Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan
Science Over Hype.
Values Over Virality.
Vitals & Values is where evidence-based health meets unapologetic truth. Hosted by Dr. Lara (@lbaat), a concierge MD reshaping modern medicine, and David Roden (@Fit_DRock), a transformation coach who lost over 200 pounds and lived to tell the tale, this podcast isn’t here to go viral—it’s here to tell the truth.
Every episode dives deep into:
- 🧬 Medicine & Metabolic Health
- 🥦 Nutrition & Sustainable Weight Loss
- 🏋️♂️ Fitness & Habit Formation
- ✝ Christian Faith & Spiritual Stewardship
- 💭 Mental Health & Lifestyle Resets
📅 Weekly Format:
- Vitals Check – Clinical clarity from Dr. Lara
- Values in Focus – Real-world forces behind health: mindset, faith, emotions, relationships, identity, and environment
- The Honest Table – Candid convos & unfiltered guests
- The Real Takeaway – A lifestyle or mindset challenge for the week
This isn’t wellness theater. It’s not guru culture. It’s a movement for people who want to think critically, live intentionally, and take their health personally.
🎧 New episodes every Friday
📲 Follow @lbaat & @Fit_DRock on Instagram/TikTok
💼 Brought to you by Concierge Medicine of West Michigan – @cmwestmichigan
The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your personal physician before making changes to your health routine.
Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan
Online Lab Testing Explained: Accuracy, Cost, and Red Flags
Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the growing trend of ordering lab tests online, particularly focusing on Function Health. They explore the pros and cons of such tests, the importance of understanding blood test results, and the context in which these tests are interpreted. The conversation also delves into hormone testing, cholesterol levels, and the significance of nutritional testing. The hosts emphasize a patient-centric approach to lab testing, advocating for informed decisions and the need for clear communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Takeaways
Function Health promotes longevity through detailed lab testing.
Online lab tests can be less personalized than traditional methods.
Patients often misunderstand the necessity of certain tests.
False alarms from lab tests can cause unnecessary anxiety.
Not all tests are validated for general screening.
Understanding the context of lab results is crucial.
Hormone testing requires timing within the menstrual cycle.
Cholesterol testing guidelines vary by age and health status.
Nutritional testing may not always provide actionable insights.
Patient education is key to navigating lab test results.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Online Lab Testing
02:59 Exploring Function Health and Its Offerings
05:56 The Pros and Cons of Online Lab Tests
08:29 Understanding Blood Test Results
11:06 Hormone Testing and Its Implications
14:15 Cholesterol and Heart Health Testing
17:03 Nutritional Testing and Its Relevance
20:12 Cortisol and Stress Testing
22:49 Understanding Lab Tests and Their Costs
25:12 Patient-Centric Approach to Lab Testing
28:28 Interpreting Lab Results: The Challenge
31:06 Nutrition Recommendations from Lab Tests
35:24 The Debate on Processed Foods and Supplements
