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.

Is Your Diet Putting You at Risk of Anemia?

Do you feel constant fatigue you can’t explain?
Do you frequently get dizzy or lightheaded?
Do you suffer from chest pains or shortness of breath?

These are all signs that you may have ANEMIA.

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. There are several types of anemia. Some, like sickle cell anemia, are hereditary, but others, specifically iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin deficiency anemia can be caused by an improper diet. For 20 years, doctors have seen a growing number of iron deficiency anemia cases in America. Iron deficiency anemia, the most common form of the condition, is caused by low levels of iron in the body. Your body needs this iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that makes up red blood cells.

According to a recent study by the American Society for Nutrition, the rise in iron deficiency anemia coincides with a decrease in the amount of beef people are consuming. Between 1999 and 2018, Americans ate 15.3 percent less beef, an iron-rich protein, and 21.5 percent more chicken, thus not getting all the iron their bodies need.

As the name suggests, if you have vitamin deficiency anemia, your diet is deficient in the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to produce healthy red blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can develop vitamin deficiency anemia if you don’t eat enough foods containing folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin C, or if your body has trouble absorbing and processing those nutrients.

Eating to Treat Anemia

If left untreated, anemia can cause serious health problems, such as having too little oxygen in your body, which can damage your organs. Having a diet consisting of the right foods is the first step to treating a deficiency.

Foods that can help prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia include:

Beef and other red meat
Dark, leafy greens like spinach
Beans
Seafood
Iron-fortified cereal and pasta

Foods that can help prevent and treat vitamin deficiency anemia include:

Fruits and leafy green vegetables
Eggs
Milk
Broccoli
Citrus fruits

How Do You Know If You Have Anemia?

Before you change your diet or start taking vitamin supplements, you need to make sure that the problem is anemia and not something else. The signs and symptoms of anemia may be subtle at first, so the best way to know for sure is with a simple blood test. You don’t need to wait for an appointment with your doctor in order to be tested for anemia. Any Lab Test Now offers a complete Anemia Panel for fast and accurate diagnosis.

We offer one simple blood panel that includes several tests, including a reticulocyte count to determine if your body is producing enough red blood cells. This can help determine not only if you have anemia but also the type of anemia you have. A ferritin test, that will screen your blood for the protein that indicates how much iron you have in your body. Your blood will also be checked for the levels of vitamin B-12, and folic acid to determine if you have vitamin deficiency anemia.

Where to Get Tested

Any Lab Test Now has 190+ locations nationwide, dedicated to providing you with the information about your body designed to help you Take Control of Your Health®.
You can schedule an appointment online or by phone, or walk-in for same-day testing. Each location is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with CDC protocols so you can be confident your lab work is being done in a safe, clean facility.

Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare. Click here to find an Any Lab Test Now location near you.

What’s the One Blood Test All Student Athletes Are Required to Have?

It is no surprise that student athletes participate in high intensity workouts. Whether it’s for conditioning, during practice time or game time, an athlete is continuously placed in situations where they need to raise their heart rate and push their bodies to the limit. Because of this, it is extremely important for school athletic directors and coaches to make sure that their student athletes are healthy and that their bodies can endure the physical activity expected of them.

There is one health condition in particular that could hinder a student athlete from truly competing to their best ability. This condition is known as sickle-cell trait. Inherited from a parent, sickle-cell trait can cause red blood cells to sickle and block blood vessels, denying oxygen to muscles and organs. If a student athlete with sickle-cell trait over-exhausts their body due to physical activity, their health could be put in serious danger if their oxygen supply iscut-off.

In order to ensure that this risk never becomes a reality, colleges require their NCAA student athletes to receive a sickle-cell trait blood test. Fortunately, as long as the coaches are aware of the diagnosis and take proper precautions with their diagnosed athletes,those athletes can still enjoy a successful and healthy athletic career. And all the student athlete readers said, “Whew!”

If you are an aspiring athlete and want to check on your health before heading into your college career, especially if attending a Division I or Division II school, contact your local Any Lab Test Now® today and let us help you get the answers you need. Our Sickle Cell Anemia Screen will test you for the sickle-cell trait and give you fast, quality results that you, your doctor, and your coach can use to ensure that your athletic career has a bright and long-lasting future.

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.

Your Parent Partner in the Battle Against Vaping

It’s not as if parents and their teenage children don’t already have enough to worry about! Now parents must be extra vigilant about teen use of e-cigarettes, which are sometimes referred to as “vaping” or “JUULing.” The names may be different, but the results are unfortunately usually all the same: electronic nicotine delivery.

The Teen Trend

These products are basically battery-powered devices that can deliver nicotine (usually found in flavored liquids) which then turns into a vapor to be inhaled by the user. With liquids flavored to taste like bubble gum, fruit, or other candies it’s no surprise that young people are more susceptible.

On top of that, most youth mistakenly believe the products are just harmless, flavored water vapor. Actually, most of them do contain nicotine, and in fact, some of them contain more nicotine than you would find in a cigarette! It doesn’t help the situation that some of these devices are so small you might mistake them for a flash drive.

*Pricing is subject to change based on location.

The Warning Call

The FDA says the use of e-cigarette products by teens has reached epidemic proportions. The U.S. Surgeon General repeated the warning, urging parents and teachers to educate themselves and talk with young people about the dangers. Any Lab Test Now wants to help parents as they battle this new health threat.

Testing — Anonymous and Confidential

Any Lab Test Now offers parents a variety of testing options that can detect the use of nicotine whether by use of traditional cigarettes or vaping. You won’t need to see a doctor first and perhaps most importantly — your child can remain anonymous. With Any Lab Test Now, no one has access to the test results but YOU — the parents. You own the results. You can even use an anonymous name to protect the identity of your child if you wish.

When it comes to choosing which test will work best for you — timing is everything:

Urine Test – This is a good choice if a parent suspects their child has recently used nicotine. The specimen will be screened and confirmed with results available in 48 to 72 hours.
Hair Follicle Test – This is a good option for parents who think their child has been either vaping or smoking nicotine for a long period of time. It only takes seven days for nicotine to start showing in the strands of your hair. If you think your child might stop using in an effort to pass the test, then this is the one to take. That’s because the Hair Follicle Test can determine if someone has used nicotine as far back as three months.
Blood Test – This simple blood draw test can detect traces of nicotine just hours after use.

If you’re unsure about which test is best for your situation, just talk with the experts at your local Any Lab Test Now. They’ll go over your options with you and offer you some suggestions on your best course of action.

No Nicotine is Safe

Remember, no amount of nicotine is safe. Researchers say that even being around people who are vaping and breathing in the “vape clouds” exhaled by others can expose youths to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Talk with your children early, educate yourself, and know that Any Lab Test Now is here to be your parent partner.

Making Yourself Priority One Is Easier To Do Than You Think

Does your list of “must do” tasks seem like a mountain on the verge of a landslide? For many women, there’s a laundry list (pun intended!) of things to accomplish that feels infinite… and it’s usually sandwiched between working and raising a family. Any Lab Test Now encourages you to take a look at your “must do” list and add one more item on to it. YES! You read that right. We not only want you to add one more item to your “must do” list, but we also want you to prioritize it at the top. That’s because Any Lab Test Now wants you to prioritize your health.

MAKING TIME FOR YOU

National Women’s Health Week is celebrated May 12–18 this year and it’s all about making sure you put as much energy into taking care of yourself as you do others. We encourage you, your mother, your sister, your grandmother and your friends to get together and take steps to improve your health and to let Any Lab Test Now be a partner in your journey toward a healthier you.

So how can Any Lab Test Now help women make their health a priority? Convenience tops the list! How often do you put off getting a much-needed test because you just haven’t found the time to make an appointment? Many women are reluctant to make that appointment because they worry it will include long wait times which could mean valuable time lost at work or make you late for a carpool pickup.

With Any Lab Test Now, you don’t even have to schedule an appointment (although you can if you wish). You can simply pop in when you’re near one of our more than 170 conveniently located labs across the country. Generally, we’ll have you in and out in 15 minutes! You won’t miss the first part of the ballet recital.

TESTING WITH LADIES IN MIND

Our lab experts are always available to make sure you’re ordering the right test for your needs. A Comprehensive Female Panel is always a great place to start your journey toward better health. It’s designed to help women at all stages of life make informed decisions about their healthcare goals. It includes blood work (and cholesterol counts) that will provide you with a snapshot of your heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. The panel also includes a metabolic panel that checks kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid condition, and nutritional status. All around, a great annual panel that provides you with a wide range of information.

Some conditions affect women more than men. Take urinary tract infections (UTI) for example. How many times have you felt that distinctive burning sensation? Usually, it’s late on a Friday afternoon! Well, UTIs occur in women significantly more than in men, and we can thank our anatomy for that. You don’t have to suffer until you get in to see the doctor. Some of our locations offer convenient Saturday options. You can get a routine Urinalysis to share with your doctor so you can get to feeling better, faster!

And how many times a week do you grab a quick burger or pick up a to-go salad because you just didn’t have time to stop and sit down to a nutritious meal? A basic building block to a healthier you (man or woman!) is proper nutrition. If you’re so busy making lunches for everyone else that you neglect making one for yourself, it can lead to problems. A regular diet of quick and easy ramen noodles isn’t always best. A Basic Nutritional Panel will let you know if you’re getting enough of what you need to experience optimal health.

Making time for yourself doesn’t have to be another chore to add to the list. When you take care of your own health, you aren’t being selfish. You’ll feel better and more energized and be ready to tackle all of your “must do” list and maybe even more!

Precision Medicine – Available at Any Lab Test Now

“Precision medicine.”

It sounds like something from the future. When most of us think about “precision,” images of watches, computers, or lasers may pop into your mind. But when we talk about precision medicine, we’re talking about optimizing the treatment effectiveness of prescription drugs and minimizing the adverse reactions to them. We’re talking about pharmacogenomics.

Pharmacogenomics (or PGx) is a growing area that blends the study of pharmacology with the field of genetics. Basically, it’s taking individualized medical care down to your very genetic makeup. That’s some pretty heavy stuff, and it’s available right now at Any Lab Test Now.

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Until now, medications have been a sort of a one-size-fits-all model. Doctors try patients on one drug. If that doesn’t work, they move on to the next. If that one works, then they may fiddle with the dosage until they get that just right. Pharmacogenomics takes that time-consuming (and sometimes costly) process and tosses it out the window.

Pharmacogenomics can empower every doctor and every patient with the specific knowledge to properly prescribe to the patient’s symptoms and conditions with accurate medication for the best possible results. How is it done? It’s as easy as a simple DNA swab across your cheek.

Here at Any Lab Test Now, we are proud to offer you seven different PGx panels that address some of the most common conditions faced by patients.

They all work the same. Each kit will come with two buccal (cheek) swabs. Once you collect your DNA sample and turn it in, it will generally take 5 – 7 business days for you to receive your lab results. Simply choose from one of our more than 170 testing locations with work-friendly hours. You can schedule an appointment online, or you can walk-in. Once you receive your results, share them with your doctor and start your journey toward targeted healthcare.

Healthcare: Tailor-Made For You

The days of the trial-and-error of prescription drug prescribing are over. Now, you can have a treatment plan tailored specifically to your body type and physiology, and it’s as simple as accessing your body’s DNA. Stop in to your local Any Lab Test Now location and ask for more information about pharmacogenomics testing.

A Tiny Mineral with a Big Job

In today’s society, we’ve almost grown used to being tired all of the time. Far from being unusual, fatigue and exhaustion almost seem to be the norm — even an expected and accepted state of being — ALL THE TIME.

But, aside from the occasional bouts of insomnia or the nights when Netflix wins the binge-watch battle (“Just one more…”), lasting fatigue is usually a sign that something is not right with your body. A possible culprit: iron deficiency.

Iron — An Essential Mineral

Iron is called an essential mineral because it is — well, essential. Your body needs iron to make healthy red blood cells. It’s in every cell in your body, and without it, your body would not be able to make hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are both oxygen-carrying workhorses! Iron-deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs if you do not have enough iron in your body. You can be assured that your body will let you know soon enough if you are lacking, but many health experts believe it should never reach that point.

Signs and Symptoms

As we mentioned above, fatigue is the most common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. It can make it hard to do even the most basic activities. Some other signs and symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health, include:

Brittle nails or spooning of the nails
Cracks at the sides of the mouth
Pale skin
Swelling or soreness of the tongue
Coldness in the hands and feet
Difficulty concentrating
Dizziness
Headache
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Restless legs syndrome
Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat is usually a sign that the iron deficiency has gotten to a very serious level. And one other symptom worth noting is “Pica.” Pica is when a person has unusual food cravings for nonfood items — things such as ice, dirt, paint, or starch. It is a disorder that can be associated with other conditions as well.

It’s Not Just a Diet Thing

Many people think of iron-deficiency anemia as a problem for those following a strict vegan diet. It is true that those not getting enough iron-rich foods like meat and eggs need to be aware to consume enough dark, leafy greens to keep their levels high enough. But, there are plenty of other reasons you might be iron deficient. Women with heavy periods are at risk as are women who are pregnant. People with slow, chronic blood loss (things like peptic ulcers, hiatal hernias, colon polyps, or colorectal cancer) should be aware of their increased risk. Some people find their ability to absorb iron from their food is compromised because of disorders such as celiac disease.

Take Control of Your Health

If you’ve been experiencing any of the signs and symptoms above and suspect you may have iron-deficiency anemia, Any Lab Test Now offers you two options:

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) Test – This is a basic test that will measure the amount of iron in your blood. Samples are preferred to be collected in the morning from a fasting state, since iron values naturally decrease during the course of the day.
Anemia Panel – This is a comprehensive panel for those looking to take a deeper look. It includes the TIBC Test along with five others: Complete Blood Count, Ferritin, Reticulocyte Count, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Tests.

Both of these tests will provide you with critical information that will help you get to the root cause of your symptoms and give you and your doctor the details you need to move forward towards a stronger, healthier YOU.

Win Your Fight Against Fatigue

Exhaustion doesn’t have to be a way of life. If you’ve addressed the obvious (we’re looking at you, binge-watching!) it may be time to consider other possible causes. Consider Any Lab Test Now your partner in putting your health first.

The Preventable Cancer; A Take-Home Test Takes The Fear Out of Colon Cancer Screening

Most people don’t like to talk about (whisper) cancer.

Even more people don’t want to talk about colorectal cancer.

But here at Any Lab Test Now, we’re going to have this uncomfortable talk, because it’s a talk that could save your life. That’s because, with early screening and testing, colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable for anyone. Any Lab Test Now is very pleased to provide you with a potentially life-saving option.

The Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test is a simple, non-invasive test that will check for blood in your stool. That’s the best way to provide you with early detection of polyps that could result in colon cancer. Research has shown that early detection is the key to winning the battle against this very treatable disease. Making this option even more of a game changer — you can conduct it in the privacy of your own home, with no special preparations.

A SILENT CANCER

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, according to the Colon Cancer Coalition. It’s also the second leading cause of cancer death. Anyone can get it. It seems to affect men and women equally as well as people of all races and nationalities. The disease is most often defined by the development of colorectal polyps. The polyps can sometimes turn into cancer. And here’s what makes early detection so crucial: colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. That’s why regular screening for colorectal cancer is so important.

IF you do have symptoms, officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say they are most likely to include:

Blood in or on your bowel movements.
Changes in bowel movements including constipation or diarrhea.
Stomach pains, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
Unexplained weight loss.

There are some risk factors you should be aware of, and a family history of colon cancer tops that list. People suffering from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease also appear to be at an increased risk, as are those living with diabetes.

As with many cancers, there are associated lifestyle risks as well. People who eat a lot of fat and cholesterol and very little fiber should be more aware. Drinking excessive alcohol, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle are all potential risk factors.

EARLY DETECTION — POSITIVE OUTCOMES

The American Cancer Society recently updated their guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. According to the new recommendations, screening should begin at the age of 45 for people at average risk, possibly sooner for those with a family history. With the Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test from Any Lab Test Now, you can take the test when it’s convenient for you. You don’t need a doctor’s orders or even an appointment. Simply come by one of our convenient locations and pick the test up.

Many people let embarrassment stop them from getting a colonoscopy, or they have heard horror stories about the prep work required for that test. The Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test removes both of those hurdles. It’s a test that you conduct for yourself in the privacy of your own home. And, there’s no fasting involved. Simply pick up the test, follow the instructions, and return the test for processing. Results generally take no longer than five to seven business days.

TALK ABOUT COLON CANCER SCREENING

Share your results with your doctor and see what the best course of action is for you. Remember, colon cancer is usually preventable, treatable, and beatable if detected early. Don’t let embarrassment or fear get in your way. The easy to use “take at home” Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test from Any Lab Test Now is worth talking about.