This One Mistake Can Cost You a Decade of Health
But first, a quick update:
This week, I attended the American Psychiatric Association Conference in Los Angeles, where I soaked up lectures on integrative psychiatry and private practice management—and even met some of you who read this newsletter! It made me so happy. If you ever spot me in public, please come say hi—I’d love to meet you.
After the conference, we headed down to San Diego to check on our new home. If you missed our announcement video, you can watch it below
We’re incredibly excited—but also extremely overwhelmed. (Fellow homeowners, you know the pain of burning through cash those first few months… who knew couches were so expensive?) Luckily, my parents joined us in San Diego this week to help us prep the house. Now we’re heading back to Miami for a few more weeks—T-MINUS 3 WEEKS UNTIL I GRADUATE FROM RESIDENCY!—and then we are officially in San Diego for good!
Okay, let’s jump in to today’s topic…
One of my mentors in Psychiatry shared a story I’ve never forgotten.
He had a patient who exercised regularly, ate well, didn’t smoke, and appeared the picture of health. For years, the patient assured him that he was between primary care doctors and would get labs done eventually. My mentor assumed he was getting blood work done.
One day, he asked directly:
“When was the last time you received bloodwork?”
The patient paused.
“Over fifteen years ago.”
When labs were finally drawn, the patient's blood sugar and A1C (which provides an average picture of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months) were deep into the diabetes range. By then, much of damage had already been done. And the scariest part? He didn’t feel a thing.
The Mistake Too Many People Make
The mistake? Believing that feeling healthy means being healthy.
It’s like having a beautiful car you wash and vacuum weekly… but never getting under the hood. Until one day, the engine light comes on—and it’s already too late.
You wouldn’t wait fifteen years to service your car. So why do we wait to check on the body that drives our entire life?
What I Typically Order For My Patients
I practice integrative mental health—meaning I look at the full picture, not just symptoms. When appropriate, I order labs to check:
✅ Complete Blood Count (CBC) → screens for conditions like anemia that can cause fatigue
✅ Comprehensive Metabolic Profile → fasting blood sugar, liver, kidney function
✅ A1C → gives a 2–3 month picture of blood sugar levels
✅ Lipid Panel → cholesterol and triglyceride breakdown
✅ Thyroid Panel → thyroid issues can mimic depression or anxiety
✅ Vitamin D, B12, Folate (if needed) → deficiencies can impact mood, energy, and cognition
+ more tests depending on the patient!
What Labs Should You Get Checked?
This is a great question — but the answer isn’t always straightforward. There’s no universal recommendation for annual bloodwork. In fact, organizations like the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advise targeted screening based on individual risk, rather than routine annual panels for all healthy adolescents and adults.
That said, certain tests (like the ones listed below) are commonly ordered depending on your age, sex, health history, and risk factors — which is why it’s so important to have a conversation with your doctor to determine what’s right for you.
Based on my experience and training (and conversations with my wife, who just so happens to be a primary care physician), here’s a general overview of what’s typically checked. Remember, this list isn’t one-size-fits-all — always talk to your doctor to personalize your care.
Common Screenings for Adults:
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Fasting glucose or A1C
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
TSH (thyroid function)
STI screening (as needed)
Hepatitis C (one time screening)
Pap smear (for women, starting at 21)
Colonoscopy starting at 45 (for average-risk adults)
Mammogram every 1–2 years (for women starting at 40–45)
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) (for men, shared decision-making starting at 50)
Bone density screening (women 65+, or earlier if risk factors)
Vaccine updates (shingles, pneumonia, flu)
Vision and hearing screening (especially adults 65+)
Blood pressure checks
If you’re realizing it’s been years—or decades—since your last bloodwork or visit to a doctor: don’t panic. But I strongly recommend connecting with a primary care doctor. Knowing where you stand gives you power—and lets you take action before things spiral.
Goodman Psychiatry Waitlist is Open 🧑⚕️
After 4 years of medical school, 4 years of residency training, and thousands of hours with patients…
I’m launching my own integrative psychiatry practice: Goodman Psychiatry.
The waitlist is open:
⚠️ A few quick things:
I’m only licensed to see patients in California and Florida (for now!)
It’s a cash-pay practice to allow full flexibility in treatment
Being on the waitlist doesn’t guarantee a spot, but it does put you first in line when my team reaches out soon to gather more information
I’ll be treating conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia & sleep disorders, trauma related conditions, and so much more—using therapy, medication, nutrition, exercise, sleep strategies, and supplements when appropriate. This clinic is built on zero shame, zero judgment, and a whole lot of hope.
A Brief Thank You
Whether you’ve been with the Mental Health Movement Newsletter since January 2024 or just joined—thank you. Writing this newsletter has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey, and I’m so grateful to share it with you.
My mission is simple: to make evidence-based mental health education accessible to all. This newsletter is 100% free. For those who choose to donate—thank you. Your support goes directly into making this newsletter the best it can be.
Wishing you balance, health, and peace.
—Dr. Jake Goodman
Sources
United States Preventive Services Task Force
Liss DT, Uchida T, Wilkes CL, Radakrishnan A, Linder JA. General Health Checks in Adult Primary Care: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Jun 8;325(22):2294-2306. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.6524. PMID: 34100866.
Thank you for reading.
I’m so grateful you’re here. Thanks for investing in your health and taking steps toward a more balanced life—we’re in this together.
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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is based on evidence-supported research and personal experience, and is not intended to replace professional medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This newsletter does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees as to the completeness or accuracy of the information presented. Content is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Please note, submitting the intake form for my practice does not guarantee a response from our office. Completion of this form does not establish a client–patient relationship. We will respond to all qualified inquiries as promptly as possible.
Wishing you a wonderful career as you embark on your new practice, Dr. Jake. Congratulations on completing your residency which I know represents many years of hard work and dedication. It's great to hear that your spouse is also a physician so you can be a support for each other. San Diego sounds like a great place to live as well. I've enjoyed reading your newsletter which I find to be very informative. Many thanks and all the best!
Best wishes for continued success.