• Published on: Dec 08, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is A Calcium Blood Test?

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What is a calcium blood test?

The calcium blood test is a simple and popularly used test for determining one's "risk" for a variety of diseases.  A patient will typically have in-office phlebotomy to obtain blood, with lab technicians then taking the sample to check the level of calcium in the blood with point-of-care laboratory equipment.

Due to its accuracy and low cost, it is used extensively in clinical laboratories as a screening tool for numerous conditions related to metabolic disorders such as diabetes or hyperparathyroidism including but not limited to increased risk of bone fractures.

The 'calcium blood test is performed to determine the calcium concentration in the blood. The level of calcium varies with age, habitation location, pregnancy status, and medications being taken. Calcium plays an important role in muscular relaxation, nerve impulse transmission, regulating vital body activity, bone metabolism, and also enables teeth mineralization.

A calcium blood test checks for an imbalance in the levels of two types of calcium in the bloodstream. It measures the level of ionized and total serum calcium. If one exceeds the other, it can be a sign that there is a problem with absorbing or regulating all types of calcium.

In recent years new research has emerged suggesting that typical Western diets—which are high in sugar intake—both promote not only diabetes but also cardiovascular disease by causing chronic stress on our body’s ability to regulate glucose metabolism and to create insulin resistance, which triggers high levels of sugar-induced inflammation toxins (specifical fructose) that interfere with cellular metabolism and DNA signaling pathways.

A calcium blood test is a procedure that measures the amount of calcium in your blood. Depending on how high or low the levels are, this could mean many things. A high level of serum calcium indicates hypercalcemia. This usually occurs when there is excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by abnormal cells in your body, such as teratoma cancers and certain types of malignancies or polycythemia vera. The excess PTH increases renal clearance and resorption rates so you excrete more calcium than normal through urination, causing increased levels in the bloodstream. It may also occur with hyperparathyroidism (also called primary hyperparathyroidism), mineral bone disease.

The calcium blood test measures the amount of calcium in the blood and is used to screen for potential health problems such as kidney disease, intestinal bypass surgery, and pseudo fractures. A pseudo proximal fracture (also known as a false fracture) is a break on an X-ray that does not occur at or near a joint. Pseudo proximal fractures are more easily seen on bone films than plain films because they show calcification throughout the length of the bone where they usually do not appear on X-rays. Pseudo proximal fractures can be caused by any injury which pulls hard enough to allow quick formation of xanthotic new bone — 24 hours — just before healing occurs.

The estrogen hormone in girls and older women controls the level of calcium in their blood. Estrogen helps make more of the protein that keeps the body's calcium in the bones. It also tightens up muscle cells so they can't let go of this stored-up calcium when a bone is resorbed; instead, it stays around to keep bones strong. This means your child will need to eat about 2,500 mg per day - many times what she needs for bone health alone - just to maintain proper function!

High dietary intake early on encourages even stronger kidney lfts among 6-year-olds with type 1 diabetes. Testosterone levels also play a role because it regulates the production of an enzyme necessary for normal blood.

This blood test measures the level of calcium in someone's blood. The inverse correlation between bone density and fracture risk may have led to a common belief that increases in circulating levels of calcitriol, consistent with an increase in dietary intake, should be associated with a higher bone mineral content and a lower occurrence of fractures.

One way to measure calcium during a blood test is with the presence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. If PTH levels are low, it may suggest the body does not need more calcium. Low or absent levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) may indicate:

  • the bone marrow has been destroyed and is no longer synthesizing new red blood cells
  • high liver fibrosis interfering with the production of PTH by the thyroid gland
  • irreversible kidney damage or chronic renal failure

Lower than average levels for this exam would include goiter/low iodine intake, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, malabsorption such as celiac disease. Higher

The calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the person's bloodstream. Certain heart or kidney problems can show up on this particular type of test, but it is more commonly used to detect hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is generally caused by cancer cells which are rapidly increasing in number and will often cause symptoms that include bone pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. It can also sometimes lead to arrhythmias or altered mental states.

A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This reveals how much protein you're breaking down to provide your tissues with extra energy because protein is broken down into its main component--glucose (or sugar).

Osteoporosis, osteopenia, or bone fracture prevention.

High levels of vitamin D deficiency.

Metabolic acidosis (not enough acid in bloodstream) .

Kidney failure.

Lactate buildup due to anaerobic metabolism. The body switches from aerobic metabolism for simple tasks to anaerobic metabolism when you run out of oxygen during intense exercise, causing lactate accumulation that can lead to fatigue.

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Desk Plants

Desk Plants Distribution Drive: Improving Mental Health and Workplace decor

Workplace wellness is no longer limited to health checkups and fitness programs. Modern organisations are recognising that mental wellbeing, emotional balance and the physical environment play an equally important role in employee health. One initiative that effectively addresses all three is the Desk Plants Distribution Drive.

Introducing greenery into everyday workspaces is a low-cost, high-impact strategy that improves mental health while enhancing office décor and employee satisfaction.

 

Why Mental Health Needs Everyday Support at Work

Employees today face:

  • prolonged screen exposure
     

  • high work pressure
     

  • sedentary routines
     

  • constant digital connectivity
     

According to World Health Organization and Indian workplace health data, chronic stress and burnout are rising across industries. Small environmental interventions can significantly reduce daily stress and mental fatigue.

 

What Is a Desk Plants Distribution Drive?

A Desk Plants Distribution Drive involves distributing small, easy-to-maintain plants to employees for placement on their desks or workstations.

These drives are typically:

  • organisation-wide
     

  • part of wellness or engagement programs
     

  • aligned with sustainability initiatives
     

Common desk plants include succulents, pothos, snake plants and peace lilies.

 

How Desk Plants Improve Mental Health

Stress Reduction

Natural elements have a calming effect on the brain. Studies in occupational psychology show that the presence of plants reduces stress hormone levels and promotes relaxation.

Employees surrounded by greenery report feeling calmer and less overwhelmed during the workday.

 

Improved Mood and Emotional Balance

Green environments stimulate positive emotional responses. Desk plants help:

  • reduce irritability
     

  • improve mood
     

  • create a sense of comfort and wellbeing
     

This supports emotional resilience at work.

 

Impact on Focus and Cognitive Performance

Mental fatigue is a major contributor to reduced productivity.

Desk plants help by:

  • improving concentration
     

  • reducing attention fatigue
     

  • enhancing creativity
     

Research published in workplace wellbeing studies indicates that even small amounts of greenery improve cognitive performance.

 

Enhancing Workplace Décor and Atmosphere

Visual Comfort

Plants soften rigid office interiors, making workspaces feel more welcoming and less clinical.

 

Personalised Workspaces

Desk plants allow employees to personalise their environment, increasing ownership and job satisfaction.

 

Improved Indoor Environment

Some plants help reduce indoor pollutants and contribute to a fresher workspace experience.

 

Desk Plants and Emotional Connection to Workspaces

Having a living element at the desk fosters:

  • mindfulness
     

  • responsibility
     

  • emotional attachment to the workspace
     

These subtle psychological effects support long-term engagement.

 

Why Desk Plant Drives Work Well in Corporate Wellness Programs

Desk plant initiatives are:

  • easy to implement
     

  • budget-friendly
     

  • scalable across teams
     

  • inclusive for all roles
     

They create visible, daily reminders of organisational commitment to employee wellbeing.

 

Sustainability and CSR Alignment

A Desk Plants Distribution Drive supports:

  • environmental responsibility
     

  • green workplace practices
     

  • sustainability goals
     

It reflects a balanced approach to people and planet wellbeing.

 

Choosing the Right Plants for Offices

Ideal desk plants should be:

  • low maintenance
     

  • tolerant of indoor lighting
     

  • compact and non-intrusive
     

  • safe for shared environments
     

Providing simple care guidelines ensures long-term success.

 

Employee Engagement Through Green Initiatives

These drives encourage:

  • shared participation
     

  • wellness conversations
     

  • positive social interaction
     

They strengthen workplace culture without disrupting work routines.

 

Measuring the Impact of Desk Plant Initiatives

Organisations can assess impact through:

  • employee feedback surveys
     

  • stress and engagement indicators
     

  • workspace satisfaction scores
     

According to EY-FICCI workplace wellness reports, environmental wellness initiatives contribute to sustained engagement.

 

Long-Term Benefits for Organisations

Consistent green initiatives are linked to:

  • reduced burnout
     

  • improved morale
     

  • better employee retention
     

  • stronger employer branding
     

Small environmental changes create long-lasting wellness benefits.

 

Desk Plants as a Gateway to Holistic Wellness

Desk plant drives often lead to:

  • increased interest in mental health programs
     

  • mindfulness and stress management initiatives
     

  • ergonomic and workspace improvements
     

They act as a foundation for broader wellness strategies.

 

Why Simplicity Matters in Wellness Programs

Complex programs often fail due to low participation.

Desk plant initiatives succeed because they:

  • integrate naturally into daily life
     

  • require minimal effort
     

  • deliver visible benefits
     

Simplicity ensures sustainability.

 

Conclusion

A Desk Plants Distribution Drive is a powerful yet simple workplace wellness initiative that improves mental health and enhances office décor. By introducing greenery into daily work environments, organisations create calmer, more engaging and emotionally supportive spaces. These initiatives demonstrate that employee wellbeing is influenced not only by policies and programs but also by the environments in which people work. Small green changes can make a meaningful difference to mental wellbeing, productivity and workplace culture.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Mental Health and Environmental Design
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Mental Health and Lifestyle Studies
  • Lancet – Nature Exposure and Psychological Wellbeing Research
  • NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Mental Health Reports
  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Employee Engagement Studies
  • Statista – Workplace Wellness and Environmental Design Trends

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