Young Adult Health

Transitions in life are never easy. Take, for example, the newfound responsibilities that come with entering young adulthood. Often this means for the first time in life, you, as a young person are on your own, navigating new territory — learning to manage how to take care of yourself. This transformation often occurs in the late teens and early 20s and can be an eye-opening experience, especially when it concerns health.

The National Institutes of Health says young adulthood is the ideal time to learn and practice preventive health. While it’s perceived that young people enjoy good health, this is a time in your life when serious long-term illnesses or disorders can be averted through knowledge and wellness practices. Many chronic issues, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer, have their roots in early adulthood. It’s during this time that you can establish routines and behaviors related to physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and preventive care. Prioritizing health now, sets the foundation for a healthier future.

The Importance of Screenings

As a young person, you are still undergoing physical development and growth, making it crucial to support your bodies’ needs. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep contribute to healthy growth, muscle development, bone density, and hormonal balance. This stage of life lays the groundwork for optimal physical health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Any Lab Test Now® is your partner in health throughout all seasons. We understand that for you to be engaged in wellness practices providing optimal health, now and long term, means getting routine screenings to maximize health, provide baselines, and detect early signs of untreated illness. Plus, at this age, risk-taking is common, which is behavior that impacts lifelong health.

Overall Look at Your Health

Helping to serve these needs, our lab testing centers offer the ANNUAL CHECK-UP PANEL, which is a routine but effective lab test that monitors health, establishes a baseline, and provides knowledge of your wellness. This panel consists of five tests that provide a snapshot of information about your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, and thyroid function.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Young adulthood is a period of significant lifestyle changes, such as entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or starting independent living. Prioritizing mental health is essential during this time, as you face various stressors and challenges. In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation/CNN survey, 34% of American adults under age 30 rate their mental health as fair or poor, with many saying it prohibits their ability to enjoy a quality of life. That’s why this is an ideal time in your life to be cognizant of good health practices both physically and mentally. Regular exercise and a balanced diet play a role in promoting mental well-being, reducing stress, and enhancing resilience to cope with life’s demands. Good nutritional health supports a strong immune system, which is crucial for young adults.

Our BASIC NUTRITIONAL PANEL includes a variety of tests that can help you determine if you are getting enough nutrition. This panel can also help rule out adrenal gland disorders and malnutrition. It can also reveal anemia, signs of infection, or other factors that may cause fatigue; a CMP, which analyzes electrolytes, sugar, proteins, and enzymes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose, and liver/kidney function tests; and an iron and total iron-binding capacity test (TIBC) — which measures the amount of iron in your blood.

Providing Answers When You Need Them

We also understand that this may be the first time you’re on your own, making choices that can affect your health. Behaviors like smoking, illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and sexual activity can have a substantial impact on current and long-term health outcomes. Problems associated with disease transmission through sexual contact has reached epidemic proportion in the United States, according to the CDC. Cases of the sexually transmitted infections (STDs) chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis all increased between 2020 and 2021 — reaching a total of more than 2.5 million reported cases throughout the U.S.

Any Lab Test Now® is a judgment-free zone. We are here to provide answers when you need them. Our STD PANEL, COMPREHENSIVE, tests for infections that can be spread from one person to another through sexual contact. It is possible to have an STD and not realize it. Symptoms of STDs can vary — some people might experience significant symptoms, and others may have none. Even if people do not feel any symptoms, they can still spread STDs. This is why STD testing is so important. Early detection can lead to proper treatments.

Healthcare Costs

You may be leaving the nest and are budgeting for the first time, or perhaps it’s the debut of your own healthcare plan. For insurance with a high deductible, we are the solution to help save you money. Costs associated with lab testing are one of the medical expenses you can pay for with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

It’s important for you to understand the value of your health and make informed choices that support your well-being. By taking proactive steps to maintain your health during this pivotal stage of life, you can lay the groundwork for a healthier future and maximize your potential in all aspects of life. We are here as a resource to obtain answers with tangible results. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Jumpstart Your Health 

There is never a bad time to Take Control of Your Health® — even during the holidays. Most people think it’s best to wait until the new year rolls around to start a new diet and exercise program. But did you ever think it might be smarter to get a head start on your resolution before the new year? 

One of the biggest reasons people fall flat on their diet and exercise goals is because they take on too much at once. Have you ever committed yourself to eat salads and work out at the gym four days a week once January starts? Unfortunately, by the time April rolls around your overwhelmed and tapped out. By making those drastic changes all at once, you are setting yourself up for failure. Instead, you should ease your way in. Call it the December dress rehearsal.

Instead of eating nothing but salads every day, start with replacing one meal a week with a bowl of leafy greens and veggies. Then, bump it up to two salads the following week, three salads the week after that, and so on.

You can do the same with exercise. Start by taking it easy. If you haven’t run in a while (or ever), start out with a brisk walk. If bigger biceps are your thing, don’t overdo it in the weight room. Start out with a lower weight and do more reps. Slowly make your way up the weight rack over the following days and weeks as you get your muscles acquainted with the movements. 

If you use the weeks leading up to the holidays and the new year as a practice period, you will be that much more ahead of the game and closer to your goals without all the pressure that comes with a resolution. 

This makes now the perfect time to come into Any Lab Test Now to get an Annual Check-Up Panel which provides you with a baseline for your overall health that will give you even more motivation to stick to your plan. 

The Annual Check-up Panel is a set of five tests that reveal an incredible amount of important bodily information — some of which could impact the type of diet and exercise program most beneficial for you. This panel provides you with a baseline for your overall health that will give you even more motivation to stick to your 2022 resolutions. 

 

How do you know how far you’ve come if you don’t know where you started?

The Annual Check-Up Panel provides you with an important baseline. You’ll learn the numeric levels on blood counts and cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as kidney and liver functions and more. By knowing these levels at the beginning of your resolution, you’ll be able to return every four to six months to test again. It will provide you with proof that choosing a salad instead of your favorite fried dish was really is worth it.

Here is a closer look at the information the Annual Check-Up Panel from Any Lab Test Now provides:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC is a blood test that gives you a good picture of your overall health. It can measure different components and features of your blood, including:

• The number and size of red blood cells (these cells carry oxygen)
• The number of white blood cells (these cells help fight infection)
• Total amount of hemoglobin and amount per red blood cell (this protein carries oxygen in red blood cells)
• Fraction of hematocrit (this proportion of red blood cells is the fluid component, or plasma, of the blood)
• Total number of platelets (these cells help the blood to clot)

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is a group of blood tests that measures your body’s chemical balance, fluids, and metabolism function. 

A metabolic panel can determine the following in your body:

• Kidney and liver function
• Blood sugar
• Calcium levels
• Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, and chloride levels
• Protein levels

Thyroid Panel 

Hormones can impact everything, from muscle growth, weight gain or loss, fat storage, mood, even libido. This test evaluates how well your thyroid is reacting to and producing certain hormones.

This includes: 

• TSH: Thyroid-stimulating hormone – This hormone modulates the levels of hormones your thyroid releases.
• T3: Triiodothyronine – This hormone, in combination with T3, regulates your heart rate and body temperature. 
• T4: Thyroxine – Along with T3, this hormone regulates your metabolism.

If these hormones are out of balance, they can cause a variety of issues like low protein levels, weight gain, growth disorders, and sexual dysfunction. 

Cholesterol Lipid With Ratio (Lipids Panel)

A lipid panel can test substances in your blood that carry cholesterol, that when above normal levels, can increase the risk of heart disease over time. 

Some of the tests in a lipid panel include:

• Total cholesterol (this measures the total cholesterol in your blood, including LDL, HDL)
• LDL (bad) cholesterol (LDL is the primary source of cholesterol buildup/blockage in the arteries)
• HDL (good) cholesterol (HDL helps to remove cholesterol from your arteries)
• Triglycerides (a form of fat in the blood that can increase heart disease risk)

According to the National Institute of Health, the optimal values for cholesterol are the following:

• Total cholesterol: less than 200mg/dL
• LDL: less than 100mg/dL
• HDL: 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease

It’s essential to monitor your cholesterol levels over time because it could help identify risk factors for heart disease; which lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can often reduce, and if needed, prescribed medications routinely monitored by your doctor.

Hemoglobin (A1C)

This test measures the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last two to three months.  Hemoglobin A is a protein found inside your red blood cells. Glucose attaches itself to this protein and remains there for the lifespan of the hemoglobin — about 120 days. The A1C test can determine how much glucose is stuck to the hemoglobin. An elevated A1C may be a sign of either prediabetes or diabetes, depending on the levels. If you are found to be prediabetic or diabetic, your doctor will request you change your diet to reduce your intake of simple carbohydrates and instead eat more vegetables and fiber.

Any Lab Test Now can play a vital role in helping support your health and well-being. Let us help you as you ramp up your diet and exercise the right way — slow, steady, and smart. Knowing your numbers will help you get on the right track from the inside out. 

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 the Annual Check-Up Panel to jumpstart your health goals. We are 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 are here to help.
Find your closest Any Lab Test Now at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Women’s Health Month: Chronic Conditions You May Not Know Affect You

Did you know May is Women’s Health Month?

There are many conditions known to impact women, such as breast or ovarian cancer. However, there are several diseases that the general public identifies with men. Heart disease and colorectal cancer are two examples. The thinking that these are male diseases can unfortunately put women at a disadvantage when it comes to their health.

During the month of May, it is time for women to make their own health a priority and learn more about these chronic conditions that can impact them just as much as men. Early screenings can identify potential problems long before signs and symptoms show up.

Here is an overview on these two conditions and the simple tests that will help women get a handle on their health.

Heart Disease

COVID-19 aside, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for one in every four deaths. Doctors have known for years that men and women experience heart disease somewhat differently.

Women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men are. Men present more “typical” symptoms of a heart attack, including chest, jaw, or arm pain; pain that radiates to one of the arms, neck, jaw, or back; and nausea, vomiting, sweating, or palpitations.

However, women are more likely to have “atypical” signs of heart attack, including heartburn, back pain, or pain that is burning, stabbing, or resembles indigestion.

Because of this, women are more likely than men to experience delays in emergency care.

It is important for women to get a baseline assessment of their heart health.

Any Lab Test Now® offers several tests that can provide an overview of heart health — including the Heart Health Panel, which looks at the following:

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

Once you have results, you can better understand your heart health and take steps with the help of your primary care physician and potentially a cardiologist.

Colorectal Cancer 

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in men and women in the U.S. Women have a 1 in 25 chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Thanks to screenings, like those offered at Any Lab Test Now, the rate of people dying of colon or rectal cancer has been dropping. Those who can identify colorectal cancer sooner can reduce the risk of cancer cells spreading to different areas of the body and can increase their chance of recovery.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include bleeding from the rectum, abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, dark or black stools, or any change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and weakness or fatigue.

Some risk factors of colorectal cancer include:

• Are over 45 years of age
• Had colorectal polyps or cancer in the past
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer (in a parent, brother, sister, or child)
• Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Eat a diet high in fat and [low in calcium, fiber, and folate]
• Smoke cigarettes
• Have certain genetic conditions

The Colon Cancer Screening Test at Any Lab Test Now is a health-monitoring test kit that detects hemoglobin, or blood, in the stool. The sample is collected in the privacy of your home and only requires a small water-based sampling from one bowel movement. Test kits can either be picked up in-store or purchased online and shipped.

If your test is positive, you will want to share your test results with your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist.

What if you are a woman who’s not necessarily concerned about heart disease or colon cancer? That’s great, but you could still benefit from a baseline assessment of your overall health. Our Annual Check-Up Panel consists of five tests that are typically ordered by a physician during an annual physical exam. It’ll provide you with numeric results or levels regarding your blood counts, kidney and liver functions, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and thyroid function values. By knowing your levels, you can begin to manage and even improve your health and keep track of fluctuations over time.

Be at Ease

At Any Lab Test Now, we understand that people may have concerns about going to a healthcare facility during the coronavirus outbreak. You can be at ease knowing that we are providing you a safe and clean location for your lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. When you get your test results, you can easily make a telemedicine appointment with your physician and share the details. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you to make educated healthcare decisions that can benefit your quality of life.

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

 

Don’t Let Your FSA Money Go to Waste

2020 is almost over.  Don’t let your FSA money go to waste!  

Due to the pandemic, many people are finding themselves with a higher-than-usual balance in their flexible spending accounts (FSA) at this point in the year.

The coronavirus has turned 2020 upside-down. Fewer people have been visiting doctors’ offices. Elective surgeries were postponed. Other services, including daycares, which are eligible for FSA dollars, closed down.  This has many worried about the tax-free dollars they haven’t used and stand to lose.

For example, during last year’s open enrollment, a parent may have put aside $2,500 in pre-tax income in a flexible spending account to help pay for childcare for the year ahead. When daycares closed due to the pandemic, that money wasn’t spent. Even if the daycare reopened, it is likely the parent is concerned about how to spend the money by the end of the year so as not to lose it.

There are plenty of ways to spend your money wisely and still meet the deadline for flexible spending accounts while gathering some vital information that will help you take control of your health. We are talking about lab tests, which are covered under your FSA.

Here are five tests from Any Lab Test Now you could take that would show a baseline you could share with your physician.

Annual Check-Up Panel

If you weren’t able to make it to your doctor for an annual physical and blood work due to COVID concerns, this is the test for you. The Annual Check-Up Panel evaluates your overall health by establishing a baseline for a number of very important tests, including your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and thyroid function. Fluctuations in these could signal problems.

Cholesterol Tests

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends all adults get their cholesterol checked every four to six years. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, it is a good idea to get tested annually.  If untested, high cholesterol can go completely undetected until an emergency event such as a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol can lead to plaque building up in your arteries, which will eventually cause damage to your body. If you do have high cholesterol, you can get started on medication or a diet plan to help reverse it.

Basic Nutritional Panel

Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, keto – the list of alternative eating lifestyles is growing. Many people choose diets that avoid specific foods. While it’s possible to get a wide variety of nutrients when eating this way, removing a food group from your diet can result in deficiencies of necessary nutrients. This panel will test for a variety of nutrients and vitamins, including iron and vitamins B12 and D, three of the most common deficiencies in the United States.

Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrition Lab Tests

Most of us realize we need vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies healthy. But, unless you know the specific and sometimes unusual signs, you may not realize is what vitamins and minerals your body is deficient in. Signs can include hair loss, lack of energy and slow wound healing. The qualified professionals at Any Lab Test Now can help you determine which test is most appropriate for your diet and lifestyle.

Allergy Tests

Allergies can develop at any point in your life. Allergies usually first appear early in life and become a lifelong issue. However, allergies can start unexpectedly as an adult. A family history of allergies puts you at a higher risk of developing allergies at some point in your life. At Any Lab Test Now, you can get tested and determine what is causing your allergies to act up.

Be at Ease

With all the options we have to offer, you’ll get the most out of your FSA dollars! And with your test results in hand, you can get the proper medications and start making lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms.

You can also be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work at Any Lab Test Now.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ 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.

 

Quit Stalling:  It’s time to finally get your annual checkup!

The annual checkup. It is a staple in our medical history. But thanks to COVID-19, most of us have probably put off having this essential exam. Due to the novel coronavirus disease, virtually all in-person outpatient visits were canceled in many parts of the country between February and May 2020.

In late April, primary care visits were still down by as much as 60 percent. While there has been a slight rebound recently, the numbers are still down — indicating many of us may still be a little leery about going back into a doctor’s office and being exposed to someone with COVID.

Rather than put it off your annual exam for another six months, you can take your medical health into your own hands. There are five tests every doctor orders during a routine physical. You can get all of these tests done without a physical exam and without a doctor’s order.

Any Lab Test Now offers an Annual Check-Up Panel. It is the same set of tests typically ordered by a physician during an annual physical exam.

This is the panel that establishes your baseline, including your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar status, and thyroid function values. By knowing these levels, you can begin to manage your own health to see if they fluctuate over time.

After all the stress and lifestyle changes during the pandemic, it’s a good idea to find out what’s happening with your health.

Let’s take a look at the tests.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The CBC is a group of tests that evaluate the cells that circulate in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The CBC can evaluate your overall health and detect a variety of diseases and conditions, such as infections, anemia and leukemia.

Cholesterol Lipid with Ratio (Lipids Panel)

A lipid panel measures fats and fatty substances our bodies use as a source of energy. Lipids include cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

This panel measures:

Total cholesterol level.

Triglyceride level.

HDL cholesterol – the “good” cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol – the “bad” cholesterol.

Lipids are found in your blood and are stored in your body tissues. They are an important part of cells, and they help keep your body working normally. Lipid disorders, such as high cholesterol, may lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, or stroke.

If your doctor finds a lipid disorder, treatment may be started to help lower your blood lipid levels. Your treatment could include medicines, diet changes, weight loss, and exercise.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH is produced by the pituitary gland, a small organ located behind your sinus cavity. TSH stimulates the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located inside your neck in front of the trachea, also known as your windpipe. This releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) into the blood. This test measures the amount of TSH in the blood.

T4 and T3 help control the rate at which the body uses energy.

If the thyroid releases too much T4 and T3, you may experience symptoms associated with overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heart rate, weight loss, nervousness, hand tremors, irritated eyes, and difficulty sleeping.

If there is not enough thyroid hormone production, this is called hypothyroidism. If your thyroid is underactive, you could experience symptoms such as weight gain, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, and fatigue.

If abnormal levels of thyroid hormones are detected, your doctor will prescribe a medication to bring the levels back into normal range.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A CMP is a test that measures 14 different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism. A CMP is used to check several body functions and processes, including liver and kidney health, blood sugar and protein levels, acid and base balance, fluid and electrolyte balance, and metabolism.

A CMP includes tests for the following:

Albumin – a protein made in the liver.

ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) – different enzymes made by the liver.

Bilirubin – a waste product made by the liver.

BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine – waste products removed from your blood by your kidneys.

Calcium – a mineral essential for proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, and heart.

Glucose – a type of sugar and your body’s main source of energy.

Total protein – measures the total amount of protein in the blood.

Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, and chloride – electrolytes which are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases in your body.

Abnormal levels of any of these substances or combination of them can be a sign of a serious health problem.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C)

Called an A1c test for short, this test measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The test shows what the average amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin has been over the past three months. It’s a three-month average because that’s typically how long a red blood cell lives.

If your HbA1c levels are high, it may be a sign of diabetes, a chronic condition that can cause serious health problems.

Annual Check-Up Panel

 Getting your annual check-up panel is easy, thanks to Any Lab Test Now. It involves a simple blood test. You will have to fast for 10 to 12 hours before the test to ensure accuracy. Results take between 24 to 72 business hours after your blood is collected. Once you get the results, you can make a virtual appointment with your doctor to review any concerning outcomes.

See test information at https://www.anylabtestnow.com/tests/annual-check-up-panel/

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 an annual check-up panel.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ 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.

Turn Over A New Leaf and Keep Healthcare Stress at Bay

Cut back on stress and anxiety this year by opting to celebrate your life and make health a top priority.

The first week of January marks Celebrate Your Life Week, which started as a special day to pay tribute to children; but has evolved into a celebration for people of all ages. Many people honor this special week by making New Year’s resolutions and setting goals. January is typically the time when people plan to eat less, work out more and hopefully live a healthier life. For an increasing number of Americans, tackling anxiety is being added to their list of resolutions. Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety. Approximately 40 million adults, or 18.1 percent of the U.S. population, are diagnosed with anxiety disorders every year. Two of the top causes of anxiety are our finances and our health, WebMD reported.

ANY LAB TEST NOW can help you reduce anxiety this year by offering low-cost medical testing to ease your health concerns without putting a dent in your finances. Visit any of the more than 180 ANY LAB TEST NOW locations to get an Annual Check-Up Panel this month to start the year off right and fend off worries about your health.

The Annual Check-Up Panel

The Annual Check-Up Panel at ANY LAB TEST NOW consists of five tests that are typically ordered by a physician during your yearly physical exam.

Blood count. Measures red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets to ensure they are in the healthy range. This test can detect a wide array of problems, including anemia, infection and leukemia, MayoClinic reports.

Kidney function. The kidney filters blood, removes waste and balances electrolytes. Monitoring kidney function can prevent kidney stones and other more serious problems.

Liver function. Damage to your largest organ can be easily reversed if you catch it in time.

Electrolytes. Electrolytes keep the body hydrated. Proper hydration ensures the body’s internal organs function at an optimum level, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library.

Total cholesterol. High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of coronary heart disease. Knowing your levels can help you take steps to ensure heart health.

Thyroid function. Thyroid imbalances are particularly common in women and can be the source of fatigue and weight gain. Your doctor can prescribe a simple pill to get your thyroid back on track.

Health Anxiety on the Rise

Health anxiety, or hypochondria, can put a damper on your quality of life. Worries you may be sick can impact your work, family and mental health. More than two-thirds of Americans are anxious about their health, according to a poll released last year by the American Psychiatric Association. Online searches of health concerns are also helping fuel anxiety. Taking proactive steps to improve your health can ease fears and put an end to niggling feelings of worry about a particular ache or pain. Knowing the results of your tests allows you to work with your physician to make educated decisions on your health.

You do not need an appointment to take advantage of ANY LAB TEST NOW’s affordable lab testing. Patients can walk into any ANY LAB TEST NOW location for testing and have test results mailed or faxed to them. The results, which can also be picked up at their testing location, are in an easy‐to‐read format that clearly states if the test is within the normal range. ANY LAB TEST NOW encourages patients to share any abnormal results with their doctor.

Make Changes to Reduce Anxiety

Getting an Annual Check-Up Panel at ANY LAB TEST NOW is not the only step you can take to kick your anxiety to the curb. Luckily, your New Year’s resolutions to eat well and exercise will go a long way to helping reduce anxiety, ADDA reports. In addition to exercise and a diet of whole foods, there are other steps people can take to calm concerns.

• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Go to bed earlier. Getting enough sleep can reduce anxiety.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can aggravate anxiety and put people on edge.
• Find a hobby. Finding a special activity you enjoy gives you a break from everyday activities that cause stress.
• Take a hike. Spending time outdoors in nature helps relieve stress and restore energy. It’s great for cardiovascular health, too.
• Talk to a therapist. Learning cognitive behavioral techniques from a therapist can help mitigate anxiety.

 

If questions about your health are keeping you up at night, start the new year off right by visiting your local Any Lab Test Now location to calm your fears.

Fuel Resolutions with FSA Savings

Many Americans are making resolutions to get healthy and lose weight in the new year as the deadline for spending money from their flexible savings accounts looms. Rather than let your hard-earned savings expire, Any Lab Test Now offers a number of ways to stay on top of your health care and spend wisely.

A flexible spending account, or FSA, is part of an employer’s benefits package that allows workers to save pre-tax money for out-of-pocket health care costs. FSA rules vary by employer, but most companies require people to spend their FSA savings prior to the end of the year. Using your FSA savings to help fulfill New Year’s resolutions to get in shape is a no-brainer, and Any Lab Test Now is here to help.

You do not need insurance to take advantage of Any Lab Test Now’s affordable lab testing. An appointment can be scheduled online, or patients can walk into any of the more than 170 Any Lab Test Now locations nationwide for testing. Patients can have test results mailed or faxed to them, or they can come to pick them up at their testing location. As 2019 draws to a close, stop by Any Lab Test Now for a cost-effective and easy way to ensure your health and make the most of your FSA savings.

Any Lab Test Now offers a full range of clinical lab tests designed to support your well-being and provides a great springboard for the start of weight-loss season. Here are some options to consider when taking advantage of FSA savings.

Annual Check-Up Panel is a great option for taking a close look at your overall health and wellness. The panel provides a baseline for managing your overall health. The blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol health, blood glucose levels and thyroid function values.

Thyroid Panel When it comes to managing weight, one of the leading culprits causing weight gain in women is the thyroid. Thyroid imbalances can be the source of fatigue, weight gain, memory loss, and a host of other problems. Before embarking on a wellness journey, make sure the thyroid isn’t the reason your pants are feeling tight. The Thyroid Panel screens for thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism by examining your body’s production of the thyroid hormones.

Diabetes Maintenance Panel More than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes; and one in four of them are undiagnosed, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control. Diet and exercise can help nip diabetes in the bud. Knowing if you are at risk of getting the disease will allow you to start down a path of wellness. The four tests in the Diabetes Maintenance Panel can help diagnose diabetes and help patients manage the disease with the help of a physician.

Take the first step to a healthy lifestyle this new year by visiting your local Any Lab Test Now and spending your remaining FSA dollars before time runs out. From cholesterol tests to DNA testing, Any Lab Test Now offers superior customer service at an affordable price.