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

  1. 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.
  2. 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!

Mid-Year Resolution: Stick to Your Goals 

We’re at the halfway point to 2022 – can you believe it? It feels like each year gets faster, as life gets busier. As we prepare to take on the second half of the year, now is a good time to reflect on the first half. Did you meet your goals? What are you most proud of? What can you do better? Many people’s New Year’s resolutions have fizzled by now, and if that’s you, you aren’t alone! According to one survey, of the 41% of Americans who make resolutions, only 9% are successful in keeping them. 

Now, while that can be quite a discouraging number, there are a few reasons why, despite this, it’s considered a good thing to set New Year’s resolutions. Having resolutions sets intention with how you want to grow and develop in the coming year, it sets a tone of hopefulness and optimism, and you can start the year with a fresh sense of responsibility that hopefully flows in the months to come. It’s inherently a positive thing to strive for and has encouraging effects for yourself and those around you. 

Statistically, taking strides in your health, whether that means exercise or mental health, is one of the most popular resolutions. Each month, our blog highlights different health topics that may impact your life and provide a recommended blood test to bring awareness to the topic.

 

Cholesterol (Lipids) Panel 

This month, we want to emphasize the importance of cholesterol testing with our Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®. The Lipids Panel can determine your cholesterol levels, which is important because this will tell you if you’re at risk for heart disease or any other heart issues. 

According to the CDC, nearly 94 million United States adults, 20 or older, have high cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol, the good and the bad. The good absorbs the cholesterol and carries it back to the liver, and the liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of this type can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. 

The bad makes up most of your body’s cholesterol, and high levels of this type can raise your risk for heart disease and stroke. The Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel® tests for both to determine whether you’re at risk or not. 

Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke. 

There are no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to know if you have it. 

With the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®, you’ll have your test results between 24 to 72 business hours. It’s recommended you fast before the test to ensure it’s accurate. Once you have your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary physician about the next steps.

Take Back Your Health

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

  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke 
  • Hereditary 

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


Renal Function Panel® 

Now is a great time to double down on your kidney health. Our Renal Function Panel® is a group of tests used to evaluate kidney function. According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs to look for if you think you’re experiencing kidney issues are:

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Urinating more or less
  • Decreased mental sharpness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling 
  • Dry, itchy skin

The signs and symptoms of kidney issues are often nonspecific and could also be the source of a different issue altogether. However, it’s worth getting tested; simply because the damage from leaving your affected kidneys untreated can be irreversible. 

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

Hepatic Function Panel® 

For this comprehensive panel, the Liver Function Panel®, or Hepatic Function®, measures the blood levels of seven tests that see how well your liver is working.

This test is also encouraged if you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis A, B, or C virus. High or low levels in one of the seven tests may indicate you have liver damage or liver disease is present. Some general symptoms, according to Healthline, include:

  • Yellow skin (Jaundice)
  • Dark urine
  • Pale, bloody, or tarlike stool
  • Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Bruise easily
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Itchy skin

Something to keep in mind about this test and the one above is that anyone who is regularly taking medications can potentially benefit from these tests, as they’re typically required as a regular workup for anyone taking medication long-term.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The perfect test to have performed as a mid-year checkup is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel®. This includes 14 essential tests that are part of a routine checkup or annual physical. It gives your doctor an overall picture of your health. 

Let’s talk about what’s looked at in this panel.

Your sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide are all measured. Irregular values in these “electrolytes” can indicate trouble with your body’s salt/water or acid/base balance. Some common causes are dehydration, vomiting, medication, and kidney problems. 

Next are albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase. These are proteins and enzymes found in your blood; and can indicate liver damage or liver disease.

Lastly, your blood urea nitrogen, calcium, creatinine, and glucose are tested. This checks for a range of problems that affect your kidneys.

As one of the most common tests, it provides a plethora of information on your health.

Resolution Fatigue? Change Them!

If you’re feeling down because you aren’t meeting the goals you set at the beginning of the year, there is no shame in changing them for something more attainable. It can be something as simple as getting a blood test to check your cholesterol, liver function, kidneys, or more before the kids head back to school — because we know that’s right around the corner! 

With more than 200 locations across the country, you can make an appointment by phone or just walk in. we make it our priority to provide a convenient, safe, and confidential space for you to tackle your health. 

Click here to find the location closest to you.

It Takes Guts to Protect Your Digestive System


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

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

Proper Testing is Crucial

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

Common symptoms include:

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

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

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

Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Gas
  • Bloating

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

Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue 

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


An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

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

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

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

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.

Managing Chronic Diseases With Lab Testing

Six in 10 adults in the United States are living with a chronic disease. Many of those diseases require routine monitoring to reduce complications and manage their conditions.

Routine lab testing through providers like Any Lab Test Now® is often the starting point for care—driving diagnosis and proper treatment for millions of patients.

Here are some of the chronic conditions that can be managed with regular lab testing.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a condition that is responsible for one in four deaths in the United States. To effectively monitor this condition, regular testing is critical. For patients at risk of developing heart disease, routine monitoring can help keep track of a wide variety of key markers in the blood that can be used to advance preventative measures, including lifestyle changes that can ultimately reduce a patient’s risk of heart disease.

The Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel at Any Lab Test Now can be used as a baseline assessment of heart health. This panel includes the following components:

  • Cholesterol, Total – total cholesterol is used to 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 the 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).

Diabetes

Blood glucose testing is part of a daily protocol for the more than 30 million Americans living with diabetes. But there are certain tests diabetics cannot perform at home that are needed to properly manage the disease, which is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. 

The main diagnostic test is the hemoglobin A1c test, which can provide key information to determine if the diabetes is under control. It measures your average blood glucose, or blood sugar, level over the past three months. 

The A1c test is part of the four-part Any Lab Test Now Diabetes Maintenance Panel. Also included in this panel is:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Tests for blood disorders such as infection or anemia.
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Can determine how well the kidneys and liver are working, measures electrolyte levels, and the balance of acid and base in the blood. 
  • Diabetic Urinalysis will determine if albumin (protein) is found in the blood.

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of your neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate many important functions in the body, including metabolism, which is linked to weight, body temperature, and energy level. Thyroid blood tests can help determine if hypothyroidism (too few thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (too many) are present.

More than 20 million people in the United States have a thyroid disorder. Blood tests like the Thyroid Panel offered by Any Lab Test Now are one of the most accurate ways to manage thyroid disorders. 

Testing on a regular basis is important if:

  • You are taking medication for a thyroid disorder. Regular testing can fine-tune your treatment so that you feel better.
  • If you have a diagnosed thyroid disorder or have had previous treatment for an overactive thyroid, it is important to have a blood test every 12 months or as advised by your doctor.

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 routine testing to better manage chronic diseases.

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.

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.

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.

This Valentine’s Day: A ‘Test’ Of True Love

 What will you do this Valentine’s Day to show the one you love the most how much you really care? How much money will you spend? How long will it last? Roses fade, chocolates are devoured, and the memory of a romantic night out fades away. So what can you do that will show how much you care?

On the surface, we admit that a heart health lab test from Any Lab Test Now might not seem like the grandest romantic gesture, but it really is the perfect way to let someone you love know just how important their heart is to yours!

But first, a little background

Remember, February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day; it’s also American Heart Month. The annual celebration began in 1963 as a way to encourage Americans to join in the battle against heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Many of those deaths can be prevented if people know where they stand heart-health wise. They can begin to make healthier choices to manage their conditions and take control of their health.

For that special someone

Consider a gift of his and hers lab tests from Any Lab Test Now this Valentine’s Day. The Comprehensive Male and the Comprehensive Female Panels both provide an abundance of information about your overall health, including important details about your heart. Both of the panels include the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel — which can determine if you have abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Both are important because they can help you and your doctor determine if you’re at risk for heart disease or any other coronary illnesses.

Both the Male and Female Comprehensive Panels also include the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test. Many people don’t realize the crucial role that their thyroid (and the hormones it produces!) plays in their heart health. A dysfunctional thyroid creates imbalances in your body that could make you more susceptible to heart disease.

An array of other tests are included in the Comprehensive Male and Female Panels which will round out a complete picture of your overall health and set you and your doctor in the right direction and help you keep your ticker in tip-top shape.

Cupid in a lab coat

So, this Valentine’s Day give a gift of romance AND good health. Head to your nearest Any Lab Test Now location and pick from any of our heart-healthy options. Hold off on the chocolates, champagne or fancy dinners, as you’ll have to fast for this test. It’s true love available in a test.

Two Good Reasons To Begin Your New Year With An Annual Check-Up Panel

Here’s some news that can’t be surprising to anyone: the most common New Year’s resolutions are to eat healthier and to get more exercise. Maybe you’re one of the millions of people who are determined to begin 2019 thinking about your health, and that’s a good thing. Any Lab Test Now is here to help you stay the course and reach your goals for a healthier and happier YOU.

Many of you will begin by cleaning all the junk food out of your pantry or by joining a local gym. Those are both great steps, but a trip to your local Any Lab Test Now for an Annual Check-Up Panel should be at the top of your list as well. We’ve got two good reasons why.

Reason #1 — Progress Monitoring

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 a hamburger really is worth it.

Reason #2 — Safety

Starting an exercise routine is probably the single most important thing you can do to improve your health, but what if your health is unstable at the start? If you have heart disease or diabetes or suffer from an undiagnosed illness that might make you become dizzy or lightheaded, then the type of exercise you are doing might need to be modified. The Annual Check-Up Panel can provide you with important information that might encourage you to see your doctor before you begin your exercise program.

Take Control of Your Health

The Annual Check-Up Panel consists of five tests that are typically ordered by a doctor during an annual physical examination:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Cholesterol Lipid with Ratio (Lipids Panel)
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C)

That’s a lot of important information for just one test. You’ll need to fast for 10–12 hours to make sure the results are as accurate as possible.

Resolving to put your health first is admirable, but it isn’t always easy! Your local Any Lab Test Now is here to help you take control of your health all 12 months of the year.