While this program can be completed in one day, it does require at least 7- 8 hours of scheduled time, which is more pleasantly completed over two days. Many clients request additional tests, and these are more easily included during a two-day period.

The WellMax Core Program includes:

  • 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 2 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).
  • Vision Screening
    We measure visual acuity at near, intermediate and distant vision, and screen for color discrimination, heterophorias, and more. Dr. Cosgrove is an FAA Medical Examiner, and this equipment is certified for FAA pilot evaluations.
  • Audiometry
    This hearing test screens for hearing loss at several frequencies in the conversational range. Dr. Cosgrove is an FAA Medical Examiner, and this equipment is certified for FAA pilot evaluations.
  • 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.

IMAGING TESTS

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Absolutely necessary "in clinic" time: 8 hours
  • Recommended time allotment for program*: 1 to 2 days
  • Fee for WellMax One-Day Program: contact us

Note: This package contains limited ultrasound imaging and laboratory tests - other tests and procedures may be recommended and added with your approval.

* 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 the whole experience even more pleasant.