One of the main reasons CRP was added to the wellness screening blood panel was because of its higher efficacy in predicting risk of a heart event than LDL (bad cholesterol). A normal artery is clear and blood flows through it smoothly.  An artery with plaque may block blood a little bit but the blood still can still often flow. However, when the artery has plaque and also becomes inflamed, the blood can get blocked and this can lead to heart attack. Because heart disease is a "silent killer," measuring CRP, along with knowing your blood pressure, is just one more way to know what is going on inside your body, and to know when it is time to see a doctor.  

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense vegetable, from the squash family, meaning it provides a generous amount of nutrients when compared to the number of calories per serving. For this reason, it is often recommended by dietitians in cholesterol or weight-controlling diets. Even if you don't fall into one of those two categories, the nutrients that pumpkins offer can benefit everyone:

• A single serving of pumpkin offers over 200% of your recommended daily Vitamin A, which plays an essential role in eyesight, and also serves to maintain the integrity of the skin.
• Pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, and also aids in healthy digestion.
• The orange pigment of pumpkin, like carrots, indicates beta-carotene, which is an anti-oxidant that can help prevent chronic diseases by fighting off free radicals introduced to the body.

Did you know there's a right way to take your blood pressure? Unfortunately, fasting doesn't fit within the conditions ideal for an accurate measurement, which is why blood pressure rechecks are always offered after the annual wellness screening. Additionally, there are several other factors that can produce an inaccurate, elevated reading.














In order to ensure the most accurate blood pressure reading, consider following these guidelines:

• Leading up to the measurement, avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol; be sure to stop exercise at least 30 minutes prior, and empty your bladder.
• Sit for a few minutes, quietly, with your back supported and feet flat on the floor, with your legs uncrossed.
• During the reading, provide your bare arm, as a cuff over clothing can add 10-40mm Hg to your reading. Additionally, make sure your cuffed arm is supported at heart level.