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.

STD/STI Risks for Young Adults

Although most states provide sex ed in public schools, it’s always good to talk to your teen or young adult about the risks associated with being sexually active. For many young people who may be experiencing independence for the first time, either heading off to college, living on their own, or starting their first job in a new career — embarking on these “firsts” can be challenging.

Navigating this unknown territory for young adults involves making decisions that can affect their overall health and well-being. The National Institutes of Health reports that this transitional time into a new life chapter is the ideal opportunity to emphasize long-term health, like implementing safe sex practices.

Health Risks Associated with STDs

Here’s why. Health issues associated with sexual contact disease transmission have reached epidemic proportions in the United States, according to the CDC. Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), historically referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are on the upswing since 2020. The latest figures from 2021 show more than 2.5 million reported cases of STDs throughout the U.S

These are infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microorganisms. STDs can be spread from one person to another during sexual activity, including intercourse without a condom, sharing of sex toys, and contact with infected body fluids.

Common STDs include:

• Chlamydia: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it is one of the most common bacterial STDs and can be asymptomatic in some cases.

• Gonorrhea: Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A viral infection that can cause genital warts and is linked to the development of certain cancers.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): A viral infection causing genital herpes, which is characterized by painful sores or blisters in the genital or anal area.

• Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis can cause a wide range of symptoms if left untreated.

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A viral infection that attacks the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

• Trichomoniasis: Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, it is one of the most common curable STDs.

Symptoms Are Problematic

The difficulty with STDs is that some are asymptomatic, so you don’t even know you’ve been infected, or you have mild symptoms that go unnoticed. Often people don’t learn about exposure unless a sexual partner has been diagnosed. The Mayo Clinic says to look out for these symptoms that could indicate you have been infected through sexual transmission:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals or the oral or rectal area.
• Painful or burning urination.
• Discharge from the penis.
• Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Pain during sex.
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Fever
• Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet.

STDs are tricky because symptoms may never appear or can appear years after being infected. But left untreated, some STDs can cause infertility, chronic pain, and other long-term health problems. In addition, many STDs can be easily passed on to sexual partners, even when the infected person is not experiencing any symptoms. This means that people who have multiple sexual partners or who engage in unprotected sex are at an increased risk of contracting and spreading STDs.

Any Lab Test Now® Screenings

For people who may not be practicing safe sex, getting regular STD screenings, and discussing sexual health with partners to reduce the risk of transmission is important. Early detection and treatment of STDs are crucial to prevent complications and further spread.

Any Lab Test Now® is a judgment-free zone. We are here to provide answers when you need them. Our STD PANEL, COMPREHENSIVE, is a screening test for infections that can be spread from one person to another through sexual contact. This panel looks for HIV, syphilis, herpes (HSV1 & HSV 2), gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. If you are interested in testing for additional STDs, you should consider the COMPREHENSIVE STD PLUS. A blood sample and a urine sample are required for these tests. A vaginal swab (for females) may also be used.

The lab tests we provide are accurate, confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or discussing the results with sexual partners. We understand this is a sensitive issue, so we provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters, and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

It’s important for young adults to understand the value of their health and make informed choices that support their well-being. We are here as a resource to obtain answers with tangible results. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Common Substances Found in Recreational Drugs

Significant risks and dangers are involved with recreational drug use, and it is important to understand how these drugs work and why using them can be a hazard to your health.

The trends surrounding the use of cannabis edibles or nicotine vaping are more menacing than you may think, especially as alarming information continues to surface about these drugs being laced with uncontrolled levels of fentanyl.

Here are some common substances found in the most highly used recreational drugs:

Cannabis: Cannabis, also known as marijuana, contains the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It has relaxing and euphoric effects. It is approved for recreational use in 22 states and Washington D.C., however, there are no safety standards in place by the FDA. Those in the market to purchase forms of cannabis will often go to dispensaries for purchase. But with no regulation in place, ingestion of products can be dangerous and even deadly. Recent news stories report that what appear to be alleged credible retailers of cannabis may unknowingly sell products laced with fentanyl, which can be dangerous and deadly. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) says fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It carries a high risk of overdose and can be lethal at the 2-milligram range.

Cocaine: Cocaine and other stimulants are resurfacing as popular drug choices. They produce short-lived intense euphoria and increased energy levels. Cocaine is illegal due to its highly addictive nature and potential for harmful health effects. Fentanyl is also commonly found concealed in cocaine.

Adderall: This is a commonly misused prescription drug. When prescribed by a physician, it is safe and effective. It’s typically prescribed for children and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When used non-medically and illegally, it can be dangerous. The DEA has categorized Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it carries a high potential for abuse and addiction. Amphetamines like Adderall are a class of stimulant drugs that include substances like amphetamine and methamphetamine. They can increase alertness, focus, and energy levels.

Opioids: Opioids include substances like heroin, morphine, and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and fentanyl. These drugs either come from the opium poppy or are synthetically produced. Opioids create a sense of euphoria and pain relief. Opioids have a high potential for addiction and can be dangerous if misused. One of the biggest concerns these days is fentanyl, which can come in liquid and powder form. According to the CDC, even the tiniest dose can be deadly. More than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer lab testing that includes a number of drug screenings.

The 10 PANEL DRUG TEST (URINE) or 10 PANEL DRUG TEST INCLUDING EXPANDED OPIATES (URINE) will identify the presence or absence of 10 different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. This lab test is a routine screen for each drug class, as well as any necessary confirmation testing. On average, most drugs are detectable in urine for approximately three days after the most recent use or exposure. A confirmed positive result for a drug or drug metabolite is considered evidence of use or exposure in that time period. Collection takes place at one of our lab testing centers.  

The Concern about E-Cigarettes Usage

Another rising trend, especially for kids, teens, and young adults is vape use. Recent data from the CDC reveals 2.5 million young people in the U.S. are vaping. After investigating e-cigarettes, the CDC found that 99% of e-cigarettes sold in assessed venues in the U.S. contain nicotine—a highly addictive substance.

Vaping can pose potential health risks, like respiratory problems, lung damage, and cardiovascular issues. The e-cigarette industry is relatively new, and regulations on manufacturing, labeling, and quality control vary across jurisdictions.

If you are concerned that your child is vaping, you can bring them to your nearest Any Lab Test Now® for a  COTININE DRUG TEST (NICOTINE METABOLITE) (URINE). This urine test will determine the presence of cotinine/nicotine in the system.

Cotinine is the metabolite or what is left after nicotine consumption and is the test of choice to evaluate active tobacco use or exposure to tobacco in many forms. Cotinine is more stable and has a longer life in the body than nicotine.

Confidentiality

We understand that being tested yourself or testing your child for the presence of drugs is a sensitive issue. We provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

For parents reading this or if you are an adult with a recreational drug issue, know that Any Lab Test Now® is here to provide answers through lab testing. Call now to schedule an appointment at a testing center near you.

*If you are looking for help with substance abuse for yourself or a loved one, You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

How Can Your Business Partner with Any Lab Test Now?

We are your partner in health. Whether that means being a lab testing center for your family or for an organization like a business, school, or private practice — with more than 200 locations throughout the country, Any Lab Test Now® is an accessible resource that provides solutions through screenings designed to provide answers.

How We Can Help Your Medical Practice

Everything costs more these days, from groceries to healthcare. As a provider, you want to do all you can to keep costs down for your patients. According to Gallup research, nearly 40% of Americans are putting off needed healthcare due to rising costs. While healthcare prices have increased year-over-year, wages have leveled off or even declined.

If you are a provider who’s conscious about healthcare costs for your patients, Any Lab Test Now® is a great alternative option. Compared with costs associated with blood testing billed through high deductible health insurance, your patients’ health savings accounts, or for those who have no insurance — our lab testing centers are just what you’re looking for.

Any Lab Test Now® has thousands of tests that fit the budget and assist with your diagnosis, like our CBC or COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT, providing a valuable “snapshot” of your patients’ health.

Any Lab Test Now® Can Assist with Your Drug-Free Workplace Program

Many companies, especially those involved in public safety or healthcare, require pre-employment drug testing,arandom testing program, reasonable suspicion, post-incident, and back-to-work drug and alcohol testing. Whether your company does one, some, or all, Any Lab Test Now® is a one-stop shop for all your employee’s lab testing needs.

We serve as a valuable resource for a myriad of workplace tests, including heavy metals and other occupational exposure testing services, as well as background screens and even employee wellness programs.

Here are some of the employer testing services you may be interested in:

• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Pre-employment, Random Screening, Post-Accident, Suspicion
• DOT Testing
• Background Screening
• Heavy Metal Testing
• COVID-19 Testing (Rapid Antigen, RT-PCR, Antibody)
• 10 PANEL DRUG TEST PLUS COTININE– Identifies the presence or absence of cotinine, plus ten (10) different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. This lab-based panel includes a routine screen for each drug class, as well as any necessary confirmation testing.

Assisting with Legal Cases

If you are with a law firm dealing with family, criminal, personal injury/toxic tort, or you’re a private or legal investigator needing court-admissible evidence for a legal case, Any Lab Test Now® provides quick, convenient, reliable lab testing. Our lab tests provide facts that are obtained through drug and alcohol testing, forensic lab testing, or DNA testing.

An example of a test that can be utilized for a legal case is our PATERNITY LEGAL, used to determine if there is a biological relationship. This is typically done by obtaining genetic material (DNA samples) from the two individuals via cheek swabs, then comparing these samples. This is often used in cases like child custody, child support, immigration, or adoption.

Our medical assistants are certified specimen collectors, and our laboratory partners are accredited and/or certified by the agencies you know and trust, to help you build your case.

Testing Services for Students

As a school administrator, you may be in the market for a lab testing center that provides a vast array of services you need — the solution is Any Lab Test Now®. Whether for intermediate, high school, or higher education students, including nursing, phlebotomy, medical assistants, pharmacy, dental, and paramedical — we provide convenient, comprehensive, and accurate testing.

In addition, we offer specific lab tests needed by healthcare students, school faculty, healthcare and veterinary professionals, and medical sales and device representatives.

Some of the more common tests students may need include:

• Hepatitis A, B, and/or C
• Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Nicotine Testing
• Sickle Cell Screen for Athletes
• MMR TITER TESTING – This blood test checks if you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella. It measures your antibody levels to get a sense of whether your immune system has the capability to respond to an infection or proves that you’ve been vaccinated. It’s especially important for people working in hospitals or medical clinics.  

The Next Step

If you are a business or school needing these services, Any Lab Test Now® makes this very easy for you. Simply click here to find our lab testing center closest to you, and we are happy to provide a quote. We look forward to partnering with you and providing our confidential, convenient, and accommodating services.

Better Sleep Month

There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. It helps restore the body so it’s physically and mentally functioning at its best.  But when we don’t get the zzzz’s we need, it results in feeling mentally foggy, emotionally cranky, and physically exhausted.

That’s why Better Sleep Month, dedicated to addressing concerns about how chronic lack of sleep can be detrimental to overall health, is important. If you are having sleep issues, you’re not alone. The Cleveland Clinic says about 70 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep disorders.

Bedtime Stories Are Important

Historically, parents have always insisted that their children have bedtimes, to provide ample quality sleep to maintain good health and well-being. Reading a bedtime story to children is a great way to help kids unwind and slow down for a good night’s sleep, something we should all do to decompress after being stimulated with activities all day long. According to the CDC, children need the most sleep, especially newborns and infants. Once kids are school-aged, they need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers require 8 to 10 hours, and adults from 18 years old to 65+ ideally need at least 7 hours. These are consecutive hours of sleep, not chopped up into little naps throughout the day, because that won’t provide the restorative sleep cycles the body needs.

Grown-Ups Need Their 40 Winks

Here’s the problem. If you’re an adult contending with insomnia or sleep deprivation and you’re not getting the restful hours of sleep you need, it can prompt a number of health issues. Sleep affects your heart and circulatory system, metabolism, respiratory system, and immune system.

The National Institutes of Health reports that sleep is a necessary restorative time for your body. You’ve probably heard about sleep cycles, which include the initial drowsy stage when you begin to fall asleep. This is when your body’s parasympathetic system takes control and slows your blood pressure and heart rate, allowing it to relax and not work as hard. Next comes stage 2, the light sleep, followed by the deepest sleep, in stages 3 and 4. In these stages, your heartbeat and brain waves are at their lowest levels, and the body is healing and restoring cellular energy. The last cycle is sometimes referred to as the 5th stage, or the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle. It’s in the REM cycle that your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.

The body needs rest. Otherwise, it has no way of healing or growing or providing the immunity you need. If you’re not getting enough sleep or you have insomnia, your body is not able to get its restoration completed, leaving you with a higher risk of:

• Coronary heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes

Lack of Sleep? Could Be a Hormonal Issue

Your hormones play a vital role in maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. As the Mayo Clinic reports, when the body’s circadian rhythm or the body’s sleep clock is off, it throws the whole body into imbalance. For example, there are two basic hormones needed for sleep — the stress hormone called cortisol and the sleep hormone called melatonin. If the body is operating efficiently, these two hormones will work together in a kind of crisscross pattern. Melatonin should go up as the sun goes down — to help you sleep. Conversely, cortisol should be higher in the morning to help rev your engines and get you moving but should decrease at night to help you sleep.

If something is wrong with this rhythm because of an imbalance of melatonin or cortisol, it could be the reason you are having trouble either falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.

• High cortisol results in insomnia, anxiety, sugar cravings, feeling tired but wired, and increased belly fat
• Low melatonin results in excessive fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia

Our Sleep Kit Provides Answers

Any Lab Test Now® can help. We have a very effective and accurate test to help determine if your sleep struggles are due to a hormonal issue. The Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit is a simple test that measures melatonin and cortisol levels via urine collection on test strips four times throughout the day. It’s available in-store or online. After turning in your kit, results will be available within 3 to 5 days.

How to Handle Your Test Results

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

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

Get the sleep you need to live a healthy life. If you’re having sleep issues, visit your local Any Lab Test Now® and pick up a Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit to find answers.

Men’s Health Month

Men don’t like going to the doctor. This statement is not just an aphorism or cliché. In a recent study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, 72% of men admitted they would rather do household chores, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn, than go to the doctor for preventative healthcare. And of those men who do routinely go to see their physician, 20% admit they are not completely honest with the doctor.

The research shows that the deterrent for men seeing a doctor could be anything from being embarrassed to not wanting to make nutritional or lifestyle changes like they know the doctor may greatly encourage. And this dismissive attitude is a health threat for men.

Higher Risk Factors for Men

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, mortality rates for men are higher than for women when it comes to preventable risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, inactive lifestyle, and obesity. These factors lead to higher instances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers, like lung and prostate. A movement created in the United States to improve health and wellness, called Healthy People 2030, reports that, on average, men die five years earlier than women because of preventable health risks.

This is all the more reason that June is a particularly important month, focusing on men’s health. National Men’s Health Month is a motivator to encourage men to take better care of their health by eating right, exercising, and participating in preventative healthcare to improve overall wellness and reduce health risks.

Life-Saving Screenings for Men

There are many preventable health issues that can be managed with screenings and early detection, and that’s where Any Lab Test Now® comes in. We offer a number of tests that can screen for potential problems. These simple blood tests can provide a snapshot of your health and create a baseline for comparison in the future.

COMPREHENSIVE MALE PANEL – This panel is designed to provide a broad overview of your health. It includes blood counts, a metabolic panel, which includes kidney and liver functions, as well as heart health and hormone information. Men will also receive a PSA test to evaluate prostate health.

The Comprehensive Male Panel includes the following tests:

• CBC with Differential/Platelets
• Complete Metabolic Panel
• Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel
• PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
• Testosterone (Free and Total)
• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
• HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C)
• DHEA-S (Helps in the evaluation of your adrenal gland function)

The Importance of Male Hormone Health

Hormones are very important to overall health. Testosterone, found in women and men, plays a vital role in men’s health. Testosterone, usually thought of as a sex hormone, is essential for the production of sperm and to enhance sex drive. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, testosterone also signals the male body to make new red blood cells and works to keep bones and muscles strong. It also provides men with a sense of well-being.

Testosterone, like all hormones in the body, fluctuates. Typically, testosterone levels are highest in the morning and decline throughout the day. Here’s why this is important to understand. If you are feeling fatigued, weak, depressed, or generally not yourself, The Comprehensive Male Panel provided by Any Lab Test Now® can be a game-changer. Having this test done may show some abnormalities in hormone levels, which may require further testing. Because hormones are cyclical and levels may see-saw throughout the day, further hormone testing may need to be done to pinpoint specific irregularities.

The Role of Vitamins in Men’s Health

Another screening to consider is our VITAMIN D testing. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with a significantly increased risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and many causes of mortality, which can be significantly higher risk factors in men.

Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it interacts with and regulates more than 200 genes in the body and can help the body combat risk factors. The body absorbs vitamin D from the sun. If the screening test indicates you have low levels of vitamin D, your provider may recommend a supplement.

Looking Out for Your Health

At Any Lab Test Now®, we provide clear, concise, and understandable results within days of your tests. The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or perhaps the results give you the peace of mind you were seeking.

If you don’t have a provider and want to seek the guidance of a doctor, you also have the option to contact our partners at DialCare. This service allows you to consult with a provider in your state about your results. The clarity you receive from a medical professional can affect the way you handle your health and can be lifesaving.

Remember, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the costs of diagnostic lab work from Any Lab Test Now®. Whether you are looking for a screening test for hormones or other health concerns, we have thousands of tests available to you, providing comprehensive health screenings that allow you to focus on your and your family’s health.

Utilizing our diagnostic lab testing will get you the answers you need. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Celiac Awareness Month

You’ve probably seen a lot of foods in the grocery store or on menus in restaurants that say “gluten-free.” In the last decade, as food allergies have become more identifiable, folks are becoming very aware of the foods they eat and the ingredients in that food. Although many people have made it a preference, choosing not to eat gluten, there are about two-million folks in the United States who must avoid gluten because they’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. Here’s the problem. When someone has celiac disease, eating foods with gluten, like bread, pasta, grains, cereals, and processed foods, destroys the villi in the small intestine. The villi, which resemble fingerlike tubes and line the small intestine, have a very important job. It’s up to them to grab nutrients from foods and hand those nutrients off into the blood for the body to use.

When you have celiac disease, gluten triggers the immune system to damage those villi. If the villi can’t do their job capturing nutrients and delivering them to the blood, the body becomes malnourished from lack of nutrients.

How Do You Get It?

Celiac disease is genetic and can be triggered at any age. There is no cure for celiac disease; treatment is a gluten-free diet to prevent further damage to the small intestine and ease symptoms.

 Johns Hopkins Medicine says it is more common in people:

• Whose ancestors came from Europe
• Who are white.
• Who have type 1 diabetes
• Who have Down syndrome
• Who have other autoimmune diseases
• Who are infertile
• Who have irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

Celiac disease is more prevalent in women, and if you have other autoimmune gastro issues, you may have a greater sensitivity. Another interesting characteristic of this disease is that some folks may have it with no symptoms, and others suffer pain and discomfort.

Common Symptoms

For people with celiac disease, eating gluten can cause the body to respond in a number of ways. According to a celiac patient advocacy group called Beyond Celiac, there are about 250 symptoms associated with this disease. Among the typical symptoms patients experience, the Celiac Disease Foundation says the most common are:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Nausea

How Do I Know if I Have It?

Because celiac disease has so many symptoms that also fall in line with other illnesses, like Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis, the only way to diagnose celiac is through blood tests or a biopsy of the small intestine.

That’s where Any Lab Test Now® can help. If you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, or family members have celiac disease, and you are concerned about symptoms you may be experiencing, be proactive with your health and utilize a blood test we provide to give you the answers you’re looking for.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer the CELIAC DISEASE PANEL, an antibody test that can help diagnose and monitor the disease. We test for antibodies IgA and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody (IgA). You will have your results within 5 to 7 days.

Manage Your Health

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and we want to help you better understand this illness and know how to find answers. Any Lab Test Now® empowers you to take control of your health by providing tests like the Celiac Disease Panel. We provide clear, concise, and understandable results.

Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, the lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or perhaps the results give you the peace of mind you were seeking. You also have the option to glean additional information with our DialCare service. This allows you to consult with our provider about your results. The clarity you receive from a medical professional can affect the way you handle your health.

If you are concerned about costs, know that having the celiac disease blood work done through your physician’s lab could be expensive if you have minimal or no health insurance.

You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the costs of diagnostic lab work from Any Lab Test Now®. Whether you are tested for celiac disease or have other health concerns, we have thousands of tests available to you, providing comprehensive health screenings that allow you to focus on your and your family’s health.

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. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Seasonal Health Checkup for Women and Men

The weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer — a reminder of the change into the spring and summer months. With this environmental change, be aware that your body is also changing. In fact, no matter your age or gender, you are always going through a season of change.

Uh-oh, Something is Off

As the temperature gets warmer, we find ourselves focusing more on fitness to lose weight and comfortably dress for the summer. However, maybe the diet and exercise regimen that’s always worked in the past isn’t budging the scale this year. Maybe you notice that despite the rising temperatures, you’re always cold, or just don’t have the energy or focus you are used to having. Or maybe you just feel a bit “off.” These are indicators you shouldn’t ignore. Your body may be trying to tell you something.

Could It Be Hormones?

Just like we experience seasonal cycles, our body works cyclically in harmony with hormones. The Cleveland Clinic describes hormones as chemical messengers. They essentially coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.

If something goes wrong with a hormonal cycle, whether you’re a male or female, your hormones will let you know. Everything in the body is interwoven, which means if you are not responding to the diet and exercise or can’t seem to focus — the answer may be a hormone imbalance.

Hormonal Health Issues

Imbalances or deficiencies in hormones can lead to a wide range of health problems, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, infertility, and mood disorders, according to research from the Endocrine Society. Therefore, hormones are crucial to the proper functioning of the body, and any disruption in their production or regulation can have significant consequences.

Hormones are important to our bodies because they play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis, which is the balance of the body’s internal environment. Produced by the endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream, these chemical messengers regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and behavior.

For example, insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells. Testosterone and estrogen are sex hormones that play a role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive function. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps the body cope with stress by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing the immune system.

Health Screenings for Women and Men

What this means is that it’s possible that your lack of energy or failure at weight loss may be due to a hormonal issue. At Any Lab Test Now®, we can help. We are your partner in health, helping you get the answers you need. We offer two very effective tests to screen for a possible hormonal issue you may be experiencing.

• The first is the COMPREHENSIVE FEMALE PANEL. This screening will help you recognize and address hormone imbalances and assess the overall condition of your health. It’s designed for women at all stages of their life so that you can make an informed decision about your own healthcare goals. It includes blood counts, and a metabolic panel, which includes kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and your nutritional status.

• A similar test, designed for men, is the COMPREHENSIVE MALE PANEL providing you

with a wide range of tests designed to give a broad overview of your health. It includes blood counts and a metabolic panel, which includes kidney and liver functions as well as heart health and hormone information. Men will also receive a PSA test designed to evaluate prostate health.

Finding Answers

Since hormones are cyclical, in order to obtain an accurate snapshot of your health, theremay need to be multiple tests to discover a pattern depending on where you were in that cycle when you were taking the test. These comparative tests are valuable to ascertain if something is off or if further tests are needed for diagnosis of a problem.

These tests are not only beneficial for hormonal results but as an overall annual health screening. If there is a problem, you can consult with your healthcare provider to review the results and discuss potential next steps.

How to Handle Your Test Results

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. We do encourage you to consult with your provider for further details and to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

If your body is signaling you to a problem, listen to it. The first step to obtain answers is by coming to Any Lab Test Now®for tangible results. We are here to provide the lab tests you need for answers to your health concerns and optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Answers to Your Health Concerns About Anemia

Anemia is the kind of disorder that exemplifies just how important it is to have routine bloodwork. Any Lab Test Now® is here to partner with you as you take charge of your health. Whether you’re having labs done as a screening or as a diagnostic tool, we provide affordability, confidentiality, and convenience to help you get answers to health concerns.

What is Anemia?

When it comes to anemia — The American Society of Hematology says you may not even know you’re anemic until it’s identified in a blood test. There are some three million people in the United States who have been diagnosed with anemia — a condition in which the body is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. That lack of oxygen makes the body work harder to operate, which means you wind up feeling fatigued and weak. Those are just a few of the symptoms. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says you may also have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pounding in your ears, cold hands or feet, pale or yellow skin, or an irregular heartbeat.

Some folks are more prone to anemia than others. For instance, if you have a poor diet, gastrointestinal problems, chronic diseases, or infections, you are more susceptible to anemia.

Types of Anemia

There are several types of anemia. The one most of us are familiar with is iron-deficiency anemia. Typically, this is caused by blood loss or poor iron absorption. To treat it, your provider would have to find the source of the blood loss.

Next is vitamin-deficiency (pernicious) anemia resulting from low levels of vitamin B12 or folic acid caused by poor diet. It’s caused by the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12. To treat this type of anemia, your provider may suggest modifying your diet or adding supplements.

Aplastic anemia is rare but occurs when the body’s bone marrow stops making blood cells because of dysfunction of bone marrow creation. Treatment begins with a visit to see a hematologist who may conduct a bone marrow biopsy to determine the cause of the anemia. Medications and blood transfusions may be used to treat aplastic anemia.

Hemolytic anemia is when red blood cells are broken up in the bloodstream or in the spleen; because there is a mechanical heart problem or a number of other disorders. Treatment is dependent on the cause but may include medication or the guidance of a heart or vascular specialist.

The Mayo Clinic describes sickle cell anemia as an inherited disorder called sickle cell disease that affects the shape of red blood cells, which prevents oxygen from being carried properly through the blood.

Anemia Testing at Any Lab Test Now®

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer our ANEMIA PANEL, a comprehensive screening test that includes a CBC, Ferritin, Folates, Total Iron Binding Capacity tests, Reticulocyte Count, vitamin B12, and folic acid tests.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) looks at important parameters of your blood, including hemoglobin level, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The Ferritin, Iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity tests work together to indicate if you have an iron deficiency, which is the most common form of anemia. The Reticulocyte Count can help determine if you are producing enough red blood cells and the cause of different types of anemia. Finally, this panel will indicate any vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, often the reason for the onset of anemia.

Being screened for anemia, whether you are symptomatic or not, is a good idea. Although some anemia can’t be prevented, there are some changes you can make, like eating more iron-rich and vitamin-rich foods to improve the condition. Your provider may also encourage you to take a multivitamin or iron supplements if appropriate.

Manage Your Health

What we do at Any Lab Test Now® is empower you to take control of your health by providing tests like the Anemia Panel. The test results belong to you. However, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your provider about the results. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state to discuss results and any further testing or changes you may need to make to achieve your health goals.

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. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Learn About Your Ancestry

If you’ve ever wanted to dig deeper into your family tree or ancestry, no doubt you’ve heard about companies that do genetic testing. The data obtained by these tests can provide information about ancestral roots. According to a recent publication by the National Institutes of Health, estimates indicate that about 26 million people throughout the world have utilized those testing kits to learn more about their geographic origins.  

Privacy Breach 

Problem is that the results from these direct-to-consumer kits may not be private or protected. In fact, in recent years, news agencies have reported on concerns regarding these ancestry companies selling or sharing the data they collected with law enforcement or third parties. Yahoo! News even reports that several years ago the U.S. Defense Department warned members of the military not to participate in the DNA testing kits for fear of operational risk to service members.  

A Safer Option 

You don’t have to worry about a breach of your privacy at Any Lab Test Now®. We adhere to strict HIPAA regulations and compliance, so any testing you have done with us remains private; and is therefore a more secure way to have your ancestry tested, knowing only you receive the results and can choose how to use them. 

So, what exactly do these tests tell you? When we do a cheek swab on you, our lab looks at DNA variants. At Any Lab Test Now®, we look at ancestral relationships by analyzing genetic code tied to particular regions of the world. When you receive results, it will show that your ancestors came from a certain part of the world.  

DNA Ancestry Testing 

Specifically, the GPS ORIGINS ANCESTRY TEST (Geographic Population Structure) will test for your story of human migration, your genetic origin percentages and history, and your ancestral migration routes and stories, all in digital form. We analyze more than 800,000 autosomal markers from your DNA to pinpoint your origins. It identifies when and where your DNA formed by matching the populations that came together to create a genetic line that eventually leads to you. 

The GPS Origins™ test then traces the migration route of your DNA back to where it originated and dates the age of your DNA signature. It does that for both your maternal and paternal lineages, indicating where your DNA began. Your results are detailed in a report that reveals your ancestral origins. 

This is a very popular test as many people are trying to determine the accuracy of what is written in their family history. You might want to have this test done for informational purposes to share with your family members as a conversation piece or at a family reunion. 

Any Lab Test Now® Provides the Answers You’re Looking For 

Whether testing for informational purposes like our ancestry test or you want a screening or diagnostic test done, Any Lab Test Now® empowers you — allowing you to be in control of your health and decisions about your health. You do not have to visit your provider before coming to Any Lab Test Now®, our doctors can order the tests for you. Plus, you don’t need insurance to take advantage of our affordable lab testing. Best of all, the results belong to you. When it comes to matters involving your health, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your provider about the results. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state to discuss results and any further testing or changes you may need to make to achieve your health goals.  

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource  

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 or get answers to matters involving your ancestry. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you during our convenient hours.