measures the percent of lean muscle and fat in each of several body areas, and measures total body fat composition. The lumbar spine is always included since it is the primary source to measure de-mineralization and re-mineralization following intervention treatment. The composition of your body’s muscle, fat and bone density naturally change with age. Maintaining lean muscle mass helps slow aging and has a positive impact on your overall health. The DEXA scan is the most accurate measure of your lean muscle mass and body fat.

  • Heart CT with Coronary Artery Calcium Score

    Specialized computer software is used in conjunction with detailed imaging of the coronary arteries of the heart, to determine a "calcium score." This score correlates with the amount of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. In general, a higher calcium score indicates a greater risk of a heart attack. It does not require any needles or probing.

  • Lung CT

    Screening for lung cancer or other abnormalities in the chest is performed at the same time as the Heart CT. Recent research confirms the markedly improved ability to detect lung cancer in the earliest curable stages with this technology. This is especially important in any patient who smokes or who once smoked. The latest research indicates that the prevalence of Lung Cancer in those who never smoked is much higher than ever imagined.

  • Ultrasound of the Carotid Arteries

    Carotid arteries are the main pipelines of blood to your brain. A silent build-up of plaque can lead to a stroke. If significant plaque is discovered, you then have several options to minimize any further buildup. Our biochemical evaluation dovetails with this test to understand the chemistry processes that cause this plaque.

  • CIMT

    To help estimate your risk for cardiovascular disease, we use special software to measure the thickness of the first two layers (the intima and media) of your carotid artery wall. Thickening of an artery is the earliest anatomical evidence of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In addition to estimating future coronary heart disease risk, we use change in CIMT over time to monitor risk factor interventions, such as lipid-lowering therapy, and their impact on your vascular health.

  • Ultrasound Screening of the Abdomen

    Sonography (ultrasound imaging) is a painless procedure that allows us to visualize your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, and aorta. These areas are viewed using no radiation, unlike X-rays or CT scans. We are able to efficiently screen for diseases, including many cancers, often before symptoms appear.

  • Ultrasound of the Thyroid

    The thyroid gland sets the metabolic rate for the entire body. Many disease states are secondary to thyroid abnormalities, and thyroid dysfunction is more common than is generally believed. Thyroid can have cancer nodules or benign adenomas that produce hormone independent of the thyroid gland. This ultrasound allows us to assess the size, shape, and texture of this gland, as well as screen for abnormal nodules or cancer.

  • Women’s Ultrasound of the Uterus and Ovaries

    • Uterine endometrium (the lining inside) often thickens prior to cancer forming, and ultrasound allows us to measure it and follow its thickness. We can also see any wall abnormalities or masses. Ovarian cancer, just like cancer of the kidneys, can be cured if found early, but is usually fatal because it is usually discovered by symptoms, when it is too large, and too late.
    
    Monitoring ovary size and density changes, whether or not a woman is on hormones, brings more information and more security. Remember, most women who have the uterus removed do not have the ovaries removed, and it is difficult to palpate ovaries well enough to detect abnormalities that can be found much sooner with ultrasound.

  • Men’s Ultrasound of the Prostate

    Obtains a baseline study of prostate size, shape and architecture. It screens for prostate cancer. This study includes bladder imaging and a “post-void residual”, i.e. the technician measures the volume of urine remaining in the bladder immediately after voiding. It helps to assess urine retention due to larger prostates. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer found in men affecting 17% of men during their lifetime. With early detection and new treatments, a high percentage of cases can be successfully treated without removing the prostate.

• LABORATORY TESTS - CLICK TO VIEW

  • CBC and Chem 20

    A complete blood count (CBC), twenty chemistry measures (also known as Comp Metabolic panel), which includes measures of liver and kidney function, fasting glucose (blood sugar), and electrolytes.

  • VAP Lipid Profile with Lp(a), hs CRP Homocysteine and Fasting Insulin

    Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer; accounting for 39% of deaths in the United States. Medical scientists have discovered many modifiable risk markers for heart disease. Cholesterol is just the tip of the iceberg. Our basic cardiac panel includes the usual lipid panel of cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. In addition, the type of HDL and LDL are checked, since it makes a big difference in your individual rate of arteriosclerosis. Lipoprotein (a), highly sensitive C-reactive protein, homocysteine are routinely checked because they are independent risks for cardiovascular disease. Fibrinogen and others can be added for high-risk individuals. Together, these many tests provide your individual and unique pattern of modifiable risk markers.

  • Ferritin

    Ferritin serves as a general screen for both iron deficiency and iron overload. Problems with iron storage in the body are much more common than previously recognized. If this test is abnormal, a panel of iron measures can be ordered to clarify exactly what the problem is.

  • Folate (AKA folic acid)

    Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. It also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. Both adults and children need folate to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia. It is essential for cell growth and reproduction throughout the body especially in the nervous system.

  • B12

    It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. It is essential for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and synthesis of proteins. It is also needed for the transport and storage of folate in cells and for conversion to it’s active form. B12 is involved in the manufacture of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerves.

  • Vitamin D

    Vitamin D promotes the body's absorption of calcium which is essential for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. Calcium is also important to nerve cells, including the brain. It also helps maintain adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

  • Thyroid Screening – T4 Free & TSH

    These two tests measure the function of the thyroid gland and its ongoing “dialogue” with the pituitary gland. Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolic rate. We can also, at the request of our physician or at your request, measure serum total and free T3, a different, more active form of thyroid hormone converted peripherally from T4.

  • Urinalysis

    A urinalysis is an examination of the urine by physical or chemical means. Urinalysis comprises a battery of chemical and microscopic tests that help to screen for urinary tract infections, renal disease and diseases of other organs that result in abnormal metabolites (break-down products) appearing in the urine.

  • Basic Hormone Panel for both Men and Women

    • Serum DHEA-S
    • Estrogen (estradiol extraction)
    • Testosterone ("free" and total measured accurately by LC/MS/MS)
    • Growth hormone (via IGF-1)

  • Cortisol

    The hormone cortisol, which is released in the body during stressed or agitated states, has gained widespread attention as the so-called "stress hormone." But this hormone is more than a simple marker of stress levels- it is necessary for the functioning of almost every part of the body. Excesses or deficiencies of this crucial hormone also lead to various physical symptoms and disease states.

  • Tumor Markers (CA125, CEA, PSA, NMP)

    Cancer is the second most prevalent cause of death in the United States. It affects all ages, often with little or no warning until it’s too late. These markers screen for ovarian cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and bladder cancer, respectively. "Free PSA" can be added if PSA is even mildly elevated.

• OTHER VALUABLE COMPONENTS - CLICK TO VIEW

  • Detailed Review, Analysis, and Report of Findings and Recommendations

    Your WellMax physician reviews and analyzes all of the tests and examination data. The results are compared with both expected normal values and your own test histories. A detailed report of findings is prepared. Recommendations for changes and follow-ups are included. Important changes in your health status are tracked from year to year.

  • Personal meeting to review of your health status

    Your WellMax physician personally reviews your results with you in person or on the phone. Your examination, test results and overall health status are reviewed. Your questions are answered. Follow up recommendations for current health problems and preventive health is explained.

  • Personal Health Notebook and USB Memory Drive

    A paper copy (notebook) of your comprehensive WellMax medical record is prepared for you with details of all of your studies, copies of reports, and our recommendations. Additionally, you will receive your entire WellMax medical record on a pocket USB memory drive, which is a WellMax exclusive. The resultant combination is a paper and electronic copy of your WellMax chart. Your USB medical record is updated at every annual exam.

Call WellMax at 760-777-8772 (or 800-621-5263) to decide if this program is correct for you, and how it can be personalized and made easy for you or your loved ones.

• Absolute necessary “in clinic” time: 20 hours

• Recommended allotment time for program: 3 to 4 days*

• Fee for WellMax Core Program: Contact us

*We recommend taking more time when you stay at the La Quinta Resort & Club so that we can enrich your experience by using the resort’s specialized fitness classes, sports programs, and specific spa therapies, thus making your whole experience even more pleasant.