A Tale of Two Viruses: Fast Facts About COVID-19 and the Flu

As more people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the risk of infection lessens, concerns remain about the return of a health threat we have come to expect every year: the flu.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Thanks to public health measures such as social distancing, improved hygiene habits, and mask-wearing, the 2020–2021 flu season slowed to remarkably low levels. The United States recorded about 6,000 deaths from influenza last season compared to 22,000 deaths the year before.

Flu season runs from October through May. Health experts agree that the best way of preventing flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Because each year’s flu vaccine is based on strains that circulated the previous year, health officials are not sure how the 2021–2022 flu vaccine will perform since it is based on far fewer cases than in a common year.

Conversely with fewer flu virus particles circulating, experts believe there is less chance of an upcoming mutation, so it is possible this season’s vaccine will prove extra effective. That is, if people choose to get it.

Each year, just under half the population gets a flu vaccine, even though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu shot for almost everyone over the age of 6 months. 

According to CDC, the following people are at high risk for developing influenza-related complications: 

  • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • Adults 65 years of age and older
  • Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum)
  • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • Also, American Indians and Alaskan Natives seem to be at higher risk of influenza complications

People who have the following medical conditions are also at high risk for the flu: 

  • Asthma 
  • Neurological and neuro-developmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury]
  • Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis) 
  • Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease) 
  • Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease) 
  • Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus) 
  • Kidney disorders 
  • Liver disorders 
  • Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders) 
  • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids) 
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
  • People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index of 40 or greater) 

Taking preventative measures against the flu will be important now that we still continue to contend with COVID-19. Even though there is a vaccine for COVID-19, experts still don’t know how long it will provide protection or when a booster will be needed.

Double Threat 

Did you know it is possible to get sick with both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time? Although both viruses are spread through droplets from an infected person and share similar symptoms, they use different receptors on our cells once inside the body. This allows for a double infection in the same person.

The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses that share many of the same signs and symptoms such as dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Some of the distinct differences include: 

  • A loss of smell and taste is a symptom connected to COVID-19 and is considered rare among flu sufferers.
  • Nasal congestion and a runny nose are symptoms associated with the flu not seen in COVID-19 patients.
  • Flu symptoms come on rapidly, whereas symptoms for COVID-19 can take upwards of 14 days to appear.

It is important to know which virus is at play when feeling sick. Many of the mass testing locations across the country have been shut down. Any Lab Test Now® remains one of the testing locations people can turn to in order to find out if they are possibly dealing with a COVID-19 infection or the flu. Come in for a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, which is an all-around test typically included in an annual physical exam. As the world reopens and students head back to school, the lasting effects of COVID-19 are unknown. This general test can provide some insight regarding your overall health. 

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.

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

Lyme Disease Could Make a Big Mark This Summer

It will likely be a few more years before we know the full impact the pandemic had on the number of cases of Lyme disease. Reports from labs, like ANY LAB TEST NOW®, that test for Lyme Disease, already show a six percent increase in exposure over the last year — a number expected to increase even more.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 476,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year with Lyme disease, the result of a single bite from a tick.

On top of that, there are currently more than two million people in the U.S. suffering from chronic illness associated with Lyme disease.

Thanks to the pandemic, more people have been spending more time outdoors, increasing their risk of contracting Lyme disease. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outdoors, walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood. Ticks can also show up in unexpected places. Researchers in California were recently surprised to find ticks in areas of grass and scrub leading to beaches.

Preventing Tick Bites

It is important to know when ticks are active and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by a tick.

Ticks are active from March through November — or anytime the temperature is above freezing. Click here for a map that shows the most active months for ticks in your state.

Before Heading Outdoors

If you are an avid walker and love to venture out into areas where ticks might be active, you should consider treating your clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin.

You can also use tick-repelling products. Look for repellents registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.

After Coming Indoors

Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes require washing first, always use hot water.

Examine gear and pets. Ticks can be transferred into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, bags, etc.

Take a shower. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks.

Check your body for ticks. Conduct a full body check. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body.

Important: If you do find a tick attached to yourself, you should always save it so you can send it to your local health department for identification and testing to see if it carries Lyme disease.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

You may also experience a bull’s-eye rash known as erythema migrans (EM), which occurs in about 70 to 80 percent of infected persons. This rash appears between three to 30 days at the site of a tick bite.

Later Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The following symptoms can occur weeks to months after a bite from an infected tick:

  • Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face).
  • Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and other large joints.
  • Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones.
  • Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.
  • Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath.
  • Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
  • Nerve pain.
  • Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet.

Diagnosis and Treatment

ANY LAB TEST NOW offers a simple blood test that will help detect and measure antibodies that the body produces in an attempt to fight the disease. The presence of antibodies cannot always determine if the Lyme disease infection is recent or due to a tick bite in the past, but it can put you and your doctor on the right path to helping you feel better.

If your results are negative and your symptoms are still present, it’s a good idea to perform a repeat test. It can take up to two months for antibodies to develop.

After getting your results at your local ANY LAB TEST NOW, you should see your doctor. The good news is that most cases of Lyme disease can be successfully treated by a few weeks of antibiotics, according to the CDC.

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 Lyme disease.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. ANY LAB TEST NOW is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus pandemic. We are here to help.

For more information about ANY LAB TEST NOW, and the tests we offer, visit us at www.anylabtestnow.com.

 

Summer Season Foods That Help Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

Summer apparently does a body good! Research shows cholesterol levels seem to fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Our craving for fatty comfort food increases in the winter, which raises cholesterol levels. On the other hand, the lowest levels of the dangerous substance register in the summer months. It’s not so much about the heat; it’s what we eat, or don’t eat, when the weather warms up.

Before we get into the summer diet changes you might want to adopt to keep your cholesterol in check  year-round, it is important to know the facts about cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. Yes, need. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. The extra cholesterol in your body comes from foods you consume – such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and tropical oils. Some of those foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which cause your liver to make more cholesterol than it should.

You may have heard that there are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is bad, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is good. Too much of the bad kind, or not enough of the good kind, increases the risk cholesterol will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain and lead to serious health issues such as a heart attack or stroke.

Experts say you should not shrug off the potential health effects of the seasonal fluctuations in your cholesterol levels. In fact, it might be a great idea to consider adding a bit of summer all year long when it comes to your eating habits.

Here are some summer-season foods that can help lower your cholesterol levels.

Apricots – This fruit is a great source of fiber. Fiber allows the body to get rid of cholesterol. The high beta carotene content in apricots also helps prevent LDL cholesterol (the bad one) from oxidizing and clogging arteries. Fresh apricots are in season during late spring and throughout the summer. You can easily import this healthy fruit into your winter diet by eating dried apricots, which will provide the same health benefits.

Raspberries – Also a fantastic source of cholesterol-busting fiber, these little berries are packed with tons of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B2, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium, and copper. While considered a summer staple, raspberries are grown and distributed across the country well into November.

Avocados – While popular in summer salads and side dishes like guacamole, this green goodie is usually available all year round. Research suggests that adding an avocado a day to a heart-healthy diet can help improve LDL cholesterol levels in people who are overweight or obese.

Asparagus – This high fiber vegetable also contains compounds called saponins, which have repeatedly been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Their intake has also been associated with improved blood pressure, improved blood sugar regulation, and better control of blood cholesterol levels. If you can’t find fresh, you can substitute canned or frozen asparagus.

Of course, you can’t lower your cholesterol levels by eating one or two of these foods on a random basis. Health experts recommend following a balanced diet combined with regular exercise.

Check Your Levels

Regular testing is an easy way to keep track of your cholesterol levels. Any Lab Test Now® offers the most advanced cholesterol panel available. The Lipoprotein Particle Profile Plus (LPP+) measures the size and density of your LDL cholesterol to provide you with the clearest picture of your cardiovascular risk.

You don’t need a doctor’s order to get your cholesterol checked, and you can walk in for same-day testing at any of our locations. Once you have your results, you can consult with a physician to find out if treatment is necessary. To learn more about the LPP+ screening, click here.

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 determining your cholesterol levels.

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.

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.

DOs and DONTs to Help Cope with Having Arthritis

Achiness, stiffness, and swelling in your joints may be a sign of arthritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the joints.

Often thought of as an old person’s disease, arthritis affects more than 50 million adults of all ages and an estimated 300,000 children. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.

Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and can progress or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities, and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs.

Many people believe the pain associated with arthritis is something they must live with.  But there are some do’s and don’ts you can follow to reduce your discomfort.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking, while not recommended, can really have an adverse effect on an arthritis sufferer. It slows cartilage cell production and raises the levels of blood toxins, which leads to cartilage loss. Smoking also increases carbon monoxide levels in the blood, which could indirectly affect cartilage repair.

Do Low-Impact Exercises

Even though it may be uncomfortable at first, get up and get moving. Choose exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your knee and boost flexibility. Yoga, walking, swimming, and resistance exercises help strengthen these muscles.

Don’t Be Sedentary

Believe it or not, too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can worsen joint pain. Simple stretches and walking around the house can help flex those muscles and help beat the pain.

Do Watch Your Weight

If you are overweight, the extra weight will add to the strain on your knees. Losing weight and keeping at a healthy weight will help prevent and ease the pain.

Don’t Wear the Wrong Shoes

Select comfortable footwear that reduces stress on your back and knees. Ladies, this means it may be time to retire the high heels. Shoes with cushioned insoles can help. Some doctors will also recommend orthotics — custom-made insoles — which can reduce the ill effects of your condition.

Do Eat to Avoid Pain

There are certain foods you can add to your diet that are proven to reduce inflammation, thus reducing the pain and swelling of arthritis. These foods include:

  • Fish
  • Nuts
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Green tea
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Green vegetables

Testing for Arthritis

While pain and swelling in your joints will alert you to a potential issue, there is more to knowing if you have arthritis than you may think. A blood test is required for you to know for certain. Any Lab Test Now® offers the  Arthritis Screening Panel, which can determine whether you have arthritis or some other related health issue.

The screening includes the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test, which is primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and others. It is commonly ordered with other tests like the CRP (C‐Reactive Protein) and a CBC.

Unlike most blood testing, no appointment or doctor’s prescription is needed. Once you get the results, you can share the details with your primary care physician or seek out the care of a rheumatologist who specializes in treating arthritis.

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 arthritis.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores are sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus pandemic. We are here to help.

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

 

Women’s Health Month: Chronic Conditions You May Not Know Affect You

Did you know May is Women’s Health Month?

There are many conditions known to impact women, such as breast or ovarian cancer. However, there are several diseases that the general public identifies with men. Heart disease and colorectal cancer are two examples. The thinking that these are male diseases can unfortunately put women at a disadvantage when it comes to their health.

During the month of May, it is time for women to make their own health a priority and learn more about these chronic conditions that can impact them just as much as men. Early screenings can identify potential problems long before signs and symptoms show up.

Here is an overview on these two conditions and the simple tests that will help women get a handle on their health.

Heart Disease

COVID-19 aside, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for one in every four deaths. Doctors have known for years that men and women experience heart disease somewhat differently.

Women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men are. Men present more “typical” symptoms of a heart attack, including chest, jaw, or arm pain; pain that radiates to one of the arms, neck, jaw, or back; and nausea, vomiting, sweating, or palpitations.

However, women are more likely to have “atypical” signs of heart attack, including heartburn, back pain, or pain that is burning, stabbing, or resembles indigestion.

Because of this, women are more likely than men to experience delays in emergency care.

It is important for women to get a baseline assessment of their heart health.

Any Lab Test Now® offers several tests that can provide an overview of heart health — including the Heart Health Panel, which looks at the following:

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

Once you have results, you can better understand your heart health and take steps with the help of your primary care physician and potentially a cardiologist.

Colorectal Cancer 

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in men and women in the U.S. Women have a 1 in 25 chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Thanks to screenings, like those offered at Any Lab Test Now, the rate of people dying of colon or rectal cancer has been dropping. Those who can identify colorectal cancer sooner can reduce the risk of cancer cells spreading to different areas of the body and can increase their chance of recovery.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include bleeding from the rectum, abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, dark or black stools, or any change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and weakness or fatigue.

Some risk factors of colorectal cancer include:

  • Are over 45 years of age
  • Had colorectal polyps or cancer in the past
  • Have a family history of colorectal cancer (in a parent, brother, sister, or child)
  • Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Eat a diet high in fat and [low in calcium, fiber, and folate]
  • Smoke cigarettes
  • Have certain genetic conditions

The Colon Cancer Screening Test at Any Lab Test Now is a health-monitoring test kit 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. Test kits can either be picked up in-store or purchased online and shipped.

If your test is positive, you will want to share your test results with your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist.

What if you are a woman who’s not necessarily concerned about heart disease or colon cancer? That’s great, but you could still benefit from a baseline assessment of your overall health. Our Annual Check-Up Panel consists of five tests that are typically ordered by a physician during an annual physical exam. It’ll provide you with numeric results or levels regarding your blood counts, kidney and liver functions, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and thyroid function values. By knowing your levels, you can begin to manage and even improve your health and keep track of fluctuations over time.

Be at Ease

At Any Lab Test Now, we understand that people may have concerns about going to a healthcare facility during the coronavirus outbreak. You can be at ease knowing that we are providing you a safe and clean location for your lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. When you get your test results, you can easily make a telemedicine appointment with your physician and share the details. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you to make educated healthcare decisions that can benefit your quality of life.

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

 

Taking Control of Your Health – Why it’s Important

At Any Lab Test Now, we spend a lot of time talking about how we help you “take control of your health.” But for the health professionals at your local Any Lab Test Now, it’s not just talk, it’s more of a mission. That’s because the idea of taking control of your health can mean many things… and each one of them important.

Taking control of your actions.

Think about all of the decisions you make every day that can affect your health. “Shall I have this delicious looking hamburger that I really want for lunch, or should I eat the healthy salad that I packed this morning?” How about: To exercise or not? That is the question. And who hasn’t been here? “I know I should go to bed but this show is sooo good! Just one more episode,” said just about everybody at least some time in their life.

When you make a decision that directly affects your health, you are indeed taking control of your health. Good health isn’t generally something that just happens to you… it’s something that is earned daily, sometimes hourly, and that’s not always an easy thing. You need as many people on your side as you possibly can. That’s where Any Lab Test Now comes in.

Every time you’re faced with a decision between an apple or a slice of apple pie…every time you choose between steamed broccoli and macaroni and cheese, Any Lab Test Now can be there to help. We are there with the kind of affirmation and validation that only a certified lab test can provide. Consider how seeing cholesterol levels steadily improve can help you say NO to the apple pie and YES to the apple. Think about how our Basic Nutritional Panel can help make you accountable to that salad you packed for lunch and strong enough to ignore that hamburger singing its siren song!

Taking control of chronic conditions.

When you’re diagnosed with a chronic condition (like diabetes or a thyroid disorder) you can be left feeling a wide range of emotions. Helplessness, vulnerability, and anxiety are not uncommon. How do you beat back these feelings that can threaten to overwhelm you? By taking control of your health! Becoming an active participant in your own treatment and care can be key to your future good health. Monitoring your hormone levels with our Thyroid Panel can assure you that your treatment is working for you. Diabetes can be another life-changing diagnosis that can leave you feeling frightened and unsure of your future. Any Lab Test Now offers a diabetes monitoring Hemoglobin A1C test. It can help assure you that you’re on top of your treatment and that your disease is under control.

Taking control of your health with help on your side.

When we talk about taking control of your health, what we’re really talking about is helping you help yourself! Maybe you’re looking for some accountability. Maybe it’s that confirming your treatment is working provides the calm that will help you along your unique health journey. Whatever it is, Any Lab Test Now can help because when you’re in control you’re going to feel happier and healthier!

Getting Personal About Prostate Cancer

The decision about whether or not to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is one every man should make for himself. Those are the latest findings by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. There is no question that testing can save lives. Screening can help find many prostate cancers early; when the disease is in a more treatable stage than if no screening were done at all.

If you’ve made the decision to be screened, Any Lab Test Now can help. We’re here to help you take control of your health, and taking this proactive step may be a smart move for you. With the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening test, you’ll know where you stand, and you’ll be able to make the most educated decision on how to move forward.

Some Facts About Prostate Cancer 

The American Cancer Society reports: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, not counting skin cancer. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among men.” Those are some pretty sobering facts! There are some risk factors that will increase your chances of developing prostate cancer… some of them are beyond your control. The American Cancer Society points to:

  • Age
  • Race
  • Family History

And possibly:

  • Diet
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Chemical exposures
  • Prostatitis
  • STDs
  • Vasectomy

These can all potentially play a role in the development of prostate cancer or be factors with a possible effect on prostate cancer risk. Take obesity for example: Being obese does not seem to increase the overall odds of developing prostate cancer BUT, some studies have found that obese men have a higher risk of getting a more aggressive form of the disease. The reasons are still not clear.

Testing as “Active Surveillance”

The concept known as “Active Surveillance“is emerging as a viable option for men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, but decide not to undergo immediate radical treatment. That would include surgical options or radiation therapy. It’s a plan that’s not too different from the “baseline option” that Any Lab Test Now has been suggesting for years. The idea behind our “baseline” theory is that all men, no matter what their age, should take a PSA Test so they can establish a baseline. Through the years you continue to take Prostate Specific Antigen screening tests and therefore be aware of changes in levels. Similarly, if you are considering Active Surveillance, as described by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, you’ll continue with PSA testing once or twice a year to watch for signs of disease progression as opposed to surgery or radiation therapy.

Helping Put You in Control of Your Health

The key is education. If you’re a man, you can read about prostate cancer, know your risk factors, and then decide for yourself about screening. If you think establishing a baseline is a good idea for you, you can count on Any Lab Test Now to be affordable, quick, and convenient. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have decided to pursue Active Surveillance, Any Lab Test Now can be your partner in managing your disease and a reliable source to monitor progression.

Misbehaving Thyroid? It’s Not Just a Female Problem

When you read about health problems involving the thyroid, you are probably reading about a woman. After all, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems, with one woman in eight developing a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. But what about the guys? They have thyroids too. Is it possible that this important hormone-producing gland only decides to start acting haywire in women while quietly taking care of business in all the men?

That is pretty illogical and doctors (along with the men they treat) are starting to take notice. In honor of Men’s Health Month, Any Lab Test Now wants to start a conversation about the growing number of men who are facing the most common thyroid issues — hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. As the number of men diagnosed with thyroid disease grows, they may have an unexpected source to thank for it — Low-T.

HYPOTHYROIDISM – SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t release enough thyroid hormone into the body. Both women and men will likely suffer some of the most common symptoms including:

  • Fatigue and “brain fog”
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss

But there are some symptoms that men may face that might sound a little familiar if you’ve learned about low testosterone, or Low-T. Men with hypothyroidism often have low libido, erectile dysfunction, and even issues with fertility. Now, because thyroid problems are most likely to affect women than men, some doctors are quick to blame Low-T for the problems. In fact, the underlying cause may actually be hypothyroidism. With routine testing before receiving treatment for Low-T, doctors are finding more and more cases of hypothyroidism in men than ever before.

HYPERTHYROIDISM — SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

With hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, Just like hypothyroidism, men and women share many of the most common symptoms, but there are a few that are male-specific. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

  • Weight loss
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Hair loss or thinning
  • Muscle weakness
  • Mood changes
  • Vomiting and nausea

Men with hyperthyroidism can suffer from low libido, erectile dysfunction, lower sperm counts, and even male breast enlargement.

TESTING PUTS MEN AND WOMEN IN CONTROL

No matter whether you’re a man or a woman, you can take the first step towards getting a correct diagnosis with the Thyroid Panel at your local Any Lab Test Now.

The Thyroid Panel will provide you and your doctor with all the hormone levels necessary to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Before you accept a diagnosis of Low-T or even depression, you might want to consider this test to rule out any underlying conditions.

In the end, diagnosing and treating thyroid disease is the same no matter if you’re a man or a woman. Don’t let your doctor overlook thyroid issues just because you’re a man. Know that Any Lab Test Now is here to help you put the pieces of the puzzle together so you can get on the road to a healthier you.

You Have The Freedom To Take Control Of Your Health®

Independence Day is right around the corner!  Freedom means a lot of things, but we’d like you to recognize the invaluable freedom you have to take control of your health.

Taking control of your health means realizing and being confident with what happens on the inside and outside of your body. Many times symptoms can be blown off or go unnoticed, but maintaining and monitoring your health is vital for your personal well-being.

July 4th is a day of celebration, but it’s still possible to stay healthy and happy! Just check out this article by Time Magazine to learn how.

Also, did you know that applying your sunscreen a couple of days in advance means you can improve your skin’s protection from harmful rays? You can learn more tips here!

As you celebrate America’s independence, think about how you can encourage your loved ones to take control of their health as well.