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.

Three Health Conditions That Affect Men, Too

There are many health conditions and diseases that are exclusive to women. Think about it. Men will never face ovarian or cervical cancers. Putting the differences in anatomy aside, genes and hormones also contribute to the reason why some health conditions attack women more often than men. However, there are some medical disorders typically associated with women that CAN affect men!

To observe Men’s Health Month, we’re focusing on three health conditions that affect women more, but men can be at risk as well.

Osteoporosis

Every year, more Americans learn they are suffering from osteoporosis, a disease that reduces the density of bone, causing them to weaken and be more vulnerable to fractures. Although women are at greater risk, men get osteoporosis too.

One in three women are at risk, but so are one in five men. While women experience rapid bone loss following menopause, by 65 to 70 years old, men lose bone mass at about the same rate. Other fast facts about men and osteoporosis include:

  • One in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
  • Each year, about 800,000 men will break a hip.
  • Men are more likely than women to die within a year after breaking a hip.

Interestingly, many of the same factors that put women at risk for osteoporosis apply to men too. A family history, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, not exercising, or a hormone imbalance can increase a man’s chances of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is considered a silent disease because there are no symptoms. However, there are several signs to watch out for:

  • Change in posture – including bending forward or stopping
  • Loss of height – getting shorter by an inch or more
  • Shortness of breath – caused by a decrease in lung capacity due to compressed disks.
  • Bone fractures
  • Pain in the lower back

Any Lab Test Now® can help evaluate a man’s risk of developing osteoporosis with a simple blood test. The Osteoporosis Risk Panel includes 10 different tests to determine one’s risk for this debilitating disease. The outcome of this test will give a better evaluation of bone health and how the body processes the minerals needed to create bone.

Hypothyroidism

This condition is more common in women; however, plenty of men get it too. Hypothyroidism points to an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is shaped like a bow tie and sits just below the skin in the front of the neck. It acts like your body’s energy company, pumping the thyroid hormone out into the blood and ultimately to all the organs in the body. When the thyroid is not working up to its capacity, the result takes a toll on a person’s metabolism and can affect any of the organs.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism in men are about the same as in women. The most common symptoms include:

Men may also experience a loss of interest in sex or trouble achieving an erection.

If a man has any of these symptoms, they should consider getting a screen. Any Lab Test Now offers the most reliable form of testing for determining hypothyroidism. The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test checks the body’s production of TSH and helps look for hypothyroidism. If the results point to hypothyroidism, a follow-up with a physician is recommended to begin the necessary treatment, which generally requires a thyroid hormone replacement medication.

Bladder or Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Infections of the bladder, or UTIs, primarily occur in women. However, men are not immune. UTIs occur when bacteria build up somewhere in the urinary tract. The incidences of UTIs in men increase with age. As a result, men with an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or an abnormal narrowing of the urethra are particularly susceptible to a bladder infection.

Men need to be aware of the symptoms and how to determine whether they have an infection.

The most common symptoms of a bladder infection include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Cloudy urine or bloody urine
  • Strong urge to urinate
  • Burning or tingling sensation during urination
  • Low-grade fever

The test for a UTI involves a urine culture, which looks for the presence of a single type of bacteria. This test is offered at Any Lab Test Now. If you do in fact have a bladder infection, your primary physician may recommend treatment that involves antibiotics, which are typically very effective.

Do Not Skip Health Screenings

Studies show that men are less likely than women to look after their health. They are 25 percent less likely to have visited their doctor in the past year and almost 40 percent more likely to have skipped recommended health screenings. Whether a screening is needed for any of the conditions listed above; or any number of other health concerns, Any Lab Test Now offers men an alternative and easy solution to help take control of their health. For an overall picture of your health, our Comprehensive Male Panel is also highly recommended. During Men’s Health Month, find how you’re doing in terms of cholesterol, testosterone, prostate health, and more.

Just like all the tests at Any Lab Test Now, a doctor’s order is not necessary. Walk-ins for same-day testing are always welcome. Test results come back quickly and confidentially so treatment can begin as soon as possible, if needed.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work.

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.

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

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.

Hey Guys, It’s Time to Take Control of Your Health

Hey Guys, It’s Time to Take Control of Your Health!

Just because social distancing is the new normal, you cannot ignore the fact that June is the one month out of the year set aside to show the men in your life a little more love than normal. Not only does Father’s Day fall during the month of June, but the entire month is also set aside to encourage men of all ages, shapes, sizes and colors to stop and look closely at their habits and ask the question, “How do I take control of my health?”

June is National Men’s Health Month

National Men’s Health Month is a time when dads, husbands, sons and brothers can learn about preventing chronic health problems and improving their overall quality of life. There is even scientific proof they need it! A survey conducted by researchers at Cleveland Clinic found a majority of guys would rather do chores around the house, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn, than go to the doctor. An eye-opening discovery when you take a closer look at the state of men’s health in our country.

When you consider these facts along with the stress of life in a quarantine plus unhealthy eating habits many guys probably picked up while sheltering in place, now is a good time for a reboot! At Any Lab Test Now, we give you access to information that can help you and your doctor assess your health and decide how adjusting a few behaviors could make a difference.

Time to Reboot!

So, in quarantine for more than six weeks, you indulged a little. Maybe you tossed back cheeseburgers and pizza rather than taking a nightly run. Guess what, foods high in fat are also linked to high cholesterol, a condition that can put you at high risk for heart disease. Luckily, you can walk into Any Lab Test Now to get a Cholesterol Lipid Panel without seeing your doctor first. The test can determine if your cholesterol numbers are abnormal. You can share the results with your physician who might decide you need medication to maintain your cholesterol levels.

Now, if you cannot remember the last time you visited the doctor for a physical exam, this might be a good time to get a Comprehensive Male Panel. In addition to checking your cholesterol levels, this expansive round of tests shows a broad overview of your 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 PSA Test at Any Lab Test Now is a blood test that measures your PSA or prostate-specific antigen levels. No matter your age, all men need a PSA test. If your PSA numbers are elevated, it may indicate either prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. It is important to share the results with your doctor immediately.

Taking Control of Your Health

 At Any Lab Test Now, you get access to thousands of tests, many specifically designed with men’s health in mind. We provide you a safe and clean location to get lab testing done. Most tests are completed in about 15 minutes or less. So come on guys, no more excuses, thanks to Any Lab Test Now, taking control of your health has never been easier.

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.

Minding The Health Gap: Helping Men Prioritize Their Health

Fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons — they are all less likely to see a doctor, and they are all more likely to die sooner than the women in their lives. The latest statistics from the CDC found that the average life expectancy for a man is 78.6 years, while women live five years longer, on average. That longevity difference is generally referred to as the “gender health gap.”

Any Lab Test Now is here to help men take control of their health by eliminating one of the most common reasons they don’t go to see their doctor: time! Our convenient labs are fast… in most cases, you’ll be in and out in 15 minutes. Some of our locations have extended and even weekend hours. And there’s usually not a long wait for results. Many of our test results are available within 24–72 hours.

Common Causes and Gender Equality

When it comes to diseases that cause death, men and women have a lot in common. Both are most likely to die from heart disease and cancers than from any other diseases, according to the CDC. The difference is that women are more likely to be going to their primary care physicians and getting regular check-ups, so they are more likely to seek and receive treatment, leading to better health outcomes.

For a man that isn’t willing to take the time to see his doctor, or doesn’t think it’s necessary to see a physician since he “feels fine”! Any Lab Test Now can help bridge that health gap. Our simple and convenient Annual Check-Up Panel just might be the single most effective weapon you have in your fight against heart disease. The results will provide you with information about your cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as your blood counts, electrolytes, and thyroid, kidney and liver functions. Taking this test is 15 minutes well spent, and could honestly save your life.

The Annual Check-Up Panel may be helpful in screening for some types of cancers as well. The Panel includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC). This common blood test measures the number of various types of blood cells in a sample of your blood. Blood cancers could be detected using this test and it is a valuable tool for providing an overall snapshot of your health.

Any Lab Test Now also offers colon and prostate cancer screening tests. Many men are embarrassed at the thought of going to a doctor’s office for either test. With the Colon Cancer Screening Test, embarrassment is not a factor! It’s a take-home test that will check for blood in your stool. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test is critical for men with a family history of prostate cancer. Otherwise, the benefits of the test should be discussed with your doctor.

Taking Time for Yourself

Taking the time to see to your health isn’t unmanly! Feeling good and staying healthy makes you a better father, husband, brother or son.

Taking the time from work to go to an appointment doesn’t make you a bad employee. In fact, healthy employees are better employees. Let Any Lab Test Now help you bridge the gender gap in health care.

The skin you’re in – and the role your hormones play

When you think about your skin and how it looks, chances are you think externally. You probably think about things like:

  • Products that can cause acne
  • Sun damage from lack of sunscreen
  • Lines and wrinkles associated with aging

You should definitely consider all of these issues and take them seriously, but we also need to be aware of what is occurring INTERNALLY. Many people aren’t aware of the huge role your hormones play in your skin’s overall health.

Looking Good; Feeling Confident

Any Lab Test Now realizes that feeling confident about your appearance can play a huge role in your mental health. All you have to do is turn on a television set or open a magazine, and you’ll see how much an attractive and youthful appearance is valued. If you feel you aren’t looking optimal, it can begin to eat away at aspects of your self-esteem. That’s why it’s important to consider the role your hormones play in your appearance.

The Beauty of Balance

Having the proper balance of hormones is critical to the health and vitality of your skin. Your skin is the largest organ you have, and hormones affect a wide range of skin issues. We’re talking about things like collagen content, skin lipid levels, elasticity, moisture content — even wound healing, facial hair and acne.

As we age, our hormone levels change (Think teenage acne!). Low hormone levels can mean dry and thinning skin that is losing its elasticity and increasing the appearance of wrinkles. Low thyroid hormones can mean increased hair loss. On the flip side, high levels of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can contribute to dark, blotchy patches on the skin. Too much testosterone can mean adult acne, male pattern baldness or even unwanted facial hair.

Better Skin Begins at Home

Knowing the role skin health can play in helping you look and feel your best, Any Lab Test Now offers an option that will help you and your dermatologist have a better understanding of your hormone health. The Skin Vitality Take Home Hormone Kit can provide you with the information you need to get to the bottom of any unusual changes in your skin, by providing you with information about your body’s levels of seven key hormones and one skin-tastic vitamin.

The Skin Vitality Take Home Hormone Kit

  1. Estradiol (E2)
  2. Estriol (E3)
  3. Progesterone (Pg)
  4. Testosterone (T)
  5. DHEA-S (DS)
  6. Diurnal Cortisol (Cx4)
  7. Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH)
  8. Vitamin D (D2, D3)

Knowing the levels of these specific hormones can help you and your doctor understand and better treat conditions like dry, blotchy skin or oily, acne-prone skin. There are many topical hormone therapies that can help relieve skin conditions. And remember, understanding your hormone levels can help to uncover hidden deficiencies or issues that impact not only the health of your skin but your overall health as well.

Take Control of Your Health

The Skin Vitality Take Home Hormone Kit doesn’t require any fasting. It starts with a simple dried blood spot test that will accurately measure your thyroid hormones and vitamin D levels. There are also four saliva tests that will need to be performed throughout the day; these tests will reflect the highs and lows of steroid and adrenal hormone production. The Skin Vitality Take Home Hormone Kit will help you identify hormonal imbalances that are contributing to skin problems and will help you and your doctor take control of your health and determine the best treatment. To find the nearest Any Lab Test Now location to you, click here. It’s the first step to looking and feeling your best in “the skin you’re in”!

The Power in Prostate Cancer Prevention

With a different health “awareness” month coming at you every month, it can become tempting to tune out. Or, you can tune in, and give yourself the opportunity in those 30 or so days to think, learn and reflect on your body, your health and your life.

This month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month takes center stage, and Any Lab Test Now wants to share some important and encouraging information.

The Facts:

  • One in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
  • One in 41 men will die of prostate cancer.
  • Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men.

Who is “Most “At Risk?

  • African-American men
  • Older men (the average age of diagnosis is 66)
  • Men with a family history

The Good News: (for those who are diagnosed and treated)

  • The 5-year relative survival rate is 99 percent.
  • The 10-year relative survival rate is 98 percent.
  • The 15-year relative survival rate is 96 percent.

It may be tempting to look at some of those stats and risk factors and think prostate cancer won’t affect or harm you. But with a cancer that is often asymptomatic, a simple lab test called the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA test , is the only way to catch the cancer in its early stages. The five-year survival rate in distant stage prostate cancer is a mere 29 percent.

As actor/comedian Ben Stiller, a Caucasian with no family history, found out at age 46, early prevention is key to those favorable survival rates.

“Taking the PSA test saved my life. Literally,” said Stiller in a first-person account of his journey into the world of being a cancer patient and cancer survivor.

To Test or Not to Test

The decision about if or when to do the PSA screening test has come under intense scrutiny, with varying opinions. For instance, the American Cancer Society recommends discussing the test at these stages:

  • Men at age 50, who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
  • Men at age 45, who are at high risk of developing prostate cancer. (African-Americans and men who have a first-degree relative, father, brother or son, diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 65 or younger).
  • Men at age 40, who are at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey, Sr., took PSA tests for years before he was diagnosed at 55 years old. As an African-American with a strong family history (four uncles died of the disease), Griffey knew he was high-risk and knew early detection would be key to his survival. He was right. He is now a vocal advocate of PSA testing.

However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently updated its guidelines and recommends:

  • Men aged 55–69 discuss possible screening with their doctor.
  • Men aged 70 and older are advised against routine screening.

Potential reasons for not screening include false positives and over-treatment of what is commonly a slow-growing cancer, which could result in unwanted side effects like incontinence or impotence. However, a more common form of treatment is now being referred to as “watchful waiting.” This active surveillance combines regular PSA testing and digital rectal exams with close monitoring of men with a localized, low-grade prostate cancer, that may never progress to the point of needing more invasive treatments.

At Any Lab Test Now, we encourage men to take control of their health. Our simple PSA can provide results in a matter of days. This test provides valuable information that every man can take to their doctor for a thoughtful discussion about living their longest, healthiest life.

Knowledge Is The Key When It Comes To Prostate Cancer

It may seem like a real no-brainer: Shouldn’t every man be screened for prostate cancer once they reach a certain age? The answer to that question isn’t as simple as you might think. If you ask five different organizations, you’ll likely get five different answers. As September unfolds and brings with it National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Any Lab Test Now wants to take a stand. The key to taking control of your health is knowledge, and any important decision should be made with as much knowledge as you can gather.

Knowledge: the Facts

It’s a fact: other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The numbers for 2018 from the American Cancer Society are sobering:

  • An estimated 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed.
  • An estimated 29,430 men will die from prostate cancer.
  • About 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer.

Those numbers can be frightening, but remember this: most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. This is just part of the puzzle that makes this disease so confusing.

Knowledge: the Risks

Different cancers have different risk factors. Some of those risk factors can be changed while others cannot. Consider smoking as a risk factor for lung cancer — it’s easy. Just quit. But you can’t change your family history or your age and those are at the top of the list for known risk factors associated with prostate cancer. What to know:

  • AGE – Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chances of developing the disease go up rapidly after the age of 50.
  • FAMILY HISTORY – There appears to be a genetic factor. Having a father or a brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease.
  • RACE/ETHNICITY – African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and are also twice as likely to die from it than white men. Researchers are not sure why.
  • GEOGRAPHY – Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean islands. The reasons for this are not clear.
  • POSSIBLE FACTORS – Diet, obesity, smoking, chemical exposures, inflammation of the prostate, sexually transmitted infections, and vasectomy have all been studied and may have a less clear link.

The thing to remember here is this: having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease. Likewise, having none of the risk factors is no guarantee that you will not get the disease. What is important is that you know these risks and factor them into your decision.

Knowledge: the Symptoms

Risk factors aside, are there symptoms that you should be aware of that should send you straight to your doctor’s office? Well, like so many issues associated with prostate cancer, the answer is yes — and no. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. But more advanced prostate cancers can sometimes cause symptoms, such as:

  • Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream. Also, the need to urinate more often, especially at night.
  • Blood in your urine or semen.
  • Trouble getting an erection.
  • Pain in the hips, back or chest.
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet

Each and every one of these symptoms could be caused by something else! But it’s something you should be aware of and make sure your doctor is aware of as well.

Knowledge: Taking Control of Your Health

At your local Any Lab Test Now, we offer the Prostate Specific Antigen test. It is our belief that it is important to establish a PSA baseline so that you can monitor any changes over time. It’s a decision every man must make for himself, along with his loved ones and his physician. It’s a simple test — without a simple answer. Any Lab Test Now strives to provide you with the knowledge you need to find the answer for yourself.

A Tiny Mineral With A Big Purpose: Why Your Magnesium Levels Are Critical

It’s been linked to issues ranging from sleepless nights to type 2 diabetes, but most people aren’t even aware of the importance of their magnesium levels. It’s not a headline-grabbing topic to be sure, but you may be surprised by how big a role this tiny mineral plays in your well-being. At Any Lab Test Now we realize the critical role magnesium plays, and since helping you take control of your health is our goal, we want you to know about the magic mineral, magnesium.

Magnesium-the magic mineral

If your body has worker bees, magnesium is one of them! Your body needs it in order to perform more than 300 different biochemical reactions — things like protein synthesis, muscle and nerve functions, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. But magnesium doesn’t get a break when all that work is done. It’s also required for energy production and contributes to bone building, calcium and potassium transportation, and the synthesis of our DNA! Because of magnesium’s many roles in the body, it plays a major role in disease prevention and overall health.

Lowdown on low levels

So how much magnesium do you need? Well, that depends on your age and your gender. What many health officials seem to agree on is that, particularly as we age. Researchers are beginning to consider the potential link between the lower intake of magnesium, to the increased rate of chronic disease. And it appears that when it comes to magnesium deficiency, a deficit of marginal to moderate proportions could be related to chronic inflammatory response conditions. So basically, scientists suspect that your magnesium tank doesn’t have to be flat empty for your body to start making bad choices. found that this marginal to moderate magnesium deficiency, through aggravating chronic inflammatory stress, may be contributing to a host of life-threatening diseases:

  • Atherosclerosis and stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Osteoporosis
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Certain types of cancer

But that’s not all. Some experts believe low levels of magnesium are linked to even more problems including; migraine headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, premenstrual syndrome, and impotence.

Signs and symptoms

Some people are going to be more susceptible to magnesium deficiency. Having a bad diet is a pretty obvious cause. Not so obvious causes include; alcoholism, chronic stress, uncontrolled diabetes, and even some medications including certain diuretics and heartburn medications.

What makes diagnosis so difficult is the wide range of symptoms, many of which can be attributed to other causes. Things like; hyper-excitability, irritability, muscle cramps, restless legs, fatigue, depression, insomnia, tingling or numbness, rapid heartbeat, poor memory, anxiety, even hallucinations in severe cases. On a side note, having too much magnesium isn’t good either, though this condition is less likely to occur.

Take Control of Your health

You see how critical magnesium is to your health, that’s why it’s so important for you to know that you have the proper levels. The Magnesium Test available at Any Lab Test Now is quick and easy. It’s a simple blood test that generally takes between 24 to 72 hours for results. In particular, we encourage people with existing cardiovascular disease to have their magnesium levels checked to ensure they are getting enough to prevent cardiac arrhythmia. And since magnesium and calcium levels in the body are closely linked, the test can also be used to determine underlying causes of chronic, unexplained low calcium or potassium levels that are not improving with supplements.

If you find your levels are low, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. In the meantime, try to increase your intake of whole grains, leafy green vegetables, nuts and beans. They are all rich in magnesium and other good-for-you stuff.