Nutrition and Your Health

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

Nutritional Testing Options at Any Lab Test Now

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

The Importance of Nutrition Testing

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

What is Poor Nutrition?

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

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

Check Out These Food Facts:

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

Convenience, Affordability, and Professionalism

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

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

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

National Cholesterol Education Month

Back in 1913, researchers first discovered the detrimental role cholesterol plays in our health. Despite advancements in cholesterol-busting medications, it continues to be linked with high rates of cardiovascular disease in the United States and across the world.

To raise more awareness and educate the public about cholesterol and the best practices for cardiovascular disease prevention, September is deemed National Cholesterol Education Month.

Nearly one in three American adults has high cholesterol. Many of them don’t even know it.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found naturally in the blood and, believe it or not, is vital for the normal functioning of the body. Cholesterol is essential for maintaining a healthy body. However, when the cholesterol level in your blood becomes too high, it can cause serious and life-threatening problems.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: This is considered the “bad cholesterol” — it carries cholesterol from the liver into the bloodstream, where it can stick to the blood vessels.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: This is the “good cholesterol” that, on the other hand, carries the cholesterol in the blood back to the liver, where it is broken down.

Research has indicated that high cholesterol can increase the risk of:

Heart attack
Strokes
Atherosclerosis
Transient ischemic attacks
Peripheral arterial disease

Cholesterol is predominantly produced in the liver, but it can also be found in foods such as red meat, high-fat cheese, butter, and eggs.

Cholesterol Busters

Some of the risk factors, such as age, family history, or other health problems, can’t be controlled, but there are numerous ways to reduce the risk of having high cholesterol. They include:

Diet – There are two types of fats in food, saturated and unsaturated. Avoid foods containing saturated fats, as they will increase the levels of “bad cholesterol” in the blood.

Foods that are high in unsaturated fat and reduce the risk of high cholesterol include:

Nuts and seeds
Oily fish
Oats
Fruits and vegetables

Exercise – Moderate physical activity can help raise levels of “good cholesterol” in the blood. Adding exercise to daily routines, even for short intervals, will help make a difference. Good examples include swimming, cycling, and walking.
Stop smoking – Smoking stops HDL from transporting fatty deposits to the liver, leading to high cholesterol and narrowing of the arteries. This can increase the risk of suffering from heart attacks and strokes. The benefits of stopping smoking appear early too. In fact, within a year of quitting, the risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.

Get Tested

High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to take a simple blood test. The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked every five years. Testing should be done yearly if there is an established history of high cholesterol.

Total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered desirable for adults. A reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and a reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered too high.

The Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel offered by Any Lab Test Now is a convenient way to discover cholesterol levels and track them on a regular basis. A doctor’s order is not needed, so there is no need to take the extra step of going to a primary care physician to get a prescription for blood work. No appointment is necessary at Any Lab Test Now — walk-ins are always welcome. Test results are back within 24–72 hours. Then, they can be shared with a physician who can determine the best course of action, which may include medication and some of the cholesterol-busting actions outlined above.

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 cholesterol levels.

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 pandemic. We are here to help.

For more information about Any Lab Test Now, and the tests we offer, visit us at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Summer Season Foods That Help Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

Summer apparently does a body good! Research shows cholesterol levels seem to fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Our craving for fatty comfort food increases in the winter, which raises cholesterol levels. On the other hand, the lowest levels of the dangerous substance register in the summer months. It’s not so much about the heat; it’s what we eat, or don’t eat, when the weather warms up.

Before we get into the summer diet changes you might want to adopt to keep your cholesterol in check year-round, it is important to know the facts about cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. Yes, need. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. The extra cholesterol in your body comes from foods you consume – such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and tropical oils. Some of those foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which cause your liver to make more cholesterol than it should.

You may have heard that there are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is bad, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is good. Too much of the bad kind, or not enough of the good kind, increases the risk cholesterol will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain and lead to serious health issues such as a heart attack or stroke.

Experts say you should not shrug off the potential health effects of the seasonal fluctuations in your cholesterol levels. In fact, it might be a great idea to consider adding a bit of summer all year long when it comes to your eating habits.

Here are some summer-season foods that can help lower your cholesterol levels.

Apricots – This fruit is a great source of fiber. Fiber allows the body to get rid of cholesterol. The high beta carotene content in apricots also helps prevent LDL cholesterol (the bad one) from oxidizing and clogging arteries. Fresh apricots are in season during late spring and throughout the summer. You can easily import this healthy fruit into your winter diet by eating dried apricots, which will provide the same health benefits.

Raspberries – Also a fantastic source of cholesterol-busting fiber, these little berries are packed with tons of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B2, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium, and copper. While considered a summer staple, raspberries are grown and distributed across the country well into November.

Avocados – While popular in summer salads and side dishes like guacamole, this green goodie is usually available all year round. Research suggests that adding an avocado a day to a heart-healthy diet can help improve LDL cholesterol levels in people who are overweight or obese.

Asparagus – This high fiber vegetable also contains compounds called saponins, which have repeatedly been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Their intake has also been associated with improved blood pressure, improved blood sugar regulation, and better control of blood cholesterol levels. If you can’t find fresh, you can substitute canned or frozen asparagus.

Of course, you can’t lower your cholesterol levels by eating one or two of these foods on a random basis. Health experts recommend following a balanced diet combined with regular exercise.

Check Your Levels

Regular testing is an easy way to keep track of your cholesterol levels. Any Lab Test Now® offers the most advanced cholesterol panel available. The Lipoprotein Particle Profile Plus (LPP+) measures the size and density of your LDL cholesterol to provide you with the clearest picture of your cardiovascular risk.

You don’t need a doctor’s order to get your cholesterol checked, and you can walk in for same-day testing at any of our locations. Once you have your results, you can consult with a physician to find out if treatment is necessary. To learn more about the LPP+ screening, click here.

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 cholesterol levels.

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

Learn How to Manage Your BP Levels!

Why checking your blood pressure is so important.

It is estimated that nearly half of adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. With the added stress and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, doctors are noticing even higher numbers across the board.

High blood pressure is the major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. It’s now also the most common risk factor for severe complications and death in those with COVID-19.

High blood pressure is considered a “silent killer” because it doesn’t always present obvious symptoms to indicate something is wrong.

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. The first step in managing your blood pressure is to know your levels.

A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. The first number in a blood pressure reading, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

A significant number of U.S. adults have become candidates for blood pressure medication or other treatment since stricter guidelines were implemented in late 2017. The stricter standard, the first major change in blood pressure guidelines in 14 years, redefined a reading of high blood pressure as 130/80, down from 140/90. An increasing number of adults under the age of 45 are now hypertensive.

If you find that your blood pressure is consistently elevated, keep a diary and invest in a home blood pressure cuff. Get in the habit of checking your blood pressure at least once a month. If it’s elevated, check it more frequently.

There are also blood test panels you can get done outside of the doctor’s office to detect conditions that may cause high blood pressure to worsen and to evaluate and monitor organ function over time.

A cholesterol panel is recommended for anyone who has high blood pressure. High cholesterol has long been linked to high blood pressure. If your arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium, the heart strains much harder to pump blood through them. As a result, your blood pressure becomes abnormally high.

Potassium, along with other electrolytes like sodium and chloride, helps to regulate the acid and base balance in the body. Each heart muscle needs the right balance of potassium to beat in a coordinated way with all the other heart muscles. If you have high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias or have had heart failure, it is especially important to get enough potassium. A potassium test can help you monitor your levels.

A cortisol test is another option. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates a wide variety of processes in your body, including metabolism and immune response. It also is very important in helping your body respond to stress.

Although cortisol is critical for our survival, too much cortisol is damaging to the body and can cause increased blood pressure and damage to the heart.

Test Your Levels

Any Lab Test Now offers these tests and more to help you manage your blood pressure more effectively. No doctor’s prescription is ever needed for any blood work at Any Lab Test Now and neither is an appointment. We have convenient locations and hours to fit your busy schedule.

If you are concerned about your safety coming into a testing site, you can be at ease knowing Any Lab Test Now provides 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.

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

Heart Attack Risk High Among Women

Early testing and lifestyle changes reduce the risk of heart attack

Heart disease kills one woman approximately every minute and is the leading cause of death among females. Understanding your risk factors and the signs of cardiovascular disease can help diminish the threat.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, take time to honor your loved ones by lowering your risk of heart attack and improving your cardiovascular health. Only one in five women believe heart disease is their greatest health threat, and 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease, the American Heart Association reports. Celebrate National Heart Month this February by visiting an Any Lab Test Now location to get an overview of your heart health status. The Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel at Any Lab Test Now can be used as a baseline assessment of your heart health. Knowing your numbers is the first step to preventing yourself from becoming a heart attack statistic.

Any Lab Test Now’s Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel includes the following components:

Cholesterol, Total – total cholesterol is used help predict an individual’s risk of developing heart disease
Triglycerides – Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body
HDL Cholesterol – HDL cholesterol is often termed “good” cholesterol. The test for HDL cholesterol measures the amount of HDL in blood
LDL-Cholesterol (calculated) – LDL is considered to be undesirable and is often called “bad” cholesterol because it deposits excess cholesterol in blood vessel walls and contributes to hardening of the arteries and heart disease
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated)

What is heart disease?
There are many different types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems and congenital heart defects. Cardiovascular disease involves plaque buildup in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, which decreases blood flow, increasing the risk for both heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms of heart attack in women
Surprisingly, the symptoms of a heart attack vary between men and women. Men typically report classic symptoms, including chest pain, nausea and shortness of breath. The symptoms for women may be less obvious, according to the American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest nonprofit dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Symptoms in women can include:

Nausea or vomiting
Jaw, neck or upper back pain
Chest pain
Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Indigestion
Extreme fatigue

Are you at risk?
Understanding the risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease is a key step in taking care of your heart health.

Inactivity

Physical activity strengthens your heart muscle and can lower cholesterol, a major cause of heart disease.

Family history

Genetic factors can play a role in your chances of developing heart disease. Knowing your family history can help you know if you are at risk for high cholesterol and allay concerns.

Diabetes

High blood glucose can damage your blood vessels and nerves in your heart, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Smoking

Smoking damages the lining of the heart’s arteries.

Mental stress and depression

Lack of energy for exercise makes people prone to depression more at risk for heart disease. People diagnosed with depression also may have sticky platelets which can increase the hardening of arteries, boosting the chances of a heart attack, reports Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Menopause

A decline in estrogen can increase your risk for heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Pregnancy complications

Complications during pregnancy can indicate future heart health, according to reports. Women who suffer from pre-eclampsia, a high blood pressure condition during pregnancy, are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack in the future.

Snoring

Eighteen million American adults suffer from sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts during the night. Symptoms of sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, according to The Sleep Foundation, a national advocacy group touting healthy sleep habits.

Lifestyle changes can prevent heart disease

In addition to getting tested to know your heart health status, there are several steps to take to improve your cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends a healthy diet, exercise and regular physical exams to stay in peak form. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. It also encourages women to make muscle-strengthening exercises a priority. To improve heart health, doctors recommend giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and getting blood sugar levels tested regularly.

Celebrate American Heart Month by visiting one of Any Lab Test Now’s storefront locations to determine your heart health.

Back to the Basics on Cholesterol

When it comes to your health, it can be easy to get caught up in the latest headlines about what’s “good” or “bad.” We can get so caught up in the headlines that sometimes the basics get pushed back and forgotten. But the basics are the bedrock of your health, so let’s talk about cholesterol.

You could be suffering from high cholesterol and not even know it. It doesn’t have any signs or symptoms. It puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Any Lab Test Now makes it easy to know your cholesterol levels. We can also help you manage the disease. It all starts with knowing your risks… and your numbers.

CHOLESTEROL BOTH GOOD AND BAD

Believe it or not, some cholesterol is not only good to have… but necessary. Blood cholesterol is made by your body’s liver and it helps your body perform important jobs, such as making hormones and digesting fatty foods. Your body makes all of the blood cholesterol it needs, which is why experts recommend that people eat as little dietary cholesterol as possible. Dietary cholesterol is found in stuff like meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Your diet can be a huge risk factor when it comes to your chances of developing high cholesterol.

KNOWING YOUR RISK

When it comes to risk factors associated with high cholesterol, there are some things you can control and some that you can’t. For example:

Certain health conditions increase your risk. Obesity is a well-known risk factor, but so is having Type 2 diabetes.

Your age and gender play a role. As we get older, our bodies can’t clear cholesterol from our blood as efficiently, so just getting older increases your risks. Men tend to be at a high risk, no matter what age.

Genetics can be your friend or your foe. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you are more likely to have it. Couple that with an unhealthy diet and you’re in for a double whammy!

Your lifestyle plays a huge role. When it comes to lifestyle risk factors, consider the big three — diet, exercise, and smoking. If your diet is high in unhealthy fats, your risk goes up. If you aren’t exercising, you can gain weight, which puts you at an increased risk. Smoking makes an already bad situation even worse by damaging your blood vessels, making them more likely to collect cholesterol’s fatty deposits!

Understanding your risks could make regular cholesterol testing an important part of your life. Any Lab Test Now offers a wide range of cholesterol testing designed to help you know exactly where you stand and whether your efforts to get your cholesterol under control are working.

GETTING YOUR CHOLESTEROL UNDER CONTROL

Our most basic panel is the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel. This simple test will help you determine if you have abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. With one blood draw, we can provide you with some serious health information that can truly make a huge difference in your life. You don’t need an appointment, but you do have to fast for this test for 10–12 hours prior, so it does take a small amount of planning. It’s worth it!

MANAGING YOUR RISKS

Now that you know your numbers, you and your doctor can make an informed decision about moving forward. You might start with simple lifestyle changes involving your diet and exercise habits. If those efforts don’t work or if your numbers are too high, your doctor may consider putting you on cholesterol-lowering medication. Our Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel checks your current cholesterol levels, so you’ll know if your treatment is effective. And since some medications have possible side effects, the panel also checks liver functions.

Any Lab Test Now is constantly updating and reviewing the top-quality tests that we offer. We work hard to strike a balance between keeping up with the latest breakthroughs, but also remembering the basics of good health. If you’re at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol, come in and talk with one of our lab experts. We’re here to help you take control of your health.

Use Your FSA On These 5 Tests

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged account, to be used for medical expenses only. An FSA is different from a Health Savings Accounts (HSA) in that the money must be used within the calendar year. Unused funds left at the end of the year are returned to your employer, who can use it to offset the inevitable costs of administering benefits or may simply split it amongst the employees in the FSA plan.

This means that, if you have money left in your account, now is the time to put it to good use. Any Lab Test Now offers a variety of tests that can provide insightful information about your health and family history.

Allergy Tests

If you find yourself suffering from itchy eyes, blotchy skin or a stuffy nose, you may have allergies. Some common allergens are pollen, grass, house dust and pet dander. At Any Lab Test Now, you can get tested and determine what is causing your allergies to act up. With test results in hand, you can get the proper medications and start making lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms.

Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Tests

If you experience a scratchy throat, hives or body swelling after eating, you may have a food sensitivity or intolerance and should be tested. Even if you did not have any food allergies as a child, it is possible to develop them later in life. Intolerance to things like lactose or gluten can have a negative impact on your digestion. By getting tested, you’ll learn how you need to adjust your diet to live more comfortably.

Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrition Lab Tests

Constantly tired, worn down or lethargic? You may suffer from a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Put your FSA to good use and learn more about your body. At Any Lab Test Now, you can talk with a qualified professional to determine which test is most appropriate for your diet and lifestyle. From a B-12 deficiency test to a potassium test to weight management take-home hormone kits, there are a variety from which to choose.

Cholesterol Tests

High cholesterol often runs in families. If you have a family history of less-than-stellar cholesterol counts, it is a good idea to get checked! Oftentimes, high cholesterol doesn’t come with any symptoms. In many cases, it goes 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. Lifestyle changes and proper medication can help reduce the risks, so get tested today!

DNA Tests

Love history? Curious where your family came from or which relatives share a common maternal or paternal ancestor? Ancestry and lineage testing can tell you which family member is on your mother or father’s side, where your family line originated, and how you came to be. It’s a fascinating process that analyzes your mitochondria or, in men, the Y-chromosome, depending on the specific test you choose.

Those are just a few of the tests offered at Any Lab Test Now. There are many more tests, such as blood tests, drug and alcohol tests and thyroid lab tests, that may be beneficial for you. Any Lab Test Now is committed to providing patients with a top-of-the-line experience, so stop in today to talk more about what test is right for you. Available tests may vary between locations, so find your nearest Any Lab Test Now location at AnyLabTestNow.com.

Cholesterol? What Cholesterol? My Internal Battle

Every time I turn around, there are news blurbs and health blogs about high cholesterol. Heck, is there anything that won’t make us susceptible? Well I know a few things that will!

My fave – French fries
Age (I really don’t want to hear that word right now…)
My parents and their parents – an easy excuse – genes
Back to my bad eating habits of fast food
Alcohol
Smoking (not my habit, just one of those things I know about)

I’m at that “give and take” part of my life. I’m going to have to give up some of the “good stuff” like Twinkies, Little Debbie Swiss Rolls and Coconut Fudge ice cream to save myself from the “bad stuff”, heart disease.

I fear pain. I am a bit of a wimp. I cannot even imagine what a heart attack feels like. I will give my bags of chips up any day and will even climb on the dusty elliptical trainer sitting in the corner of my living room rather than having to deal with that issue. That is, if I really need to… That’s the problem – willpower, and knowing! You can’t see or feel those waxy globs of fat in your system, so I’m taking a risk with the occasional late-night snack while reasoning with myself why I deserve it.

So, I finally got smart. I got my cholesterol tested. It gave me something real to look at. Sorry snack cakes, you are going to have to go on vacation. The numbers are reality, and reality reminds me of my biggest fear. Knowing my cholesterol level is more motivating than hiding in the closet and hoping the grim reaper of blood gunk will pass me by. So, I encourage all my readers to get your cholesterol tested and know your reality today.