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.

Show Your Heart Some Love and Live Longer

When you think of February, images of hearts probably come to mind thanks to the celebration of Valentine’s Day on the 14th. In addition to emotional attention given to your significant other, friends, and family — it is your own heart you should show some love to at this time. February is American Heart Month – a federally designated awareness month to raise consciousness about heart health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death across the globe. Every 42 seconds, someone has a heart attack, and each minute, in the United States, someone dies from a heart disease-related event. More than 17.3 million deaths are related to heart issues each year — a number expected to rise to more than 23.6 million within the next ten years.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a blanket term that refers to several different heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which could lead to heart attacks. Most of the time, and for most people, the first sign or symptom of heart disease is chest pain. 

Heart attacks are often thought of as sudden, but the issue that causes them develops over time. A substance called plaque builds up inside of the arteries, and causes the arteries to narrow, which reduces blood flow to the heart, and eventually triggers a heart attack.

Risk Factors For Heart Disease

Almost half of all Americans (47 percent) have at least one risk factor for heart disease. However, some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as family history.

On the risk list are: 

  • High Cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Diabetes Or Pre-Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity

Steps to a Healthy Heart

While heart disease is not curable, the good news is that it can be treated and possibly prevented. Here are some preventative measures to help reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Stay active
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• Manage stress

Make a Commitment to Your Heart Health

As you continue to set new goals this year, make a commitment to yourself to keep your heart healthy. The first step is to take action. The Any Lab Test Now® Heart Health Panel provides an affordable and convenient overview of your heart health status. This panel can be used to provide a baseline assessment of your cardiovascular health, to help you and your doctor evaluate and monitor possible risks. There are four components provided within the Any Lab Test Now® Heart Health Panel. 

They include:

  • Lipoprotein Particle Protein Basic (LPP) – Overall cardiovascular risk assessment
  • Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Evaluate the body’s electrolyte balance and the status of major body organs
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitivity – Inflammation marker used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Homocysteine – Evaluate the risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases

New Year, Better You!

While various heart problems may be inherited, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices. Once you get your test results, you can work with a doctor on a plan to treat and improve the health of your heart. Between work, social activities, and taking care of a family, it may be easy to forget to take care of yourself.  However, it’s important to make sure your heart’s health is top-notch, especially if you’re the heart of the household.

Your cardiovascular system is important for your quality of life, so make February the month you take charge of your habits and make an improvement in your health. Any Lab Test Now® has more than 200 convenient locations across the country to help you Take Control of Your Health®. You can make an appointment online, or by phone, or just walk in.

Click here to find a location near you and start loving your heart and living your best life. 

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.

Heart Health Month: Separating Facts from Fiction

February is Heart Health Month

This is a time to raise awareness about heart disease, historically the number one cause of death among Americans. Heart disease can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. This year, the observance takes on a more urgent tone due to COVID-19 and the complications associated with the virus.

Know the Numbers:

  • Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined.
  • Eighty-three percent of Americans believe that heart attacks can be prevented but aren’t motivated to do anything.
  • Seventy-two percent of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease.
  • Fifty-eight percent of Americans have not attempted to improve their heart health.

COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Health

Moving forward, those numbers mentioned above may significantly increase due to COVID-19. There is evidence that some patients who have recovered from COVID-19 may show signs of heart damage, even weeks or months after feeling better, according to two studies published in JAMA Cardiology. This damage can occur even if they didn’t have an underlying heart disease or weren’t sick enough to be hospitalized.

These complications can include myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The concern is that it could lead to an increase in heart failure in the future.

Doctors are also worried that people who have a pre-existing heart condition may have put off being properly monitored out of fear of being exposed to the virus during a medical appointment.

Thanks to the stress of the last year combined with an increase in the number of people who packed on extra pounds during the pandemic, the concern about cardiovascular disease is higher than ever.

Heart Disease Myths

As part of Heart Health Month, it is important to separate fact from fiction. Here are some of the most common myths about heart disease.

Myth: Women don’t need to be concerned about heart disease.

Reality: Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over age 65.

Myth: Heart disease is for old people.

Reality: As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries. One in three Americans have cardiovascular disease, but not all of them are senior citizens. Even young and middle-aged people can develop heart problems — especially now that obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors are becoming more common at a younger age.

Myth: You should wait until middle age to worry about cholesterol.

Reality: The American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked every five years starting at age 20. It’s a good idea to start having a cholesterol test even earlier if your family has a history of heart disease. Children in these families can have high cholesterol levels, putting them at increased risk for developing heart disease as adults.

Prevention

An estimated 80 percent of all cardiovascular disease cases can be prevented. The key is maintaining healthy habits such as exercise and diet. Here is a closer look at the areas you should focus on.

Exercise – Federal guidelines suggest 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five times a week. Some of the best workouts include swimming, cycling, rowing, treadmill running, and powerwalking. Wearing an activity tracker is a good way to encourage you to increase your daily movement. About 10,000 steps a day is a standard target. Other ideas include yard work like weeding and raking, parking your car in places farther away to encourage walking, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

Diet – Adding foods associated with heart-healthy benefits, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy oils like olive oil are highly encouraged. These foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that lower blood pressure and LDL [bad] cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes, and help maintain a healthy weight, all of which can lower your risk of heart disease.

Screening – It is important to get checked for your risk of heart disease. You can get regular blood pressure monitoring or cholesterol checks to monitor levels. You can also take a deeper dive into your heart health with a Heart Health Panel from Any Lab Test Now®.

This panel can be used as a baseline assessment of your heart health and possible risk. There are four components provided within the Heart Health Panel.

  • Lipoprotein Particle Protein Basic (LPP) – Overall cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Evaluate the body’s electrolyte balance and the status of major body organs.
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitivity – Inflammation marker used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Homocysteine – Evaluate the risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Results are returned quickly, so you can get started on a path to better health should your test reveal any signs of heart disease.

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 testing for heart disease.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for your lab testing needs. Each of our 185+ stores are 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 outbreak. 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.

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.

Give Your Heart Some Love During Heart Health Month

Between work, social activities and taking care of a family, it may be easy to forget to take care of yourself.  However, it’s important to make sure your heart’s health is top-notch, especially if you’re the heart of the household.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Many of those at risk may not even realize there is a problem.  Since February is American Hearth Month, it serves as a reminder that there’s never a bad time to make sure your heart is in good condition and avoid being one of those people who is putting their health on the line.

Your Life, Your Heart, Your Choice:

While various heart problems may be inherited, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.  Having a poor diet, excessive alcohol use, smoking, stress and physical inactivity are all lifestyle choices that put people at a higher risk for heart disease.  These factors lead to high blood pressure, which thickens arteries and narrows blood vessels.  Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes and other risk factors can also lead to high blood cholesterol levels, which can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.  If that information doesn’t get you to change your habits, consider this: about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack every year.

Know the Warning Signs:

Chest discomfort and pain in your left arm aren’t the only warning signs that something is wrong with your heart.  Nausea, feeling lightheaded, and pain in the throat or jaw could also be signs of trouble too.  Also, if you’ve developed an annoying cough that produces white or pink mucus, check with your doctor.  When the heart can’t keep up with the body’s demands, this causes blood to leak back into the lungs.  Another sign something is up could be if your legs and feet are swollen.  Blood can get backed up in the veins and cause bloating when the heart can’t pump fast enough.

Take a Test:

If you’re worried about your heart health, take just a couple of minutes to visit your nearest Any Lab Test Now location and see if everything is OK.  The Lipid Panel, which is just $49, includes tests to measure if a patient has abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.  The C-Reactive Protein Test measures the amount of protein in your blood that indicates inflammation.  The test will let you know if inflammation has damaged arteries, thus increasing the chances of a heart attack.  The Lipoprotein Particle Profile Test is the most advanced test available to predict heart disease risk.  Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL, is also known as the “bad cholesterol.”  High numbers of small, dense LDL particles can cause plaque buildup, and ultimately cardiovascular disease.  The Lipoprotein Particle Profile Test measures the particles directly.

American Heart Month is the perfect time to show your heart some love.  After all, it does so much for you!  Visit your local Any Lab Test Now to get started.

Cholesterol Testing: What’s Your Number?

 

Cholesterol plaque in artery

If you suffer from high cholesterol, or have a family history of high cholesterol, you know first-hand that numbers are important. Monitoring your cholesterol numbers can mean the difference between life and death — as high cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and other dangerous health conditions. As you may already know, a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or below is considered ideal, while a number above 200 mg/dL may be cause for concern.

 

Types of Cholesterol

To get the full picture of your cholesterol health, there are several numbers you need to know. Total cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and HDL. In general, the lower your total cholesterol number is, the better.

LDL, which stands for low-density lipoprotein, is “bad” cholesterol. Too much LDL can cause buildup and blockages in the arteries, which can slow or even stop blood flow throughout the body. An LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL is best for optimal health.

HDL, which stands for high-density lipoprotein, is “good” cholesterol. This type of cholesterol actually helps remove cholesterol from your arteries, preventing buildup and blockages. In general, the higher your HDL level, the better, and any number over 60 mg/dL is considered healthy.

Know Your Number

Getting tested regularly is an important part of maintaining your cholesterol levels, especially if you struggle with high cholesterol or suffer from conditions relating to high cholesterol, such as diabetes or heart disease. Cigarette smoking, a poor diet, obesity, diabetes, a lack of exercise and a family history are all factors that can raise your risk of having high cholesterol and the dangerous health conditions that can develop as a result. If you are unsure of your cholesterol levels, think you may be at risk of high cholesterol, or if you are already taking medication to treat high cholesterol, it is important to get tested. Knowing your cholesterol numbers could save your life because it helps identify worrisome changes and prompts you to make lifestyle adjustments to protect your health.

Cholesterol Testing

There are several options for getting your cholesterol tested at Any Lab Test Now.

The Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel is ideal for patients who are already taking medication for high cholesterol, or for those needing their cholesterol and liver function tested on a regular basis. It is also perfect for those interested in knowing their cholesterol level, providing patients and their doctors with the information they need to make certain health decisions.

The Lipid Panel is an excellent option for those concerned about their cholesterol levels as well as their heart health. And for those interested in a more comprehensive look at their health, the Basic Check-Up Panel, Comprehensive Male Panel and Comprehensive Female Panel are all options that include cholesterol testing.

Talk with your physician and the experts at Any Lab Test Now to learn which cholesterol testing options are right for you.

Have you checked your numbers lately? Knowing your numbers is important, especially when it comes to your health. Take control of your health by scheduling an appointment to get your cholesterol tested today, and start feeling healthier tomorrow.

It’s Time To Take Care of Yourself

On an airplane, they tell you to be sure to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others, because you can’t take care of someone else if you are in need of help. But all too often, women focus on taking care of everyone else in the family before caring for themselves, and this is to their own detriment. They look after their children, their spouse, their aging parents. Who doesn’t get taken care of? The woman herself. While your family is picking up cards and gifts to show their love during the week leading up to Mother’s Day, you should use that time to take care of yourself.

May 8-14 is Women’s Health Week. It’s the perfect time to slow down and check in with yourself. Have you noticed any changes with your body in the last year? Pain? Dizziness? Fatigue? Changed menstrual cycle? Don’t let these changes nag at you. They could be signs of conditions for which medical care can help, such as heart disease, menopause or osteoporosis.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. A whopping 80 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 60 have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

Menopause

It’s a fact of life for women: menopause. Knowing when you are starting to go through it allows you to have the conversation with your doctor about steps you can take to ease the symptoms. If you are having hot flashes, rapid mood swings and a drop in your sex drive, you may want to take the Menopause Screening Panel. This blood test can help you find out if the symptoms are, in fact, the start of menopause. Knowing helps you decide what to do next.

Osteoporosis

Especially after menopause, an issue women face is bone loss, meaning that bones become more brittle and susceptible to breaking. Vitamin D is an important nutrient that can help keep your bones strong, but it can be tricky to get enough just through your diet. Any Lab Test Now has a test available that allows you to find out if you need to boost your vitamin D intake. Or, you may choose to take a more comprehensive Osteoporosis Risk Panel. It includes ten different tests to evaluate your risk for the disease.

Instead of wondering about your body’s changes, get answers. Walk in to Any Lab Test Now to arm yourself with knowledge to make your next doctor appointment more productive. Taking good care of yourself, and having the information you need to help your doctor keep you healthy, is the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones.

Stay Heart Healthy This February!

Walk into any retail location and you’ll see red, pink and purple hearts of all shapes and sizes. February is the month of love, and the heart represents this feeling for many people. Did you know, however, that February is also Heart Health Awareness Month?

This year, celebrate your heart by making healthy lifestyle changes and taking action to prevent chronic conditions like heart disease. Heart disease kills more American adults than any other cause of death, including cancer, accidents and diabetes. For this year’s Heart Health Awareness Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want Americans to focus on one healthy behavior they can make into a habit to take control of their heart health.

After all, your heart health influences your daily life and everything you want to do. From how often you get sick to how much activity your body can handle, a healthy heart makes your whole body run right. Symptoms of heart disease can be unique for everyone, but will often include fatigue, shortness of breath, angina or pain in the chest, nausea and swelling of feet or ankles (also known as edema). Your heart never rests — and your heart health influences your quality of life even when you’re asleep, so it’s critical that it remains healthy.

Heart disease can be difficult to detect on its own, which is why it’s so important to use laboratory testing and regular visits to your primary care physician to keep yourself on track. To find out what your risk is and begin your journey to a healthier heart, you should schedule a Cardiac Risk Panel at Any Lab Test Now this month. Getting a laboratory test entails a simple, one-time visit that will allow you to see your levels of blood cholesterol, C-reactive protein and homocysteine. These levels are an indication of how hard your heart is working and how much inflammation is in your body. Any Lab Test Now also offers a variety of other heart health related tests to consider, like cholesterol testing.

Once you have your results, you can take them to your doctor to discuss your lifestyle and how you can improve your habits, one step at a time. Suggestions may include dietary changes, increasing the consistency with which you take prescription drugs, increased exercise or quitting smoking.

Your cardiovascular system is important for your quality of life, so make February the month you take charge of your habits and make an improvement in your health. For more information on how to use Any Lab Test Now’s laboratory testing to determine your risk, visit our website!