Spring Allergies: Take Action With Lab Testing!

A sniffle here, a sneeze there. Our first thought is, “Uh-oh, I’m coming down with something.” But did you ever stop to consider what ails you may not be an illness at all, but an allergy?

Spring is the time of year when we all want to get outside and enjoy the mild temperatures and the beauty of the blossoming plants and trees. If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you don’t need a calendar to tell you when winter is over; your nose probably will. If you can’t stop and smell the roses because you’re too busy sneezing and sniffling, then it’s probably time you switch up your wellness routine. Luckily,  Any Lab Test Now® is here to help with information on how to ease your allergy suffering.

Did you know?

  • About one quarter (25.7%) of adults and Nearly 1 in 5 children (18.9%) have a seasonal allergy 1
  • 4.1 million physician office visits with allergic rhinitis as the primary diagnosis 2
  • Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S 3

Allergy Symptoms and Sources

The main source of allergies is pollen, which is a powdery substance produced by flowers and commonly found in trees, weeds, and grasses. If you have seasonal allergies, your body mistakes this harmless substance for something dangerous and tries to attack it.  An allergic reaction to pollen can cause symptoms like coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Seasonal allergies can be most serious when they impact your ability to sleep, contributing to a loss of productivity, so attending to the symptoms is important. One of the best ways to mitigate seasonal allergies is to add a quarterly allergy test to your wellness routine. Save yourself time and money using lab tests to pinpoint exactly what’s triggering your symptoms. The simplest way to do that is by taking advantage of the wide range of allergy testing we offer.

Pollen is not the season’s only trigger. With spring rains, there is more mold growth inside and outside your home. And spring cleaning will stir up dust mites throughout the house as well.

Here is a rundown of the top allergy-producing sources and when they cause the most issues:

  • Tree pollen typically appears in spring
  • Grasses shed pollen in late spring and summer
  • Mold spores often cause seasonal allergies during the spring, summer, and fall

The Allergy “Uglies”

Allergies can make you feel miserable. The symptoms may leave you feeling extremely sluggish and fatigued, which can impact other areas of your life, such as work or family time.  You can also experience the allergy “uglies,” which include puffy, saggy eyelids, watery eyes, and a red, runny nose. 

If we took a peek inside your medicine cabinet, what would it look like? If you are like a lot of people, your cabinet would be a jumble of allergy medicines, decongestants, and cough suppressants, with a few stray pain relievers and fever reducers rolling around. At Any Lab Test Now, we want to help you take control of your seasonal allergies by helping you identify your triggers with direct-access lab testing. The “ugly truth” is that without the right information, you are more likely to self-misdiagnose and purchase the wrong types of medications. Buying various remedies and medications isn’t cheap, and the cost can quickly add up. When your symptoms strike, will you be prepared?

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens

Before you settle for plastic flowers, fake grass, or hiding indoors, there are some simple strategies to keep springtime allergies under control.

  • Keep your windows closed
  • Keep the grass cut short and avoid gardening chores that may stir up allergens
  • Quarterly allergy testing
  • Remove clothes you have worn outside and shower to rid pollen from your skin and hair
  • Brush off your pets after they have been outside to prevent allergens from coming inside with them
  • Check your local TV weather forecast for information on current pollen levels

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

Most doctors would agree that the first step in winning your battle against seasonal allergies is to know your triggers, and that’s where your local Any Lab Test Now can help. We offer a wide range of allergy testing that will help you fight back when it seems like your body is in revolt!

Any Lab Test Now® can help you determine the source of your springtime sniffles. Check out our wide range of allergy testing by clicking here. You can make an appointment or just walk into any one of our locations where a qualified medical assistant will perform a simple blood draw. There is no cure for allergies, but they can be managed. The next step is to discuss the results of your allergy test with your doctor so you can stop and smell the springtime flowers without sneezing!

Click here to find your local Any Lab Test Now®.

  1. CDC/National Center for Health Statistics (2023) ↩︎
  2. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2019) ↩︎
  3. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (2018) ↩︎

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.

Going Somewhere Special?  Don’t Forget to Schedule a COVID Test

If you have big plans COVID-19 testing should be an integral part of your planning. Whether traveling, going to a concert, or the big game, the activity you plan may require you to show proof of a negative COVID test. When organizing your plans don’t forget to schedule your COVID test in advance. When making arrangements, you should research COVID-related requirements beforehand to reduce your disappointment and frustration if you can’t participate in an event or activity.


Making plans now? Schedule the COVID test that best suits your outing!

 

International Air Travel and COVID-19 Testing 

If you’re planning international travel by air, you may have to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter another country — and a negative test to get back in the U.S. Typically a COVID will be required even if you’re vaccinated. So which COVID-19 test do you need? Not all COVID-19 tests are created equal — and not all are suitable for international travel.

A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) is considered the “gold standard” of testing and the most reliable for detecting active COVID-19 infections. 

Antibody tests, the blood tests that identify if a previous COVID-19 infection caused your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies, won’t do you any good when it comes to travel. Also, keep in mind that rapid antigen tests, which check for proteins on the virus’s surface, are not accepted as a valid test for entry into some countries, including Canada. These tests have quick turnaround times but are far less accurate than PCR tests. 

For travel outside of the U.S., you will most likely need to get tested within 72 hours of your scheduled departure. This is a common requirement of many countries and some states. Remember to check the rules of each country or state you’re visiting before you leave.

Cruise Line Travel and COVID-19 Testing

If you plan to take a cruise, your testing options are slightly more relaxed and varied. Some cruise lines still require a mandatory three-day window for passengers to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to embarkation, while just recently, a handful of cruise lines shortened the span to two days.

Vaccinated passengers can present antigen or PCR test results. Unvaccinated passengers must provide proof of a negative PCR test. However, with the possibility of last-minute changes, cruise passengers should keep a close eye on their cruise line’s websites to monitor any updates to their covid testing policies. You can check the requirements on entering and re-entering the U.S. on the Centers for Disease Control website before you travel.

Large Gatherings and COVID-19 Testing

Concerts, sporting matches, and other large events will now require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. It is best to check the venue’s website for specific COVID testing requirements. Most venues require testing within days of the event so it’s best to schedule your appointment in advance.

For the most up-to-date instructions, it’s best to check the venue’s website for COVID Testing requirements. This will allow you to plan ahead to coordinate your test well within the required time frame.

Be at Ease

Whether you plan to travel near or far, celebrate in large gatherings or small, testing is recommended to help minimize risk. Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, especially  COVID-19 testing. Schedule an appointment online, or call our store to reserve your time. 

We provide you with a safe and clean alternative location for specimen collection. 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 are here to help.
Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.

 

Jumpstart Your Health 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

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

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

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

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

A metabolic panel can determine the following in your body:

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

Thyroid Panel 

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

This includes: 

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

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

Cholesterol Lipid With Ratio (Lipids Panel)

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

Some of the tests in a lipid panel include:

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

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

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

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

Hemoglobin (A1C)

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

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

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including the Annual Check-Up Panel to jumpstart your health goals. We are a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life.

We are here to help.
Find your closest Any Lab Test Now at www.anylabtestnow.com.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is a Reminder to Get an Overall Health Checkup!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women everywhere are encouraged to remember the importance of getting checked. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect every aspect of daily life, our health routines should not take a toll. Breast cancer is easier to treat when detected early.  The increased awareness surrounding breast cancer not only saves lives through prevention, but also serves as a reminder to get checked for a variety of other health concerns. Self-awareness of your health status is crucial.  The attention given to this month brings awareness that makes a difference for millions of women each year. While breast cancer screenings may be at the top of mind, keep reading for three recommended lab tests that provide a more comprehensive overview of your health status.

In addition to getting a screening, one of the easiest things a woman can do to try and reduce her risk of breast cancer is to take charge of certain aspects of her health she can control, such as diet, exercise, and weight management. When considering which lifestyle changes are best for you, consider these breast cancer statistics.

Shocking facts about breast cancer:

  • Globally, breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer as of 2021.
  • As of January 2021, there were more than 3.8 million women in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.

Those facts, while difficult to ignore, are only one side of the fight against breast cancer. Awareness and commitment to early detection have saved lives. Between earlier detection and advancements in treatment, death rates in women above age 50 have dropped considerably in the past several years. Studies show that more than three-quarters of women between the ages of 50 and 74 have been screened in the past two years. The overall death rate from breast cancer has decreased 1% per year in the five-year period from 2013 to 2018.

 Types of Breast Exams and Tests to Detect Cancer Early

According to the CDC, women between ages 50 and 74 should be screened for breast cancer with a mammogram every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 should discuss their medical history with their doctor to determine when to begin mammograms.

There are several forms of exams and screening that can help detect breast cancer, including:

  • Self-Awareness – Every woman should be familiar with how their breasts look and feel so that any changes can be detected. Report any changes you notice to your doctor.
  • Clinical Breast Exam – An examination by a doctor or nurse, feeling for lumps or changes by hand.
  • Mammogram – An x-ray of the breast, often considered the best way to detect breast cancer early. Regular mammograms are recommended, especially as women become older.
  • Breast MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to generate a picture of the breast. MRIs are used along with mammograms for women at high risk of breast cancer.

Get the Full Picture of Your Health

Pandemic or not, there are certain comprehensive lab panels and tests that are often neglected. Getting a blood work is a crucial component of any health and wellness program. It’s a great way to get a more detailed recommendation from your doctor based on your body analysis. Lab testing reveals information about the body that can signal warning areas or anomalies to help you and your doctor take immediate action. Getting tested in routine intervals allows you to self-monitor how your body changes over time, spot problems early on, and provide insight into how one could make subtle changes to their diet or lifestyle to optimize their health.

These tests are easily accessible at Any Lab Test Now®, and the results could have a major impact on your health decisions moving forward.

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – Includes 14 essential tests that are part of a routine checkup, testing for sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose, and others.
  • Comprehensive Female Panel – This panel helps women to recognize and address any hormone imbalances through blood counts, kidney and liver functions, thyroid, and heart health.
  • Diabetes Maintenance Panel – Includes four tests that can help detect or manage diabetes. It can also determine whether the kidneys are functioning properly.

Take Control of Your Health

These tests not only help you to understand the full picture of your overall health but can help you and your doctor make informed decisions on how best to take control of your well-being. Identifying any issues are the first step to addressing them. In the same way awareness helps women detect breast cancer earlier, the more time you have to recognize any other common issue is a major benefit to maintaining and reclaiming a healthy life.

Take Comfort in Our Service

Any Lab Test Now is determined to help people live healthy lives by providing a simplified option when it comes to seeking any type of lab work.  We have 190+ locations across the U.S. that are sanitized several times per day in accordance with the CDC’s standards. We offer 8,000+ testing options that give a detailed analysis of your health status. You can’t fix what you don’t know! Use direct-access lab tests to keep tabs on your health. Monitor on your own or discuss with your doctor to spark a lifestyle change that will allow you to better understand your body and learn to manage your healthcare proactively.

From offering a wide range of lab tests, to providing a safe and clean alternative for Americans to get tested during the coronavirus pandemic, Any Lab Test Now is committed to helping families make educated decisions about their health.

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

 

Returning to Work, Even from Home?

Employers May Still Require Drug & Alcohol Testing

As more and more offices open post-pandemic, there is a good chance that employers might implement new return-to-work policies, procedures, and protocols — and that includes drug testing.

While many employers conduct drug and alcohol testing as part of standard pre-employment screening processes, it is a good possibility testing could be a requirement to return to the office or to monitor those working from home.

Employers’ drug testing slowed down during the pandemic for several reasons, including COVID-19 safety concerns and unemployment. A recent survey found a 61 percent drop or more in drug testing among employers. Conversely, drug and alcohol use increased during the pandemic as people turned to vices to self-medicate or cope with the stress created by the national health crisis.

  • Sales of alcoholic beverages shot up as much as 55 percent in March 2020. Sales remain 20–30 percent higher this year than in March
  • Americans purchased $18.3 billion in cannabis products over the past calendar year, $7.6 billion more than the $10.7 billion in sales the previous year.
  • Data shows a 29 percent increase in overdose deaths from October 2019 through September 2020, compared with the previous 12-month period after falling slightly in 2018 for the first time in decades.

Drug and alcohol screenings are important. These tests help employers provide the safest possible work environment for employees, visitors, and customers. Here are some of the effects drug use can have on returning workers:

  • Greater risk of a workplace accident
  • Lower productivity
  • Increased absenteeism
  • Higher medical costs

Employers need a policy against the use of drugs while working from home or at the workplace — especially now that the pandemic is winding down. Employers should also clearly restate the company drug and alcohol policy to employees to clear up any misconceptions.

Any Lab Test Now® is a direct access lab testing company that can manage pre-employment drug testing, random testing programs, reasonable suspicion tests, post-incident and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing for employers nationwide.

The most common employment-related drug test is the Urine Drug Test (5-Panel), which checks for the presence of five drug metabolites including:

  • Amphetamine/Methamphetamines
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

The company’s 10-drug panel tests may also include screenings for phencyclidine (PCP), methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone.

Any Lab Test Now is also qualified to provide testing for the Department of Transportation as part of its Federally Mandated Urine Drug Test (5-Panel). This test is a laboratory-based test and includes a screen, confirmation, and the review of a medical officer.

The company can also administer the Healthcare Professional Drug Panel, specifically designed to test healthcare professionals for highly addictive prescription medications that are readily available at their workplace. The panel will determine the presence or absence of the most easily abused prescription drugs or their metabolites in the urine.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants everyone to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including drug and alcohol screenings.

We provide 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.

Honoring and Giving Thanks to Essential Workers

Honoring and Giving Thanks to Essential Workers

In a time when it the safest way to protect your health is to stay at home, essential workers are waking up day after day, facing challenge after challenge while providing vital services in your community. These essential jobs range from police officers to grocery store clerks to medical assistants. They report to places like city hall, the corner gas station and facilities offering healthcare services like Any Lab Test Now.

WORKING FOR YOU

Any Lab Test Now gives you direct access to thousands of lab tests, including routine lab work, which can be especially critical if you are running out of a medication and must get lab tests before a medical provider will refill your prescription. When you are interested in learning about how to get a test or what kind of test you might need, someone like Norma Brown will answer your call for help. She works as a client care consultant, one of many highly trained essential workers manning the telephones at Any Lab Test Now’s Client Care and Support Center!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Norma’s role has taken on new importance.

“Every day I am hearing from customers who need to get lab work fast, but they are worried about getting exposed to coronavirus if they go into a place where sick people might be waiting to see a medical provider,” Norma explains. “I assure them Any Lab Test Now does not provide testing for COVID-19 in our stores and we are following CDC guidelines to maintain a safe and clean environment. Before I schedule an appointment for any customer, I ask them a series of questions, including if they have a cough, fever, if they have been exposed to COVID-19 within 14 days, or if they had previously tested positive, but no longer have symptoms.”

Norma’s role is crucial, since she is essentially providing the first line of questioning to customers who might step through the door of one of more than 186 Any Lab Test Now locations across the nation. “It is such an honor to be considered essential during this uncertain time,” she says. “Working from home over Any Lab Test Now’s secure communication system allows me to safely provide a service to our customers who have general wellness and acute health-related testing needs during this pandemic.”

When you reach out to the Client Care and Support Center, Any Lab Test Now client care consultants can help you identify a 15-minute window that works best for your appointment with a certified medical assistant like Regina Jared. Regina works six days a week at Any Lab Test Now in League City, Texas. Part of her pandemic protocol is to only allow two customers at a time inside for testing. “They must maintain social distancing, stay six feet apart. Some customers even prefer to wait outside or sit in their car, just to be safe,” Regina says. “Safety is a constant focus while I am working at Any Lab Test Now. I always wear a mask, shield and gown, and between patients, I clean every countertop, even every door handle. Customers tell me they are grateful; they appreciate the extra steps we are taking.”

Working during the pandemic hits close to home for Regina. She lives with her two adult sons, including one who is also an essential worker. “My son works at a local hospital. We have a system set up in our garage. When we get home, we must change out of all work clothing, bag it up and put it in the washing machine, then immediately take a shower,” explains Regina. “I’ve been a medical assistant for 25 years, and I’ve never experienced anything like this. You cannot be too safe during a pandemic.”

I’M ESSENTIAL BECAUSE YOU’RE ESSENTIAL

Millions of healthcare workers have stepped up to the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic response and are the core of our nation’s essential workforce. Doctors, nurses, EMTs, lab technicians are living away from their families in order to care for the people of their communities. Lives would not be saved if they stopped working.

This is why Any Lab Test Now is honoring their unrelenting dedication. From Florida to Delaware, Phoenix to Seattle, Tulsa to Minneapolis, our franchisees, medical assistants and phlebotomists want them to know, “I’m essential because you’re essential.”

Any Lab Test Now gives you access to tests and test results that you can share with your medical provider at any time. We are happy to support all care providers during an unprecedented time when caring gives us all a purpose.

Helping Americans Make Health a High Priority

Enduring the daily grind at the office, sitting in traffic during your commute, running errands and shuttling kids to sporting events leave many Americans with very little time to spare. It’s no wonder lengthy doctor’s appointments move to the bottom of our crowded to-do lists.

Despite our busy schedules, staying healthy is important to us. Any Lab Test Now puts medical care into the hands of consumers and helps make health care a priority by offering hassle-free lab testing without a lengthy doctor’s appointment. Each retail location offers direct access to clinical lab tests, DNA tests, as well as drug and alcohol testing services.

“Americans are being more proactive about their health,” said Clarissa Windham-Bradstock, CEO of Any Lab Test Now. “They’re looking for things like allergy testing, food sensitivity testing, hormone testing — so that they can focus on wellness as opposed to coming to us when they are already sick.”

Convenience is key for busy consumers. Many Americans rely on grocery delivery services, stream blockbuster movies on our televisions and wear a bracelet to track our physical activity. Mobile phones give us easy access to a wealth of information with just a few clicks. Online retailers allow us to shop from the comfort of our sofas with delivery of our purchases in record time. Any Lab Test Now pioneered the direct access lab testing movement to meet consumer demands for convenience to help us keep up with our non-stop culture. It was the first retail lab-tester to offer franchises, and now has locations throughout the country.

High costs, lack of insurance and time constraints remain some of the biggest barriers to health care. Any Lab Test Now  locations tackle all three of these issues head-on by offering patients a convenient service at the right price.

Retail lab testing saves time

Health care does not need to be a casualty of our busy lifestyle. Any Lab Test Now empowers consumers to take control of their health on their own terms and schedules. No appointments are required. Patients can walk in and get the tests they need to manage their health without a doctor’s visit. If you need to check your cholesterol or want to make sure your type 2 diabetes is under control, Any Lab Test Now offers a lab test to help you manage your health. And the news gets better — the average visit   takes only 15 minutes. Most Americans spend longer sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office!

Cut health care costs

Not only does a visit to one of the more than 170 locations nationwide save patients time — it’s affordable. The rise in high-deductible insurance plans is giving patients sticker shock. Many patients are less likely to get preventative blood work done or book an appointment at a doctor’s office when they know they will have to pay a big bill out of pocket.

Consumers turn to Any Lab Test Now because it is typically less expensive than going to a doctor’s lab. There are no hidden fees or insurance documentation required. Cutting out the need for insurance helps the company keep costs low for consumers. Even better, Any Lab Test Now lists all of its prices up front. The price of every test is posted at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Need results fast?

There’s no waiting for a busy doctor’s office to call with the results of your test. Most test results are available within 24–72 business hours after your visit. Patients can pick up their test results at their convenience. Test results can also be mailed or faxed to their home.

Trusted results

Any Lab Test Now delivers results you can trust by partnering with high-quality labs to perform its testing services. In 2018, the company’s commitment to excellence was honored with a Franchise 500 Award from Entrepreneur magazine.

Any Lab Test Now provides the convenience customers deserve, coupled with the ability to manage their health care on their own terms. Save time, cut costs and get results fast by visiting your local Any Lab Test Now .

Magnesium Deficiency — Is the Culprit in Your Medicine Cabinet?

Big things can come in small packages, and one of those is the mineral magnesium. In fact, magnesium plays a role in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate some pretty important functions in your body. These include protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Your body wouldn’t be able to produce energy without it. It contributes to your body’s bone structural development. Magnesium even plays a role in the normal beating of your heart. No doubt about it, this tiny mineral plays a big role in your health, but there are a shocking number of factors that can deplete your body of magnesium. Any Lab Test Now wants you to be aware of them!

BECOMING MAGNESIUM DEFICIENT

If you are an otherwise healthy person who isn’t taking any medications, it would be almost impossible for you to become magnesium deficient. Your kidneys are at the control center of magnesium levels. If things are operating normally, you’ll actually excrete magnesium daily. If there’s not enough magnesium, then your kidneys will reduce that. (Just another good reason to keep your kidneys in good health!)

If you have habitually low intakes of dietary magnesium due to certain health conditions, then you may be at risk. People with gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease can be at risk. Having type 2 diabetes can be a problem because your kidneys may excrete too much magnesium. Alcoholism and the strain that puts on your body’s systems can contribute to decreased magnesium. Even the process of aging can make you more susceptible to magnesium depletion. There’s even thought that ingesting sugar, caffeine, and carbonated beverages daily could contribute to the problem.

If you are magnesium deficient, the culprit may be in your medicine cabinet. Certain medications have been shown to reduce magnesium levels in the body because they cause the kidneys to excrete more. You might be magnesium deficient if you take:

  • Diuretics
  • Heart medications
  • Asthma medications
  • Birth control pills
  • Estrogen replacement therapy

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS — GET TESTED

If you are deficient of magnesium, the early symptoms are fairly vague and include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. As the magnesium deficiency worsens, so do the symptoms; numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasm can occur. You don’t want to let it get to this point! The Magnesium Test offered by Any Lab Test Now is a simple blood test that will measure the level of magnesium present in your blood. You won’t be required to fast for the test, and you’ll usually get your results within 24 to 72 hours after your specimen is collected.

DEFICIENCY AND DISEASES

Researchers believe that habitually low intakes of magnesium can cause biochemical changes that can increase the risk of illness over time. They are looking very closely at the role magnesium deficiency could play in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches. In the meantime, reduce your risk by eating plenty of magnesium-rich foods like nuts, legumes, and dark leafy vegetables. If you’re concerned you may be at risk, drop by your local Any Lab Test Now for testing today.

Hormones: The Boss of Your Body

If you think about your body as a factory, then your hormones are the “upper middle-management.” Researchers often refer to hormones as chemical messengers. That’s because they basically are in the business of telling other hormones or organs what to do! There are many different hormones, and some of them play a bigger role in your health than others.

When everything is in proper balance, the factory is working like a dream — meaning your body is at optimal health. But even a small imbalance can create serious and sometimes life-altering issues. Hormones control most of your major bodily functions from the simple to the complex: everything from reproduction to your emotions. So when it comes to weight gain and obesity, it makes sense to consider your hormones as a possible culprit. Any Lab Test Now can help you understand the message your hormones are sending.

HORMONES AND YOUR WEIGHT

The Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit consists of a dried blood spot test and a saliva test. It will provide you and your doctor with a lot of information by measuring your bioavailable hormone levels. Your results might explain weight gain, obesity, abdominal fat, low metabolism, and a high BMI (Body Mass Index).

The Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit is actually nine tests in one.

  • Estradiol (E2) – this is basically a form of estrogen. It is found in both women and men. This hormone helps to regulate metabolism and body weight. Low levels of it may lead to weight gain.
  • Progesterone (Pg) – another hormone found in both men and women.
  • Testosterone (T) – also found in both men and women. This hormone has a role in helping with muscle growth and remember — muscles burn more calories than fat.
  • DHEA–S (DS) – helps in evaluating your adrenal gland function.
  • Diurnal Cortisol (Cx4) – helps determine your level of cortisol, a steroid hormone released by your adrenal gland.
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – checks your body’s production of TSH, which helps regulate how your body uses energy.
  • Vitamin D (D2, D3) – low levels of this vitamin may lead to weight gain according to some studies.
  • Insulin (In) – this test measures your insulin production. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and used by the body to transport and convert glucose into usable energy.
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) – checks your blood glucose levels and can detect pre-diabetes.

If you’ve been watching what you eat and getting plenty of exercise, but you’ve still got stubborn weight and fat (particularly in the abdomen) then you should really consider the Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit. With the results, you’ll be able to identify specific hormonal imbalances that contribute to excess weight gain or obesity, which lead to a whole host of concerning health issues. That includes things like insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. With Any Lab Test Now’s  Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit, you’ll have early detection of these markers that will allow you and your doctor to address the issues early.

Make sure your hormones are sending the right messages to your body! Any Lab Test Now can provide you with this simple kit that you can take in the privacy of your own home. You’ll get the answers you need to take control of your journey towards better health.