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!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

We all know someone whose life has been touched by cancer. It’s a scary diagnosis that is generally followed up with treatment plans, support groups, and a journey of making peace with all the potential outcomes. By definition, cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, there are many types of cancer, and they can attack anywhere inside the body, which only adds to the terror surrounding the diagnosis. Many people, understandably, don’t want to talk about cancer. Much less, specific cancers like colorectal cancer. 

Colorectal cancer is a disease where the cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Before a person is even aware, it can move from one stage to the next, causing treatments to become more intense and high-risk. Our greatest ally in fighting this cancer is early testing. At Any Lab Test Now®, we have a variety of screening options.

According to the CDC, risk factors include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
• A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

And lifestyle factors like:

• Lack of regular physical activity
• A diet low in fruit and vegetables
• Poor diet with higher amounts of fats
• Overweight
• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use

Colorectal cancer typically occurs in people ages 45 and older, but in recent years, the disease has begun to affect younger people as well. Every year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease, with an estimated 50,000 deaths. Often known as the silent killer, colorectal cancer may develop without symptoms.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one the most common types of cancer in men and women. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Routine testing can help prevent or find cancer at an earlier stage when it might be easier to treat. If found early, the five-year survival rate increases by more than 90 percent, meaning many lives could be saved by the awareness that comes with increased testing. 

Testing that Works For You

Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, we make testing easy for you. You do not need a doctor’s note to get lab testing done. We invite you to walk in for same-day testing during work-friendly hours.

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

 

Be Proactive When Protecting Your Teens 

It’s a dreaded conversation for every parent: drug testing your teen. Often, this conversation can be met with a tense, awkward, or even defensive tone from your kiddo. Ultimately, many teens are just entering the world of proving their independence, wanting your trust, but also thinking they know what’s best for them. This mindset can lead to dangerous results if left to wander. It’s easy and perfectly understandable for parents to feel helpless in approaching these kinds of situations. 

An excellent method to keep in mind is to be proactive! Have these conversations and act before you suspect something nefarious is going on. That way, speaking about drug use is not something that is shrouded in suspicion and distrust but just seen as a routine check-in. Although it can be a minor annoyance for your teen, at least it might help to cut down on the animosity.

If you’re looking for a safe place to check your teen and make sure they’re not engaging in drug use, be sure to consider your neighborhood Any Lab Test Now®. 

 

Impact of Drug Use Among Teens 

High school can be a difficult time for teenagers, they enter high school as children, but they leave as young adults. Fo just about every teen, this four-year period is extremely transformational and experimental. For most, this means trying drugs and alcohol for the first time.

Facts:

• Teens experiment with drug use due to peer pressure and academic pressure 
• Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug among teens

Cotinine (Nicotine Metabolite) Test

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a urine drug test called the Cotinine (Nicotine Metabolite) Test that determines the presence of cotinine or nicotine in the system. It’s the test of choice to evaluate active tobacco use or exposure to tobacco. Cotinine is the metabolite or what is left after nicotine consumption. Cotinine is more stable and has a longer life in the body than nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and found in tobacco, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes used for vaping. 

Results from the Cotinine Test are typically received in 24 to 48 business hours. We encourage you to consult with your primary physician about all test results. 

10 Panel Instant Drug Screen (Saliva)

Any Lab Test Now® also offers the 10 Panel Instant Drug Test Screen. This test determines the presence or absence of 10 types of drugs in the saliva. it checks for the following metabolites:

• Amphetamine 
• Barbiturates
• Cocaine 
• MDMA
• Methamphetamines
• Methadone 
• Opiates 
• Oxycodone 
• Marijuana 
• Phencyclidine

As always, we recommend sharing your results with your physician to create a plan for the next steps. 

School is Back – Take Back Your Health Too

Either of these two tests could provide you with information that could put your teen on a healthier road for their future. It can be gut-wrenching thinking your child may be engaging in drug use, and drug testing can be a scary thought, but it’s necessary to make sure your child is being safe and making healthy choices. 

Convenience is key when it comes to Any Lab Test Now®. We recognize how difficult it can be to get your child drug tested, so we strive to have work and school accommodating hours, so it’s not a hassle visiting one of our clinics. Any Lab Test Now® supports the parents out there. Trust your instincts! You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Schedule an appointment with your local Any Lab Test Now® today. 

 

Protecting College Athletes 

Combating Drug & Alcohol Abuse Among College Athletes 

Getting lost in campus culture is one of the easiest and most commonly expected pitfalls for any student, but the pressure is tenfold for student-athletes. With high expectations placed upon them, athletes are expected to perform in a top-tier fashion and, if successful, are revered as campus celebrities. School work, organizations, parties, and the overall stress placed on these young adults are enough for anyone to seek out an outlet.

One of the biggest downfalls for any athlete is failing a drug test. The effects are irreversible, and its impact causes instant damage to the student’s college career. Fortunately, Any Lab Test Now® is an advocate for college athletes and strives to help these young talents take charge of their health on and off the court. 

Let’s Talk About Adderall Abuse Among Adolescents 

 Typically used to treat ADHD, the medication is classified as a central nervous system stimulant. Most often, students take Adderall to hyper-focus, utilizing it to complete a paper or project on a strict deadline or when there’s a big test.

According to the American Addiction Centers, 425,000 teens between 12 and 17 reported misuse of Adderall. This number jumps to a staggering 2.5 million when applied to young adults 18 to 25. Another scary but very common statistic with Adderall abuse is that 63% of people 18 to 28 do not get Adderall from a primary physician. They claim to get it from their friends. Over 20% of the same age group get the pills from family members, while nearly 20% get them from other students.

Some common symptoms of Adderall overdose are:

• Panic attack
• Hyperventilation
• Cardiac rhythm abnormalities 
• Vertigo 
• Profound confusion or delirium
• Coma 

These are obviously severe and intense reactions to Adderall overdose. Take the opportunity to help your athlete Take Control of Their Health® and take a peek at their current state of health. We understand that achieving peak performance and optimal results take more than physical fitness. It’s a matter of getting the inside facts about your body’s current state of health.  In addition, ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be your partner in ensuring your athlete stays in tip-top shape without any enhancers through one of our many drug testing options.

NCAA’s Take on CBD

Let’s move on to another key player: CBD. According to the NCAA Banned Substance page, CBD is banned from college athletics, listed under “cannabinoids.” 

First, what is CBD? According to an article published by Harvard Health, cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis or marijuana. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana. CBD does not cause a “high” when used alone, which is the main difference between THC and CBD.

Among adults and teens, CBD is one of the most popular drugs in the United States. According to the American Addiction Centers, 28% of college athletes have used cannabis in the past year. Any Lab Test Now® has two tests that can help determine if your CBD leaves trace amounts of marijuana in the system. 

Prevalence of Alcohol & Drugs on College Campus

College is a space for young adults to experience self-discovery. With a newfound independence, the formation of new friendships, and expectations from TV shows, this season of life can often lead to some not-so-glamorous behaviors that are often glorified. 

According to the American Addiction Centers, some common reasons for the high prevalence of drug abuse among college students are:

• High levels of academic stress
• Used to lessen the anxiety surrounding social situations
• Family history 
• Beliefs about substance abuse from the media, the “rite of passage” mentality
• Joining fraternity or sorority life 
• Drugs are readily available on college campuses

Ways to Eliminate Student Drug Abuse 

The best way to decrease the risk of drug use is prevention. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the risk of drug use significantly increases during a time of transition. College is one of the most significant transitions in a person’s life. For many students, just three months prior, they were raising their hand for a bathroom pass. 

It’s difficult to say that any one thing will undoubtedly reduce your child’s risk of using drugs, but there are some prevention methods. 

• Be a pillar for your child.
  They’ll inevitably get curious and want to dabble in something you’re not fond of. Reacting as their safe space and voice of reason takes the fight out of what they’re doing. 
• Be as “in the know” as you can.
  Know who your teen is spending time with, and make sure to have healthy conversations about their interests and what they’re into. It creates a foundation of trust, and should your child decide to do something rebellious; they know you have their back.
• Talk openly about the consequences of abusing drugs and alcohol.
  Find something they can relate to, and impress upon them the dangers and how it rarely leaves people the same as when they began the abuse.

In addition, Any Lab Test Now® offers the Urine 5-Panel Drug Test With Expanded Opiate. This test determines the absence or presence of five types of drugs, including expanded opiates.

School is Back — Take Back Your Health Too

Drug and alcohol abuse is a multi-layered subject, especially when young people are involved. It’s a difficult but necessary conversation to have. With something as common as Adderall abuse, it’s best to get ahead of it as soon as possible to save the afflicted person from severe and life-changing symptoms. 

As we prepare to head back to school, and many young adults are scouring Pinterest for the perfect décor, now is the ideal time for a fresh start and heading into the year with peace of mind. Any Lab Test Now® has more than 200 locations across the country. Don’t hesitate for a fresh start; click here for your nearest location. 

 

Strong Men Put Their Health First

THREE LAB TESTS EVERY MAN NEEDS

Fast, easy, and relatively painless. It’s how we wish we could describe laying tiles in the kitchen, building the treehouse in the backyard, or hitting that desired weight on the deadlift. Most things men are asked to do are quite the opposite of fast, easy, and painless. Whether it’s a physical or mental challenge, it’s nearly always just that: a challenge. This shouldn’t be the case when it comes to taking care of your health. It’s not uncommon for men to put their health on the back burner. This can be for a number of reasons. Some men procrastinate to avoid a negative diagnosis, and others are just reluctant to start the process of a health check-up, which generally takes time, money, and several blood draws.  

But here’s the thing, no matter what stage of life you are in, there are three lab tests you absolutely consider to get ahead of your health. Preventative care can do many things, including improving the quality of your life, if not just saving it completely. Men’s Health Month was created to highlight preventable health issues and encourage early detection of disease among men of all ages. Read below for three recommended lab tests designed to help men proactively maintain their health.

HAVE A HEART (TEST)

The CDC states that heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death for men. These two issues, along with numerous other debilitating and life-altering diagnoses, can be identified and treated early with preventative care. Let’s talk about heart health. While it can be deadly, it can be preventable with proper care. Heart disease is an umbrella term that includes multiple diseases, and each has different symptoms. The most common symptoms between the varying diseases are:

• Chest pain 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Fatigue 
• Racing heartbeat/irregular heartbeat
• Swelling 

It’s worth recognizing that your hormones tie into your heart health. Something that can greatly impact a man’s health is his hormones. Hormone health is crucial to the function of a man’s body and quality of life. It’s why getting your hormone levels evaluated can be a literal life-saver. 

For example, people who abuse the commonly known male hormone testosterone have an increased risk of high blood pressure heart attack, and stroke. Knowing the signs of a heart attack or stroke is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard your cardiac health. If you’re specifically looking for a heart health test, your neighborhood Any Lab Test Now® has the Heart Health Panel specifically for that. This panel provides an overview of your heart health status and can be used as a baseline assessment of your heart health and possible risk. 

NEED A FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEA? HOW ABOUT COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Okay, we realize it’s not the best gift… but it’s a great way to make sure you celebrate a few more holidays. According to the American Cancer Society, essential to get screened.

If you want to take preventative measures before getting a colonoscopy, check out your local Any Lab Test Now® for the Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test to give you peace of mind. The FIT Test (Fecal Immunochemical Test) is a good health-monitoring test that detects hemoglobin, or blood, in the stool. The sample is collected in the privacy of your home, and only requires a small water-based sampling from one bowel movement. Kits can either be picked up in-store or purchased online and includes a prepaid shipping label to send the sample directly to the lab.

COMPREHENSIVE MALE PANEL

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing screening that will thoroughly take a look at your health with one test, look no further than Any Lab Test Now®. It can all be done using our simple, yet thorough, Comprehensive Male Panel. It’s specifically designed to give men a broad overview of their health. It includes testing for your blood count, a metabolic panel, which includes your kidney and liver functions, as well as your heart and hormone health. You will also receive a prostate-specific antigen test to evaluate your prostate health. The results could show your physician if your testosterone is low, how your liver and kidneys are functioning if you are at risk for diabetes, and even provide a baseline when it comes to prostate cancer.

The panel includes the following tests:

• Complete blood count of platelets 
• Complete metabolic panel 
• Cholesterol
• Prostate-specific antigen
• Testosterone 
• Thyroid 
• Hemoglobin
• Adrenal gland function

For the Comprehensive Male Panel at Any Lab Test Now®, fasting is required to do a thorough evaluation through bloodwork. You’ll get your detailed results back in just two to three business days! Once you get your results, we encourage you to create a wellness plan with your primary physician.

MONITOR THE IMPACT OF TESTOSTERONE IMBALANCES 

It’s important to note that the Comprehensive Male Panel includes a Testosterone Test. The main hormone we recognize in men is testosterone. Testosterone is a key hormone in men’s sexual development and function, and it impacts the structure of the brain and a man’s overall mental health. Testosterone also directly influences memory and learning because of where the receptors are located in the brain. Monitoring testosterone levels is important, as testosterone decreases as men age, and puts men at a greater risk of developing conditions like cancer and diabetes. 

If you think you’re experiencing a testosterone imbalance, you might recognize some of these symptoms. 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Mood swings
• Impulsiveness
• Memory loss
• Irritability 

Physically, a decrease in testosterone can look like this:

• Loss of bone mass
• Increased body fat
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sleeping issues
• Decreased libido
• Hair loss

The Comprehensive Male Panel provides a broad overview of Men’s Health and is a quick way to figure out if your testosterone level is lower than normal. As you can see, it plays a major part in a man’s health, so it’s important to be aware of and monitor changes. 

Awareness. Prevention. Action.

At Any Lab Test Now, you get access to thousands of tests, many specifically designed with men’s health in mind. Most tests are completed in about 15 minutes or less. So come on guys, no more excuses, thanks to Any Lab Test Now, routine lab testing has never been easier. You take your vehicle for routine maintenance more than once a year in order to keep it from breaking down. Why not do the same for your health? Routine lab testing can help you establish a baseline! You may ask yourself, “How do I do this? How do I check in on my health while carrying on with my hectic schedule?” The answer is simple… visit ANY LAB TEST NOW®!

Find your local Any Lab Test Now® to learn more about the plethora of tests offered.

Making Mental Health a Priority for the Month of May

“April showers bring May flowers” is the saying we were taught to help us learn our months. It was helpful because you’d prepare yourself for the rain showers of April, only to be greeted by the warmth of the sun in May. However, as we age, it becomes more and more obvious some showers aren’t confined to the month of April. In fact, many times, a “shower” isn’t one you can prepare for or watch from the window of your home. For some people, it’s inside and constantly raging, consuming many parts of daily life.

This year, Any Lab Test Now^® has made one of our main themes “self-care.” We understand how important it is to take care of your mental health, just as you would a broken bone or a disease. Mental health medication can be difficult to prescribe, as there are many different types of mental health illnesses. May is home to National Mental Health Awareness month, which is meant to educate and advocate for policies and practices that support people with mental illness in themselves and their families. 

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• At some point in their lives, 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder.
• One in five Americans will experience mental illness in a year. 
• One in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

The causes of mental illness can be vast, and many times, it can range from just a side effect from day-to-day life, or it can manifest from a traumatic event. Some common causes are:

• Genetics, such as a family history of mental illness
• Traumatic experiences or history of abuse
• Chronic medical conditions like cancer or diabetes
• Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
• Excessive drug and alcohol use
• Feelings of loneliness or isolation

Protecting your mental health should be a priority as it can cause deeper physical issues later on in life. For example, depression increases the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It’s proven to be quite difficult to get ahead of treating mental illness, but it’s proven advantageous to people to take preventative safety measures to see if you’re more at risk for the debilitating illnesses. 

Before taking the plunge into finding the right mental health medication for you, Any Lab Test Now^® is now offering the Mental Health PGX Panel. This panel is a big step in putting science behind mental health medication. The panel analyzes 13 different genes with a simple blood draw.

Genetic testing for mental illnesses has benefits, whether the results are positive or negative. As with any other test, your individual results can provide relief from uncertainty and help you make informed decisions about your health care. The Mental Health PGX Panel is a relatively easy test to take, with no prior need to fast. The test typically takes five to seven business days for you to be informed of your results. 

Once you receive your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary provider about any mental health medication you may need. However, taking the first step to managing your mental health should be as painless as possible. Any Lab Test Now^® offers you a way to receive a comprehensive test on your mental health so you can 2live your life; uninterrupted.

As many adults experience mental illness in some capacity, it’s vital to commit to getting tested to ensure you can make knowledgeable choices about your future. That includes the big decisions a diagnosis could impact, like marriage, kids, travel, and more. It’s important to remember that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, meaning getting tested is a step in the right direction and a step towards living a healthier lifestyle.

Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you to Take Control of Your Health^® today.

Empowered Women Prioritize Their Health 

May is Women’s Health Month and National Women’s Health Week is May 8–15. This month serves as a great reminder for women to take better steps to understand their health. Preventive care is one of the most important steps you can take to manage your health. Taking the time to monitor your body is vital to preventive care. It continuously saves lives, especially for women, who sometimes have a hard time prioritizing their wellness.

Here’s why:

• Women generally make the most of the healthcare arrangements for their families but often neglect their own health needs
• 50% of women disregard their own health
• Women are five times more likely than men to develop thyroid issues
• Two of every three deaths among women are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — examples include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes — all of which can be detected early 

It is not wise to ignore your health and wait until something goes wrong or you are feeling “off” before seeking answers. In this month’s blog, we are sharing 3 important preventive healthcare screenings offered by your neighborhood Any Lab Test Now®. These 3 lab tests are important because they will help detect possible conditions or issues early when they are easiest to treat.

COMPREHENSIVE FEMALE PANEL

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a Comprehensive Female Panel designed to help women of all ages make informed decisions about their health. The Medical Assistants at your local At Any Lab Test Now® regularly see women with ongoing medical conditions or those seeking one-off testing, making our stores an invaluable wellness resource right in your own neighborhood. 

This panel includes multiple tests that will provide you with a personalized snapshot of a woman’s health. The panel also includes a metabolic panel that checks kidney and liver functions, female hormones with a specific female hormone test, thyroid condition, and nutritional status. All around, this is a great panel to add to your wellness routine that provides you with a wide range of bodily information.

The Any Lab Test Now® Comprehensive Female Panel looks at the following: 

CBC with Differential/Platelets – A broad screening test to check for such disorders as anemia, infection, and many other diseases.

Complete Metabolic Panel – A test that measures 14 different substances in your blood and measures kidney and liver function. 

Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel – Measures the amount of cholesterol and fats in your blood. 

Estradiol – Also known as E2, this is the main type of estrogen your ovaries produce. Too much or too little can lead to problems, such as weak bones, urinary tract infections, and even depression. 

Testosterone (Free and Total) – Usually associated with men, women also produce testosterone. An imbalance of this hormone can lead to weight gain or sexual dysfunction. 

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – This portion of the panel evaluates how well the thyroid gland is working.

HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C) – The results of this test reveal your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

Progesterone – An imbalance of this hormone can lead to a decreased sex drive, mood swings, irregular periods, and more. 

DHEA-Sulfate – Also known as dehydroepiandrosterone, this hormone contributes to normal libido and sexual satisfaction.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) – Too much or too little FSH can cause a variety of problems, including infertility or menstrual difficulties in women. It can also be an indicator of menopause. 

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) – This chemical supports important processes in your reproductive system, including ovulation. 

COMPREHENSIVE THYROID PANEL 

Women are more likely to have thyroid issues than men. The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland located in the middle of the lower neck that regulates the body’s metabolism — the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen — and affects critical body functions, such as energy level and the regulation of body temperature. 

Any Lab Test Now® offers a Comprehensive Thyroid Panel that zeroes in on this important gland, which can help you determine if you have one of the two most common thyroid issues. 

Hypothyroidism – a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, and some weight gain.

Hyperthyroidism – a condition causing the gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances, vision problems, and eye irritation.

OSTEOPOROSIS RISK PANEL 

Osteoporosis is a real risk for all women. In fact, 80 percent of Americans with osteoporosis are women. It is a condition that weakens bones and makes them susceptible to breakage. Ideally, our bodies absorb calcium and replace bone tissue. Our main source of calcium is food. But when we don’t eat enough calcium-rich foods, we put ourselves in danger of developing osteoporosis. Most of the time, people don’t realize they have an issue until they suffer a bone fracture. 

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis because: 

• Women have smaller, thinner bones
• A reduction in estrogen, a hormone in women connected to bone health, can lead to bone loss 
• One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis 

Our  Osteoporosis Risk Panel includes ten different tests that evaluate your risk for osteoporosis. Two

 of the key components of the test include measuring calcium and vitamin D levels, which are deeply tied to bone health. 

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Click here to learn more about a few more tests and panels designed to help empower women to prioritize their health. 

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.

Acknowledging Alcohol Addiction in America

Every April, we recognize Alcohol Awareness Month. We toast our successes. We drown our sorrows. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! The world is filled with reasons to pour a drink, yet even a single drink can affect your body. And too much can have a long-lasting impact that isn’t always reversible. It can be a touchy subject. In a positive light, alcohol can be fun, flirty, and a reliable resource to have a good time. It’s often a must-have for major social events like bachelorette parties, weddings, and birthdays. Of course, every coin has two sides, and alcohol is no different. For some, alcohol is addictive. It can be damaging, messy, and used as an excuse for abhorrent behavior.

Did You Know? Alcohol remains the number one drug of choice for teens in America today. It’s more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined. Alcohol Awareness Month is sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, this month encourages community organizations to host events to increase the public’s awareness and education that too much alcohol can do to you. 

SHORT-TERM HEALTH RISKS

Your liver is the largest organ in your body. It breaks down and filters out harmful substances in the blood and manufactures the proteins, enzymes, and hormones the body uses to ward off infections. 

When you indulge in excessive alcohol use, certain risks internally and externally are higher. 

• Injuries: car crashes, falls, drownings, and burns
• Violence: homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and partner/familial violence
• Alcohol poisoning 
• Miscarriage/stillbirth in pregnant women

All of the health risks stated above are devastating, life-altering consequences. At times, these ailments can be preventable. Alcohol fuels emotions, causing a person to perhaps do something more extreme than they would with a clear mind. In addition to short-term health risks, alcohol also comes with long-term health concerns. 

LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS

• High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues 
• Cancer: breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and rectum
• Weak immune system
• Dementia
• Depression and anxiety
• Social problems, family problems, and job-related problems
• Alcohol dependence

Any of the conditions laid out above can be severely damaging. Furthermore, alcohol-related disorders can impact every facet of the human life experience.  At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a comprehensive test called the Hepatic Function Panel. It measures the blood levels with seven tests that you may want to see how well your liver is working. It’s encouraged if you’re suffering from symptoms related to liver disease, on medication that affects the liver, or if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C. 

The Liver Function Panel includes the following tests:

• Total protein
• Albumin
• Total bilirubin
• Direct bilirubin
• Alkaline phosphatase
• AST
• ALT

Labeled as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States by the CDC, excessive alcohol use is said to shorten the lives of those who die by a staggering 29 years. Alcohol abuse can also impact one’s mental health leading to symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Now is the best time to get ahead of your health. Liver function testing provides both you and your doctor the information needed to monitor the impact of alcohol on your body.

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

As we continue into 2022, it’s important to keep the momentum of self-care going. Any Lab Test Now® offers you extensive and inexpensive lab testing options, so you can keep living your best life. It’s our priority to make these tests as convenient as possible for working people. This is why we provide business-friendly hours, for those with busy schedules. Each of our 200+ locations nationwide provides a clean, safe facility for your lab testing needs. Book an appointment online or walk into your neighborhood Any Lab Test Now^®  to test your liver health. 

Vitamins and Your Body

It’s no surprise the top New Year’s resolution is to be healthy and get fit. As many people start on their fitness journey, it’s easy to focus only on exercise and diet. Something that usually doesn’t occur to people is a possible vitamin deficiency. Starting a diet or working out while being vitamin deficient could slow or stall your progress, but it also could make the act of working out or dieting significantly less enjoyable. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a Micronutrient Test for a thorough exam of your vitamin levels. This test will measure your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.

Vitamins and minerals are types of micronutrients that influence nearly every process in your body and are essential for your health. A varied and balanced diet usually provides enough vitamins and minerals, but deficiencies can happen for several reasons.

Those include:

• Poor absorption of nutrients (celiac or Crohn’s disease)
• Diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
• Poorly planned vegan or vegetarian diet 
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
• Pregnancy 

As there’s a wide range of vitamins and minerals, the types of deficiencies vary.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is a mineral that helps our bodies function properly. It is part of our hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen. If your body doesn’t have enough iron, it can’t make enough of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, fatigue results.

Symptoms of an Iron Deficiency:

• Weak
• Tired
• Dizzy 
• Short of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches 

Iron deficiency is very common, especially among women. A primary cause of this is due to the blood loss experienced during periods and pregnancy. You might also be at an increased risk if you’re vegetarian because plant-based irons are harder for your body to absorb.

Vitamin D Deficiency 

The sun is your body’s best and most efficient source of vitamin D. The body makes vitamin D from exposure to sunlight or UV light on exposed skin, but it can also obtain the vitamin from plants, supplements, or foods fortified with the vitamin. If your body does not get enough vitamin D, you will develop a vitamin D deficiency.

Some people may be more susceptible to developing a vitamin D deficiency due to little sun exposure, diet, and other factors. Sunscreen blocks UV light from being absorbed by your skin, which is why people can sometimes over-protect themselves from the sun. People who are obese, have dark skin and those who are older than 65 are also at higher risk. 

Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency:

• Tired
• Sick often
• Weak bones
• Muscle pain
• Anxious or depressed

A long-term vitamin D deficiency can put you at risk for any number of dangerous and even deadly health problems including coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. A vitamin D deficiency can also cause your bones to become thin, brittle, or misshapen over time. This is why it is important to know your vitamin D levels so you can take the steps to correct or prevent a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin B Deficiency

The B vitamin family includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12, including folic acid, and each of these serves a different, but important, purpose in the body. The most commonly deficient of these are vitamin B6 and folic acid, which are important for one’s metabolism, and immune system.

Symptoms of a Vitamin B Deficiency:

• Exhaustion
• Weak
• Mouth ulcers 
• Swollen and sore tongue
• Blurred vision 
• Difficulty remembering things
• Depression

New Year, Better You

Poor nutrition impacts every part of life. It contributes to costly diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and even some cancers. At Any Lab Test Now®, we want to help you be proactive to make the best choices for your health. We provide the doctor’s order to convenient and affordable lab tests to those with no insurance or high deductible insurance. Vitamin deficiency can make a huge impact on your life, especially as you get older. Let us help you take control and get a head start on proactively managing your health. Visit any of our 200+ Any Lab Test Now® locations for a test today.