Life Extension Magazine  LE Magazine May 2004 A Comprehensive
Guide to Preventive Blood Testing By Penny Baron  Too often,
aging people fall victim to a disease that could have been
prevented had the proper blood tests been done on a regular
basis. Since 1983, the Life Extension Foundation has advocated
annual blood testing to maintain optimal health. It was not
until 1996, however, that members could order their own blood
tests directly.  Before 1996, members had to plead with their
doctors to prescribe blood tests. In many cases, these requests
were rejected because physicians did not understand the
importance of screening for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,
homocysteine, DHEA, or even PSA (prostate-specific antigen). The
cost of blood tests through physicians’ offices was also
prohibitively expensive.  The reason most people consider blood
testing is to ascertain their cardiovascular risk factors. The
scientific literature clearly establishes that elevated insulin,
glucose, homocysteine, fibrinogen, C