Current:Home > ScamsI got 14 medical tests done at this fancy resort. I didn't need most of them. -AssetPath
I got 14 medical tests done at this fancy resort. I didn't need most of them.
View
Date:2025-04-25 22:04:18
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! (269)
Related
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- No charges to be filed after racial slur shouted at Utah women's basketball team in Idaho
- The Daily Money: Bad news for home buyers
- Public school district leaders face questions from Congress on antisemitism school policies
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Steve Albini, alt-rock musician and prolific producer of Nirvana and more, dies at 61
- Kim Kardashian’s “Broken Doll” Corset Outfit Is Even More Polarizing Than Met Gala Look
- Yes, you can eat cicadas. Here are 3 recipes to try before they go underground for more than a decade.
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Cara Delevingne Shares Heartfelt Advice About Sobriety Amid Personal Journey
Ranking
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Attorney shot, killed after getting into fight with angry customer at Houston McDonald's: Reports
- Pennsylvania man who pointed gun at pastor during sermon now charged with cousin's murder
- Indianapolis sports columnist won’t cover Fever following awkward back-and-forth with Caitlin Clark
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- The Real Reason Khloe Kardashian Didn't Name Baby Boy Tatum for 8 Months
- Willy Adames calls his shot in Brewers' ninth-inning comeback vs. Royals
- Beyoncé does viral Drea Kelly dance to her song 'II Hands II Heaven' in new post
Recommendation
Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
As Patrick Beverley calls his actions ‘inexcusable,’ police announce they’ve opened an investigation
How many NBA MVPs does Nikola Jokic have? Denver Nuggets big man picks up third of career
Proof Emma Stone Doesn’t Have Bad Blood With Taylor Swift’s Ex Joe Alwyn
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
Idaho man gets 30 years in prison for trying to spread HIV through sex with dozens of victims
9 of 10 wrongful death suits over Astroworld crowd surge have been settled, lawyer says
The Best Desk Accessories and Decor Ideas That Are So Cute, Even Your Colleagues Will Get Jealous