Make the Most of Your HSA/FSA Before the Year Ends: Invest in Your Health, Not Just Band-Aids!
It's that time of year again! The leaves are falling, holiday music is creeping back into stores, and if you’re like me, you’re wondering how it’s already the beginning of November.
But if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it’s not just the turkey you need to worry about — it’s those precious pre-tax dollars!
Let’s face it, when you think of using up HSA/FSA money, the first thing that comes to mind might be stocking up on first-aid kits, new glasses, or that extra-large box of ibuprofen. But what if you could use those funds to make a real difference in your health instead? Today, we're talking about three cutting-edge tests that do just that — and they're the secret to understanding your unique health puzzle. Let's dive in!
I WANT TO BE THE HERO OF MY HEALTH JOURNEY
HOW DO I DO THAT?!
Genomics: Discovering the DNA Roadmap to Your Health with 3x4 Genetic Testing
Okay, let’s talk about the mystery of your body. Ever notice that your friend swears by a plant-based diet, but when you tried it, you ended up hangry and craving a burger? Or maybe everyone’s talking about HIIT workouts, but they leave you feeling like you got hit by a truck. Well, that’s because your body is beautifully unique, and it’s written in your DNA. 3x4 Genetic Testing is here to help you crack the code.
What’s the Deal with Genomics?
Genomic testing is not just about finding out if you have a risk for some rare disease (although that’s useful too). It’s about learning how your body works best based on your genes. Think of it as a cheat sheet to your health: What’s your body’s ideal fuel? What workouts will give you results instead of pain? How does your body handle stress? This test gets you those answers — no guesswork required!
What You Get:
- Your body’s nutrient needs — Are you actually low in B12, or is that just the rumor mill?
- Exercise insights — Cardio queen, weight-lifting warrior, or a balance of both?
- Stress secrets — Are you genetically wired to be cool as a cucumber or are you prone to high cortisol?
- Detox efficiency — Is your body ready to process that green smoothie you love, or is it better off with simple whole foods?
Sound Familiar?
If you’ve ever felt like you’re on a diet roller coaster or your workouts never quite give the results they should, you’re not alone. It’s not you, it’s your DNA. And understanding it can change everything.
Why 3x4?
Dr. Mary Louder offers 3x4 Genetic Testing to give you a tailored health roadmap, with practical tips that fit your unique code. Let’s stop playing “health roulette” and start making choices that actually work for you.
WHAT IF I WANT TO GET TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER WHEN I USE MY HSA/FLEX MONEY?!
Cardiovascular Check-Up 2.0: Advanced Cholesterol Panels with Boston Heart Diagnostics
Remember when your doctor would just say, “Your cholesterol is fine,” and send you on your way? Yeah, those days are over. Knowing your total cholesterol or even the HDL/LDL ratio is like looking at a fuzzy photo — you might get the general idea, but you’re missing out on all the details. Boston Heart Diagnostics offers a deep-dive into what’s actually happening in your cardiovascular system.
Why Go Beyond Standard Tests?
With Boston Heart, we’re not just counting how much cholesterol is floating around; we’re figuring out what kind it is, how likely it is to cause trouble, and whether your heart is waving a tiny red flag. These advanced panels give you the lowdown on:
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): This is the sneaky bad guy of cholesterol, the kind that’s more likely to cause problems.
- Lipoprotein(a): A marker that can run in families and raise cardiovascular risk — and most people have never even heard of it!
- Particle size: Small and dense is not what you want in this context. This test will show if your cholesterol particles are on the problematic side.
- Inflammatory markers: Measuring things like hs-CRP can help show if your heart is quietly under siege.
Been There, Done That?
If you’ve been told, “Everything’s fine,” only to end up with unexpected heart concerns later, you’re probably feeling a bit betrayed by the standard tests. You’re not alone — and you deserve better.
Boston Heart Diagnostics: The Upgrade
With Dr. Mary Louder, you get access to the Boston Heart panel and a thorough breakdown of what those results mean. No more vague “your cholesterol is okay” — we’re talking real clarity about your cardiovascular health.
WHAT IF I WANT TO UNDERSTAND MY HORMONES, AND WHY ARE THEY CALLING THIS THE NEW MENOPAUSE IF I AM HAVING THE SAME OLD SYMPTOMS?
Hormone Balance for Your Sanity: DUTCH Test from Precision Analytical
Oh, hormones. They’re like that mysterious aunt who shows up unannounced, causing chaos, then leaves you to clean up the emotional and physical aftermath. Hormones control everything — your mood, sleep, energy, even your ability to handle stress. The DUTCH Test is here to help you make sense of what’s going on behind the scenes.
Why DUTCH Testing?
Most hormone tests are a one-and-done blood draw, which is about as accurate as trying to guess the weather by looking out the window once. The DUTCH test, on the other hand, collects samples over a whole day to get the full picture. You’ll learn not just your hormone levels, but also how well your body is metabolizing and using them.
What’s Inside the DUTCH Test:
- Sex hormones: Let’s talk estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, plus how your body is handling them.
- Cortisol: Ever wonder why you’re exhausted by 2 PM? The DUTCH test shows your cortisol levels throughout the day to see if stress is wearing you down.
- Melatonin: Are your sleep troubles hormone-related? Let’s find out.
- Nutrient markers: Does your body have what it needs to support healthy hormone function?
Sound Like Your Life?
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, mood swings, or weird changes in your body that don’t make sense, hormones might be the culprit. It’s time to stop guessing.
How Dr. Mary Louder Can Help
Dr. Louder offers the DUTCH test to get to the bottom of what’s really happening with your hormones. No more wondering if it’s “just stress.” Let’s find the real answers and get you back in balance.
Make This Year Count: Why Now Is the Perfect Time
Here’s the deal — the clock is ticking. Those HSA/FSA funds have an expiration date, and there’s no sense in letting them go to waste on random drugstore supplies when you could invest in your health instead. Imagine starting next year with a game plan that’s specific to you. No more guessing, no more generic advice, just a clear path forward.
What’s at Stake?
You might be feeling fine, but how sure are you that everything’s actually fine? Whether it’s heart health, genetic quirks, or hormone havoc, understanding your risk factors now can prevent major headaches (or worse) down the road.
How to Take Action Today
Investing in your health isn’t just about avoiding future problems — it’s about feeling your best right now. If you’re curious about any of the tests we’ve talked about, or you’re ready to use those end-of-year dollars wisely, Dr. Mary Louder is here to guide you. As an osteopathic physician specializing in integrative and holistic medicine, she’s all about getting to the root of your health concerns, not just putting a band-aid on them.
Schedule Your Consultation
Ready to make 2024 the year of health clarity? Visit www.drmarylouder.com to learn more and schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll figure out which tests are right for you, review your results, and create a personalized action plan.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Year Slip Away
The end of the year can be hectic, I get it. But don’t let your health take a back seat while you’re caught up in holiday chaos. Take a moment now to make sure you’re investing those pre-tax dollars in something that really matters — you. A few simple tests can provide peace of mind, clarity, and a better plan for your well-being.
So, what do you say? Let’s get those HSA/FSA funds working for you! Connect with Dr. Mary Louder today to discuss your options and kickstart a healthier future.
About Dr. Mary Louder
Dr. Mary Louder, DO, is an osteopathic physician dedicated to empowering her patients with the knowledge they need to thrive. With a background in integrative and holistic medicine, she’s passionate about helping you get to the root cause of your health concerns and crafting personalized strategies that work. Learn more at www.drmarylouder.com.