Safety First! Any Lab Test Now Offers Lab Tests for Athletes

As an MMA fighter, boxer or other combative sports competitor or athlete, you already know that achieving peak performance means taking care of your body and health first. Vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances and other health problems can affect your success in the ring and even put you in danger of injury. That’s why many athletic organizations go so far as to require lab testing for their athletes — to make sure they are healthy and fit to compete and won’t be placing themselves in harm’s way.

The good news is, if you need required lab testing before your competition, you can get your results quickly and easily at Any Lab Test Now. Your local Any Lab Test Now location can provide your lab results before your next big fight or other athletic event, with no appointment or insurance necessary. You’ll have your results in 72 hours or less. We are proud to be the Lab Testing Provider for MMA and other combative sports fighters, getting fighters the results they need without the wait or the hassle.

MMA, Boxing and Other Combative Sports

The Fighter Panel at Any Lab Test Now is specially designed to meet the lab test needs of MMA fighters, boxers and other combative sports athletes. To be eligible to compete, many combative sports fighters are required to present their test results to their state athletic commission. The Fighter Panel includes tests for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These tests will ensure your immune system is not compromised and that you are ready to fight.

While certain tests are required for competition, others are simply recommended for peak health, safety and performance in the ring, including:

Make sure you’re taking care of your health first to become the athlete you were always meant to be.

Other Athletes

If you aren’t a combative sports athlete, you may not need the same required lab testing that competitive fighting requires. However, many competitive athletes will still benefit from establishing a baseline for their health and fitness goals. Your baseline will help you improve your performance and let you know what might be going on when something doesn’t feel quite right. Common lab tests for athletes looking to monitor their overall health include:

As an athlete, your health is crucial to staying safe, fit and high-performing on the field, court or fighting ring. Stay at the top of your game by taking care of your health first. Schedule a lab test appointment online or call the experts at Any Lab Test Now to learn what testing options are right for you.

 

What You Need to Know About HIV Among Women

Did you know that March 10th is Women’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day? It’s an important day to recognize the impact HIV and AIDS have on women across the nation because nearly one in four people living with HIV in the U.S. are women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This year, on the 11th observance of this awareness day, get the facts you need about HIV for women. First, women face unique risks. They are more likely to contract the disease during vaginal sex than men, because of an increased surface area for contact with the disease. Furthermore, women who are affected often face greater challenges finding proper care and dealing with social stigma. Lastly, women with HIV carry the risk of passing it to their child during childbirth and need to be extra vigilant about care and treatment.

The facts you need to know about HIV:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the immune system and lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections.
  • While there is no cure at the moment, treatments exist that can suppress the virus and give those who are living with the disease a long and healthy life.
  • The four most common ways HIV is transmitted are sexual contact, intravenous drug use, mother-to-child (perinatal) and blood transfusions.
  • Symptoms of HIV tend to mirror that of the flu. The possible symptoms of HIV are: fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat and fatigue.

Finally, the most important fact that you need to know about HIV is that the only way to know for sure that you or a loved one is infected is to get tested. If you have had unprotected sex, have an existing sexually transmitted disease or share needles, you should be tested for HIV. At Any Lab Test Now, we can help you get the confidential testing you need to stay informed.

This March, encourage all the women in your life to get tested and help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS!

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

There are many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS out there. Many of them stem from the sensitive nature of these diseases. In truth, many still consider it taboo to talk about them. But one in eight people who have HIV aren’t aware that they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That represents approximately 12.8 percent of the population who have not been diagnosed.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the immune system and lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections. Over time, HIV progresses and destroys more and more of the body’s immune system. While there is no cure at the moment, treatment exists that can suppress the virus and give those who are living with the disease a long and healthy life.

While HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, it can be spread many ways. The four most common ways HIV is transmitted are sexual contact, intravenous drug use, mother-to-child (perinatal) and blood transfusions. However, some people are at higher risk than others. African-Americans are diagnosed with HIV more than any other race. But male-to-male sexual contact remains the highest risk factor for contracting HIV.

Symptoms of HIV tend to mirror that of the flu. The possible symptoms of HIV are:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Rash
  • Night sweats
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue

It’s important to note that many who contract HIV do not show symptoms for a long time. In fact, it’s possible to have the disease for 10 years without any symptoms. Therefore, regular testing is the only way to make sure you don’t have HIV.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is the final stage of HIV infection. AIDS is the stage of HIV where the immune systems has become badly damaged, and you are vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Essentially, AIDS is an advanced form of HIV. Not everyone who has HIV advances to this stage, and you cannot contract AIDS without getting HIV first.

The possible symptoms and complications from AIDS are much more severe and include the following:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Recurring fever or night sweats
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands
  • Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
  • Sores of the mouth, anus or genitals
  • Pneumonia
  • Memory loss, depression and other neurologic disorders

An HIV diagnosis does not guarantee you will progress to AIDS. Certain medications can lower the level of HIV in your body and keep you strong. That will reduce the likelihood that your condition will progress to AIDS, and it can help lower the risk of you transmitting HIV to others. That’s why it’s so important to know if you have this disease.

The only way to know if you have HIV for sure is to get tested!
If you have had unprotected sex, have an existing sexually transmitted disease or share needles, you should be tested for HIV. At Any Lab Test Now, we can help you get the confidential testing you need to make sure you and your loved ones are safe.

December 1 is World AIDS Day: Know your facts!

With more than 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV today and almost 1 in 6 people currently unaware of their diagnosis, it is imperative that people take time to educate themselves on the virus and determine if they are at risk. This is why, today, Any Lab Test Now ® stands together to recognize December 1 as World AIDS Day. First held in 1988, this day marks an opportunity where people across the globe can unite in the fight against HIV, support friends and family who are living with this disease, and/or honor loved ones who have passed from AIDS.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is passed via infected bodily fluids and attacks the body’s immune system, making it extremely difficult for those infected to fight off viruses and other illnesses. Ultimately, this virus can progress into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the final stage of the HIV infection.

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the individual and what stage of the disease the patient is in. Often times, those infected notice flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after HIV exposure. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever (the most common symptom)

  • Swollen glands

  • Sore throat

  • Rash

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle and joint aches, pains

  • Headache

Although these symptoms are helpful detectors, the only way to truly determine if you are infected is to get tested. Any Lab Test Now® is proud to take part in the fight against HIV and AIDS by providing quick, easy and affordable testing. If you think you may be at risk, call us to schedule an appointment where one of our trained professionals can provide you with quality testing in a confidential and friendly environment.

Men’s Health & The Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act is affecting multiple groups of people in different ways. As June is Men’s Health Month, this gives an opportunity to shine a light on how men can potentially be affected by the ACA. It’s critical to begin by examining various categories of men’s healthcare, such as heart health and HPV- a not so common topic in men’s healthcare, to learn what to expect.

Heart Health
One of the most prominent issues is heart health. As heart disease is the leading cause of death among not only men, but women too, it’s important to proactively maintain heart health. There are numerous forms of the disease and results can range from heart attacks, heart failure and other serious, dangerous issues.

HPV
Men’s Health Magazine released an article discussing HPV in men. “A new study has found that more than two-thirds of healthy American adults have been infected with at least one strain of human papillomavirus (HPV), but a “delicate balancing” act across 109 different strains frequently renders the sexually-transmitted disease dormant and harmless.” 

It’s important to familiarize yourself and the men in your life with current healthcare news. As we continue to discuss related health issues in men, it’s vital to learn throughout these discussions how the Affordable Care Act affects your healthcare coverage, cost and care. To learn more visit www.anylabtestnow.com/aca.

Do Your Part to Get Rid of HIV/AIDS

Today, March 10, is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day occurs every year to give everyone a chance to shine a light on the impact this disease has on women and young girls.

Uniting to prevent this disease spreading and to raise awareness is important as we take a stand against HIV/AIDS. According to the CDC, 1.1 million people in the US are living with HIV. Out of those people, one in four is a woman who is 13 years or older.

Even more surprising, 27,000 women have HIV but don’t even know it.

To decrease this number, encourage your friends, sisters, mothers and children to get tested to know their status. It’s so important to know what’s going on in your body. Symptom free doesn’t always mean disease free. Be bold and get the conversation started to increase awareness of safe practices to prevent HIV infection and the levels of care and treatment.

Get Tested & Spread the Word: World AIDS Month

As December brings the holiday hustle and bustle, all of us at ANY LAB TEST NOW® don’t want you to forget that it’s World AIDS Month.

A shocking number of over 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV. HIV and AIDS are closely related as AIDS is classified as the final stage of HIV.

December is set aside each year to bring awareness to what AIDS can cause and how to prevent it from spreading further. Getting a lab test is the only way to truly know if you or your partner have contracted the disease. It’s important for you to know what’s going on in your body for your sake and for the safety of others around you.

Get yourself familiar at www.aids.gov to learn all you can about AIDS 101, prevention, what to know if you’re recently diagnosed and how to stay healthy once you have been diagnosed. Also, check out these lists of STD and HIV tests that we make available to you!

Raising Awareness for Health Centers During Health Center Week

Have you ever noticed that when you get sick you always feel the need to find out what’s wrong? Who wants to go another day with a tummy ache, a sore throat or the dreaded sinus headache and congestion? Believe it or not that’s one of the many benefits provided by health centers. You might start asking yourself… “But I don’t have insurance, so how can I get service?” The good news is you have options at your disposal that will empower you to Take Control of Your Health® whether you have high deductible insurance, a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, or if you are uninsured.

A great example of available options is ANY LAB TEST NOW®. Though ANY LAB TEST NOW® does not treat or diagnose, it does empower its customers to be proactive about managing their health by providing direct access to blood tests, DNA tests, drug and alcohol testing as well as other lab testing services.  After you get your lab test results, you can quickly call a physician with our AmeriDoc telemedicine services program.  The doctor is just a phone call a way, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can treat many non-emergent care issues by phone, video call, or chat.

According the National Association of Community Health Centers, there are around 44 million people in the U.S. that are currently uninsured with another 56 million with high deductible insurance. This often makes health take a back seat to cost, which stresses the importance of price transparency. Can you take more good news? ANY LAB TEST NOW®’s affordable, transparent prices fit into a person’s healthcare budget, providing a solution that continues to support overall health and wellness. Don’t let your health take a back seat, without it we are nothing.

During the week of August 11 – 17 the nation celebrates Health Center Week. Why not take the time during this week to stop by a health center near you, check in on your health and thank them for helping to empower you and your loved ones to Take Control of Your Health®?

To learn more about ANY LAB TEST NOW®’s lab testing options stop by an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you or visit www.anylabtestnow.com

Creating Awareness During World Hepatitis Day

Hepatitis is a viral disease that suffers from the misconception that it only attacks individuals with specific lifestyles and certain age groups. Turns out that things like heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications and even certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. This disease affects hundreds of millions worldwide, causing no symptoms until the liver damage is irreversible. They don’t call it the silent killer for nothing!

There are different hepatitis viruses, though they all affect your liver the transmission process of Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, as well as their effects vary slightly. Hepatitis A can cause mild to severe illness and it’s transmitted through contaminated food or water. The Hepatitis B virus can cause both acute and chronic disease; it can be contracted through sharing contaminated needles, having unprotected sex, or being exposed to infected blood from another person. Hepatitis C ranges in severity from mild illness that lasts a few weeks to a serious lifelong condition that can result in cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer and it can be spread by blood from contaminated needles during drug use or tattooing as well as by having unprotected sex. According to the World Health Organization, 1.4 million cases of Hepatitis A are reported each year worldwide, as well as 240 million cases of Hepatitis B and 150 million cases of Hepatitis C. This is why proper immunizations and screenings are performed on a regular basis in order to catch the virus with enough time to seek the necessary treatment.

This Sunday, July 28th, the world celebrates World Hepatitis Day. This is a day to take the time to educate ourselves about the various types of hepatitis, how to screen for them and most importantly how to confront them. We understand that making the decision to get tested can be scary, but your health is the most important factor in this equation. ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be the helping hand you need during this time, by providing fast and discreet lab testing for your peace of mind. Our Hepatitis Panel screens for all three common variations of hepatitis. Remember that symptom free doesn’t mean disease free!

For more information about our Hepatitis lab testing options visit an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you or visit www.anylabtestnow.com

Allied Health Back-to-School Healthy Checklist

With the new school year around the corner the excitement of back to school shopping is here again; these days back-to-school shopping as it relates to college or technical school takes more than a new wardrobe and new supplies. Now students also need to shop for a place to get immunization confirmations along with other lab tests just to be able to enroll.  Or, you can track down that pediatrician you saw 16 – 18 years ago and see if they can pull your records quickly….

Required tests for freshman college enrollment or for healthcare professional students can include but are not limited to MMR Titers (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and/or Varicella Titer (Chickenpox).  Some schools might require students to be tested for Hepatitis A, B and/or C; or obtain a TB screen, drug test or flu shot.  And you just thought you were finished with school shopping!

With everything on your to-do list for back-to-school, wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place where you can have all the necessary lab tests done at an affordable price and that didn’t require too much of your time? ANY LAB TEST NOW® is an affordable option for back-to-school lab testing, for both incoming college students and allied health students. Working within the student’s budget while offering fast and convenient lab tests, especially if you just found out about a last-minute requirement, is important. Whether you need confirmation of immunization through titers testing, hepatitis tests, a flu shot or a drug test, ANY LAB TEST NOW® makes it fast, easy and as painless as possible.

You have too much to do to get ready for school and ANY LAB TEST NOW® can help you Take Control of Your Health® and get ready for school with something as simple as making an appointment. For more information about our allied health lab testing services visit an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you or www.anylabtestnow.com.