Learn How to Manage Your BP Levels!

Why checking your blood pressure is so important.    

It is estimated that nearly half of adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. With the added stress and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, doctors are noticing even higher numbers across the board.

High blood pressure is the major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. It’s now also the most common risk factor for severe complications and death in those with COVID-19.

High blood pressure is considered a “silent killer” because it doesn’t always present obvious symptoms to indicate something is wrong.

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. The first step in managing your blood pressure is to know your levels.

A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. The first number in a blood pressure reading, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

A significant number of U.S. adults have become candidates for blood pressure medication or other treatment since stricter guidelines were implemented in late 2017. The stricter standard, the first major change in blood pressure guidelines in 14 years, redefined a reading of high blood pressure as 130/80, down from 140/90. An increasing number of adults under the age of 45 are now hypertensive.

If you find that your blood pressure is consistently elevated, keep a diary and invest in a home blood pressure cuff. Get in the habit of checking your blood pressure at least once a month. If it’s elevated, check it more frequently.

There are also blood test panels you can get done outside of the doctor’s office to detect conditions that may cause high blood pressure to worsen and to evaluate and monitor organ function over time.

A cholesterol panel is recommended for anyone who has high blood pressure. High cholesterol has long been linked to high blood pressure. If your arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium, the heart strains much harder to pump blood through them. As a result, your blood pressure becomes abnormally high.

Potassium, along with other electrolytes like sodium and chloride, helps to regulate the acid and base balance in the body. Each heart muscle needs the right balance of potassium to beat in a coordinated way with all the other heart muscles. If you have high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias or have had heart failure, it is especially important to get enough potassium. A potassium test can help you monitor your levels.

A cortisol test is another option. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates a wide variety of processes in your body, including metabolism and immune response. It also is very important in helping your body respond to stress.

Although cortisol is critical for our survival, too much cortisol is damaging to the body and can cause increased blood pressure and damage to the heart.

Test Your Levels

Any Lab Test Now offers these tests and more to help you manage your blood pressure more effectively. No doctor’s prescription is ever needed for any blood work at Any Lab Test Now and neither is an appointment. We have convenient locations and hours to fit your busy schedule.

If you are concerned about your safety coming into a testing site, you can be at ease knowing Any Lab Test Now provides you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ 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.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Are You Taking a Trip Soon? Don’t forget your COVID test.

The holidays are typically the busiest time of the year for travel. Even with the threat of COVID-19, many people are still planning to visit family or take a holiday trip this year. If that includes you, you’ll need to add a new item to your pre-travel checklist: a coronavirus test.

Getting a COVID-19 test is a responsible way to travel during these times, and in some cases, required. Getting tested before a trip could help you avoid spreading the virus. According to a spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control, “Pre-travel testing would reduce the risk of allowing COVID-19 infected people on airplanes and other forms of public transportation, provided that the results of the testing are known and acted upon before travel begins.”

Having a negative test result gives you peace of mind while traveling and reduces the risk you will infect others, including those you plan to visit, with the coronavirus.

Where to Get Tested

From hospitals to pharmacies, the number of places to get tested has exploded over the past few months. However, most of these locations require you to be symptomatic to get a COVID test, ruling it out for most would-be travelers.

If you’re planning a trip, Any Lab Test Now is a great option for COVID testing. You don’t need to have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with the virus to get tested.

Any Lab Test Now offers COVID-19 RT-PRC testing. A technician collects fluid from a nasal or throat swab or saliva.

Timing Your Test

Before a trip, you need to time your test properly. Plan it too early, and you have more time to get the virus before your trip and nullify your test result. If you plan your test too close to your departure date and get tested somewhere other than Any Lab Test Now, you run the risk of your test results being delayed. And possibly, being denied entry to a destination.

Getting a test at the end or after a trip can help you avoid spreading the virus at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers who believe they may have been at risk while traveling consider getting a coronavirus test when they return from a trip. A post-arrival test may also be recommended by your state’s coronavirus task force.

Even if you have a negative COVID test prior to travel, experts advise you to remember coronavirus-protection basics: wearing a mask in public; avoiding crowds; keeping physical distance from others; washing and sanitizing hands frequently; and not touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth.

Safe Travels

There may be limits on where you can travel. Even though the U.S. State Department lifted a nearly five-month travel advisory for Americans concerning international travel, many countries remain off-limits to tourists from the United States. Countries that do allow visitors from the U.S. are requiring you to self-isolate for 14 days or possibly face financial penalties.

Here in the U.S., the rules and regulations on COVID-19 testing requirements continue to fluctuate, so it is important to check with the state you wish to visit for the latest updates.

In mid-October, Hawaii implemented a pre-travel testing program that allows people to come to the islands without quarantining for two weeks if they could produce a negative coronavirus test.

In Alaska, not only do you need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test pre-travel, you are required to purchase a $250 COVID-19 test upon arrival and self-quarantine at your own expense until you get the results.

While most U.S. states have no restrictions on travel, all their respective websites have important COVID-19 safety information, including possible face mask mandates in public settings.

Many health experts agree that as long as you take the necessary precautions, closer-to-home vacations in relatively uncrowded spots are fairly low-risk.

Trip Tips

If you do have travel plans coming up, try to take a trip that is direct and door-to-door if possible; avoid a lot of different means of transportation or transfers.

Traveling by car during COVID-19 will likely be the safest, so look for destinations within driving distance.

  • Travel during off-peak hours. This will help you avoid crowded rest stops.
  • Bring your own drinks and snacks to avoid standing in line.
  • Wear a mask if you must go indoors.
  • Keep antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer handy and bring it with you into public restrooms.

Get on a plane only if you need to visit family or if it’s an emergency. If you must fly, keep in mind that a nonstop flight is safer than one with layovers because of fewer chances of being exposed to the virus.

Also, the air on an airplane is quite clean due to industry standards and regulations requiring air circulation and HEPA filters. However, the time you spend in an airport during check-in, security checks, boarding, and baggage retrieval may well be riskier than the actual flight itself, so be sure to take precautions on every leg of your travel.

  • Bring a face shield or glasses along with a mask.
  • Bring antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer.
  • Wipe down your seat and tray table once you get to your seat.
  • Practice social distancing while boarding and disembarking the plane.

Cruise ships, shut down for much of the pandemic, are slowing starting to make a comeback. However, it should be stated that current scientific evidence suggests that cruise ships pose a greater risk of COVID-19 transmission because of the high population density aboard ships, which are typically more densely populated than cities or most other living situations.

In fact, the very first sailing of a cruise in Italy was cut short after eight passengers tested positive for COVID-19.

Be at Ease

Whether you plan to travel near or far, pre-travel testing is recommended for your health and safety —and the health and safety of others. Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including your pre-travel COVID-19 testing.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ 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 outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes – The Chronic Condition That Can Strike at Any Age

About one out of every ten people have diabetes. However, one out of every five of those people do not realize they have this potentially deadly condition. In fact, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

To educate people about the disease, November is designated Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes can strike anyone, at any age.

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes higher than average blood sugar levels. Normally, your body produces insulin from the pancreas to help regulate the blood sugar. Insulin acts like a key to open your cells to allow the blood sugar to enter so you can use it for energy. If you have diabetes, your pancreas either doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot effectively use its own insulin.

There are two main forms of diabetes, with very different causes, symptoms and treatments.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, and while there are treatments to manage it, there is no cure. About 5 percent of people who have diabetes have type 1 diabetes — or insulin-dependent diabetes. In the past, type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes, because patients often found out they had it during childhood, but people of all ages can develop type 1 diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin. The reason? The body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. The islet cells sense glucose in the blood and produce the right amount of insulin to normalize blood sugars. Once the insulin-producing cells are destroyed, a person can no longer produce their own insulin. Without insulin, sugar stays in the blood and builds up.

Complications of Type 1 Diabetes

If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can cause health complications and internal damage.

Blindness is a common diabetes complication. Diabetes is also a leading cause of kidney failure. Many people with diabetes have impaired sensation in the hands and feet, including neuropathy.

Diabetes can also cause digestive problems, erectile dysfunction, and fertility issues. The conditions also increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Diabetes can also lead to amputation of toes and feet. In extreme cases, it can also lead to coma and death.

Signs of Type 1 Diabetes

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear suddenly. The most common symptoms are:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Bed-wetting may occur in children who have already been toilet trained
  • Rapid and unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme hunger
  • Extreme weakness or fatigue
  • Unusual irritability
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
  • Fruity breath odor

Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is treated by taking daily insulin injections or using an insulin pump or other device to replace the insulin no longer created naturally. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help control blood sugar levels.

If you take too much insulin, then your blood sugar can drop to a dangerously low level. This is called hypoglycemia, and it can be life-threatening. If you take too little insulin, your blood sugar can rise to a dangerously high level. Your cells are not getting the sugar, or energy, they need. This is called hyperglycemia.

You will work with your doctor to determine the proper insulin dose and delivery method.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.  About 90 percent of people with diabetes have type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also called adult-onset diabetes, since it typically develops after age 35. Type 2 diabetes is typically tied to people who are overweight, with a sedentary lifestyle. People with type 2 diabetes are able to produce some of their own insulin, but often it’s not enough.

Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

Many of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes. The difference is the onset of the condition. Type 2 diabetes usually presents more slowly, and the symptoms are not as noticeable as those for type 1 diabetes. For these reasons, many people mistakenly overlook the warning signs. They also might think that the symptoms are the signs of other conditions, like aging, overworking or hot weather. The complications of type 2 diabetes mirror those of type 1.

A combination of risk factors can increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes. They include:

  • Being overweight
  • Family history
  • Physically inactive
  • Age 45 or older

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

One of the biggest differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the approach to treatment. The majority of treatment programs for type 2 diabetes focus on diet, exercise and weight loss as well as improving ways to better use the insulin the body already produces to normalize blood sugar levels. If blood sugar levels are still high, medications can help the body use its own insulin more efficiently. In some cases, insulin injections are necessary. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes means that your body is showing signs that could lead to type 2 diabetes. In prediabetes, there is too much glucose in the blood, but not as much as in diabetes.

People with prediabetes often have no symptoms at all. Your health care provider may decide to test you for prediabetes because of your age, weight, family history of diabetes or other health factors.

Not everyone with prediabetes will get diabetes, but the risk increases, especially if they don’t make lifestyle changes.

There are four main ways people with prediabetes can manage their condition:

  • Eating well
  • Getting active
  • Weight loss
  • Medications

Diabetes Testing

Now, with COVID-19 concerns, it is even more important than ever to take control of your health. People with diabetes face a higher chance of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19. If you’ve been concerned that you might have diabetes but are afraid to go to the doctor for fear of contracting COVID-19, Any Lab Test Now provides a safer alternative and a wide variety of testing options.

Any Lab Test Now offers six specialized lab tests you can take and share the results with your doctor.

Diabetes Maintenance Panel – this provides a complete blood count, Glucose-Serum, Hemoglobin A1c, and a Diabetic Urinalysis. This is an effective panel for diabetics, and also for those who want to see if they have diabetes.

Diabetic Urinalysis (Microalbumin) – this tests for the protein albumin in the urine. It’s something that the kidneys usually filter out, so if it shows up in the results, it can point to potential diabetes complications like kidney disease.

Glucose Blood Test – this is the most common diabetes test. Additionally, diabetics self-conduct this test multiple times a day to monitor their blood glucose levels.

Glucose Tolerance Test – this is a way to check how your body metabolizes sugar. First, a blood sample is collected, then you’ll be given a cup of glucose to drink. After that, your blood will be collected again every 30 to 60 minutes. It usually takes up to three hours to complete the test and can confirm diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c – this test is useful in helping diabetics determine if their disease is under control. It’s a valuable measure of the overall blood glucose levels over a period of several months. The test can also help detect prediabetes and diabetes.

Insulin Lab Test – this test can let you know if your body is producing too much or too little insulin. Too little insulin, also known as insulin resistance, is often associated with type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, this test can be used to monitor whether diet and lifestyle changes are having a great enough impact to reverse or improve your condition.

 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 diabetes.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ 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 outbreak. We are here to help.

 

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men.

This month is a reminder to be proactive, with a take-charge approach to prostate health. This awareness and action could make all the difference in the effort to catch any problems early and to minimize the probability of a more complicated diagnosis, serious side effects of treatment, and the worst-case scenario: death. Knowledge is power.

Fast Facts

The death rate has dropped by more than half from 1993 to 2017 because of screening and treatment advances. An individual man’s survival depends on the type of prostate cancer and the stage and grade of the disease.

Risk Factors

All men are at risk for prostate cancer in their lifetime. In addition to age, certain factors increase the chances of developing the disease.

Family History

Prostate cancer can run in families. Familial prostate cancer makes up about 20 percent of all prostate cancers. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease. However, most prostate cancers occur in men without a family history.

Race/Ethnicity

African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry develop prostate cancer more than other races. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian-American and Hispanic men than in non-Hispanic white males.

Geography

Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and in the Caribbean Islands. It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America.

Diet

While the exact connection between diet and prostate cancer is not clear, it has been suggested that men who consume a lot of calcium — whether through food or supplements — may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Screening

The importance of screening is to detect an issue before it turns into something more serious. If you fall into any of the risk categories, you should begin getting screened for prostate cancer yearly around 45 years of age. If you don’t meet any of the risk factors, screenings should begin around age 55. The frequency will depend on a couple of factors.

The main screening test is the PSA test. It stands for Prostate Specific Antigen test – it is a routine blood test that determines the general health of the prostate gland.

The normal range is generally 0-4 ng/ml. If prostate cancer is not detected, the time between future screenings depends on the results of the PSA blood test. Screening is recommended to be done on an annual basis to monitor one’s prostate health.

Because prostate cancer often grows slowly, men without symptoms of prostate cancer who do not have a 10-year life expectancy should not be offered testing since they are not likely to benefit.

It is common for men over the age of 50 to have an elevated PSA, but that does not necessarily mean a prostate cancer diagnosis. In most cases, it means an enlarged prostate, which is usually benign and can be treated easily.

Any Lab Test Now offers the PSA screening test.  You do not need to visit a doctor first before you take the test, and results generally take 24 to 72 business hours. You can learn more about the test here.

Signs and Symptoms

In its early stage, prostate cancer presents no symptoms — one reason why regular screenings are important.  However, in later stages of the disease, men may experience any number of the following warning signs.

  • Frequent urination
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder
  • The urge to urinate frequently at night
  • Blood in the urine
  • Blood in the seminal fluid
  • New onset of erectile dysfunction
  • Pain or burning during urination, which is much less common
  • Discomfort or pain when sitting, caused by an enlarged prostate

Other noncancerous conditions of the prostate, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate, can cause similar symptoms. Urinary symptoms also can be caused by an infection of the bladder or other conditions.

If cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland, a man may experience:

  • Pain in the back, hips, thighs, shoulders, or other bones
  • Swelling or fluid buildup in the legs or feet
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important that you speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to getting a medical test like the PSA screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.   We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work.  Each of our 185+ 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 outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Antibody Testing

More than 100 COVID-19 vaccines are in some stage of development, but most experts project it will be 2021 before a vaccine is ready to roll out to the public. As the coronavirus rages on, researchers are also focusing their attention on understanding who has had the virus, to help manage the spread and better prepare communities as economies reopen. A key component to that is COVID-19 antibody testing, also called a serology test.

The antibody test — a simple blood draw — does not diagnose active coronavirus infections, but it does let a person know if they have been infected with the virus in the past. Even people who never had symptoms could have had the coronavirus. The serology test shows that by detecting the antibodies, or specific proteins, the body makes in response to the virus when it enters the body. If the test does find those proteins in the blood, it could mean that person has some level of immunity to the virus in the future. Although the CDC does not know conclusively if the antibodies will prevent a person from getting reinfected, antibodies, by nature, are the body’s immune response to an infection. That scientific fact, along with a desire to know how the pandemic is impacting the population — and what groups might be more or less vulnerable — has led to widespread antibody testing by everyone from state and local governments to employers and individuals.

Any Lab Test Now is providing the COVID-19 antibody test by appointment in-clinic or on-site at a workplace when contracted by an employer. Three different antibody tests are offered: IgG, IgG/IgM, and IgG/IgM/IgA.

Let’s break down what all those letters mean.

IgG Antibody Test:

This test detects IgG antibodies that develop in most patients within seven to 10 days after symptoms of COVID-19 begin. IgG antibodies remain in the blood after an infection has passed. These antibodies indicate that you may have had COVID-19 in the recent past and have developed antibodies that may protect you from future infection. It is unknown at this point how much protection antibodies might provide against re-infection.

IgM Antibody Test:

This test detects IgM antibodies. IgM is usually the first antibody produced by the immune system when a virus attacks. A positive IgM test indicates that you may have been infected and that your immune system has started responding to the virus. When IgM is detected you may still be infected, or you may have recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection.

ALTN offers a combination test for the IgM and IgG COVID antibodies, which provides the status of both recent/current infection and past viral exposure.

IgA Antibody Test:

IgA antibodies are primarily found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes. IgA provides protection against infection in mucosal areas of the body such as the respiratory tract (sinus and lungs) and the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). The IgA antibody can also be detected if you have active or recent exposure to the virus, as is seen with the IgM antibody.

People should be asymptomatic for at least seven days prior to taking an antibody test, and it will take one to three days to get results back. The cost may be covered by your insurance plan or the government, so check with your healthcare provider.

Results

A positive test result indicates it is likely you have had COVID-19 and may have developed an immune response to the virus.

A negative test result means no antibodies to the virus were found in the blood and you did not have COVID-19, Although it is possible, if there is an active infection, the body has not had time to produce antibodies yet.

False positives (specificity) and false negatives (sensitivity) are possible with the tests, but rapid advancements have allowed us to offer lab tests that are 99-100 percent accurate.

Any Lab Test Now only works with labs whose tests have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA, and are CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified, and CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited. These criteria ensure that test results meet and exceed industry standards for clinical laboratory testing.

In this uncertain time, when there are many more questions than answers, Any Lab Test Now wants to put you at ease and provide you all the tools you need to manage your healthcare. We are here to help.

Taking Charge of Your Health in Uncertain Times

Taking Charge of Your Health in Uncertain Times

Just one scroll through your social media feed and it does not take long to find someone with some sort of personal story about how coronavirus continues to change the world around them. You might see kids going to school via ZOOM, parents working 40 hour-a-week jobs from the dining room table or friends asking for advice about something that’s not so easy to find during a pandemic.

During this unusual time, you may have many questions about taking control of your health and maintaining your health.

When Your Health Depends on Regular Lab Testing

How often do you get blood work? Is it just for your annual checkup? If you suffer from an acute illness, like diabetes or a thyroid condition, you are probably rolling up your sleeve a lot more than once a year.

As always, you want to be sure that you have a trusted option for routine lab work, so it’s important to know that during the pandemic, Any Lab Test Now is not testing for COVID-19. If you are required to get frequent lab tests, you can rest assured that we do provide a safe and clean location.

Diabetes is not something you can take lightly. According to the CDC’s most recent report, more than 34 million Americans are living with the disease. It is essential and potentially lifesaving for diabetics to continue to monitor their condition. During the COVID-19 outbreak, many diabetics are getting a Diabetes Maintenance Panel at Any Lab Test Now instead of risking exposure at a medical provider’s office.

If you know anyone who suffers from thyroid issues, you know living with it is a constant battle to stay balanced. There are two types of thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder and it consists of dealing with weight gain, mood swings, fatigue and even hair loss. On the other end of the spectrum, hyperthyroidism causes you to lose weight unexpectedly. Finding a treatment that works for you is crucial in order to feel your best and avoid further issues. Most likely, your doctor is going to require that you consistently get blood tests like the Thyroid Panel at Any Lab Test Now to monitor your levels.

No matter if it is thyroid disease, diabetes, or another acute illness, we make it easy to get the required tests that you need to help you and your doctor determine whether your prescriptions need to be adjusted.

Limited Exposure

Mid-March 2020 is when most of the country started adjusting to coronavirus quarantine life. As you probably know very well by now, all that time sheltering in place limited your exposure to sunlight and now your vitamin D levels could be out of whack. If you are struggling to keep your eyes open or experiencing leg cramps you could have a Vitamin D deficiency.  

Why is Vitamin D Important?

  • Builds strong bones
  • Helps to improves lung function
  • Protects against heart disease
  • Reduces risk of diabetes
  • Prevents depression

Low levels of Vitamin D can increase your risks for potentially fatal conditions like heart disease, vascular disease or stroke. The best way to know if you are getting enough Vitamin D is to get a specific blood test that we offer at Any Lab Test Now. You can get most test results back within 24-72 hours, and you can share those details with your physician.

If you are Vitamin D deficient, you should keep in mind Vitamin D is not a natural ingredient in many foods. You can talk to your doctor about either taking a supplement or adding foods rich in Vitamin D, like salmon, mushrooms, or yogurt to your diet.

During the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, Any Lab Test Now is a safe, affordable location for you to check your Vitamin D levels, as well as get access to more than 1,000 other lab tests that we offer.

We are committed to helping you manage your healthcare so that you can make educated decisions that can improve your quality of life. There has never been a more critical time for Americans to take control of their health. Any Lab Test Now is here to help you Be at Ease during this challenging time.

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.

Top 5 Signs of Iron Deficiency

Top 5 Signs of Iron Deficiency

Are you falling asleep during your favorite TV show, or nodding off during a conference call at the office? Getting tested for iron deficiency might be the solution to your exhaustion.

The human body needs oxygen to function properly. Organs and tissues rely on red blood cells to carry oxygen, in the form of hemoglobin, from the lungs. Anemia occurs when you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body. Iron deficiency anemia is a common form of anemia and occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron, according to Mayo Clinic. Insufficient iron can make it hard to find the energy to do everyday activities and may be why you have trouble staying awake to read your book or lack the energy to attend yoga class.

Approximately 10 million people in the United States are iron deficient, the National Institute of Health reports. Children and older adults are at a higher risk for iron deficiency. The main culprit for low iron is a poor diet. If your diet lacks iron, protein, and vitamins — especially B12 — you have an increased risk for anemia. Low iron can also be related to blood loss or medical conditions that prevent your body from absorbing iron during digestion.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

While some people with mild iron deficiency may not initially have any symptoms, many people will start to experience the following five symptoms if iron intake remains low.

Fatigue and weakness. Low red blood cell counts result in a decrease in the amount of oxygen being delivered to your body’s various organs, causing fatigue.

Pale skin. Hemoglobin gives blood its red color. Lower levels of hemoglobin in the blood can cause people with iron deficiencies to be pale.

Chest pain. The heart has to work harder to deliver oxygen to the body if you suffer from anemia, which can cause chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.

Headache. Insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain can cause blood vessels to swell and make your head hurt.

Shortness of breath. Breathing rates increase when the body tries to get more oxygen. Simple tasks, like walking or climbing stairs, may wear you out and cause you to be short of breath.

Other symptoms can include restless leg syndrome and pica, a craving for nonfood items, such as ice or dirt. Some signs of iron deficiency also include brittle nails or spooning of the nails, cracks at the sides of the mouth, and swelling or soreness of the tongue, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

If left untreated, iron deficiency can cause a host of problems and can be life-threatening. Over time, iron deficiency can cause depression, heart problems, an increased risk of infection, motor or cognitive delays in children, and pregnancy complications.

Get Tested at Any Lab Test Now

Any Lab Test Now offers a comprehensive Anemia Panel to determine if you need to talk to your doctor about adding an iron supplement to your diet. You do not need to fast for this test, and you don’t need insurance to take advantage of Any Lab Test Now’s affordable lab testing. Walk in to any of the more than 170 locations nationwide and get a quick blood test to determine if your iron level is the culprit of your fatigue. Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours, and customers can choose to have test results mailed, faxed or pick them up at the testing location.

Changing Diet Can Boost Iron Levels

The good news is that treatment for low iron is relatively easy for most people. Many doctors recommend an iron supplement as a quick fix. But, if your anemia panel reveals low iron levels, making small changes to your diet can help increase your energy and banish fatigue.

  • Eat foods high in iron, like dried beans, dried fruits, eggs, lean red meat, salmon, iron-fortified breads and cereals, peas, tofu, dried fruits, and dark green leafy vegetables.
  • Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes, can help your body absorb iron.
  • Avoid drinking black tea, it can reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron.
  • Some reports suggest cooking in a cast-iron skillet will transfer some of the iron from the pan to your meal.

Any Lab Test Now offers fast and affordable lab testing. Visit your local Any Lab Test Now location to increase your productivity and boost your energy today.

Take Control of Your Health During Allergy Season

Kick hay fever to the curb by learning your triggers to stay healthy when pollen counts are high.

As the leaves sprout and flowers bloom, millions of Americans start sneezing. Up to 50 million Americans, including millions of children, suffer from allergies. At least one in five Americans has an allergy, and more than 26.1 million have seasonal allergies. An allergy is your immune system’s response to a trigger, such as pollen. In people with allergies, the body produces antibodies against common environmental substances and foods that create the typical allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes and skin, sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, and rash. The antibodies produce histamine, which causes the allergic response. Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects 6.1 million children and 20 million adults, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports.

While seasonal allergies can make people feel miserable, they are mostly not life-threatening. Allergies to food and insect bites are more likely to cause anaphylactic shock and death in severe cases. The number of people who have severe allergies has risen dramatically in the past 20 years.

Seasonal allergies send employee productivity spiraling, according to a study of 600 people conducted by Ohio State University. The study revealed that workers on average missed an hour of work per week during the peak allergy season; or 4 million workdays annually. Study participants cited lack of sleep and a negative impact on their overall health as the two main reasons for missing work due to seasonal allergies. Ohio State University experts recommend allergy testing and proper treatment to reduce sick days during allergy season.

Know Your Seasonal Triggers

Understanding the triggers that cause your nose to run and your eyes to water is essential for conquering pollen season. Some of the most common seasonal allergy culprits are tree, grass, and weed pollen, according to the AAFA. Avoiding the allergy is the best way to manage the problem, Mayo Clinic reports. Testing can help you learn the correct treatment for your allergy. An easy way to learn the cause of your seasonal stuffy nose is to visit Any Lab Test Now and order the Basic Allergy Panel.

You can access a simple blood test to determine what you are allergic to and prevent a severe allergic reaction or save money on only the allergy shots you need. Any Lab Test Now offers a Basic Allergy Panel that tests for 32 different environmental substances as well as foods.

  • Eight common grasses and weeds, including ragweed
  • House dust mites. Pet dander for cats and dogs
  • Seven common fruits and vegetables
  • Three dairy products including cow’s milk, soft cheese, and eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Grains including wheat and soybeans
  • Meats including tuna, beef, and chicken
  • Sugar and chocolate

When the body experiences an allergy to a substance, it produces antibodies that are specific to the allergen, called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, which Any Lab Test Now’s laboratory partners can measure to determine what’s triggering your symptoms.

Treating Your Allergy
There are a variety of treatment options for seasonal allergies. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment, depending on your trigger. Some of the common treatments for seasonal allergies are:

  • Oral or nasal antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Prescription eye drops
  • Allergy shots
  • Sublingual allergy therapy — small amounts of the allergen are placed under the tongue to develop an antibody response over time.

Natural Ways to Combat Allergies
If your allergy panel reveals you may have some allergies, there are natural steps you can take to prevent a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Close the window. Stopping unfiltered outdoor air from entering your home can prevent pollen from coming into the house.

Take a shower. When you enter your home at the end of a long day, you are bringing in allergens, like pollen, attached to your clothes. Taking a shower and putting on clean clothes can help reduce the severity of your reaction.

Eat healthy and drink water. Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables and hydrating can reduce allergy symptoms, according to reports.

Irrigate. Using a nasal rinse, like a Neti Pot, can remove excess mucus and may help improve symptoms.

Any Lab Test Now offers testing that can help you take control of your seasonal allergies. Visit an Any Lab Test Now near you to stop your sniffles today.

Testing Promises A Healthy New Year

Kickstart your health this year by steering clear of fad diets and opt to make lifestyle changes based on your nutritional needs.

The end of the holiday season marks the time when people take a close look at what they are eating and how much they exercise. Weight loss is a $72 billion industry, and there is no shortage of trendy diet options, according to a report published by Research Markets, a Dublin, Ireland-based market research firm. Dieters who opt to follow a keto, paleo or low-carbohydrate diet see immediate results by slashing calorie intake. Weight loss from quick-fix diets is typically short-lived. Despite 44.5-million Americans starting a new diet each year, two-thirds of the U.S. population is obese, reveals Boston Medical Center. Most dieters gain back the weight they lost and even add a few extra pounds within two years, John Hopkins Medicine reports.

Get informed at ANY LAB TEST NOW

Medical experts agree. The key to good health is not the number on the scale. Make stopping by your local Any Lab Test Now location for a Basic Nutritional Panel a top priority in your healthy living journey. The panel includes a variety of tests that can give you a good idea if your body — particularly your metabolism — is functioning properly. It can reveal signs of anemia, infections, or other factors that may cause fatigue, as well as reveal deficiencies in the most common vitamins and minerals. Getting your nutrition tested is a necessary step to changing unhealthy patterns.

The Basic Nutrition Panel includes:

  • Complete Blood Count – A CBC measures the number of each of the different types of blood cells. Abnormal blood cell counts can indicate anemia or infection.
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – The CMP reveals liver and kidney function and glucose and electrolyte levels. It also measures protein levels in the blood, which are key to ensuring healthy muscles, bones and organs, according to WebMD.
  • Iron – An iron deficiency could be causing a lack of energy.
  • The Basic Nutritional Panel tests a number of vitamin levels responsible for boosting your immune system and building strong bones.

Problem with diets

Trendy diets seem like an easy way to lose weight rapidly. But drastically cutting calories can have a negative impact on your health.

Dehydration. Quick-fix diets often result in loss of water weight. Your body needs sufficient water to function normally. Dehydration may cause fatigue, dizziness and even confusion, Mayo Clinic said.

Exhaustion. Depriving the body of calories can cause weakness and make you tired.

Headaches. Low blood sugar as a result of fasting or eating less increases your risk for headaches.

Constipation. Many fad diets cut out foods necessary to facilitate proper digestion. Lack of fiber can cause constipation and stomach pain.

Inadequate vitamin and mineral intake. The body needs the right amount of vitamins and minerals to function at an optimum level. Depriving your body of necessary nutrients can cause damage that appears later in life. 

Resolve to adopt a healthy lifestyle

Hop off the diet bandwagon this year and make a new year’s resolution to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Set small weight loss goals and focus on your overall health.

Eat a balanced diet. There’s no need to count calories or cut carbs. Eat small portions with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoiding processed foods and servings with added sugar and salt is important.

Keep a food journal. Medical experts advise keeping a food journal to record your consumption. Knowing what you put in your body and how much food you need to feel satisfied will help you set limits and understand your vices.

Get moving. Exercise is the key to keeping your body working properly. The American Heart Association recommends at least five hours of exercise per week, including muscle strengthening and aerobic activity. Spend less time sitting and more time moving this year.

Eat small meals throughout the day to help boost metabolism. Try eating small meals six times per day to help provide energy and prevent hunger.

Eat that treat. If you crave chocolate before bed, indulge in a small piece, rather than an entire candy bar. If fried chicken is your favorite, put this crispy dinner on your menu once a month, instead of weekly. Incorporating foods you love into your diet will keep you from feeling deprived, and help you reach long-term weight loss goals.

ANY LAB TEST NOW offers fast and affordable lab testing without a prescription. Visit your local ANY LAB TEST NOW location to fulfill your new year’s goals.