We’re now at the halfway point of 2025 – can you believe it? As we prepare to take on the second half of the year, now is a good time to reflect on the first half. Did you meet your goals? What are you most proud of? What can you do better? Many people’s New Year’s resolutions have fizzled by now, and if that’s you, you aren’t alone! According to one survey, of the 38% of Americans who make resolutions, only 9% are successful in keeping them.
Now, while that can be quite a discouraging number, there are a few reasons why, despite this, it’s considered a good thing to set New Year’s resolutions. Having resolutions sets intention with how you want to grow and develop in the coming year, it sets a tone of hopefulness and optimism, and you can start the year with a fresh sense of responsibility that hopefully flows in the months to come. It’s inherently a positive thing to strive for and has encouraging effects for yourself and those around you.
Statistically, taking strides in your health is one of the most popular resolutions. Here are a few tests to consider that may help you with your goals:
Cholesterol (Lipids) Panel
This month, we want to emphasize the importance of cholesterol testing with our Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®. The Lipids Panel can determine your cholesterol levels, which is important because this can indicate if you’re at risk for heart disease or any other heart issues.
According to the CDC, nearly 94 million United States adults, 20 or older, have high cholesterol.
Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke.
There are no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to know if you have high cholesterol which is why it’s important to regularly monitor your levels. With the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®, you’ll have your test results between 24 to 72 business hours.
Renal Function Panel
Now is a great time to double down on your kidney health. Our Renal Function Panel® is a group of tests used to evaluate kidney function. According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs to look for if you think you’re experiencing kidney issues are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Trouble sleeping
- Urinating more or less
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling
- Dry, itchy skin
The signs and symptoms of kidney issues are often nonspecific and could also be the source of a different issue altogether. However, it’s worth getting tested; simply because the damage from leaving your affected kidneys untreated can be irreversible.
Hepatic Function Panel
For this comprehensive panel, the Liver Function Panel®, or Hepatic Function®, measures the blood levels of seven tests that see how well your liver is working.
This test is encouraged if you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis A, B, or C virus. High or low levels in one of the seven tests may indicate you have liver damage or liver disease is present.
Some general symptoms, according to Healthline, include:
- Yellow skin (Jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Pale, bloody, or tarlike stool
- Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decrease in appetite
- Bruise easily
- Persistent fatigue
- Itchy skin
Something to keep in mind about this test and the Renal Function Panel is that anyone who is experiencing kidney or liver issues should get tested, as these organs are vital to the body’s overall health and well-being.
Take Control of Your Health
At Any Lab Test Now, we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their health. Our wide range of lab tests, including the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel, Renal Function Panel, and Hepatic Function Panel, are designed to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
With our convenient, professional, and affordable services, you can take charge of your health without the need for a doctor’s order. Visit one of our 230+ locations across the United States to get started on your journey to better health today. Remember, your health is in your hands, and Any Lab Test Now is here to help you every step of the way.
