How many of you get a blood test every year?

Bunny · October 21st, 2009, 08:25 AM

Well according to one of my classes, we were told that it's a good idea to get a blood test every year and request that your doctor check for LEAD LEVELS.

Especially if you:
*shoot often
*shoot in an indoor range
*handle more than a few hundred rounds a month
*are an instructor or RSO
*reload
*smoke, eat, drink, or chew gum on the range (yes, it violates most safety rules, but I see lots of folks chew gum or bring water bottles, especially in hot weather)
*forget to wash your hands after the range and then eat or drink

Many of us go for annual exams, and usually get the bloodwork run, but did you know that UNLESS YOU ASK, they will not run lead levels?

"Normal" levels should be under 10 ppm, as I understand it.

Now please, next time you go for your annual physical and bloodwork, ask your doctor to run the test for lead levels. Lead poisoning doesn't just happen when babies eat old paint chips.

This has been a Bunny PSA :)

MitchellCT · October 21st, 2009, 08:35 AM

I do a written blood test every six months.

I've never failed yet for anything yet!

ibesarcasm · October 21st, 2009, 09:37 AM

Dang!! And all this time I been worried about STD's!!!

varob · October 21st, 2009, 10:16 AM

Yes, I have to have blood work done at least once a year testing for, among other toxins, lead.

It's a work thing.

RoadRunner71 · October 21st, 2009, 12:17 PM

Most definately! Especially if you shoot often in an indoor range. Yes, they run air filters, but that doesn't do anything as you are standing there in the "cloud" from your just-fired string.

Oh, and always, always, always wash your hands, face and any exposed skin in cool water after handling/shooting your guns/ammo.

Thanks for the reminder, Bunny!

jowgafist · October 21st, 2009, 01:09 PM

I do.

Rock and Glock · October 21st, 2009, 01:21 PM

Annually or more frequent more all of the usual suspects (PSA's, cholesterol, etc.). Not for lead thou, since I do not reload, use jacketed rounds, and exercise "extreme" hygiene at the ranges. I'll put it on the list to ask Doc thou.

Good reminder.

Orange Boy · October 21st, 2009, 01:34 PM

Good post...I'll ask next time.

ppkheat · October 21st, 2009, 02:05 PM

EXCELLENT idea.

I get one every year along with a physical. I hadn't thought about the lead thing. I don't handle hardly any lead, and I don't shoot in an indoor range. I'm probably not risky but I might add the lead check to my next blood test anyway.

You know that request might be a conversation opener and good way to see where your Doc stands on 2A stuff.

Wasabi · October 21st, 2009, 02:11 PM

Thanks for the heads-up,

I'll ask my Doc next time to check.

October 21st, 2009, 08:25 AM	#1
Bunny Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Carolina - LKN Posts: 1,198	How many of you get a blood test every year? Well according to one of my classes, we were told that it's a good idea to get a blood test every year and request that your doctor check for LEAD LEVELS. Especially if you: shoot often shoot in an indoor range handle more than a few hundred rounds a month are an instructor or RSO reload smoke, eat, drink, or chew gum on the range (yes, it violates most safety rules, but I see lots of folks chew gum or bring water bottles, especially in hot weather) forget to wash your hands after the range and then eat or drink Many of us go for annual exams, and usually get the bloodwork run, but did you know that UNLESS YOU ASK, they will not run lead levels? "Normal" levels should be under 10 ppm, as I understand it. Now please, next time you go for your annual physical and bloodwork, ask your doctor to run the test for lead levels. Lead poisoning doesn't just happen when babies eat old paint chips. This has been a Bunny PSA :) __________________ Don't frisk me, I am the weapon.* Sig Sauer P239 DAK (9mm) NRA Member & Pistol Instructor www.vanguardnc.com

October 21st, 2009, 09:37 AM	#3
ibesarcasm Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 195	Dang!! And all this time I been worried about STD's!!! __________________ Sarcasm - Just one of the many services I provide! Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

October 21st, 2009, 10:16 AM	#4
varob Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,273	Yes, I have to have blood work done at least once a year testing for, among other toxins, lead. It's a work thing. __________________ Don't believe what you hear and only half of what you see! -Tony Soprano

October 21st, 2009, 12:17 PM	#5
RoadRunner71 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,102	Most definately! Especially if you shoot often in an indoor range. Yes, they run air filters, but that doesn't do anything as you are standing there in the "cloud" from your just-fired string. Oh, and always, always, always wash your hands, face and any exposed skin in cool water after handling/shooting your guns/ammo. Thanks for the reminder, Bunny! __________________ "Mind own business" "Always cut cards"

October 21st, 2009, 01:09 PM	#6
jowgafist Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 435	I do. __________________ Stay informed, Join VA-Alert NRA Certified Instructor Jow Ga Kung Fu "Gun on, Pride off." ~John Murphy

October 21st, 2009, 08:35 AM	#2
MitchellCT Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,005	I do a written blood test every six months. I've never failed yet for anything yet!

October 21st, 2009, 01:21 PM	#7
Rock and Glock VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado at 9,500' Posts: 4,440	Annually or more frequent more all of the usual suspects (PSA's, cholesterol, etc.). Not for lead thou, since I do not reload, use jacketed rounds, and exercise "extreme" hygiene at the ranges. I'll put it on the list to ask Doc thou. Good reminder. __________________ Richard NRA Life Member *"Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything."* Harry S. Truman

October 21st, 2009, 01:34 PM	#8
Orange Boy Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 35	Good post...I'll ask next time.

October 21st, 2009, 02:05 PM	#9
ppkheat Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,627	EXCELLENT idea. I get one every year along with a physical. I hadn't thought about the lead thing. I don't handle hardly any lead, and I don't shoot in an indoor range. I'm probably not risky but I might add the lead check to my next blood test anyway. You know that request might be a conversation opener and good way to see where your Doc stands on 2A stuff. __________________ Whatever hits the fan will not be distributed evenly.

October 21st, 2009, 02:11 PM	#10
Wasabi Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lutz, FL Posts: 1,027	Thanks for the heads-up, I'll ask my Doc next time to check. __________________ "Life's tough......It's even tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne

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