Nutrition and Your Health

As we strive to maintain our health and wellness, understanding our nutritional needs can play a significant role in achieving our goals. Any Lab Test Now® offers convenient and affordable nutritional testing options to help you uncover vital information about your body’s nutritional requirements.

Nutritional Testing Options at Any Lab Test Now

Basic Nutritional Panel: A comprehensive panel that examines 11 different components in your body to determine whether you’re getting the nutrition you need. This test is ideal for those looking to lose weight or suspect they may have a vitamin deficiency.
Micronutrient Test: This test measures your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. It helps to identify deficiencies that may be affecting your overall health and provides a plan for correcting them.

The Importance of Nutrition Testing

Nutrition testing not only guides you toward a healthier lifestyle, but it can also provide valuable insights into potential health issues that may not be immediately apparent. By understanding the deficiencies and imbalances within your body, you can make informed decisions about your diet and well-being.

What is Poor Nutrition?

Poor nutrition starts when you eat foods that do not provide the nutrients you need most. Low-nutrient foods include those low in fiber and vitamins, or high in fat, sugar, and salt. Processed and pre-packaged foods are some of the unhealthiest choices you can make. They are packed with added sugar, sodium, and fat. These ingredients make food taste better, but too much of them leads to serious health issues like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you are under-eating, you could deprive your body of the nutrients it needs which may lead to anorexia or bulimia, two eating disorders that can cause a variety of dangerous health conditions.

Check Out These Food Facts:

Poor diet is thought to be partly responsible for about 30 to 40 percent of all cancers, although diet alone is unlikely to be the “cause” or “cure” of cancer.
Salty foods increase blood pressure. To balance sodium levels in your bloodstream, your body retains water to try and rid your body of the excess salt through urine. This excess fluid travels through your bloodstream, and the increased volume presses against your blood vessels to cause high blood pressure.
Women who drink two or more diet drinks a day have a 29 percent higher chance of heart disease, a 31 percent higher chance of stroke, and a 16 percent increased risk of dying earlier than women who drink them less than once a week.

Convenience, Affordability, and Professionalism

With Any Lab Test Now, you don’t need a doctor’s order to get tested. Simply walk in and choose the lab tests you want, with work-friendly hours available for your convenience. Plus, our transparent pricing ensures that affordable, high-quality testing is within reach for everyone.

Take control of your health today with Any Lab Test Now. Visit our website to find a location near you or explore our wide range of lab testing options, including general health, DNA, drugs and alcohol, STD, and additional tests.

Don’t leave your nutrition to chance – unlock the secrets to your body’s nutritional needs with Any Lab Test Now. Your journey to optimal health starts here!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Cancer is a daunting diagnosis that touches many lives, often leading to complex treatment plans, support systems, and an emotional journey of coming to terms with possible outcomes. By definition, cancer involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. The multitude of cancer types, affecting any part of the body, contributes to its fearsome reputation. Conversations around this subject are tough, particularly with more specific forms like colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Often progressing silently from one stage to the next, it demands increasingly intense and high-risk treatments. Early detection through screening is our strongest asset in combating this disease, and at Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a variety of screening options to assist in early identification.

Understanding Testing Options

Testing Options at Any Lab Test Now:

Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test: This non-invasive test detects hemoglobin in the stool, which can be an indicator of colorectal cancer.
Colon Cancer Screening (Blood) Test: This test uses 5 DNA markers to look for the possible presence of colorectal cancer. It involves a simple blood draw and can be performed for all adults, without any age restrictions.

Please note: the Colon Cancer Screen (Blood) Test is not intended to replace a colonoscopy. It is meant to be used as a screening tool for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Based on the results of your test, a colonoscopy may still be recommended. We recommend that you work with a trusted healthcare provider to discuss the colorectal cancer screening options that are best for you.

Each of these tests plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, enhancing the ability to address the disease at a treatable stage. Regular screenings are recommended starting at age 45, or earlier for those with heightened risk factors.

According to the CDC, risk factors include:

Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

And lifestyle factors like:

Lack of regular physical activity
A diet low in fruit and vegetables
Poor diet with higher amounts of fats
Overweight
Alcohol consumption
Tobacco use

Colorectal cancer typically affects individuals aged 45 and older, but in recent trends, it increasingly impacts younger populations too. Approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed annually, leading to around 50,000 deaths. Its development often occurs with few noticeable symptoms, earning it the moniker, “the silent killer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one the most common types of cancer in men and women. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Routine testing can help prevent or find cancer at an earlier stage when it might be easier to treat. If found early, the five-year survival rate increases by more than 90 percent, meaning many lives could be saved by the awareness that comes with increased testing.

Testing that Works For You

Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, we make testing easy for you. You do not need a doctor’s note to get lab testing done. We invite you to walk in for same-day testing during work-friendly hours.

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. But we do encourage you to consult with a 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 Dial Care, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

Mid-Year Health Check-In: Stick to Your Goals

We’re at the halfway point of 2024 – can you believe it? It feels like each year gets faster, as life gets busier. 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. A recent survey found that more than half of Americans wanted to be healthier – 59% wanted to exercise more, 54% said they would eat healthier, and 48% resolved to lose weight. Each month, our blog highlights different health topics that may impact your life and provides relevant tests to consider.

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. It’s recommended you fast before the test to ensure it’s accurate. Once you have your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary physician about the next steps.

Take Back Your Health

The overproduction of cholesterol can come from a variety of reasons. A lot of times, an unhealthy lifestyle is a huge contributor. Some things to keep in mind are:

Unhealthy diet
Lack of physical activity
Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
Family history of high cholesterol

To be 100% sure of your cholesterol status, start with one simple blood test at any of our neighborhood Any Lab Test Now® locations.

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.

For this test, fasting for about eight hours prior to the blood draw is preferred. Your results will be ready between 24 to 72 business hours after the test.

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 also 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 regularly taking medications can potentially benefit from these tests, as they’re typically required as a regular testing for anyone taking medication long-term.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The perfect test to have performed as a mid-year checkup is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel®. This includes 15 essential tests that are typically part of a routine checkup or annual physical. It gives your doctor an overall picture of your health.

Annual Check-Up Panel

If you want to take it a step further, we recommend the Annual Check-Up Panel. It includes the Lipid Panel and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel(CMP) mentioned above, as well as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

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. You can walk in for same-day testing during convenient work-friendly hours or call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

What Makes Any Lab Test Now® Different?

We believe managing your health and well-being should be as straightforward and convenient as possible. At Any Lab Test Now®, we understand this need and offer a unique approach to lab testing that puts you in the driver’s seat, transforming your lab testing experience, and providing ease, confidentiality, and control.

There are noticeable differences you will experience when you utilize our services compared to other lab testing centers. Consider these important points:

Privacy and Discretion

Discussing your health concerns in a public setting can be uncomfortable. Any Lab Test Now® ensures that your privacy is respected. You won’t have to worry about others overhearing your personal health information. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our service, providing you with a discreet and secure environment from the moment you walk in the door to the confidential test results you obtain. Whether you are testing for flu or an STD, the same discretion and privacy is conveyed.

Lab Testing, On Your Time

Traditionally, lab testing begins with a visit to the doctor’s office, where you receive an order for specific tests. At Any Lab Test Now®, this step is eliminated. We provide the doctor’s order. You have the freedom to choose the tests you need without your doctor’s sign-off. This autonomy not only saves time at the doctor’s office but also empowers you to be proactive about your health.

Walk-In Convenience

Waiting for an appointment can be frustrating, especially when you’re concerned about a potential health issue. Any Lab Test Now® offers the convenience of walk-in service. This means you can visit any of our 225+ locations at a time that suits you, without the need to schedule an appointment. It’s health care on your terms.

Personalized Customer Service

Navigating the world of lab testing can be overwhelming. At Any Lab Test Now®, customer service is a priority. You sign in with an employee, not a computer. Our staff is available to answer your questions about testing and explain how the process works. This personalized attention ensures you are well-informed and comfortable with your testing choices.

Affordable and Efficient Testing

Cost is a significant consideration when it comes to health care. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer testing services at a fraction of the price you might pay through insurance at other facilities. All prices are 100% transparent. The affordability, coupled with efficient testing processes where most tests take less than 15 minutes and results are ready within 24 to 72 hours, makes us an attractive option for budget-conscious folks seeking quick results.

No Insurance Red Tape

At Any Lab Test Now®, you can access our lab testing services without the need for insurance. We believe in making health care accessible and budget-friendly, so you can manage your health efficiently without the constraints of insurance coverage. Our straightforward pricing and comprehensive range of tests ensure that you get the quality care you need, insurance-free.

Comprehensive Test Options

Whether it’s routine blood work, allergy tests, diagnostic tests, or specialized health screenings, Any Lab Test Now® provides a wide array of tests. With thousands of accurate and effective tests available, you have access to a comprehensive range of options to better understand and manage your health. Plus, a big difference is that your results are not run through insurance or your doctor’s office. You own the results. It’s at your discretion to choose what to do with the information.

Nationwide Accessibility

With more than 220 locations across the country and work-friendly hours, finding a convenient Any Lab Test Now® is easy. Simply enter your zip code on our website, choose the nearest location, and either schedule an appointment or walk in for same-day testing.

Seamless Scheduling

Understanding that your time is valuable, Any Lab Test Now® offers an easy online scheduling system. This flexibility allows you to plan your visit around your busy lifestyle, ensuring that getting the tests you need doesn’t disrupt your day.

Health Care Support Beyond Testing

Any Lab Test Now® goes beyond just providing test results. Recognizing the importance of understanding these results and their implications for your health, we encourage discussions with your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a primary care physician, we have partnered with DialCare, a service that helps you connect with a licensed provider in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

We offer a refreshing approach to lab testing aligned with the needs of modern, health-conscious individuals like you. Our services are not just about getting lab tests done; we provide an empowering, efficient, and accessible healthcare experience. With Any Lab Test Now®,you have the tools and support to take control of your health in a way that’s convenient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. We can help you and your family by providing answers through tangible results. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

School is Back – Take Back Your Health

It’s that time of year–kids from preschool through college are heading back to school. This means it’s the perfect opportunity to do a re-set and focus on the family’s health, coinciding with National Health Center Week (August 9-15). What you may not realize is that Any Lab Test Now® is a “health center” giving you direct access to thousands of beneficial lab tests to ensure wellness.

Useful Lab Tests For Concerned Parents

As your children head back to school, there are any number of lab tests you can utilize. Any Lab Test Now® is a family health center, we provide many lab tests to check a number of health concerns. Perhaps you’re unsettled, wondering if your son or daughter picked up bad habits over the summer—research shows more than 3,000 teens try marijuana for the first time every day.

Parents who are worried their child could use or abuse drugs either in high school or while away at college can easily have their son or daughter tested. Any Lab Test Now® does drug testing, no appointment necessary.

For example, we may utilize a screening called a Blood 5-Panel Drug Test to determine the presence or absence of 5 types of drugs or their metabolites in the bloodstream. This blood drug test checks for the presence of 5 drug metabolites including:

Amphetamine/Methamphetamines
Marijuana
Cocaine
Opiates
Phencyclidine

Any Lab Test Now® can also conduct tests to see if someone has been vaping, a habit that the Surgeon General has declared an epidemic among youth. The choices parents have for Nicotine tests available at Any Lab Test Now® include:

Urine Test:
A Good choice if a parent suspects the child has used nicotine over the last few days. An instant test is available, and parents can get results within five to ten minutes.
Hair Follicle Test:
A good option for parents who think their child has been either vaping or smoking nicotine for a long time, and the child might stop using just to get through the test. It takes 3 days for nicotine to start showing in hair strands.
Blood Test:
A simple blood draw can detect traces of nicotine about 2 hours after use.

Testing at Any Lab Test Now® is confidential. No one has access to results but parents. You own the results and you can even use an anonymous name to protect your child. Most importantly, the results give parents and other loved ones’ answers so they can take next steps if needed.

You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind. Since thousands of kids are going off to college for the first time, it might not hurt to get basic testing done to make you as a parent know that you’ve done all you can to protect your child.

Vaccine Immunity Check

Whether you have a young child going to daycare, preschool, grade school, high school, or college, there is one constant—making sure your child is current on vaccinations protecting them with everything from measles to chickenpox. Most states have laws requiring certain immunizations for school-aged children.

Problem is, immunization records can get lost and often be difficult to track down, especially if you’ve moved over the years. Any Lab Test Now® can help. We can do a simple blood test called the MMR Titer that checks if you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella by measuring your antibody levels, thus determining if your immunization is up-to-date. The results demonstrate whether or not your immune system has the capability to respond to an infection from one of the viruses.

Take Back Mom’s Health

Knowing the kids are taken care of is a sense of relief for parents. Especially for moms, it’s been a busy summer, running non-stop, taking the kids to swim practice, soccer camp, or a friend’s house, and now getting ready for school can be exhausting and stressful. Any Lab Test Now® can run a Cortisol Test to see how much daily life stressors have been affecting mom’s overall health.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Taking these proactive measures helps you advocate for your family’s health. It puts you in the driver’s seat. Blood work, after all, can provide many much-needed answers about our health. This trend is called healthcare consumerism. It’s all about giving people the tools and control to live their best, healthiest lives. Take the control to say; I need this test done whether or not my insurance company will pay for it.

If you are ready to check your family’s health as you head back to school, Any Lab Test Now® is the health center you’ve been looking for. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you to take back your health.

It Takes Guts to Protect Your Digestive System 

Gut health. Not exactly a sexy conversation starter, but definitely a conversation necessary to have. As 2022 continues with the objective to Take Control of Your Health®, don’t forget to include the not-so-flattering parts of our bodies. Initiate the conversation and start chatting about your digestive health.

Did you know? More than 700,000 Americans are living with Crohn’s disease, 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, and 25 to 45 million Americans live with IBS. Many people living with symptoms are unaware of their current status causing a painful, lonely journey of figuring out which foods to avoid while suffering from debilitating symptoms.

Proper Testing is Crucial

Crohn’s disease is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding to the digestive tract. There is no known cause, but research suggests that it may be genetic.

Common symptoms include:

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and cramps
Anemia and rectal bleeding
Weight Loss
Fatigue
Nausea

If diagnosed with this condition, your doctor may advise you to avoid foods like dairy, highly seasoned foods, or high-fiber foods.

IBS is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and bowel changes. It is the most common intestinal problem that causes patients to be referred to a gastroenterologist. Typically, IBS can occur after an infection of the intestines, but another trigger may be stress.

Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Gas
Bloating

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Those suffering from this disease cannot tolerate gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some oats. People with celiac disease deal with their immune system attacking their small intestine when they eat gluten. This damages the inner lining, which is used to absorb nutrients from food.

Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Diarrhea or constipation
Weight loss
Nausea
Fatigue

If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, living with them can be a hassle, but it can also result in a problem getting much worse.

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

One simple lab test can have you could be on the road to recovery with proper treatment from your doctor after a diagnosis. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer the Celiac, IBS, and Crohn’s Array Test, or CICA. CICA measures your gut health on the genetic, antibody, and cellular levels. It’s a convenient test designed to give you answers whether your symptoms range from abdominal discomfort to severe pain. We provide the doctor’s order, and your results will be ready in just a few days. Once received, discuss your results with your primary care physician for s personalized treatment plan.

If you ever felt “off” after eating a meal or immediately experienced an upset stomach, acid reflux, heartburn stop wondering. It’s time to figure out what’s going on with your body. Many Americans are currently living with these life-damaging symptoms every day without even knowing they have these ailments. Don’t be one of them. During each month of 2022, Any Lab Test Now® is committed to highlighting and bringing awareness to important health screenings so you can take care of yourself from the inside out. These tests are extensive, and often inexpensive, providing a convenient, clean space that caters to everyone. From the stay-at-home mom to the on-the-go businessperson and the in-between, each person serves a vital role in our community and their health matters.

Get answers for your gut health today at any of the 200 Any Lab Test Now® locations.

Acknowledging Alcohol Addiction in America

Every April, we recognize Alcohol Awareness Month. We toast our successes. We drown our sorrows. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! The world is filled with reasons to pour a drink, yet even a single drink can affect your body. And too much can have a long-lasting impact that isn’t always reversible. It can be a touchy subject. In a positive light, alcohol can be fun, flirty, and a reliable resource to have a good time. It’s often a must-have for major social events like bachelorette parties, weddings, and birthdays. Of course, every coin has two sides, and alcohol is no different. For some, alcohol is addictive. It can be damaging, messy, and used as an excuse for abhorrent behavior.

Did You Know? Alcohol remains the number one drug of choice for teens in America today. It’s more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined. Alcohol Awareness Month is sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, this month encourages community organizations to host events to increase the public’s awareness and education that too much alcohol can do to you.

SHORT-TERM HEALTH RISKS

Your liver is the largest organ in your body. It breaks down and filters out harmful substances in the blood and manufactures the proteins, enzymes, and hormones the body uses to ward off infections.

When you indulge in excessive alcohol use, certain risks internally and externally are higher.

Injuries: car crashes, falls, drownings, and burns
Violence: homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and partner/familial violence
Alcohol poisoning
Miscarriage/stillbirth in pregnant women

All of the health risks stated above are devastating, life-altering consequences. At times, these ailments can be preventable. Alcohol fuels emotions, causing a person to perhaps do something more extreme than they would with a clear mind. In addition to short-term health risks, alcohol also comes with long-term health concerns.

LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS

High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues
Cancer: breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and rectum
Weak immune system
Dementia
Depression and anxiety
Social problems, family problems, and job-related problems
Alcohol dependence

Any of the conditions laid out above can be severely damaging. Furthermore, alcohol-related disorders can impact every facet of the human life experience. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a comprehensive test called the Hepatic Function Panel. It measures the blood levels with seven tests that you may want to see how well your liver is working. It’s encouraged if you’re suffering from symptoms related to liver disease, on medication that affects the liver, or if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C.

The Liver Function Panel includes the following tests:

Total protein
Albumin
Total bilirubin
Direct bilirubin
Alkaline phosphatase
AST
ALT

Labeled as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States by the CDC, excessive alcohol use is said to shorten the lives of those who die by a staggering 29 years. Alcohol abuse can also impact one’s mental health leading to symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Now is the best time to get ahead of your health. Liver function testing provides both you and your doctor the information needed to monitor the impact of alcohol on your body.

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

As we continue into 2022, it’s important to keep the momentum of self-care going. Any Lab Test Now® offers you extensive and inexpensive lab testing options, so you can keep living your best life. It’s our priority to make these tests as convenient as possible for working people. This is why we provide business-friendly hours, for those with busy schedules. Each of our 200+ locations nationwide provides a clean, safe facility for your lab testing needs. Book an appointment online or walk into your neighborhood Any Lab Test Now^® to test your liver health.

Don’t Rely on Luck, Act Now to Protect Your Kidneys

March, the month when the ice begins to melt and the sun starts to shine through the heavy clouds of winter. The first day of spring encourages outdoor dining and lazy hammock lounging as we welcome the warm weather after the months of cold that have become all too familiar. In addition to looking forward to warmer weather, March features St. Patrick’s Day, National Reading Month, and an important one, National Kidney Month. Kidneys aren’t usually what comes to mind when you think of the third month of the year. However they’re hard at work the entire calendar year, so it’s only fair to recognize their efforts.

Let’s Start With The Facts

Kidney disease affects 1 in 3 American adults, that’s 37 million adults! The unfortunate reality is that most people don’t even know it. Right now, 100,000 people are on the kidney transplant list. According to the World Health Organization, kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death globally.

What Is Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease, or chronic renal disease, is a condition where you suffer from a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by filtering wastes from your blood. Kidney disease increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. When kidney disease progresses, it can eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.

If your kidneys worsen, you may start to feel sick and develop symptoms like:

High blood pressure
Anemia
Weak bones
Poor nutritional health
Nerve damage

Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

Several factors can lead to kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for two-thirds of chronic kidney disease cases. Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar is too high. Over time, if unmanaged, it can cause damage to your kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes. High blood pressure occurs when your blood pressure against the walls of your blood vessels increases. If poorly controlled, it can be a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, kidney stones or tumors can possibly lead to kidney damage, a well.

Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease can impact individuals at any age.
You could have an increased risk if you:

Have a family history of kidney failure
Are older in age
Belong to a group with a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Detecting chronic kidney disease can be tricky because the signs and symptoms of the disease typically occur later as the disease progresses. Something to also be mindful of is how symptoms can progress differently in men and women. For instance, urinary tract infections are more common in women, if the UTI travels to the kidneys it could put some women at greater risk for chronic kidney disease. In contrast, there are some cases where men may progress to end-stage renal disease or kidney failure faster.

While watching for late-stage symptoms won’t help with early detection, it’s important to be aware of the signs:

Feeling exhausted, less energy
Trouble concentrating
Poor appetite
Trouble sleeping
Muscle cramping at night
Swollen feet/ankles
Puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
Dry, itchy skin
Frequent urination, especially at night

Steps to a Healthy Kidney

Early detection and treatment can often keep kidney disease from getting worse. Now is the best time to make a commitment to yourself to keep your kidneys healthy. Any Lab Test Now’s Renal Function Panel is a group of tests used to evaluate kidney function.

This panel provides an affordable, convenient option for you to maintain your health. Minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose are measured as part of this test. A simple blood draw is required, and no appointment is necessary. At Any Lab Test Now^®, we pride ourselves on being accessible to the working person, so our locations have business-friendly hours.

New Year, Better You!

There are many components to being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The root could come from several conditions like getting older, an autoimmune disease, or inherited diseases, but something you can do is get ahead of it. With early detection, you can save yourself from severe illness or even death.

Once you get your test results, you can work with your primary physician to treat and improve the health of your kidneys. As we continue to battle COVID-19 fatigue, it’s easy to write off testing, especially for something that isn’t at the forefront of your mind. However, it’s vital to make your kidney health a priority. As a new season welcomes us, spring into action to care for your kidneys so you can live your life to the fullest.

Any Lab Test Now^® has more than 200 locations across the country. You can make an appointment online, by phone, or just walk in. Don’t rely on luck for good kidney health, click here for your nearest location.

Getting a Gauge on Your Stress Levels

Let’s talk about the many faces of stress. Stress is being burned out at work, but feeling like you must persevere because of the pile of unpaid bills on the kitchen counter. Stress is making a family decision, knowing your in-laws will criticize it. It’s being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic while already 30 minutes late to an appointment. It’s realizing you have to figure out what you need to eat for dinner tonight and every night for the rest of your life. Many factors contribute to stress, so it’s best to stay aware of how your body is reacting to it.

For the last two years, our stress levels have heightened in the wake of the global pandemic. According to a new study from the American Psychological Association, 32 percent of Americans said they are so stressed about the pandemic that they struggle to make fundamental decisions such as what to wear or what to eat. It’s completely derailed many of our daily routines, making work and personal life infinitely harder to navigate. As our lives become more complicated, our bodies adjust, and not always in the healthiest way.

We’ve all experienced it — whether an argument with your spouse or a work assignment that just isn’t going your way, our stress symptoms start as a response. Your heart starts racing, your muscles tighten, you get a stomachache. During a time like this, a hormone called cortisol (hydrocortisone) is going to work. Cortisol is released to help your body deal with stress, but it can be more harmful than helpful if your cortisol levels are too high or too low.

Cortisol is released by your adrenal glands, which are right above your kidneys. It also helps our bodies manage how we use carbohydrates, fats, proteins and controls our wake and sleep cycles. A study released one year after The World Health Organization announced the global pandemic states 67 percent of Americans reported unwanted changes in their sleep patterns. Cortisol suppresses what your body doesn’t need in a “fight-or-flight” situation. Essentially, it kicks in your instincts and is crucial to our survival. Of course, all things require balance, especially when it’s within your own body, so let’s look at what happens when your cortisol levels are unbalanced.

Too much cortisol can cause conditions like:

Hyperglycemia
Obesity
Decreased bone density
Increased blood pressure
Damage to the heart

Too little cortisol can cause the opposite effect:

Weight loss
Fatigue
Diarrhea and vomiting
Low blood pressure
Loss of consciousness

Any of those symptoms above would add undesired effects to your life. If you’re currently experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to find out what’s going on. According to a 2021 health study, since the pandemic began, nearly half of Americans, a whopping 47 percent, said they have delayed or canceled their healthcare services.

A Simple Solution

Any Lab Test Now^® is the best choice for a fast and safe health experience. We provide the doctor’s order so you can walk in without an appointment and choose from thousands of testing options.

Our facilities offer affordable lab testing options to help both you and your doctors monitor your body’s response to stress. The Cortisol Lab Test is a blood test used to measure the level of cortisol in the blood. This test can provide an indication if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Or try the Saliva Cortisol Test, which can determine your cortisol level via a saliva sample.

New Year, Better You!

We’ve developed many unhealthy habits as COVID-19 has deterred us from being our best mentally and physically. However, you can make that change today. It’s time to focus on a new year and a better you! Take the first step towards better health in 2022 by testing your cortisol levels. Any Lab Test Now® has more than 200 locations available nationwide.

Click this link to find your nearest Any Lab Test Now and schedule an appointment.

Show Your Heart Some Love and Live Longer

When you think of February, images of hearts probably come to mind thanks to the celebration of Valentine’s Day on the 14th. In addition to emotional attention given to your significant other, friends, and family — it is your own heart you should show some love to at this time. February is American Heart Month – a federally designated awareness month to raise consciousness about heart health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death across the globe. Every 42 seconds, someone has a heart attack, and each minute, in the United States, someone dies from a heart disease-related event. More than 17.3 million deaths are related to heart issues each year — a number expected to rise to more than 23.6 million within the next ten years.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a blanket term that refers to several different heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which could lead to heart attacks. Most of the time, and for most people, the first sign or symptom of heart disease is chest pain.

Heart attacks are often thought of as sudden, but the issue that causes them develops over time. A substance called plaque builds up inside of the arteries, and causes the arteries to narrow, which reduces blood flow to the heart, and eventually triggers a heart attack.

Risk Factors For Heart Disease

Almost half of all Americans (47 percent) have at least one risk factor for heart disease. However, some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as family history.

On the risk list are:

High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes Or Pre-Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity

Steps to a Healthy Heart

While heart disease is not curable, the good news is that it can be treated and possibly prevented. Here are some preventative measures to help reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Stay active
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• Manage stress

Make a Commitment to Your Heart Health

As you continue to set new goals this year, make a commitment to yourself to keep your heart healthy. The first step is to take action. The Any Lab Test Now® Heart Health Panel provides an affordable and convenient overview of your heart health status. This panel can be used to provide a baseline assessment of your cardiovascular health, to help you and your doctor evaluate and monitor possible risks. There are four components provided within the Any Lab Test Now® Heart Health Panel.

They include:

Lipoprotein Particle Protein Basic (LPP) – Overall cardiovascular risk assessment
Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Evaluate the body’s electrolyte balance and the status of major body organs
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitivity – Inflammation marker used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease
Homocysteine – Evaluate the risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases

New Year, Better You!

While various heart problems may be inherited, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices. Once you get your test results, you can work with a doctor on a plan to treat and improve the health of your heart. Between work, social activities, and taking care of a family, it may be easy to forget to take care of yourself. However, it’s important to make sure your heart’s health is top-notch, especially if you’re the heart of the household.

Your cardiovascular system is important for your quality of life, so make February the month you take charge of your habits and make an improvement in your health. Any Lab Test Now® has more than 200 convenient locations across the country to help you Take Control of Your Health®. You can make an appointment online, or by phone, or just walk in.

Click here to find a location near you and start loving your heart and living your best life.