The Risks of Vaping

If you are a parent worried that your child may be vaping, you are not alone. Alarming research shows that 2.5 million middle and high school students in the United States are vaping. Out of this group, nearly 30% of youth are using e-cigarettes daily, this information is based on recently released data compiled by the FDA and CDC from their 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey. This data  led the U.S. Surgeon General to declare e-cigarette use among youth an “epidemic.”

Why Should Parents Be Concerned?

E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine — often at high levels — which is a highly addictive substance that, according to the CDC, can be harmful to adolescent brain development. When vaping, kids are exposed to other harmful toxins that can be damaging to the lungs, and addiction specialists say prolonged use can even cause coughing, mouth sores, or nosebleeds. Vaping, otherwise known as e-cigarette usage, has been known to be so addictive that families are seeking rehab facilities to help their kids kick the habit.

The 411 About E-Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that people use to heat liquid into a vapor or aerosol that can be inhaled into the lungs. The National Institutes of Health say the inhaled vapor may contain addictive levels of nicotine, flavorings, and toxins — including ones that may cause cancer.

These devices come in many shapes and sizes. The description from the CDC says most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, others look similar to USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items.

You may often hear e-cigarettes referred to as e-cigs, vapes, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes, tank systems, and electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS.

Popularity of E-cigs

The allure of vaping for young people is that they:

  • Believe e-cigs are less dangerous than “regular” tobacco cigarettes.
  • Like the flavors of vapes.
  • Think it looks cool.
  • Believe it relieves stress.
  • Say it’s cheaper than a pack of cigarettes.
  • Like the “buzz” they get from it.
  • Can hide the habit at home and school.

What Can You Do as a Parent?

There are two things you can do if you’re concerned your child is vaping. Look for signs and get solutions.

Signs:

  • Look for e-cigarettes. Remember, as described previously, they may be camouflaged to look like a pen or USB drive.
  • Kids like vapes often because of the sweet flavorings. Rely on your nose to sniff it out.
  • Vapes can dry the mouth and throat. Have you noticed your child drinking more lately to quench their thirst?
  • Those who vape often have sensitivity to caffeine, be aware if your child is making a hard pass at their typical soda or energy drink.
  • Look at behavior. Addictions can become obsessive, causing schoolwork to decline. Your child may also become anxious or depressed due to nicotine.
  • Find out where their money is going. Vaping can get expensive.

Solutions:

Any Lab Test Now® provides a number of lab tests giving you answers to concerns you may have about your child’s exposure to nicotine. First, a little background. Some drugs are chemically altered by the body as they are broken down. When nicotine is metabolized it becomes cotinine — a re-arrangement of the letters in the word nicotine — and what we look for to screen for nicotine usage.

There are three different tests you can receive at our confidential lab testing clinics. All tests require a standard urine sample that can be collected at the Any Lab Test Now® location near you.

  1. Cotinine Drug Test

This test identifies the presence or absence of cotinine in a urine sample.  Cotinine may be detected in urine for up to seven days after the most recent nicotine use or exposure. A confirmed positive result for cotinine is considered evidence of use or exposure in that time period. It is important to note that this test will not distinguish between the use of cigarettes, vapes, or nicotine replacement therapy products.

This test will qualitatively determine the presence or absence of cotinine in a standard urine sample. This test is only to be used for drug screening purposes.  All positive results are considered presumptive and should not be interpreted as definitive evidence of nicotine use without additional laboratory-based confirmation testing.

Using this test, we can identify the presence or absence of cotinine plus ten (10) different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. As a laboratory-based test, this urine test includes a routine screen for each drug class, as well as any necessary confirmation testing. 

Confidentiality

We understand that testing your child to see if they’ve been using nicotine through vaping can be a sensitive issue. We provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations. You own the lab results, no one but you has access to them. In fact, if you choose, you can use an anonymous name to protect your child when you take them in for lab tests.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

We are here as a resource for you to obtain answers with tangible results. Any Lab Test Now® is a lab testing center designed to serve you and your family as you strive for optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

*Help for Teens: https://teen.smokefree.gov/

All About Alcoholism

Every day, 385 Americans die because of excessive alcohol use, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. “Excessive” means, for women, four or more drinks in a single occasion, and for men, five drinks, as defined by the CDC. The challenge is that alcohol is an obtainable, legal substance for those 21 years or over.

The numbers of people overusing alcohol skyrocketed during the stay-at-home orders at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among women, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, new trends among millennials and Gen Z show a slight decrease in alcohol use with the advent of campaigns like “Dry January,” a challenge to stay sober at the kickoff of the new year. In addition, more “dry bars” are popping up around the country, giving patrons the fun atmosphere of a club without serving alcohol.

Underage Drinking

But concern continues to grow regarding underage drinking in the United States. Sobering statistics released by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in 2021 indicate:

  • 5.9 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in a one-month timeframe.
  • 3.2 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported binge drinking at least once in a given month.
  • Approximately 613,000 youth ages 12 to 20 reported binge drinking on five or more days in a given month.

These practices are not only against the law for those under the age of 21 and subject to legal consequences, but they are harmful to overall health.

Alcohol is a depressant, and when used in excess, it can be especially detrimental to young people because their brains are still developing and can interfere with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health. It affects an adolescent’s ability to make good decisions, putting them at risk for impulsive behavior and impaired judgment. Alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety and depression and lead to alcohol dependency and overuse. Alcohol use by minors can also hinder academic performance and strain relationships.

Health Effects of Alcohol Use

No matter what age, the CDC warns that there is a great potential for severe adverse reactions to long-term alcohol abuse, including:

  • High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
  • Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
  • Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.
  • Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school or job performance.
  • Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
  • Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment.
  • Alcohol use disorders or alcohol dependence.

Finding Answers

If you are a parent or have a loved one you are concerned about and need to know about alcohol use, Any Lab Test Now®can help. We are a lab testing center providing screenings and diagnostic testing to give you the answers you need. We offer a number of tests that can detect if a person has consumed alcohol within the last three days.

  • 5 Panel Drug Test Plus ETG (Alcohol Metabolite)   – This urine test identifies the presence or absence of EtG — a metabolite that shows up if someone has had an alcoholic drink. This panel also includes testing for five (5) different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites.
  • 9 Panel Drug Test Plus ETOH (ETHYL)  – This panel will identify the presence or absence of ethyl alcohol and nine (9) different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. This urine test  includes a routine screen for each drug class, as well as any necessary confirmation testing. Ethyl alcohol may be detected in urine for up to 12 hours after consumption of alcohol-containing beverages. A confirmed positive result for ethyl alcohol is suggestive of recent alcohol use.
  • 10 Panel Drug Test Plus ETG (Alcohol Metabolite)  – This urine test identifies the presence or absence of EtG plus ten (10) different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. As a laboratory-based test, this panel includes a routine screen for each drug class, as well as any necessary confirmation testing. 

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

If you or someone you love may be dealing with an alcohol issue, Any Lab Test Now® is a testing center that can help provide answers you are seeking through a number of crucial lab tests. This is a judgment-free zone. We provide the lab testing; you own the results and can use them as you choose.

We understand that being tested yourself or testing your child for alcohol use is a sensitive issue. We provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations.

We want you to be informed about the effects of alcohol on the body so that you can take the best care of yourself or a loved one. The first step is to obtain answers by coming to Any Lab Test Now®for tangible results. We are a lab testing center providing the lab tests you need for answers to your health concerns and optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

If you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one concerning alcohol use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

The Effects of Recreational Drugs

If you or someone you know may be harming themselves by recreational drug use, Any Lab Test Now® can help provide the answers you are seeking through a number of crucial lab tests. This is a judgment-free zone. We provide the lab testing; you own the results and can use them as you choose.

Drug Usage on the Rise

Many of our clients are concerned parents looking out for their child’s health and welfare. If you find yourself in that position, rest assured you are not alone. There is a rise in the number of school-aged youth using recreational drugs. This information is based on a 48-year study conducted by a group called Monitoring the Future, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health. It surveys children in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades.

The most recent survey found that adolescents most commonly reported the use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis in the past year. The study goes on to report that illicit drug use like cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs has stayed stable, although those numbers are still concerning.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most commonly used recreational drugs:

Marijuana/Cannabis – When smoked or ingested, the “high” is created by THC, which provides a feeling of relaxation. There is a growing usage of edibles made with cannabis in the form of baked goods or gummies. From a recent article from U.S. News and World Report, there are now 22 states, along with Washington D.C. and Guam, that have legalized recreational marijuana.

Cocaine – This drug is a stimulant that can be injected into the bloodstream, snorted in a powder form, or inhaled as crack cocaine. It creates a feeling of energy and alertness.

Adderall – is a prescription drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is considered a Schedule II drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which means it has a “high potential for abuse or dependence.” When used outside of its intended usage, it provides energy, intensifies mood, and promotes weight loss.

What to Look Out For

If you are worried someone you love is abusing substances, here are some symptoms the Mayo Clinic says to look out for:

  • Not attending as many social or recreational activities.
  • Having problems at school or work, like being absent, losing interest, or a noticeable change in performance.
  • Loss of energy, weight loss or gain, or red eyes.
  • Not caring about appearance.
  • Behaving oddly, lying about going out, being secretive.
  • Missing money or items that may be used to purchase drugs.

Added Concerns About Drug Use

What is especially unsettling about illicit drug use is the disturbing and often deadly trend of drugs laced with fentanyl. The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes fentanyl as a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. A recent report from the White House sounds an alarm about a new potentially fatal combination of fentanyl combined with xylazine — an animal tranquilizer.

Getting Answers with Our Help

If you are someone using recreational drugs or if you are a parent reading this not knowing your next step, Any Lab Test Now® can help.

The 5 PANEL RAPID DRUG SCREEN is a urine test used to qualitatively identify the presence or absence of different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. This test is only to be used for drug screening purposes. On average, most drugs are detectable in urine for approximately three days after the most recent use or exposure. Only a confirmed positive result for a drug or drug metabolite can be considered evidence of use or exposure in that time period.

Long Term Effects on the Body

While toxins from drugs will affect every part of the body, it’s important to understand that everything that goes into the body will exit via your liver and kidneys. Therefore, monitoring kidney and liver functions is very important. If you are or have been a recreational drug user, or you are a parent concerned about your child’s health because of suspected drug use, Any Lab Test Now® has two tests to help determine any health effects as a result of recreational drug use.

HEPATIC FUNCTION PANEL This is the liver function panel that measures the blood levels of seven tests to check and see how well the liver is working and may be an indicator for liver disease or liver damage. Those having blood work done are asked to fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to blood testing. Results are typically available between 24 to 72 business hours after lab testing is done.

RENAL FUNCTION PANEL This panel looks at the health of the kidneys. Waste products can accumulate in the blood, which can damage the body and be potentially life-threatening. This blood test is recommended to either help diagnose or manage conditions affecting kidney function. It could also be a screening tool for someone who is at risk of developing kidney disease or to follow someone with known kidney disease. Those being tested are asked to fast for at least eight hours prior to the blood draw.

Confidentiality

We understand that being tested yourself or testing your child for recreational drug use or potential health effects of drug use is a sensitive issue. We provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

For parents reading this or adults with a recreational drug issue, we want you to be aware of the effects of drugs on the body so that you can take the best care of yourself or a loved one. The first step is to obtain answers by coming to Any Lab Test Now®for tangible results. We are a lab testing center providing the lab tests you need for answers to your health concerns and optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Better Sleep Month

There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. It helps restore the body so it’s physically and mentally functioning at its best.  But when we don’t get the zzzz’s we need, it results in feeling mentally foggy, emotionally cranky, and physically exhausted.

That’s why Better Sleep Month, dedicated to addressing concerns about how chronic lack of sleep can be detrimental to overall health, is important. If you are having sleep issues, you’re not alone. The Cleveland Clinic says about 70 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep disorders.

Bedtime Stories Are Important

Historically, parents have always insisted that their children have bedtimes, to provide ample quality sleep to maintain good health and well-being. Reading a bedtime story to children is a great way to help kids unwind and slow down for a good night’s sleep, something we should all do to decompress after being stimulated with activities all day long. According to the CDC, children need the most sleep, especially newborns and infants. Once kids are school-aged, they need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers require 8 to 10 hours, and adults from 18 years old to 65+ ideally need at least 7 hours. These are consecutive hours of sleep, not chopped up into little naps throughout the day, because that won’t provide the restorative sleep cycles the body needs.

Grown-Ups Need Their 40 Winks

Here’s the problem. If you’re an adult contending with insomnia or sleep deprivation and you’re not getting the restful hours of sleep you need, it can prompt a number of health issues. Sleep affects your heart and circulatory system, metabolism, respiratory system, and immune system.

The National Institutes of Health reports that sleep is a necessary restorative time for your body. You’ve probably heard about sleep cycles, which include the initial drowsy stage when you begin to fall asleep. This is when your body’s parasympathetic system takes control and slows your blood pressure and heart rate, allowing it to relax and not work as hard. Next comes stage 2, the light sleep, followed by the deepest sleep, in stages 3 and 4. In these stages, your heartbeat and brain waves are at their lowest levels, and the body is healing and restoring cellular energy. The last cycle is sometimes referred to as the 5th stage, or the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle. It’s in the REM cycle that your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.

The body needs rest. Otherwise, it has no way of healing or growing or providing the immunity you need. If you’re not getting enough sleep or you have insomnia, your body is not able to get its restoration completed, leaving you with a higher risk of:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes

Lack of Sleep? Could Be a Hormonal Issue

Your hormones play a vital role in maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. As the Mayo Clinic reports, when the body’s circadian rhythm or the body’s sleep clock is off, it throws the whole body into imbalance. For example, there are two basic hormones needed for sleep — the stress hormone called cortisol and the sleep hormone called melatonin. If the body is operating efficiently, these two hormones will work together in a kind of crisscross pattern. Melatonin should go up as the sun goes down — to help you sleep. Conversely, cortisol should be higher in the morning to help rev your engines and get you moving but should decrease at night to help you sleep.

If something is wrong with this rhythm because of an imbalance of melatonin or cortisol, it could be the reason you are having trouble either falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.

  • High cortisol results in insomnia, anxiety, sugar cravings, feeling tired but wired, and increased belly fat
  • Low melatonin results in excessive fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia

Our Sleep Kit Provides Answers

Any Lab Test Now® can help. We have a very effective and accurate test to help determine if your sleep struggles are due to a hormonal issue. The Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit is a simple test that measures melatonin and cortisol levels via urine collection on test strips four times throughout the day. It’s available in-store or online. After turning in your kit, results will be available within 3 to 5 days.

How to Handle Your Test Results

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. However, we do encourage you to consult with your provider for further details to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

Get the sleep you need to live a healthy life. If you’re having sleep issues, visit your local Any Lab Test Now® and pick up a Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit to find answers.

Men’s Health Month

Men don’t like going to the doctor. This statement is not just an aphorism or cliché. In a recent study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, 72% of men admitted they would rather do household chores, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn, than go to the doctor for preventative healthcare. And of those men who do routinely go to see their physician, 20% admit they are not completely honest with the doctor.

The research shows that the deterrent for men seeing a doctor could be anything from being embarrassed to not wanting to make nutritional or lifestyle changes like they know the doctor may greatly encourage. And this dismissive attitude is a health threat for men.

Higher Risk Factors for Men

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, mortality rates for men are higher than for women when it comes to preventable risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, inactive lifestyle, and obesity. These factors lead to higher instances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers, like lung and prostate. A movement created in the United States to improve health and wellness, called Healthy People 2030, reports that, on average, men die five years earlier than women because of preventable health risks.

This is all the more reason that June is a particularly important month, focusing on men’s health. National Men’s Health Month is a motivator to encourage men to take better care of their health by eating right, exercising, and participating in preventative healthcare to improve overall wellness and reduce health risks.

Life-Saving Screenings for Men

There are many preventable health issues that can be managed with screenings and early detection, and that’s where Any Lab Test Now® comes in. We offer a number of tests that can screen for potential problems. These simple blood tests can provide a snapshot of your health and create a baseline for comparison in the future.

COMPREHENSIVE MALE PANEL – This panel is designed to provide a broad overview of your health. It includes blood counts, a metabolic panel, which includes kidney and liver functions, as well as heart health and hormone information. Men will also receive a PSA test to evaluate prostate health.

The Comprehensive Male Panel includes the following tests:

  • CBC with Differential/Platelets
  • Complete Metabolic Panel
  • Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
  • Testosterone (Free and Total)
  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
  • HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C)
  • DHEA-S (Helps in the evaluation of your adrenal gland function)

The Importance of Male Hormone Health

Hormones are very important to overall health. Testosterone, found in women and men, plays a vital role in men’s health. Testosterone, usually thought of as a sex hormone, is essential for the production of sperm and to enhance sex drive. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, testosterone also signals the male body to make new red blood cells and works to keep bones and muscles strong. It also provides men with a sense of well-being.

Testosterone, like all hormones in the body, fluctuates. Typically, testosterone levels are highest in the morning and decline throughout the day. Here’s why this is important to understand. If you are feeling fatigued, weak, depressed, or generally not yourself, The Comprehensive Male Panel provided by Any Lab Test Now® can be a game-changer. Having this test done may show some abnormalities in hormone levels, which may require further testing. Because hormones are cyclical and levels may see-saw throughout the day, further hormone testing may need to be done to pinpoint specific irregularities.

The Role of Vitamins in Men’s Health

Another screening to consider is our VITAMIN D testing. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with a significantly increased risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and many causes of mortality, which can be significantly higher risk factors in men.

Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it interacts with and regulates more than 200 genes in the body and can help the body combat risk factors. The body absorbs vitamin D from the sun. If the screening test indicates you have low levels of vitamin D, your provider may recommend a supplement.

Looking Out for Your Health

At Any Lab Test Now®, we provide clear, concise, and understandable results within days of your tests. The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or perhaps the results give you the peace of mind you were seeking.

If you don’t have a provider and want to seek the guidance of a doctor, you also have the option to contact our partners at DialCare. This service allows you to consult with a provider in your state about your results. The clarity you receive from a medical professional can affect the way you handle your health and can be lifesaving.

Remember, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the costs of diagnostic lab work from Any Lab Test Now®. Whether you are looking for a screening test for hormones or other health concerns, we have thousands of tests available to you, providing comprehensive health screenings that allow you to focus on your and your family’s health.

Utilizing our diagnostic lab testing will get you the answers you need. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

What Do Your Hormones Say About You?

Hormones are everything. They are responsible for keeping the body running efficiently. When there is a hormonal imbalance in your body — the body will let you know about it. Hormones tell the body what to do and when. Think of it as the bossy kid who’s telling everyone what to do on the playground!

The 411 on Hormones

Hormones are important in the body because they play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, hunger, sleep, stress, sex drive reproduction, mood, and behavior.

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by various glands in the endocrine system, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. They are released into the bloodstream and travel to specific target cells or organs, where they bind to specific receptors and initiate a response.

For example, insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood, while thyroid hormones control metabolism and energy production. Testosterone and estrogen are hormones that are involved in sexual development and reproductive functions, and cortisol is a hormone that helps the body respond to stress.

Hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on overall health and well-being. For example, too much or too little of certain hormones can lead to conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and infertility.

Your Body is Telling You Something

Here’s why hormones are important to understand. Anytime you might be feeling a bit “off” or not yourself, it’s your body responding to hormones. When levels are off balance, it can have an effect on your mood or your overall health. Listen to your body and get to the root of the problem because, depending on the issue, there could be treatment options that can make you feel better. Healthy hormonal balance ensures optimal bodily functions.

Hormone Testing to Keep You Healthy

Any Lab Test Now® can help. We provide a number of screenings that help determine if there are any irregularities in your hormone levels.

  • FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) – This blood test measures the amount of FSH, or a sex hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in your blood. In women, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates production of eggs and a hormone called estradiol during the first half of the menstrual cycle. In men, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates production of sperm.
  • WEIGHT MANAGEMENT HORMONE TEST PANEL – Maintaining a healthy weight could actually be a hormone issue. Hormone imbalances may make it difficult to maintain your weight. This panel, obtained through a blood test, can help you and your healthcare provider understand any potential underlying hormonal imbalances that could affect weight gain, weight loss, or weight management.
  • CORTISOL HORMONE TEST (SALIVA) –This is not a blood test but rather a less invasive way to measure the level of cortisol in the body through saliva. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and regulated by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, and the pituitary gland. Your cortisol level stimulates liver glucose production, helps to maintain blood pressure, and regulates the immune system affecting inflammation. It also helps us react to physical and emotional stress.
  • THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE – The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy. The thyroid also produces hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

Testing That Works For You

It’s important to remember that hormones are cyclical. So, when you have any hormone level testing done, it may show abnormalities that may need to be retested due to the cycle of the hormones at the time of the labs. Hormone cycles are an important part of the body’s natural functioning, but changes in hormone levels can have a significant impact on health and well-being. It’s important to be aware of how your body’s hormone cycles may be affecting you and to seek medical advice if you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms. Any Lab Test Now® is your partner as you work to maintain your health and wellness. Either we provide the doctor’s order for the lab test at no additional cost, or we accept your physician’s order.

How to Handle Your Test Results

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. We do encourage you to consult with your provider for further details and to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

No need to wonder or worry about what’s going on with your body. Any Lab Test Now ® can provide the answers you need. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Celiac Awareness Month

You’ve probably seen a lot of foods in the grocery store or on menus in restaurants that say “gluten-free.” In the last decade, as food allergies have become more identifiable, folks are becoming very aware of the foods they eat and the ingredients in that food. Although many people have made it a preference, choosing not to eat gluten, there are about two-million folks in the United States who must avoid gluten because they’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. Here’s the problem. When someone has celiac disease, eating foods with gluten, like bread, pasta, grains, cereals, and processed foods, destroys the villi in the small intestine. The villi, which resemble fingerlike tubes and line the small intestine, have a very important job. It’s up to them to grab nutrients from foods and hand those nutrients off into the blood for the body to use.

When you have celiac disease, gluten triggers the immune system to damage those villi. If the villi can’t do their job capturing nutrients and delivering them to the blood, the body becomes malnourished from lack of nutrients.

How Do You Get It?

Celiac disease is genetic and can be triggered at any age. There is no cure for celiac disease; treatment is a gluten-free diet to prevent further damage to the small intestine and ease symptoms.

 Johns Hopkins Medicine says it is more common in people:

  • Whose ancestors came from Europe
  • Who are white.
  • Who have type 1 diabetes
  • Who have Down syndrome
  • Who have other autoimmune diseases
  • Who are infertile
  • Who have irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

Celiac disease is more prevalent in women, and if you have other autoimmune gastro issues, you may have a greater sensitivity. Another interesting characteristic of this disease is that some folks may have it with no symptoms, and others suffer pain and discomfort.

Common Symptoms

For people with celiac disease, eating gluten can cause the body to respond in a number of ways. According to a celiac patient advocacy group called Beyond Celiac, there are about 250 symptoms associated with this disease. Among the typical symptoms patients experience, the Celiac Disease Foundation says the most common are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Skin rash
  • Nausea

How Do I Know if I Have It?

Because celiac disease has so many symptoms that also fall in line with other illnesses, like Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis, the only way to diagnose celiac is through blood tests or a biopsy of the small intestine.

That’s where Any Lab Test Now® can help. If you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, or family members have celiac disease, and you are concerned about symptoms you may be experiencing, be proactive with your health and utilize a blood test we provide to give you the answers you’re looking for.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer the CELIAC DISEASE PANEL, an antibody test that can help diagnose and monitor the disease. We test for antibodies IgA and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody (IgA). You will have your results within 5 to 7 days.

Manage Your Health

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and we want to help you better understand this illness and know how to find answers. Any Lab Test Now® empowers you to take control of your health by providing tests like the Celiac Disease Panel. We provide clear, concise, and understandable results.

Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, the lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or perhaps the results give you the peace of mind you were seeking. You also have the option to glean additional information with our DialCare service. This allows you to consult with our provider about your results. The clarity you receive from a medical professional can affect the way you handle your health.

If you are concerned about costs, know that having the celiac disease blood work done through your physician’s lab could be expensive if you have minimal or no health insurance.

You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the costs of diagnostic lab work from Any Lab Test Now®. Whether you are tested for celiac disease or have other health concerns, we have thousands of tests available to you, providing comprehensive health screenings that allow you to focus on your and your family’s health.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource for Improved Health

Any Lab Test Now® provides thousands of tests available to you as our commitment to being your partner in health. We are here to help you and your family achieve your health and wellness goals. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Seasonal Health Checkup for Women and Men

The weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer — a reminder of the change into the spring and summer months. With this environmental change, be aware that your body is also changing. In fact, no matter your age or gender, you are always going through a season of change.

Uh-oh, Something is Off

As the temperature gets warmer, we find ourselves focusing more on fitness to lose weight and comfortably dress for the summer. However, maybe the diet and exercise regimen that’s always worked in the past isn’t budging the scale this year. Maybe you notice that despite the rising temperatures, you’re always cold, or just don’t have the energy or focus you are used to having. Or maybe you just feel a bit “off.” These are indicators you shouldn’t ignore. Your body may be trying to tell you something.

Could It Be Hormones?

Just like we experience seasonal cycles, our body works cyclically in harmony with hormones. The Cleveland Clinic describes hormones as chemical messengers. They essentially coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.

If something goes wrong with a hormonal cycle, whether you’re a male or female, your hormones will let you know. Everything in the body is interwoven, which means if you are not responding to the diet and exercise or can’t seem to focus — the answer may be a hormone imbalance.

Hormonal Health Issues

Imbalances or deficiencies in hormones can lead to a wide range of health problems, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, infertility, and mood disorders, according to research from the Endocrine Society. Therefore, hormones are crucial to the proper functioning of the body, and any disruption in their production or regulation can have significant consequences.

Hormones are important to our bodies because they play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis, which is the balance of the body’s internal environment. Produced by the endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream, these chemical messengers regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and behavior.

For example, insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells. Testosterone and estrogen are sex hormones that play a role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive function. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps the body cope with stress by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing the immune system.

Health Screenings for Women and Men

What this means is that it’s possible that your lack of energy or failure at weight loss may be due to a hormonal issue. At Any Lab Test Now®, we can help. We are your partner in health, helping you get the answers you need. We offer two very effective tests to screen for a possible hormonal issue you may be experiencing.

  • The first is the COMPREHENSIVE FEMALE PANEL. This screening will help you recognize and address hormone imbalances and assess the overall condition of your health. It’s designed for women at all stages of their life so that you can make an informed decision about your own healthcare goals. It includes blood counts, and a metabolic panel, which includes kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and your nutritional status.

with a wide range of tests designed to give a broad overview of your health. It includes blood counts and a metabolic panel, which includes kidney and liver functions as well as heart health and hormone information. Men will also receive a PSA test designed to evaluate prostate health.

Finding Answers

Since hormones are cyclical, in order to obtain an accurate snapshot of your health, theremay need to be multiple tests to discover a pattern depending on where you were in that cycle when you were taking the test. These comparative tests are valuable to ascertain if something is off or if further tests are needed for diagnosis of a problem.

These tests are not only beneficial for hormonal results but as an overall annual health screening. If there is a problem, you can consult with your healthcare provider to review the results and discuss potential next steps.

How to Handle Your Test Results

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. We do encourage you to consult with your provider for further details and to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

If your body is signaling you to a problem, listen to it. The first step to obtain answers is by coming to Any Lab Test Now®for tangible results. We are here to provide the lab tests you need for answers to your health concerns and optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Answers to Your Health Concerns About Anemia

Anemia is the kind of disorder that exemplifies just how important it is to have routine bloodwork. Any Lab Test Now® is here to partner with you as you take charge of your health. Whether you’re having labs done as a screening or as a diagnostic tool, we provide affordability, confidentiality, and convenience to help you get answers to health concerns.

What is Anemia?

When it comes to anemia — The American Society of Hematology says you may not even know you’re anemic until it’s identified in a blood test. There are some three million people in the United States who have been diagnosed with anemia — a condition in which the body is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. That lack of oxygen makes the body work harder to operate, which means you wind up feeling fatigued and weak. Those are just a few of the symptoms. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says you may also have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pounding in your ears, cold hands or feet, pale or yellow skin, or an irregular heartbeat.

Some folks are more prone to anemia than others. For instance, if you have a poor diet, gastrointestinal problems, chronic diseases, or infections, you are more susceptible to anemia.

Types of Anemia

There are several types of anemia. The one most of us are familiar with is iron-deficiency anemia. Typically, this is caused by blood loss or poor iron absorption. To treat it, your provider would have to find the source of the blood loss.

Next is vitamin-deficiency (pernicious) anemia resulting from low levels of vitamin B12 or folic acid caused by poor diet. It’s caused by the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12. To treat this type of anemia, your provider may suggest modifying your diet or adding supplements.

Aplastic anemia is rare but occurs when the body’s bone marrow stops making blood cells because of dysfunction of bone marrow creation. Treatment begins with a visit to see a hematologist who may conduct a bone marrow biopsy to determine the cause of the anemia. Medications and blood transfusions may be used to treat aplastic anemia.

Hemolytic anemia is when red blood cells are broken up in the bloodstream or in the spleen; because there is a mechanical heart problem or a number of other disorders. Treatment is dependent on the cause but may include medication or the guidance of a heart or vascular specialist.

The Mayo Clinic describes sickle cell anemia as an inherited disorder called sickle cell disease that affects the shape of red blood cells, which prevents oxygen from being carried properly through the blood.

Anemia Testing at Any Lab Test Now®

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer our ANEMIA PANEL, a comprehensive screening test that includes a CBC, Ferritin, Folates, Total Iron Binding Capacity tests, Reticulocyte Count, vitamin B12, and folic acid tests.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) looks at important parameters of your blood, including hemoglobin level, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The Ferritin, Iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity tests work together to indicate if you have an iron deficiency, which is the most common form of anemia. The Reticulocyte Count can help determine if you are producing enough red blood cells and the cause of different types of anemia. Finally, this panel will indicate any vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, often the reason for the onset of anemia.

Being screened for anemia, whether you are symptomatic or not, is a good idea. Although some anemia can’t be prevented, there are some changes you can make, like eating more iron-rich and vitamin-rich foods to improve the condition. Your provider may also encourage you to take a multivitamin or iron supplements if appropriate.

Manage Your Health

What we do at Any Lab Test Now® is empower you to take control of your health by providing tests like the Anemia Panel. The test results belong to you. However, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your provider about the results. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state to discuss results and any further testing or changes you may need to make to achieve your health goals.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource for Improved Health

Any Lab Test Now® provides thousands of tests available to you as our commitment to being your partner in health. We are here to help you and your family achieve your health and wellness goals. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Learn About Your Ancestry

If you’ve ever wanted to dig deeper into your family tree or ancestry, no doubt you’ve heard about companies that do genetic testing. The data obtained by these tests can provide information about ancestral roots. According to a recent publication by the National Institutes of Health, estimates indicate that about 26 million people throughout the world have utilized those testing kits to learn more about their geographic origins.  

Privacy Breach 

Problem is that the results from these direct-to-consumer kits may not be private or protected. In fact, in recent years, news agencies have reported on concerns regarding these ancestry companies selling or sharing the data they collected with law enforcement or third parties. Yahoo! News even reports that several years ago the U.S. Defense Department warned members of the military not to participate in the DNA testing kits for fear of operational risk to service members.  

A Safer Option 

You don’t have to worry about a breach of your privacy at Any Lab Test Now®. We adhere to strict HIPAA regulations and compliance, so any testing you have done with us remains private; and is therefore a more secure way to have your ancestry tested, knowing only you receive the results and can choose how to use them. 

So, what exactly do these tests tell you? When we do a cheek swab on you, our lab looks at DNA variants. At Any Lab Test Now®, we look at ancestral relationships by analyzing genetic code tied to particular regions of the world. When you receive results, it will show that your ancestors came from a certain part of the world.  

DNA Ancestry Testing 

Specifically, the GPS ORIGINS ANCESTRY TEST (Geographic Population Structure) will test for your story of human migration, your genetic origin percentages and history, and your ancestral migration routes and stories, all in digital form. We analyze more than 800,000 autosomal markers from your DNA to pinpoint your origins. It identifies when and where your DNA formed by matching the populations that came together to create a genetic line that eventually leads to you. 

The GPS Origins™ test then traces the migration route of your DNA back to where it originated and dates the age of your DNA signature. It does that for both your maternal and paternal lineages, indicating where your DNA began. Your results are detailed in a report that reveals your ancestral origins. 

This is a very popular test as many people are trying to determine the accuracy of what is written in their family history. You might want to have this test done for informational purposes to share with your family members as a conversation piece or at a family reunion. 

Any Lab Test Now® Provides the Answers You’re Looking For 

Whether testing for informational purposes like our ancestry test or you want a screening or diagnostic test done, Any Lab Test Now® empowers you — allowing you to be in control of your health and decisions about your health. You do not have to visit your provider before coming to Any Lab Test Now®, our doctors can order the tests for you. Plus, you don’t need insurance to take advantage of our affordable lab testing. Best of all, the results belong to you. When it comes to matters involving your health, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your provider about the results. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state to discuss results and any further testing or changes you may need to make to achieve your health goals.  

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource  

Any Lab Test Now® provides thousands of tests available to you as our commitment to being your partner in health. We are here to help you and your family achieve your health and wellness goals or get answers to matters involving your ancestry. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you during our convenient hours.