I shared with readers a week or two ago about my experience with Function Health. At the time I had only received results for about 20 biomarkers. As of today, I have results for 101. There may be a few more pending, however it did assess my biological age at 38.9.  I remember 39, those were fun times, so I have no problem if on the outside I look 54 but on the inside I feel 39!  Below, you can learn a bit more about the breakdown and descriptions from Function Health. Eventually, when all the labs are analyzed, a clinician reaches out to review the results.  I also share below, an extreme example to reverse one's biological age, the intriguing experiment of venture capitalist, Bryan Johnson. Thanks for reading and enjoy the upcoming Independence Day celebrations!

​  Function Health identified a number of biomarkers that were less than optimal.  For instance, the hormone leptin which is our "fullness and satiety" responder was very low. This explains why I could eat all day and never feel full!  The site offers extensive information on root causes and solutions.  Another example is my Omega 3's were a bit low.  Omega 3's, found in fish oil and flaxseed, are known for their heart-protective effects including lowering triglycerides and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.  While the test measures Omegas 3, 6, and 9 it also does a cumulative test called OmegaCheck.  This is what Function Health shared in explanation to my results:

"Why it matters? OmegaCheck is a blood test that measures the percentage of three key omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, DHA, and DPA, out of the total circulating phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) in the blood, providing a comprehensive view of the body’s fatty acid profile. These omega-3s are important building blocks for cells and help regulate inflammation, support cardiovascular and brain function, and maintain overall metabolic health. Because the body can't produce enough of them on its own, they must come from food or supplements—most commonly from oily fish like salmon, sardines, or mackerel. OmegaCheck provides a direct look at how well the body is stocked with these essential fats, offering a more accurate picture than dietary tracking alone.

OmegaCheck is often used alongside other cardiovascular and metabolic tests to personalize health decisions. The test can also be useful for people with a family history of heart disease, high inflammation markers like hs-CRP, or those taking omega-3 supplements who want to know if they're getting enough. Since fatty acid metabolism varies significantly between individuals, OmegaCheck helps bridge the gap between what someone eats and what their body actually uses.
Further breakdown of omega-3 fatty acids measured in OmegaCheck
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

• Source: Found in fatty fish, fish oil, and algae oil. The body can also convert alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3, into EPA, but the process is inefficient, so direct sources are typically needed.
• Role: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, EPA helps lower triglycerides and supports both heart and mental health.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

• Source: Found in fatty fish, algae, and fish oil supplements. A small amount can be made from ALA, but conversion is limited, making dietary intake important.
• Role: A structural fat in the brain and retina, DHA is essential for cognition, vision, and nervous system development.

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

• Source: Found in cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. The body can produce DPA from EPA, and under certain conditions, convert DPA back to EPA or forward to DHA. Small amounts of DPA may also be synthesized from ALA, a plant-based omega-3 found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, though this conversion is limited.
• Role: Acts as an intermediary between EPA and DHA in the omega-3 pathway, but also has distinct biological functions. DPA contributes to cardiovascular and cognitive health, supports anti-inflammatory activity, and may serve as a reserve form of EPA or DHA, depending on the body’s needs.

By identifying how much omega-3 is truly circulating in the body, OmegaCheck provides a foundation for targeted nutrition, inflammation balance, cardiovascular protection, and personalized strategies to support long-term metabolic health.
Summary
OmegaCheck is a blood test that measures the percentage of three key omega-3 fats—EPA, DHA, and DPA—compared to all other phospholipid fats circulating in your blood. This balance affects how the body handles inflammation, protects the heart and brain, and supports long-term health.
Optimal ranges OmegaCheck is reported in the following risk values:

• Low risk: ≥5.5
• Moderate risk: 3.8-5.4
• High risk: ≤3.7

The laboratory's reference range for this biomarker is considered the optimal range and is reflected accordingly. The ranges charted alongside your results are provided by the laboratory. These are statistically derived from general populations in the United States, which some consider to be an inherently unhealthy benchmark for comparison. However, for some biomarkers, the laboratory reference range and the optimal reference range are the same, such as calcium or sodium. In contrast, the optimal ranges listed directly above are established by medical doctors with their own clinical experience and the scientific literature. Optimal ranges are often narrower and meant to identify patterns of a disease before it manifests. It is important to monitor changes in your results over time for a reliable understanding of your health.

SummaryA below-range OmegaCheck results indicate insufficient levels of key omega-3 fatty acids—EPA, DHA, and DPA—relative to other circulating fats in the blood. This often stems from low intake of omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, or algae, or from an imbalance caused by excess omega-6 intake from processed foods and seed oils (Dempsey, 2023; DiNicolantonio, 2021). When omega-3s are low, the body struggles to regulate inflammation effectively, which may increase the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
Root cause approach
A root cause approach to addressing a below-range OmegaCheck involves identifying and correcting factors contributing to the imbalance while supporting the body. Greater detail on food, lifestyle, and other considerations is provided in the sections that follow, but a general overview includes:

• Nutrition: Increasing intake of omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines) and algae-based sources can help restore omega-3 levels by directly providing this essential fatty acid. Reducing consumption of omega-6-rich processed foods and refined seed and vegetable oils may help restore the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, supporting anti-inflammatory pathways.
• Lifestyle: Regular physical activity and stress management techniques can reduce chronic stress and inflammation that can impact omega-3 absorption and metabolism.
• Gut health: Supporting gut health with probiotics and prebiotics can enhance nutrient absorption and improve fatty acid metabolism.
• Supplementation: High-quality omega-3 supplements containing EPA and DHA can support fatty acid balance and reduce inflammation. Dosage should be tailored to individual needs and monitored by a healthcare provider.
• Detoxification support: Addressing toxin exposure and promoting liver detoxification can improve fatty acid metabolism and cellular health while reducing oxidative stress.
• Follow-up testing: Regular monitoring of omega-3 levels—especially EPA, DHA, and DPA—through repeat OmegaCheck testing can assess short-to-mid-term progress and guide adjustments to the intervention plan.

This comprehensive strategy helps address the root causes of low omega-3 levels in the blood and supports the body’s ability to manage inflammation, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function.

Causes Root causes of a low OmegaCheck
Low OmegaCheck levels often result from inadequate dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, inefficient conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA, or imbalances in the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (Dempsey, 2023; DiNicolantonio, 2021). Chronic inflammation, stress, and metabolic conditions can also impair the body's ability to maintain optimal omega-3 levels, contributing to deficiencies.
Diet and lifestyle factors

• Inadequate diet: Consuming insufficient amounts of fatty fish, seafood, and plant-based sources like algae can lead to deficiencies in omega-3 levels, leading to a low OmegaCheck.
• High omega-6 intake: Eating a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in processed foods and refined vegetable and seed oils, can interfere with the balance of omega-3s in the body.
• Increased stress: Chronic stress may affect metabolism and utilization of fatty acids.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Limited physical activity may impair the body’s ability to regulate inflammation and fatty acid balance.

Other factors

• Poor gut health: An unhealthy gut microbiome can impair the absorption and metabolism of nutrients, including fatty acids.
• Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome can increase systemic inflammation and influence fatty acid balance.
• Chronic inflammation: High levels of inflammation increase the body's demand for omega-3 fatty acids, depleting stores.
• Oxidative stress: Excessive free radicals can damage fatty acids, reducing their availability and effectiveness in the body.
• Genetic factors: Variations in genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, such as FADS1 and FADS2, can reduce the conversion of ALA to EPA and reduce total omega-3 fatty acid levels.
• Aging: Age-related metabolic changes can reduce the efficiency of omega-3 fatty acid absorption and conversion.

Medications
Certain medications can contribute to low OmegaCheck results by affecting fatty acid metabolism or absorption.

• Statins: Commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, statins such as atorvastatin have been shown to significantly reduce circulating levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. This interaction may occur through changes in lipid metabolism or interference with fatty acid transport and absorption, potentially reducing the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation.

Substance use
Substance use can contribute to a low OmegaCheck through several mechanisms.

• Alcohol: Chronic alcohol use can impair the liver’s ability to metabolize and convert essential fatty acids, leading to reduced levels. Alcohol also affects nutrient absorption and may displace dietary intake of omega-3-rich foods.
• Smoking: Smoking is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which can disrupt fatty acid metabolism. Additionally, smoking can negatively affect nutritional status, including the intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Associated conditions:  A below-range OmegaCheck result reflects a broader imbalance in the body’s fatty acid profile. This imbalance can reduce the body’s ability to control inflammation, maintain cardiovascular and metabolic stability, and support long-term cellular health, making it a key upstream factor in the development of chronic conditions over time.
General conditions and diseases
Low levels of EPA are linked to several health issues, including:

• Cardiovascular disease: Low circulating omega-3 levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease, elevated triglycerides, and high blood pressure. EPA and DHA support arterial flexibility, reduce blood clotting and inflammation, and help lower triglycerides, all of which contribute to cardiovascular protection.
• Inflammatory conditions: A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to a pro-inflammatory state, raising the likelihood of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. Omega-3s play a central role in producing specialized lipid mediators that help resolve inflammation and restore immune balance (Droulin, 2019; Marton, 2019).
• Poor skin health: Low omega-3 levels may impair skin hydration and barrier function, contributing to dryness, sensitivity, and inflammatory skin conditions.
• Vision problems: DHA is an important structural fat in the retina. Inadequate levels of DHA and EPA may contribute to poor visual acuity and increased risk of age-related macular degeneration by weakening the eye’s ability to counter oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Metabolic Imbalances: Insufficient omega-3 fatty acids may impair glucose metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Thyroid dysfunction: Impaired thyroid function may affect lipid metabolism, reducing the body’s ability to synthesize and utilize omega-3 fatty acids efficiently, potentially leading to lower levels.
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Increased risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, is associated with a lower omega-3 index. Adequate omega-3 levels support cognitive functions such as memory and learning, and deficiencies are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Mental health conditions
Below-range OmegaCheck levels can also impact mental health, contributing to:

• Depression: Low omega-3 levels have been linked to an increased risk of depressive symptoms and mood disorders.
• Anxiety: Imbalances in fatty acid composition, including insufficient omega-3s, may contribute to greater susceptibility to anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
• Schizophrenia: Low omega-3 levels may increase the risk of schizophrenia or worsen its symptoms.

Foods to eatNutrition plays a key role in overall health. Nutrition 101 is a science-based review of foundational nutritional principles and eating practices that promote health and well-being. It is founded on three core principles:

• Whole real food: Eat real, whole, or minimally processed foods and avoid ultra-processed foods.
• Food is medicine: All food constituents, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals, regulate every process and cellular function in the body.
• Personalization: Age, sex, genetics, preferences, health conditions, and individual goals should guide the optimal diet for every unique individual.

Using food as medicine to support healthy OmegaCheck levels emphasizes eating whole, nutrient-rich foods that supply omega-3 fats and support the body’s ability to absorb and maintain a balanced fatty acid profile.

• Omega-3 rich foods
  • Fatty fish: Eating fatty fish is one of the most effective ways to raise circulating omega-3 levels. Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are rich in EPA and DHA, and including them in the diet 2-3 times per week can help support healthy OmegaCheck results.
  • Algal oil: For individuals who do not consume fish, algae-based omega-3 supplements are a plant-based source of EPA and DHA. These are ideal for vegetarians and vegans and have been shown to effectively raise omega-3 levels in the blood.
• Foods that enhance omega-3 conversion
  • Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts: These foods are high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor to EPA. Boosting intake of these can help support the body's conversion of ALA to EPA and other omega-3s.
• Foods that support gut health
• Probiotics and prebiotics: A healthy gut microbiome can enhance the absorption and metabolism of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. Probiotic-rich foods like kefir and fermented vegetables, and prebiotic-rich foods like onions, garlic, and bananas support gut health.
• Fiber-rich foods: Foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, support digestive health and can improve the absorption of nutrients, including omega-3s.

Foods to limit: Reducing inflammatory and nutrient-depleting foods is important while supporting the body's ability to restore balanced fatty acid levels.

• Trans fats and hydrogenated oils (margarine, partially hydrogenated oils): These unhealthy fats negatively impact fatty acid metabolism.
• Highly processed foods (e.g., fast food, snack foods, packaged baked goods): These products are often rich in harmful additives and refined vegetable and seed oils that are high in linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid. While LA is essential in small amounts, excessive intake—common in modern diets—can drive the body toward producing more inflammatory compounds and contribute to an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
• Excessive red meat and processed meats (sausages, bacon, hot dogs): These foods are significant sources of arachidonic acid (AA), another omega-6 fatty acid derived from animal products. High AA intake can increase the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, potentially worsening omega-3 deficiency and contributing to chronic inflammatory states.

For more information, visit Nutrition 101.

Supplements: Supplements can play an important role in supporting overall health and well-being by providing essential nutrients that may be lacking in a regular diet, regulating hormones and metabolic processes, and contributing to the prevention and management of various conditions. Supplements 101 provides more information on supplements.
Please remember, before introducing a new supplement, it’s wise to speak with your healthcare provider. If you have a medical condition or are on medication, this step helps you stay safe and make sure everything works together to support your health.
Targeted
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DPA, DHA)

• Benefits: Support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
• Dosage: Aim for 500-1,000 mg of EPA and DHA combined daily, with 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA per 1,000 mg.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Mechanism of action: Provide direct sources of EPA and DHA, which are incorporated into cell membranes, reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. For a healthy omega-3 index, consider a high-quality balanced EPA and DHA supplement from reputable brands that ensure purity, are free from mercury, and use processing methods to prevent oil oxidation.

Algal oil

• Benefits: Provides a plant-based source of omega-3 fats, supports cognitive function, and reduces inflammation.
• Dosage: 200-500 mg of combined EPA and DHA.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Mechanism of action: Some algae oils are rich in EPA and DHA to boost omega-3 intake and help maintain omega-3 balance, supporting cellular functions and reducing inflammation.

Flaxseed oil

• Benefits: A source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can convert to EPA, and supports cardiovascular health.
• Dosage: 1,000-2,000 mg.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Mechanism of action: ALA is converted to EPA, DPA, and DHA, contributing to the omega-3 pool and helping to balance omega-6 levels to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Krill oil

• Benefits: Provides EPA and DHA in phospholipid form, supports cognitive and cardiovascular health, and reduces inflammation.
• Dosage: 500-1,000 mg.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Mechanism of action: Krill oil, extracted from small, shrimp-like crustaceans found mainly in the Antarctic Ocean, is rich in EPA and DHA and contains choline, which may improve absorption and support overall omega-3 status. Unlike fish oil and algae oil, krill oil features these fatty acids bound to phospholipids, which may improve their bioavailability, allowing for incorporation into cell membranes, improving omega-3 status, and reducing inflammation.

Spirulina

• Benefits: Provides plant-based omega-3s and antioxidants and supports immune function.
• Dosage: 1-3 g.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Mechanism of action: Contains ALA and other nutrients that support omega-3 levels, and reduces oxidative stress.

Generalized
Generalized supplements can support healthy OmegaCheck levels by promoting a better balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and helping to shift the body toward a more anti-inflammatory state.
Evening primrose oil

• Benefits: Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), supports skin health, and reduces inflammation.
• Dosage: 500-1,000 mg.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Mechanism of action: Provides GLA, which converts to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, and helps balance omega-6 and omega-3 ratios.

Vitamin D3

• Benefits: Enhances omega-3 absorption and utilization and supports immune function and bone health.
• Dosage: 1,000-2,000 IU.
• Frequency: Daily with omega-3s.
• Mechanism of action: Aids in omega-3 fatty acid absorption and helps balance omega-3 and omega-6 levels.

Curcumin

• Benefits: A potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; supports joint health and may improve omega-3 efficacy.
• Dosage: 500-1,000 mg.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Mechanism of action: Inhibits inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress. Curcumin may enhance omega-3 fatty acid levels by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby improving the body's ability to utilize and maintain omega-3 fatty acids.

Alpha-lipoic acid

• Benefits: An antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Dosage: 300-600 mg.
• Frequency: Once to twice daily.
• Mechanism of action: Neutralizes free radicals and enhances the regeneration of other antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Probiotics

• Benefits: Support gut health and may help reduce systemic inflammation.
• Dosage: 5-20 billion CFUs, depending on the specific strain and health goals.
• Frequency: Once daily.
• Mechanism of action: Modulate the immune system and help maintain gut integrity, reducing the systemic effects of inflammation.

Milk thistle (silybum marianum)

• Benefits: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in liver health.
• Dosage: 140-600 mg of silymarin.
• Frequency: Two to three times daily.
• Mechanism of action: Protects against oxidative damage and reduces inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways.

SymptomsA below-range OmegaCheck does not typically cause symptoms on its own; rather, symptoms usually arise when associated health conditions develop.

Self care Exercise and movement
Exercise can support healthy OmegaCheck levels by reducing inflammation, improving fat metabolism, and enhancing the body’s ability to absorb and utilize omega-3 fatty acids. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities—such as walking, cycling, or swimming—have been shown to lower systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may help protect omega-3s from degradation. Resistance training, such as weightlifting, can enhance lipid metabolism, ensuring better utilization of dietary fats. Consistent, balanced physical activity supports the body’s ability to restore and maintain essential fatty acid levels.
For more detailed information on exercise, please refer to Exercise 101.
Weight management
Weight balance may help support healthier OmegaCheck levels by reducing chronic inflammation and enhancing the body’s ability to metabolize and utilize omega-3 fatty acids. Improved insulin sensitivity, often associated with maintaining a balanced weight, also promotes more efficient processing of fatty acids. While weight management doesn’t directly change omega-3 levels, a balanced intake of healthy fats can positively influence hormones like leptin, which regulate appetite, energy expenditure, and fat storage—all of which contribute to long-term metabolic stability.
Refer to Weight Management 101 for foundational principles for healthy weight management.
Sleep optimization
Quality sleep is essential for maintaining healthy OmegaCheck levels by supporting anti-inflammatory pathways, metabolic function, and lipid regulation. Poor sleep increases the production of inflammatory cytokines and stress-related hormones (Dzierzewski, 2020; Hanlon, 2016), which can impair the body’s ability to maintain balanced levels of circulating omega-3s. Restorative sleep, meanwhile, helps maintain insulin sensitivity and stable metabolic function, both of which are important for the effective absorption, transport, and utilization of omega-3 fatty acids.
Visit Sleep 101 for practical tips on improving sleep.
Mental health and stress reduction
Chronic stress can disrupt biological systems like inflammation pathways, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and autonomic nervous system function, all of which are linked to lower omega-3 levels in the body. Elevated inflammatory markers, higher cortisol, and changes in heart rate regulation may increase the turnover and depletion of omega-3 fatty acids, leading to reduced plasma concentrations over time. Effective stress management practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and therapy, can lower inflammation and support healthier metabolic processes. By reducing physiological stress, these approaches enhance the body’s ability to maintain balanced omega-3 levels and a more favorable overall fatty acid profile.
For more information on mental health and stress management, visit Mental Health 101 and Stress Management 101.
Detoxification
Detoxification may enhance omega-3 levels by reducing systemic inflammation and supporting fatty acid metabolism. See Environmental Health 101.
Gut health support
Supporting gut health may boost omega-3 levels by enhancing fatty acid metabolism and absorption through a healthy microbiome. See Gut Health 101. 

The above is the summary and action plan from only one biomarker, Omegacheck.  Function Health provides this level of detail for more than 100 biomarkers.  It is an ideal education into your personal physiology.  I have yet to work my way through all the results, however time and again the action plan returns to the basics of appropriate sleep, cardiovascular and muscle building exercise, plus eliminating processed foods.  While I have tried to be observant and disciplined in my daily habits over the past 15+ years, in no way am I perfect. I indulge in my weaknesses of chocolate, sugar and caffeine more often than I care to recount plus I tend to be a "grazer" which is not ideal for glucose and insulin levels. I recently even cancelled my gym membership due to lack of use! My point it, you can still be 15 years younger in biological age by adhering to the basics with 80% consistency. ​

If you want to examine the extreme example, then check out the work of Bryan Johnson who at nearly 50, records a biological age of 18. (His son is 19 and his goal was to have the biomarkers of a teen) With the wealth accrued as an inventor and venture capitalist (he sold Venmo to Paypal for $800 million) he conducts a daily scientific experiment on himself. Netflix recently released a documentary about Johnson's home life as well as his travels abroad for procedures meant to improve his health and extend his lifespan.  Johnson has received some vitriol for his work, people complaining about his wealth or obsession, but all he is really doing is sharing free information with the public in terms of what health investments have yielded the best (and worst) results. www.netflix.com/title/81757532
You can also learn more about Bryan Johnson on his IG and website blueprint.bryanjohnson.com/pages/blueprint-protocol.

Thanks for reading! If you have interest in Function Health, this link will lead you to their website. my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=TLARSON15&_saasquatch=TLARSON15  
​Have a great week and hope to see you for July Mat Classes beginning after the holiday weekend.

We continue our Summer Programming beginning July 8th and July 9th.  If you're new to Pilates, I recommend starting with a few 1:1 sessions to learn the fundamentals and get familiar with the Pilates apparatus including the reformer, chair, & ladder barrel—all are excellent tools for building strength, mobility, balance and body awareness.

 Pilates Summer Camp – Group Mat Classes
Join us for 4-week sessions in June, July, and August:

• Tuesdays at 8:30 AM
• Wednesdays at 5:15 PM
   $50 per 4-week session (1x/week)
   Reserve your spot: Venmo @Tiffany-Larson-32
  (Min. 3 / Max. 10 per class. Pro-rating available.)

 Want a custom class?
Create your own Private Pilates Mat Party! Pick a day/time, gather 3–10 friends, and I’ll tailor the class to your group—whether you want beginner fundamentals, yoga fusion, pre-season youth athletic training, foam roller/props focus...you decide!
Same pricing applies: 4 weeks @ $50.
​Thank you for being a part of Home Training, LLC.  

If interested in Function Health, here is a link to get you started! my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=TLARSON15&_saasquatch=TLARSON15

Over the years, I’ve shared several personal “health field trips” aimed at better understanding and optimizing my wellness. These have included a coronary calcium score screening ($79 at Grafton Aurora) Read more ›, an evaluation of bone density and muscle mass at UW Milwaukee ($100) Read more ›, a month of using a continuous glucose monitor under the guidance of a registered dietitian Read more ›, and participation in the Prolon 5-Day Fast Read more ›. Each of these experiences stemmed from my personal curiosity to understand how my body works and to explore ways to support long-term health.
Most recently, I invested in Function Health, a membership-based service founded by Dr. Mark Hyman. Function Health offers comprehensive lab testing—over 100 tests covering heart, thyroid, hormones, metabolism, and more—that are often not included in routine care. Learn how it works › The platform then provides expert analysis and personalized insights to help individuals make informed, proactive decisions about their health.

In my view, the best health insurance is simply clean living. Daily sunlight, quality sleep, regular exercise, nutritious food, and meaningful friendships (pets included) all have a powerful impact on well-being and can significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease. That said, most of us still need actual health insurance in case of unexpected illness or injury—and it’s not cheap. For years, as a self-employed family of four, our monthly premiums at one point climbed to nearly $2,000—and that was just the premium. Any additional care—prescriptions, labs, or procedures—came with more out-of-pocket costs just to meet our deductible.
Now that our children are “adulting” and employed with companies that thankfully contribute to their health plans, our own healthcare expenses have become more manageable. I continue to see my internal medicine physician once a year—the same doctor who once prescribed me a pair of running shoes to lower elevated liver enzymes. (It worked!) Before turning to medication, he often recommends an iron-rich steak, consistent movement, and smart lifestyle changes. He also helps monitor my Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition I was diagnosed with nearly 24 years ago after the birth of my daughter.
At the time, comprehensive care wasn’t as accessible, and online health resources were limited. I simply accepted that I’d be on thyroid medication for life. Looking back, had I known Dr. Brown then, he might have taken a more holistic, low-dose approach—supporting my thyroid while also addressing adrenal and endocrine health. Still, at 54, I feel vibrant and strong. I just wish I didn’t have to rely on thyroid medication forever.

Even though I receive routine testing once a year through my annual physical, many of the most insightful lab panels aren’t covered by insurance. So when I discovered the comprehensive testing offered by Function Health—twice yearly lab work for $499 through Quest Diagnostics—I was intrigued. It’s still a significant investment, and I hesitated to use our HSA funds. But at this stage in life, I recognized the potential value of having a deeper understanding of my health.
One major factor that tipped the scales was that I had been considering a follow-up hormone panel after eight months of using topical estrogen and oral progesterone. That test alone would have cost around $400 with insurance—yet it was included as part of Function Health’s 100+ lab markers. Function Health is the brainchild of Dr. Mark Hyman, a well-known internist and leader in functional medicine, who aims to make advanced lab testing and personalized insights more accessible and affordable than traditional medical routes.

Last week, I made the 35-minute drive south to the Mayfair Mall area, home to the nearest Quest Diagnostics location. I checked in, and they had my lab order from Function Health ready to go. The kind phlebotomist drew about 10 vials of blood—so be sure to stay well-hydrated and follow the instructions to fast for at least eight hours beforehand. The initial Function Health testing takes place over two weeks, so I returned today for the second round, which included a urinalysis and another 10 vials of blood.
When I arrived at 7:20 a.m., despite receiving confirmation reminders from Function Health, my lab order hadn’t been submitted—apparently due to a technical glitch. Thankfully, with a few quick texts to the company, the issue was resolved, and I was finished with my appointment by 8 a.m. Later that afternoon, I received a thoughtful and apologetic message from Function Health’s COO, Pranitha Patil, acknowledging the inconvenience. She explained that a system error on June 19 had temporarily disrupted lab order submissions to Quest, affecting multiple users. As a gesture of goodwill, they sent me a $100 Visa gift card.
Here’s an excerpt from her email:
“I want to personally follow up regarding the technical issue that impacted your lab visit today. On June 19th, a system error disrupted our ability to submit lab orders to Quest Diagnostics in real time, causing delays and rescheduling for several members. We know how valuable your time is and how frustrating unexpected disruptions can be. We take full responsibility for the inconvenience this caused and are actively implementing safeguards to prevent similar issues in the future. As a gesture of our sincere apology, we will be sending you a $100 Visa Gift Card to this email address today. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We’re here for you and committed to ensuring your Function experience is seamless moving forward.
To 100 healthy years,
Pranitha Patil, COO, Function Health.”

The follow-up from Ms. Patil was both unexpected and unnecessary—but immensely appreciated. When a company not only acknowledges an error but also takes full responsibility and offers a $100 gift card as a gesture of goodwill, it speaks volumes about their integrity and customer care. In contrast, I can’t recall a time when any traditional health insurance provider—despite the thousands of dollars we’ve paid over the years—has ever extended an apology, let alone a refund, for staying healthy or navigating technical issues.
Of course, we don’t expect large insurance corporations to offer that kind of personal connection. And that’s exactly what sets Function Health apart. In my opinion, exercise, sunlight, nutritious food, restful sleep, and strong social connections are the true foundations of health insurance. Pair those with comprehensive yearly lab testing to monitor metabolic, heart, hormonal, thyroid, and immune function—and you begin to take real ownership of your long-term health.

As of today, I’ve already received 22 lab results from last week’s testing, with more on the way. Function Health also includes a fascinating assessment of biological age, using a method called Phenotypic Age. This calculation incorporates biomarkers such as albumin, creatinine, glucose, and mean cell volume to provide a more nuanced picture of how your body is aging—beyond just the number on your birth certificate. Here’s hoping I’m holding as strong as the hairspray from 1989!
Thank you for reading and joining me on this wellness journey.

Dear Pilates Friends,
I'm excited to announce that our Summer Mat Series begins next week! We'll be offering mixed-level classes on:

• Tuesdays at 8:30 AM
  
• Wednesdays at 5:15 PM
  

Each month--June, July, and August—will feature a new 4-week session. You're welcome to join for one or all!
Cost: $50 per session (1x/week).
To reserve your spot, please Venmo @tiffany-larson-32.
If you don’t use Venmo, no problem—just let me know you plan to attend and you can pay at the first class.

A Special Thank You
To my personal training clients—thank you for your continued dedication. Summer fills quickly, and I appreciate your commitment to Pilates. It provides a powerful foundation for so many activities—gardening, golf, tennis, and more!
Just a quick reminder: Pilates is a full system of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, focused on core strength, control, and mindful movement. The core—what Joseph referred to as the “powerhouse”—includes the abdominals, lower back, and hips, and it supports every movement we make.
Mat classes are excellent, but I always recommend trying a few sessions on the equipment (reformer, tower, chair, barrel, ped-o-pul) to deepen your understanding of the full Pilates system. The equipment introduces resistance, which enhances both muscle activation and mind-body awareness.

Waiver for Participation
Please find the waiver attached. If you’re able to print and bring it to your first class or training appointment, that’s great. If not, I’ll have copies available when you arrive.

Looking for Something More?
Several clients have organized private mat classes to enjoy Pilates with friends. If you'd like to create your own group, develop a group for young athletes, or try buddy training, let me know—I'd be happy to help set that up.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
In Good Health,
Tiffany Larson, MHS, OTR, Power Pilates Instructor, RYT
 www.hometrainingllc.com
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​Dear Pilates Friends,
I'm excited to announce details for summer training and Pilates programming!

 Personal Training resumes May 20. If you're new to Pilates, I recommend starting with a few 1:1 sessions to learn the fundamentals and get familiar with the Pilates apparatus including the reformer, chair, & ladder barrel—all are excellent tools for building strength, mobility, balance and body awareness.

 Pilates Summer Camp – Group Mat Classes
Join us for 4-week sessions in June, July, and August:

• Tuesdays at 8:30 AM
• Wednesdays at 5:15 PM
   $50 per 4-week session (1x/week)
   Reserve your spot: Venmo @Tiffany-Larson-32
  (Min. 3 / Max. 10 per class. Pro-rating available.)

 Want a custom class?
Create your own Private Pilates Mat Party! Pick a day/time, gather 3–10 friends, and I’ll tailor the class to your group—whether you want beginner fundamentals, yoga fusion, pre-season youth athletic training, foam roller/props focus...you decide!
Same pricing applies: 4 weeks @ $50.
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Let’s move, strengthen, and have fun this summer!
Reach out with any questions or to get started.

Easter weekend I made a quick trip to Homestead, Florida to visit my dad. In addition, my sister and her son Brian, who graduates this June from high school also joined in the reunion. We had beautiful weather and I wandered the grove appreciating all the natural plants and produce. One of the most amazing plants that seems to grow almost wild is the aloe plant. The edges of its thick leaves look like the back or tail of a dinosaur with spiky points. I can only presume that these spikes are essentially the plant's mechanism to protect itself from predators. They didn't stand a chance against me! If ever you have suffered a sunburn, there is nothing more soothing than the gel which exists inside the aloe plant's leaves. In addition, many report this fresh gel is also useful as a hair mask.  The gel is also used to ease digestive discomfort. Aloe contains enzymes that can help break down sugar and fats, promoting regularity and reducing inflammation.  It's this same anti-inflammatory property that is soothing to sunburns. Aloe vera may also contribute to gut health by increasing the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.  Because the plant is abundant in our grove, I made it a point to cut a few of these dinosaur leaves and bring them back to Marco for experimentation.  There have been times over the years when I would buy aloe juice from a health food store but I don't routinely drink or add the fresh aloe from the farm in my smoothies or juices.  

It's simple to scoop out the gel. First cut off the spiky points, cut the long leaf into manageable pieces, and then carefully slice the thick skin of the plant off of one side. It's a bit like fileting a fish. You can then either use a spoon to scoop out the gooey insides or use your knife again to cut off all the skin leaving only the remaining, slippery gel. Add the gel to your blender and puree into a thickened liquid. Pour into a cup, cover and refrigerate for future use (within 7 days).  The liquid could also be placed into ice-cube trays and frozen for up to a year. A word of caution, the outer aloe skin and the secondary layer contain a compound called aloin which can be irritating as a natural laxative and may cause skin irritation. Make sure you cut all the green off to avoid a harsh reaction. Some recommend soaking the leaves overnight in fresh water to help eliminate this compound. I will likely only use the gel post-sun and maybe mixed with my hair conditioner.

​While I was wandering the grove, I happened to pass this unique structure, a swarm of bees had formed a colony in a tree!  While we would often encounter wasps and yellow jackets while picking avocados, I can't say I recall seeing a bee formation quite like this one! Even my dad was intrigued so we ventured back with Brian to get a better view. Important too that my dad be aware of this swarm, because whether he or a grove helper is mowing or working in the area, one little disturbance could create a serious attack.  According to Grok, this beehive in an avocado tree is often referred to as a "natural beehive" or "wild beehive" since it is built by bees in a tree without human intervention.  These hives are typically made by honeybees and consist of wax combs hanging from the branches.

Thank you for reading!