Spring Allergies: Take Action With Lab Testing!

A sniffle here, a sneeze there. Our first thought is, “Uh-oh, I’m coming down with something.” But did you ever stop to consider what ails you may not be an illness at all, but an allergy?

Spring is the time of year when we all want to get outside and enjoy the mild temperatures and the beauty of the blossoming plants and trees. If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you don’t need a calendar to tell you when winter is over; your nose probably will. If you can’t stop and smell the roses because you’re too busy sneezing and sniffling, then it’s probably time you switch up your wellness routine. Luckily,  Any Lab Test Now® is here to help with information on how to ease your allergy suffering.

Did you know?

  • About one quarter (25.7%) of adults and Nearly 1 in 5 children (18.9%) have a seasonal allergy 1
  • 4.1 million physician office visits with allergic rhinitis as the primary diagnosis 2
  • Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S 3

Allergy Symptoms and Sources

The main source of allergies is pollen, which is a powdery substance produced by flowers and commonly found in trees, weeds, and grasses. If you have seasonal allergies, your body mistakes this harmless substance for something dangerous and tries to attack it.  An allergic reaction to pollen can cause symptoms like coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Seasonal allergies can be most serious when they impact your ability to sleep, contributing to a loss of productivity, so attending to the symptoms is important. One of the best ways to mitigate seasonal allergies is to add a quarterly allergy test to your wellness routine. Save yourself time and money using lab tests to pinpoint exactly what’s triggering your symptoms. The simplest way to do that is by taking advantage of the wide range of allergy testing we offer.

Pollen is not the season’s only trigger. With spring rains, there is more mold growth inside and outside your home. And spring cleaning will stir up dust mites throughout the house as well.

Here is a rundown of the top allergy-producing sources and when they cause the most issues:

  • Tree pollen typically appears in spring
  • Grasses shed pollen in late spring and summer
  • Mold spores often cause seasonal allergies during the spring, summer, and fall

The Allergy “Uglies”

Allergies can make you feel miserable. The symptoms may leave you feeling extremely sluggish and fatigued, which can impact other areas of your life, such as work or family time.  You can also experience the allergy “uglies,” which include puffy, saggy eyelids, watery eyes, and a red, runny nose. 

If we took a peek inside your medicine cabinet, what would it look like? If you are like a lot of people, your cabinet would be a jumble of allergy medicines, decongestants, and cough suppressants, with a few stray pain relievers and fever reducers rolling around. At Any Lab Test Now, we want to help you take control of your seasonal allergies by helping you identify your triggers with direct-access lab testing. The “ugly truth” is that without the right information, you are more likely to self-misdiagnose and purchase the wrong types of medications. Buying various remedies and medications isn’t cheap, and the cost can quickly add up. When your symptoms strike, will you be prepared?

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens

Before you settle for plastic flowers, fake grass, or hiding indoors, there are some simple strategies to keep springtime allergies under control.

  • Keep your windows closed
  • Keep the grass cut short and avoid gardening chores that may stir up allergens
  • Quarterly allergy testing
  • Remove clothes you have worn outside and shower to rid pollen from your skin and hair
  • Brush off your pets after they have been outside to prevent allergens from coming inside with them
  • Check your local TV weather forecast for information on current pollen levels

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

Most doctors would agree that the first step in winning your battle against seasonal allergies is to know your triggers, and that’s where your local Any Lab Test Now can help. We offer a wide range of allergy testing that will help you fight back when it seems like your body is in revolt!

Any Lab Test Now® can help you determine the source of your springtime sniffles. Check out our wide range of allergy testing by clicking here. You can make an appointment or just walk into any one of our locations where a qualified medical assistant will perform a simple blood draw. There is no cure for allergies, but they can be managed. The next step is to discuss the results of your allergy test with your doctor so you can stop and smell the springtime flowers without sneezing!

Click here to find your local Any Lab Test Now®.

  1. CDC/National Center for Health Statistics (2023) ↩︎
  2. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2019) ↩︎
  3. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (2018) ↩︎

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.

 

Three Important Tests Your Child Might Need

Being a parent seems to be harder than ever. On top of the peer pressure that traditionally comes with adolescence, now we have to contend with strong social media influences. Add to that a pandemic, which has undoubtedly turned life upside down for everyone, including our children. One of the biggest concerns for parents is keeping their children safe and healthy. As a parent, there are several options you can take to make sure your child’s health is on track, starting with the right lab test.

3 CRUCIAL LAB TESTS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR CHILD:

1. COVID 19 RT-PCR TEST
These days, the first sign of a fever and a cough will have any parent worried that their child might have contracted COVID-19. While these signs are indicative of COVID-19, there are symptoms that children experience that most adults do not —including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other more common signs include body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and shortness of breath, as well as the most specific symptoms of COVID-19 — the loss of taste and smell. COVID symptoms can start within two to fourteen days after exposure. However, the average time for symptoms to show is usually five to seven days. The only way to know for sure if your child has COVID-19 is to have them tested.

Our COVID-19 RT-PCR Test has the highest accuracy rate with close to 100 percent. This test is a molecular test that detects the virus’s genetic material.

There are three ways to collect a specimen:

  • A long swab inserted into the back of the nasal passage
  • A short swab that goes into your nose
  • A saliva sample in which your child simply spits into a collection cup

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, health experts recommend you take the following steps:

Isolate – Separate your child as best you can from anyone in the household who is at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness. This includes anyone who is immune-compromised and senior citizens.
Inform – Let your child’s school, daycare, sports team, and anyone who has had close contact with your child know so that people who have been exposed can get tested.
Quarantine – Keep your child home for ten days after a positive test result.
Cover Up – Wear masks while at home. This includes everyone who is in the house, as well as the sick child, if possible.
Clean – Encourage frequent hand washing. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs.

While you can get a COVID-19 test for free in most cities, there are long wait times. Many sites have also cut back hours and limited testing days. Pediatrician offices are also backed up. High demand for the test is also causing some labs to take seven to 10 days to return results. Any Lab Test Now offers all three versions of the RT-PCR test so you can decide which one is best for your child. Unlike public testing sites or pediatrician offices, there is no appointment necessary at Any Lab Test Now, and wait times, if any, are minimal. Next-day or, in some cases, same-day results are available, which is critical when you are dealing with a virus such as COVID-19.

Click here to learn more about the COVID-19 RT-PCR test at Any Lab Test Now and find a location nearest you.

2. ALLERGY TESTING
Allergies of some form or another are extremely common in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that more than 50 million Americans have allergies, which usually appear in early childhood. They can impact your child’s ability to get a full night’s sleep, play, and learn, so identifying what your child is allergic to early on will help improve their quality of life.

Our Basic (Pediatric) Allergy Panel tests for allergies to 32 environmental substances and foods including:

  • 8 Common types of grass and weeds, including ragweed
  • House dust mites, pet dander for cats and dogs
  • 7 Common fruits and vegetables
  • 3 Dairy products: including cow’s milk, soft cheese, and eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Grains including wheat and soybeans
  • Meats including tuna, beef, and chicken
  • Sugar and chocolate

The most common allergy symptoms in children include:

  • Skin rashes or hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, or itchy eyes
  • Upset stomach, diarrhea

Here are some of the most common allergy triggers for children:

Outdoor irritants
Allergic rhinitis, also known as “hay fever,” is the most common childhood ailment caused by allergies. Symptoms include a runny and itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion. A child with allergies may also have itchy, watery, red eyes and chronic ear problems.

Other common outdoor irritants include:

  • Tree pollen
  • Plant pollen
  • Insect bites or stings

Indoor irritants
While considered to be a haven, our homes are not so safe for children sensitive to irritants found indoors. In fact, one in six children has an indoor allergy. Believe it or not, dust is one of the most common indoor allergies among kids. Those pesky specks of dust don’t just collect on tabletops. It can collect in soft, cozy places your child encounters daily, such as pillows and stuffed animals. Food allergies are also extremely common in children. More than six million children have some form of food allergy. The foods that cause the most severe and potentially deadly reactions are peanuts and shellfish. There are dozens of other foods that can trigger allergic reactions in children — anything from beef and pork to milk and eggs. Pets are another source of allergy-related sniffles and sneezes in children. Cats are usually the culprit, but dogs can often cause allergy problems too.

Other common indoor irritants include:

  • Mold
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Perfume

Identifying Allergies
In the past, children were subjected to hundreds of needle pricks containing different possible allergens to determine which ones caused the strongest reactions.  Any Lab Test Now offers a Basic (Pediatric) Allergy Panel that can test kids’ allergies with a simple blood draw. Within 48–72 hours, you will receive a report detailing what, if any, of the 32 most common environmental substances and foods might trigger an allergic reaction in your child.

3. DRUG TESTS
Drug use is a sensitive topic for most parents. No one wants to think their child is experimenting with drugs, but parents need to accept the fact that there is a good chance they will if they haven’t already.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics:

  • Drug use among eighth-graders increased 61 percent between 2016 and 2020.
  • Sixty-two percent of teenagers have abused alcohol by the time they reach 12th grade.
  • Fifty percent of teenagers have misused a drug at least once.
  • Eighty-six percent of teenagers know someone who smokes, drinks, or uses drugs during the school day.

Marijuana Use
Marijuana is one of the most prevalent drugs of choice among kids, second only to alcohol. One in six adolescents is likely to become addicted to it. Despite the decriminalization of marijuana in many states, the drug is not harmless. It is highly addictive and can lead to psychotic behavior in some children. Not only that, but marijuana can also lead to lung damage.

Opioids and Prescription Drugs
Opioid and other prescription drug abuse among children is considered a national public health emergency. According to experts, since these drugs are prescribed by doctors, children may have a false sense that these types of drugs are not dangerous. However, that is far from true.

  • Overdose deaths connected to opioids increased 500 percent among 15- to 24-year-olds since 1999.
  • 3 percent of 12th-graders have abused opioids at least once.
  • In the past year, 2.4 percent of 12th-graders abused OxyContin while 1.2 percent abused Vicodin.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping among teens is skyrocketing. A recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed more than a third of high school students tried it over the last year. The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory about vaping, calling it an epidemic and urging parents to keep their kids away from e-cigarettes. Many kids believe vaping products are a safe alternative to traditional forms of tobacco. Vaping puts high amounts of nicotine into the body. In certain cases, one vape pen can contain the nicotine equivalent of 20 regular cigarettes. Nicotine is highly addictive and can:

  • Slow brain development in teens; affecting memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood.
  • Can increase the risk of other types of addiction later in life.
  • May cause severe lung damage and even death.

Drug Testing Options
Information is a powerful tool for parents. Any Lab Test Now has developed several comprehensive drug testing programs to help provide you with the information you need regarding your child’s possible drug use. It can also be beneficial to your teen — not only when it comes to their health and overall well-being but also dealing with peer pressure. When your teen knows they can be randomly drug tested at any time and shares that information with their friends, they can say “no” to drugs more easily.

At Any Lab Test Now, teen drug testing options include:

  • Rapid drug screens for when you need to know now.
  • Lab-based drug screens and confirmations of drug screens for your assurance, including but not limited to opioids and prescription medications, marijuana, cocaine, and synthetic designer drugs.
  • Tobacco testing to determine the presence of nicotine in the system.

Depending on the test, your child will provide a sample of saliva, hair, urine, or blood. Drug testing at Any Lab Test Now is confidential. No one will have access to your child’s results except for you. You own the results, and you can even use an anonymous name to protect your child’s identity. Most importantly, the results will give you and other loved one’s answers so you can take next steps if needed.

BE AT EASE
No matter what type of lab work your child needs, you can be at ease seeking out any type of diagnostic testing at Any Lab Test Now.  We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Fighting Seasonal Allergies During the COVID Pandemic

Now that we have been contending with the COVID-19 pandemic, the first sign of any sneeze or sniffle sends many people into a panic. Even people who suffer from seasonal allergies may have a difficult time distinguishing their usual allergy symptoms from the signs of COVID-19 since many of the symptoms overlap.

Making things even more complicated, the spring allergy season — which typically falls between March and May — is predicted to be worse in 2021 than in years past.  Despite the rough winter, spring is expected to be warm and dry, which means more pollen and a big spike in allergies.

Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies are not caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies cause many of the same signs and symptoms. However, there are some differences.

COVID-19 Symptoms

The COVID-19 virus is spread through coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact.  According to the CDC, COVID-19 illnesses range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

The following symptoms may appear 2 –14 days after exposure:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

We recommend following the CDC guidelines and those of your local health department to prevent the spread of the virus. If you think you might have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, talk to your doctor.

Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal allergies range from mild to severe. The most common include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Watery and itchy eyes
  • Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
  • Ear congestion
  • Postnasal drainage
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing

Again, allergies are caused by a response in the immune system and are not contagious. Medications can treat your symptoms, and immunotherapy can help those with allergies find relief.

If you do feel under the weather and you do suffer from seasonal allergies, it is important to take your temperature to make sure you are not running a fever. A fever is one of the telltale signs of COVID-19 and the biggest differentiator from allergies.

Preventing Allergies

If you are prone to allergies, there are some ways to lessen your exposure to the things that might trigger your symptoms.

  • Stay inside with the windows closed when the pollen count is high. Many weather reports, whether on TV, online, or on an app, include pollen counts as part of the coverage.
  • Install a HEPA filter on your air-conditioning system.
  • Avoid cutting the grass, pulling weeds, and other gardening chores that can stir up allergies.
  • After spending time outdoors, take a shower and change your clothes to remove any traces of allergens that may have attached themselves to your hair, skin, and clothing. It is a good idea to leave your shoes at the door.
  • With COVID-19, many of us got used to wearing a mask in public places. It is a good idea for allergy sufferers to wear a mask when outdoors, especially during high pollen times, to reduce the number of allergens that enter your airways.

Know Your Triggers

More than 50 million Americans experience some type of allergy each year. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

In addition to the seasonal allergies mentioned above, which are the most common, there are other types of allergies that can impact you. These include:

Skin Allergies – Plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the most common skin allergy triggers. But skin contact with certain foods or latex may cause skin allergy symptoms too. Skin inflammation, eczema, hives, and rashes are outward signs of a skin allergy. Infants and children under 4 years of age are most likely to have skin allergies.

Food Allergies – There are several foods that cause most food allergy reactions. Peanuts are the most common allergen, followed by milk, soy, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. The risk of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, is extremely high with food allergies.

Drug Allergies – Medications can also trigger life-threatening reactions. Penicillin is the most common drug allergy trigger. About 10 percent of people report being allergic to this common antibiotic.

Allergy Testing

Not so long ago, people, including many children, were subjected to hundreds of needle pricks containing different possible allergens to determine which ones caused the strongest reactions.

Now, all it takes is a simple blood draw using only one needle to look for the specific antibodies to hundreds of substances.

Any Lab Test Now® offers a Basic Combination Allergy Panel, which tests for allergies to 45 different environmental triggers and 45 different food allergies.

There is no fasting required. You do not need a doctor’s order or an appointment to get tested. Once the results come back, usually within three days, you will know which substances trigger your allergies. Depending on the type of allergies, you can also work with your doctor on any medications that might reduce your symptoms.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including determining your allergy triggers.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Take Control of Your Health During Allergy Season

Kick hay fever to the curb by learning your triggers to stay healthy when pollen counts are high.

As the leaves sprout and flowers bloom, millions of Americans start sneezing. Up to 50 million Americans, including millions of children, suffer from allergies. At least one in five Americans has an allergy, and more than 26.1 million have seasonal allergies. An allergy is your immune system’s response to a trigger, such as pollen. In people with allergies, the body produces antibodies against common environmental substances and foods that create the typical allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes and skin, sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, and rash. The antibodies produce histamine, which causes the allergic response. Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects 6.1 million children and 20 million adults, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports.

While seasonal allergies can make people feel miserable, they are mostly not life-threatening. Allergies to food and insect bites are more likely to cause anaphylactic shock and death in severe cases. The number of people who have severe allergies has risen dramatically in the past 20 years.

Seasonal allergies send employee productivity spiraling, according to a study of 600 people conducted by Ohio State University. The study revealed that workers on average missed an hour of work per week during the peak allergy season; or 4 million workdays annually. Study participants cited lack of sleep and a negative impact on their overall health as the two main reasons for missing work due to seasonal allergies. Ohio State University experts recommend allergy testing and proper treatment to reduce sick days during allergy season.

Know Your Seasonal Triggers

Understanding the triggers that cause your nose to run and your eyes to water is essential for conquering pollen season. Some of the most common seasonal allergy culprits are tree, grass, and weed pollen, according to the AAFA. Avoiding the allergy is the best way to manage the problem, Mayo Clinic reports. Testing can help you learn the correct treatment for your allergy. An easy way to learn the cause of your seasonal stuffy nose is to visit Any Lab Test Now and order the Basic Allergy Panel.

You can access a simple blood test to determine what you are allergic to and prevent a severe allergic reaction or save money on only the allergy shots you need. Any Lab Test Now offers a Basic Allergy Panel that tests for 32 different environmental substances as well as foods.

  • Eight common grasses and weeds, including ragweed
  • House dust mites. Pet dander for cats and dogs
  • Seven common fruits and vegetables
  • Three dairy products including cow’s milk, soft cheese, and eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Grains including wheat and soybeans
  • Meats including tuna, beef, and chicken
  • Sugar and chocolate

When the body experiences an allergy to a substance, it produces antibodies that are specific to the allergen, called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, which Any Lab Test Now’s laboratory partners can measure to determine what’s triggering your symptoms.

Treating Your Allergy
There are a variety of treatment options for seasonal allergies. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment, depending on your trigger. Some of the common treatments for seasonal allergies are:

  • Oral or nasal antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Prescription eye drops
  • Allergy shots
  • Sublingual allergy therapy — small amounts of the allergen are placed under the tongue to develop an antibody response over time.

Natural Ways to Combat Allergies
If your allergy panel reveals you may have some allergies, there are natural steps you can take to prevent a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Close the window. Stopping unfiltered outdoor air from entering your home can prevent pollen from coming into the house.

Take a shower. When you enter your home at the end of a long day, you are bringing in allergens, like pollen, attached to your clothes. Taking a shower and putting on clean clothes can help reduce the severity of your reaction.

Eat healthy and drink water. Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables and hydrating can reduce allergy symptoms, according to reports.

Irrigate. Using a nasal rinse, like a Neti Pot, can remove excess mucus and may help improve symptoms.

Any Lab Test Now offers testing that can help you take control of your seasonal allergies. Visit an Any Lab Test Now near you to stop your sniffles today.

The High Cost of Hay Fever

If we took a peek inside your medicine cabinet, what would it look like? If you are like a lot of people, your cabinet would be a jumble of allergy medicines, decongestants, cough suppressants and expectorants with a few stray pain relievers and fever reducers rolling around.

Here at Any Lab Test Now, we want to help you take control of your seasonal allergies by helping you pinpoint your triggers with allergy testing. Without the right information, you are more likely to self-misdiagnose and purchase and use the wrong types of medications, medications that aren’t cheap. When your symptoms strike, will you be prepared?

HIDDEN COST OF YOUR COUGH

Let’s start with an Australian study published last year. They studied nearly 300 people who believed they had hay fever based upon their symptoms. The researchers found that only 17 percent of them selected the correct over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms.

Those costs add up. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the annual cost of allergies exceeds $18 billion. Allergy sufferers are also more likely to miss work – 1.7 more days lost than non-allergy sufferers. What could save you time, money and suffering? It could be as simple as allergy testing.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR SYMPTOMS

Most doctors would agree that the first step in winning your battle against seasonal allergies is to know your triggers, and that’s where your local Any Lab Test Now can help. We offer a wide range of allergy testing that will help you fight back when it seems like your body is in revolt!

The experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) say seasonal allergies are like other types of allergies. They develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, usually during spring, summer or fall when certain plants pollinate. The ACAAI estimates that as many as 50 million people have allergies of some type. Usually, the symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Itchy eyes
  • Runny nose

If you leave them untreated, problems can worsen, so it’s a good idea to treat them — and an even better idea to avoid them altogether.

If you find that you are sneezing and coughing during certain times of the year, you may have seasonal allergies, but the best way to find relief (and save yourself some money in the process) is to pinpoint exactly what’s triggering your symptoms. The simplest way to do that is by taking advantage of the wide range of allergy testing we offer at Any Lab Test Now.

PREVENTION BEGINS WITH ALLERGY TESTING

Any Lab Test Now offers numerous types of allergy tests. One of our lab experts can help you decide which one would be best for you.

Our Environmental Allergy Test is a combination panel that measures IgG and IgE antibodies to 90 food allergens and 45 environmental allergens (will test for 45 regional environmental allergen such as grass, weeds, trees and mold.) The Basic (Pediatric) Allergy Panel is the perfect introductory test. It screens for allergies to 32 environmental substances and foods, including eight common grasses and weeds, including ragweed. There are many more to choose from and we can help guide you toward the test that is right for you.

One of the best things about allergy testing at Any Lab Test Now is the blood draw! That may sound crazy, but remember, it wasn’t that long ago that testing like this used to require hundreds of needle pricks to determine an allergy reaction. Now, one simple blood draw can look for the specific antibodies to hundreds of substances — using only one needle.

Before the sneezing and wheezing has you crawling to your local pharmacy buying everything on the shelf to find relief, stop in at Any Lab Test Now and ask about allergy testing. It will save you time, trouble, and probably even some of your hard-earned cash.

Trigger warning! Seasonal allergies ahead

Don’t worry! There’s nothing offensive ahead…unless you find weeks of sneezing, sniffling and congestion offensive. We didn’t interview every one of them, but it’s a safe bet that most of the 50 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies would all agree that allergies are something they could do without!

Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. They’re big business too! According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), the annual cost of allergies in America is in excess of 18 BILLION dollars. Save your sick days and your sneezes for another day. Any Lab Test Now can help you find out what triggers your seasonal allergies so you can fight the good fight…before you get KO’d.

The ACAAI says the most common seasonal allergy triggers are mold spores and pollen from trees, grass and weeds. And while you might think you know that pollen is causing your sufferings, other substances may be involved as well. The key here is to know the source of your suffering and stop it, and not just treat the symptoms. Any Lab Test Now can help you pinpoint your problems. One of these tests might help:

  • Basic Allergy Panel – This is a simple blood draw that can look for the specific antibodies to hundreds of substances…using only one needle! It tests for allergies to 32 environmental substances and foods.
  • Regional Environmental Panel – This panel tests for allergies to 39 grasses, weeds and trees, including bluegrass, fescue, ragweed, oak, willow and sycamore. It also tests for allergies to animal dander and dust mites…all with a single blood draw.

Any Lab Test Now also offers the Comprehensive Combination Panel which tests for potential allergic reactions to more than 130 common substances. Check with the experts at your local Any Lab Test Now location to decide which test works best for you. And remember: gone are the days when allergy testing meant hundreds of needle pricks. All of the seasonal allergy testing done by Any Lab Test Now is done by a blood test, which means one simple blood draw can test for sensitivity to a wide variety of possible allergens.

With results in hand, a trip to your doctor or allergist should be your next step. What can you do in the meantime? The ACAAI has some tips:

  • Monitor pollen and mold counts. There are any number of apps that can help make this easier than ever.
  • Keep your windows and doors shut at home and in your car during allergy season.
  • Stay inside during peak pollen hours.
  • If you must be outside, wear a filter mask.
  • Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outside.

Seasonal allergies don’t have to be totally miserable. Check out your local Any Lab Test Now location before your triggers take you out.

Keeping Mom Healthy

Mother’s Day is around the corner, on May 14th. We usually give Mom a card or maybe take her to brunch. This year, you can do a little more to show your mom that you love her and want to spend many more Mother’s Days with her by talking to her about her health.

Navigating a Checkup

In fact, it’s a good idea to do an annual check-in with Mom before her annual checkup. Write down any of your mom’s questions so she can take them with her. Visit Any Lab Test Now to help provide answers she wants, quickly and easily. These will help her identify what she needs to talk about with the doctor.

Talk About Healthy Basics

Some basics to good health remain the same no matter what our age! Talk with your Mom about:

  • eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables,
  • maintaining a healthy weight,
  • exercising 30 minutes a day,
  • getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night,
  • not smoking,
  • wearing a seatbelt and
  • not texting while driving.

These are all good reminders when it comes to living a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. To add even more encouragement, perhaps you could tackle one or two of these together or create a challenge with the whole family.

Changing Vitamin Needs

There are some things that do change as Mom ages. Not all of them are things we’d think about. Did you realize the vitamins you take should change as you age? A mom in her 30s still needs to be sure to take folic acid every day, whereas a mom who is older and has gone through menopause doesn’t.

Once a woman has reached 65, she should be sure to add vitamin D into her daily regimen. Along with exercise, adequate levels of vitamin D can help prevent falls. If you aren’t sure that your mom is getting enough, you can suggest she have the simple Vitamin D Test done at Any Lab Test Now! Getting enough Vitamin D can be tough — especially if you follow a strict vegan diet. Other than fortified milk, not many foods have it.

Why is Mom Tired?

Being worn out and tired is just par for the course of motherhood, right? Not necessarily. Instead of letting Mom think that she has to spend 18 (or more) years exhausted, make sure there isn’t an underlying nutrient problem, such as iron deficiency anemia. In fact, the most common symptoms of this are fatigue and weakness. A woman who has anemia is tired because her blood isn’t getting enough oxygen to her body.

Any Lab Test Now has an Anemia Panel that can determine if Mom has an iron deficiency. Then, she and her doctor can come up with a plan to have her feeling more like herself again. The solution is usually a combination of iron supplements and adding iron-rich foods into her diet. No, she isn’t going to put liver on your dinner plate. Lentils, tofu, green leafy veggies and dried fruits are all great ways to get more iron in your diet.

Your mom spends a lot of time taking care of you. This Mother’s Day, take a little time to take care of her. Help her take charge of her health care needs and get the answers she seeks so that she can continue spending happy, healthy days with you and the family.

SPRING IS IN BLOOM; SO ARE SEASONAL ALLERGIES

If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you don’t need a calendar to tell you when winter is over; your nose probably will. Spring came a little early this year and it took many seasonal allergy sufferers by surprise. If you can’t stop and smell the roses because you’re too busy sneezing and sniffling, then it’s probably because you suffer from seasonal allergies. Luckily Any Lab Test Now is here to help arm you with information to ease your suffering.

Why Spring Means Suffering

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), allergies are a major cause of illness in the United States, with as many as 50 million people having allergies of some type. Allergy symptoms occur when your immune system overreacts to a trigger found in your environment. Usual symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Itchy eyes and/or nose
  • Runny nose

The usual culprits? Grass, pollen and mold are common triggers! All the things that make spring so special. Of course, no season has the market covered when it comes to allergies. Some people can sail through the bloom and get caught in the fall with woodsmoke, or in the winter with holiday decorations pulled down from a dusty attic.

How to Manage Your Seasonal Allergies

According to the ACAAI, the most important step to managing your seasonal allergies is to know your triggers. The most common tests for these types of allergies are IgE tests. These tests detect immunoglobulin “E” traces in your blood, and can pinpoint the allergen. That’s where Any Lab Test Now can help. Some of the most popular IgE allergy tests now offered by Any Lab Test Now include:

One of our medical assistants can help you decide which test is best for you; or you can try our easy to use Road Map of Symptoms to help guide you to the most appropriate option.

What to Do After You Know Your Trigger

You’ll want to check with your doctor to decide on the best treatment for you, but there are many medications available both over the counter and by prescription that can help. Some patients find that immunotherapy helps. There’s even promising research on probiotics. And, reducing your exposure to your allergy triggers is always a good idea.
At Any Lab Test Now, we want you to fall back in love with spring and all that it has to offer. Understanding your seasonal allergy triggers is the first step to feeling more comfortable at this time of year, so walk in to your local Any Lab Test Now to talk with a medical assistant about the test that’s right for you.

The 5 Best Tests to Use Your FSA On

altn-dec-newsletter-sized-fsaHSA and FSA accounts can help you budget for your healthcare, and ensure you always have the money you need to pay for any unexpected health events. But if you still have money in your FSA, it will expire at the end of the year. Instead of letting your money vanish, put it to use by getting some testing or immunizations you’ve been putting off. Wrap up lingering health concerns now so you can start fresh in the new year.

Allergy Test
The holidays coincide with peak cold and flu season, but if your sniffles won’t go away, you might look into allergy testing. Up to 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. If you experience emotional or physical reactions after you eat, or if you frequently have symptoms like a stuffy nose or trouble breathing, you might have an allergy to something you ate. The Allergy Test goes through as many as 45 different foods and 45 environmental triggers to identify the root of your symptoms.

Intolerance Test
If you’ve been noticing symptoms that aren’t associated with an allergic reaction, then you might have a food intolerance. If you experience fatigue, gas or diarrhea, depression or anxiety, weight gain or a general chronic discomfort, you may want to get a food intolerance test. This becomes especially important as you grow older, because you can develop new food sensitivities or intolerances later in life.

Blood Cortisol Test
If your stress levels are through the roof, the holiday season will likely only make it worse — it can seem like your to-do list never ends! To see if your stress is starting to cause problems for your body, get a blood cortisol test. High levels of cortisol are dangerous, because over time they can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation, compromised immune response and weight gain.

Thyroid Test
The holiday meals sure are delicious, but do you know what isn’t so great? The holiday pounds. If your weight gain tends to stick around a bit too long after the holidays, you should get your thyroid tested. Your thyroid controls metabolic activity, which is vital for maintaining a healthy weight. Poor thyroid health is associated with symptoms like fatigue, short attention span, weight gain and numbness or cold intolerance. Thyroid disorders can also cause conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.

Proof of Immunizations
Are you traveling for the holidays or early next year? The first thing on your list should be to make sure your immunizations are up-to-date, which you can do by getting a proof of immunization test. These tests ensure that you have gotten the immunizations you need and provide valid paperwork to prove that you are immunized, which can be helpful if you’ve lost any documentation.

Don’t wait for the new year to address your lingering health concerns. If you have an FSA that is going to expire soon, get the important lab tests you need before 2017! For more information, visit your local Any Lab Test Now.