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.
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.
Our new rescue pup Woody keeps us lighthearted, on the move, in nature, and absorbing the sunshine! 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Thank you for reading and joining me on this wellness journey.
RSS Feed