Making Mental Health a Priority for the Month of May

“April showers bring May flowers” is the saying we were taught to help us learn our months. It was helpful because you’d prepare yourself for the rain showers of April, only to be greeted by the warmth of the sun in May. However, as we age, it becomes more and more obvious some showers aren’t confined to the month of April. In fact, many times, a “shower” isn’t one you can prepare for or watch from the window of your home. For some people, it’s inside and constantly raging, consuming many parts of daily life.

This year, Any Lab Test Now^® has made one of our main themes “self-care.” We understand how important it is to take care of your mental health, just as you would a broken bone or a disease. Mental health medication can be difficult to prescribe, as there are many different types of mental health illnesses. May is home to National Mental Health Awareness month, which is meant to educate and advocate for policies and practices that support people with mental illness in themselves and their families. 

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• At some point in their lives, 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder.
• One in five Americans will experience mental illness in a year. 
• One in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

The causes of mental illness can be vast, and many times, it can range from just a side effect from day-to-day life, or it can manifest from a traumatic event. Some common causes are:

• Genetics, such as a family history of mental illness
• Traumatic experiences or history of abuse
• Chronic medical conditions like cancer or diabetes
• Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
• Excessive drug and alcohol use
• Feelings of loneliness or isolation

Protecting your mental health should be a priority as it can cause deeper physical issues later on in life. For example, depression increases the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It’s proven to be quite difficult to get ahead of treating mental illness, but it’s proven advantageous to people to take preventative safety measures to see if you’re more at risk for the debilitating illnesses. 

Before taking the plunge into finding the right mental health medication for you, Any Lab Test Now^® is now offering the Mental Health PGX Panel. This panel is a big step in putting science behind mental health medication. The panel analyzes 13 different genes with a simple blood draw.

Genetic testing for mental illnesses has benefits, whether the results are positive or negative. As with any other test, your individual results can provide relief from uncertainty and help you make informed decisions about your health care. The Mental Health PGX Panel is a relatively easy test to take, with no prior need to fast. The test typically takes five to seven business days for you to be informed of your results. 

Once you receive your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary provider about any mental health medication you may need. However, taking the first step to managing your mental health should be as painless as possible. Any Lab Test Now^® offers you a way to receive a comprehensive test on your mental health so you can 2live your life; uninterrupted.

As many adults experience mental illness in some capacity, it’s vital to commit to getting tested to ensure you can make knowledgeable choices about your future. That includes the big decisions a diagnosis could impact, like marriage, kids, travel, and more. It’s important to remember that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, meaning getting tested is a step in the right direction and a step towards living a healthier lifestyle.

Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you to Take Control of Your Health^® today.

Empowered Women Prioritize Their Health 

May is Women’s Health Month and National Women’s Health Week is May 8–15. This month serves as a great reminder for women to take better steps to understand their health. Preventive care is one of the most important steps you can take to manage your health. Taking the time to monitor your body is vital to preventive care. It continuously saves lives, especially for women, who sometimes have a hard time prioritizing their wellness.

Here’s why:

• Women generally make the most of the healthcare arrangements for their families but often neglect their own health needs
• 50% of women disregard their own health
• Women are five times more likely than men to develop thyroid issues
• Two of every three deaths among women are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — examples include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes — all of which can be detected early 

It is not wise to ignore your health and wait until something goes wrong or you are feeling “off” before seeking answers. In this month’s blog, we are sharing 3 important preventive healthcare screenings offered by your neighborhood Any Lab Test Now®. These 3 lab tests are important because they will help detect possible conditions or issues early when they are easiest to treat.

COMPREHENSIVE FEMALE PANEL

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a Comprehensive Female Panel designed to help women of all ages make informed decisions about their health. The Medical Assistants at your local At Any Lab Test Now® regularly see women with ongoing medical conditions or those seeking one-off testing, making our stores an invaluable wellness resource right in your own neighborhood. 

This panel includes multiple tests that will provide you with a personalized snapshot of a woman’s health. The panel also includes a metabolic panel that checks kidney and liver functions, female hormones with a specific female hormone test, thyroid condition, and nutritional status. All around, this is a great panel to add to your wellness routine that provides you with a wide range of bodily information.

The Any Lab Test Now® Comprehensive Female Panel looks at the following: 

CBC with Differential/Platelets – A broad screening test to check for such disorders as anemia, infection, and many other diseases.

Complete Metabolic Panel – A test that measures 14 different substances in your blood and measures kidney and liver function. 

Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel – Measures the amount of cholesterol and fats in your blood. 

Estradiol – Also known as E2, this is the main type of estrogen your ovaries produce. Too much or too little can lead to problems, such as weak bones, urinary tract infections, and even depression. 

Testosterone (Free and Total) – Usually associated with men, women also produce testosterone. An imbalance of this hormone can lead to weight gain or sexual dysfunction. 

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – This portion of the panel evaluates how well the thyroid gland is working.

HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C) – The results of this test reveal your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

Progesterone – An imbalance of this hormone can lead to a decreased sex drive, mood swings, irregular periods, and more. 

DHEA-Sulfate – Also known as dehydroepiandrosterone, this hormone contributes to normal libido and sexual satisfaction.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) – Too much or too little FSH can cause a variety of problems, including infertility or menstrual difficulties in women. It can also be an indicator of menopause. 

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) – This chemical supports important processes in your reproductive system, including ovulation. 

COMPREHENSIVE THYROID PANEL 

Women are more likely to have thyroid issues than men. The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland located in the middle of the lower neck that regulates the body’s metabolism — the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen — and affects critical body functions, such as energy level and the regulation of body temperature. 

Any Lab Test Now® offers a Comprehensive Thyroid Panel that zeroes in on this important gland, which can help you determine if you have one of the two most common thyroid issues. 

Hypothyroidism – a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, and some weight gain.

Hyperthyroidism – a condition causing the gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances, vision problems, and eye irritation.

OSTEOPOROSIS RISK PANEL 

Osteoporosis is a real risk for all women. In fact, 80 percent of Americans with osteoporosis are women. It is a condition that weakens bones and makes them susceptible to breakage. Ideally, our bodies absorb calcium and replace bone tissue. Our main source of calcium is food. But when we don’t eat enough calcium-rich foods, we put ourselves in danger of developing osteoporosis. Most of the time, people don’t realize they have an issue until they suffer a bone fracture. 

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis because: 

• Women have smaller, thinner bones
• A reduction in estrogen, a hormone in women connected to bone health, can lead to bone loss 
• One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis 

Our  Osteoporosis Risk Panel includes ten different tests that evaluate your risk for osteoporosis. Two

 of the key components of the test include measuring calcium and vitamin D levels, which are deeply tied to bone health. 

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Click here to learn more about a few more tests and panels designed to help empower women to prioritize their health. 

It Takes Guts to Protect Your Digestive System


Gut health. Not exactly a sexy conversation starter, but definitely a conversation necessary to have. As 2022 continues with the objective to Take Control of Your Health®, don’t forget to include the not-so-flattering parts of our bodies. Initiate the conversation and start chatting about your digestive health. 

Did you know? More than 700,000 Americans are living with Crohn’s disease, 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, and 25 to 45 million Americans live with IBS. Many people living with symptoms are unaware of their current status causing a painful, lonely journey of figuring out which foods to avoid while suffering from debilitating symptoms. 

Proper Testing is Crucial

Crohn’s disease is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding to the digestive tract. There is no known cause, but research suggests that it may be genetic. 

Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramps 
• Anemia and rectal bleeding 
• Weight Loss
• Fatigue 
• Nausea

If diagnosed with this condition, your doctor may advise you to avoid foods like dairy, highly seasoned foods, or high-fiber foods.

IBS is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and bowel changes. It is the most common intestinal problem that causes patients to be referred to a gastroenterologist. Typically, IBS can occur after an infection of the intestines, but another trigger may be stress. 

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Bloating

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Those suffering from this disease cannot tolerate gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some oats. People with celiac disease deal with their immune system attacking their small intestine when they eat gluten. This damages the inner lining, which is used to absorb nutrients from food. 

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Fatigue 

If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, living with them can be a hassle, but it can also result in a problem getting much worse.

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

One simple lab test can have you could be on the road to recovery with proper treatment from your doctor after a diagnosis. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer the Celiac, IBS, and Crohn’s Array Test, or CICA. CICA measures your gut health on the genetic, antibody, and cellular levels. It’s a convenient test designed to give you answers whether your symptoms range from abdominal discomfort to severe pain. We provide the doctor’s order, and your results will be ready in just a few days. Once received,  discuss your results with your primary care physician for s personalized treatment plan. 

If you ever felt “off” after eating a meal or immediately experienced an upset stomach, acid reflux, heartburn stop wondering. It’s time to figure out what’s going on with your body. Many Americans are currently living with these life-damaging symptoms every day without even knowing they have these ailments. Don’t be one of them. During each month of 2022, Any Lab Test Now® is committed to highlighting and bringing awareness to important health screenings so you can take care of yourself from the inside out. These tests are extensive, and often inexpensive, providing a convenient, clean space that caters to everyone. From the stay-at-home mom to the on-the-go businessperson and the in-between, each person serves a vital role in our community and their health matters. 

 Get answers for your gut health today at any of the 200 Any Lab Test Now® locations.

Acknowledging Alcohol Addiction in America

Every April, we recognize Alcohol Awareness Month. We toast our successes. We drown our sorrows. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! The world is filled with reasons to pour a drink, yet even a single drink can affect your body. And too much can have a long-lasting impact that isn’t always reversible. It can be a touchy subject. In a positive light, alcohol can be fun, flirty, and a reliable resource to have a good time. It’s often a must-have for major social events like bachelorette parties, weddings, and birthdays. Of course, every coin has two sides, and alcohol is no different. For some, alcohol is addictive. It can be damaging, messy, and used as an excuse for abhorrent behavior.

Did You Know? Alcohol remains the number one drug of choice for teens in America today. It’s more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined. Alcohol Awareness Month is sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, this month encourages community organizations to host events to increase the public’s awareness and education that too much alcohol can do to you. 

SHORT-TERM HEALTH RISKS

Your liver is the largest organ in your body. It breaks down and filters out harmful substances in the blood and manufactures the proteins, enzymes, and hormones the body uses to ward off infections. 

When you indulge in excessive alcohol use, certain risks internally and externally are higher. 

• Injuries: car crashes, falls, drownings, and burns
• Violence: homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and partner/familial violence
• Alcohol poisoning 
• Miscarriage/stillbirth in pregnant women

All of the health risks stated above are devastating, life-altering consequences. At times, these ailments can be preventable. Alcohol fuels emotions, causing a person to perhaps do something more extreme than they would with a clear mind. In addition to short-term health risks, alcohol also comes with long-term health concerns. 

LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS

• High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues 
• Cancer: breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and rectum
• Weak immune system
• Dementia
• Depression and anxiety
• Social problems, family problems, and job-related problems
• Alcohol dependence

Any of the conditions laid out above can be severely damaging. Furthermore, alcohol-related disorders can impact every facet of the human life experience.  At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a comprehensive test called the Hepatic Function Panel. It measures the blood levels with seven tests that you may want to see how well your liver is working. It’s encouraged if you’re suffering from symptoms related to liver disease, on medication that affects the liver, or if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C. 

The Liver Function Panel includes the following tests:

• Total protein
• Albumin
• Total bilirubin
• Direct bilirubin
• Alkaline phosphatase
• AST
• ALT

Labeled as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States by the CDC, excessive alcohol use is said to shorten the lives of those who die by a staggering 29 years. Alcohol abuse can also impact one’s mental health leading to symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Now is the best time to get ahead of your health. Liver function testing provides both you and your doctor the information needed to monitor the impact of alcohol on your body.

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

As we continue into 2022, it’s important to keep the momentum of self-care going. Any Lab Test Now® offers you extensive and inexpensive lab testing options, so you can keep living your best life. It’s our priority to make these tests as convenient as possible for working people. This is why we provide business-friendly hours, for those with busy schedules. Each of our 200+ locations nationwide provides a clean, safe facility for your lab testing needs. Book an appointment online or walk into your neighborhood Any Lab Test Now^®  to test your liver health. 

Vitamins and Your Body

It’s no surprise the top New Year’s resolution is to be healthy and get fit. As many people start on their fitness journey, it’s easy to focus only on exercise and diet. Something that usually doesn’t occur to people is a possible vitamin deficiency. Starting a diet or working out while being vitamin deficient could slow or stall your progress, but it also could make the act of working out or dieting significantly less enjoyable. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a Micronutrient Test for a thorough exam of your vitamin levels. This test will measure your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.

Vitamins and minerals are types of micronutrients that influence nearly every process in your body and are essential for your health. A varied and balanced diet usually provides enough vitamins and minerals, but deficiencies can happen for several reasons.

Those include:

• Poor absorption of nutrients (celiac or Crohn’s disease)
• Diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
• Poorly planned vegan or vegetarian diet 
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
• Pregnancy 

As there’s a wide range of vitamins and minerals, the types of deficiencies vary.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is a mineral that helps our bodies function properly. It is part of our hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen. If your body doesn’t have enough iron, it can’t make enough of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, fatigue results.

Symptoms of an Iron Deficiency:

• Weak
• Tired
• Dizzy 
• Short of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches 

Iron deficiency is very common, especially among women. A primary cause of this is due to the blood loss experienced during periods and pregnancy. You might also be at an increased risk if you’re vegetarian because plant-based irons are harder for your body to absorb.

Vitamin D Deficiency 

The sun is your body’s best and most efficient source of vitamin D. The body makes vitamin D from exposure to sunlight or UV light on exposed skin, but it can also obtain the vitamin from plants, supplements, or foods fortified with the vitamin. If your body does not get enough vitamin D, you will develop a vitamin D deficiency.

Some people may be more susceptible to developing a vitamin D deficiency due to little sun exposure, diet, and other factors. Sunscreen blocks UV light from being absorbed by your skin, which is why people can sometimes over-protect themselves from the sun. People who are obese, have dark skin and those who are older than 65 are also at higher risk. 

Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency:

• Tired
• Sick often
• Weak bones
• Muscle pain
• Anxious or depressed

A long-term vitamin D deficiency can put you at risk for any number of dangerous and even deadly health problems including coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. A vitamin D deficiency can also cause your bones to become thin, brittle, or misshapen over time. This is why it is important to know your vitamin D levels so you can take the steps to correct or prevent a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin B Deficiency

The B vitamin family includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12, including folic acid, and each of these serves a different, but important, purpose in the body. The most commonly deficient of these are vitamin B6 and folic acid, which are important for one’s metabolism, and immune system.

Symptoms of a Vitamin B Deficiency:

• Exhaustion
• Weak
• Mouth ulcers 
• Swollen and sore tongue
• Blurred vision 
• Difficulty remembering things
• Depression

New Year, Better You

Poor nutrition impacts every part of life. It contributes to costly diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and even some cancers. At Any Lab Test Now®, we want to help you be proactive to make the best choices for your health. We provide the doctor’s order to convenient and affordable lab tests to those with no insurance or high deductible insurance. Vitamin deficiency can make a huge impact on your life, especially as you get older. Let us help you take control and get a head start on proactively managing your health. Visit any of our 200+ Any Lab Test Now® locations for a test today.

Don’t Rely on Luck, Act Now to Protect Your Kidneys

March, the month when the ice begins to melt and the sun starts to shine through the heavy clouds of winter. The first day of spring encourages outdoor dining and lazy hammock lounging as we welcome the warm weather after the months of cold that have become all too familiar. In addition to looking forward to warmer weather, March features St. Patrick’s Day, National Reading Month, and an important one, National Kidney Month. Kidneys aren’t usually what comes to mind when you think of the third month of the year. However they’re hard at work the entire calendar year, so it’s only fair to recognize their efforts. 

Let’s Start With The Facts

Kidney disease affects 1 in 3 American adults, that’s 37 million adults! The unfortunate reality is that most people don’t even know it. Right now, 100,000 people are on the kidney transplant list. According to the World Health Organization, kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death globally. 

What Is Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease, or chronic renal disease, is a condition where you suffer from a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by filtering wastes from your blood. Kidney disease increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. When kidney disease progresses, it can eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. 

If your kidneys worsen, you may start to feel sick and develop symptoms like:

• High blood pressure
• Anemia
• Weak bones
• Poor nutritional health
• Nerve damage

Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

Several factors can lead to kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for two-thirds of chronic kidney disease cases. Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar is too high. Over time, if unmanaged, it can cause damage to your kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes. High blood pressure occurs when your blood pressure against the walls of your blood vessels increases. If poorly controlled, it can be a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, kidney stones or tumors can possibly lead to kidney damage, a well.

Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease can impact individuals at any age.
You could have an increased risk if you:

• Have a family history of kidney failure
• Are older in age
• Belong to a group with a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Detecting chronic kidney disease can be tricky because the signs and symptoms of the disease typically occur later as the disease progresses. Something to also be mindful of is how symptoms can progress differently in men and women. For instance, urinary tract infections are more common in women, if the UTI travels to the kidneys it could put some women at greater risk for chronic kidney disease. In contrast, there are some cases where men may progress to end-stage renal disease or kidney failure faster.

While watching for late-stage symptoms won’t help with early detection, it’s important to be aware of the signs:

• Feeling exhausted, less energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Poor appetite 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Muscle cramping at night
• Swollen feet/ankles
• Puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning 
• Dry, itchy skin
• Frequent urination, especially at night

Steps to a Healthy Kidney

Early detection and treatment can often keep kidney disease from getting worse. Now is the best time to make a commitment to yourself to keep your kidneys healthy. Any Lab Test Now’s Renal Function Panel is a group of tests used to evaluate kidney function.

This panel provides an affordable, convenient option for you to maintain your health. Minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose are measured as part of this test. A simple blood draw is required, and no appointment is necessary. At Any Lab Test Now ^®, we pride ourselves on being accessible to the working person, so our locations have business-friendly hours. 

New Year, Better You!

There are many components to being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The root could come from several conditions like getting older, an autoimmune disease, or inherited diseases, but something you can do is get ahead of it. With early detection, you can save yourself from severe illness or even death. 

Once you get your test results, you can work with your primary physician to treat and improve the health of your kidneys. As we continue to battle COVID-19 fatigue, it’s easy to write off testing, especially for something that isn’t at the forefront of your mind. However, it’s vital to make your kidney health a priority. As a new season welcomes us, spring into action to care for your kidneys so you can live your life to the fullest. 

Any Lab Test Now ^® has more than 200 locations across the country. You can make an appointment online, by phone, or just walk in. Don’t rely on luck for good kidney health, click here for your nearest location. 

STD Testing: Love Your Loved Ones Safely

It’s been nearly two years since COVID-19 first made headlines, and with the stay-at-home orders and lockdowns, many people turned to each other for entertainment. Whether it’s boredom or intentional family planning, there’s a lot of baby announcements popping up on social media feeds everywhere. While that’s the positive side to people getting busy, on the flip side, there’s a grim epidemic currently plaguing the nation. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise as fewer people are getting tested and treated.

The numbers are staggering. A recent 2021 study from the CDC states that the rate of STDs has hit a record high for the sixth consecutive year. More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in 2019. This year, the city with the highest STD rate was Jackson, Mississippi, knocking last year’s titleholder, Baltimore, Maryland, to second place. Sexually transmitted diseases can have devastating effects. Now is a good time to stop the profusion of STD cases and make our sexual health a priority.

What better way to love yourself and your partner than making sure you’re in the best possible health to be intimate? It’s the ultimate self-care. There are many STDs to be aware of and protect yourself against. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a Comprehensive STD Panel that tests for all major STDs at the same time for one low price. It’s all completely confidential. 

This includes:

• HIV
• SYPHILIS
• HERPES l and ll 
• GONORRHEA
• CHLAMYDIA 
• HEPATITIS B
• HEPATITIS C

STDs often have symptoms that mirror other diseases, making them hard to diagnose. Sometimes they have no symptoms at all. Even if you have no visible symptoms, you still have an STD; and without treatment, it can lead to several complications, some life-threatening. This increases the importance to check this test off your New Year’s to-do list as soon as possible. This way, you can focus on quality time with your partner(s) without fear of what you could be spreading without even knowing it. 

It’s unfortunate that many of the side effects of sexually transmitted diseases are not felt until later in life. It is estimated that chlamydia is one of the leading causes of infertility, with at least 20,000 women experiencing this tragedy each year. However, if caught early on, chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can also treat gonorrhea and syphilis, but if left untreated, these STDs put people, including newborns, at risk for chronic pain, severe life outcomes, and HIV. 

Since you can’t rely on symptoms to be a sure sign you have an STD, routine testing is vital to maintaining your sexual health and peace of mind. Once you get tested, if it’s negative, you’re encouraged to practice safer sex by doing any of the following to reduce your risk of contracting an STD in your future:

• Use condoms
• Communicate with your partner about their sexual history
• Vaccinations (HPV vaccine is available and safe)

New Year, Better You!

Any Lab Test Now® provides transparent and inexpensive prices for customers who have no insurance, high deductible insurance, or simply want to monitor their health proactively. Any Lab Test Now® is committed to helping you prioritize your health this year. We encourage you to maintain your New Year’s resolutions. There are enough scary germs circulating around as you go about your daily life, don’t let STDs also be one that affects you. For the new year, have your sexual health take precedence as you make your way to a better you.

Book an appointment online or walk into any of our more than 200+ Any Lab Test Now® locations. 

Getting a Gauge on Your Stress Levels

Let’s talk about the many faces of stress. Stress is being burned out at work, but feeling like you must persevere because of the pile of unpaid bills on the kitchen counter. Stress is making a family decision, knowing your in-laws will criticize it. It’s being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic while already 30 minutes late to an appointment. It’s realizing you have to figure out what you need to eat for dinner tonight and every night for the rest of your life. Many factors contribute to stress, so it’s best to stay aware of how your body is reacting to it.

For the last two years, our stress levels have heightened in the wake of the global pandemic. According to a new study from the American Psychological Association, 32 percent of Americans said they are so stressed about the pandemic that they struggle to make fundamental decisions such as what to wear or what to eat. It’s completely derailed many of our daily routines, making work and personal life infinitely harder to navigate. As our lives become more complicated, our bodies adjust, and not always in the healthiest way. 

We’ve all experienced it — whether an argument with your spouse or a work assignment that just isn’t going your way, our stress symptoms start as a response. Your heart starts racing, your muscles tighten, you get a stomachache. During a time like this, a hormone called cortisol (hydrocortisone) is going to work. Cortisol is released to help your body deal with stress, but it can be more harmful than helpful if your cortisol levels are too high or too low.

Cortisol is released by your adrenal glands, which are right above your kidneys. It also helps our bodies manage how we use carbohydrates, fats, proteins and controls our wake and sleep cycles. A study released one year after The World Health Organization announced the global pandemic states 67 percent of Americans reported unwanted changes in their sleep patterns. Cortisol suppresses what your body doesn’t need in a “fight-or-flight” situation. Essentially, it kicks in your instincts and is crucial to our survival. Of course, all things require balance, especially when it’s within your own body, so let’s look at what happens when your cortisol levels are unbalanced.

Too much cortisol can cause conditions like: 

• Hyperglycemia
• Obesity
• Decreased bone density
• Increased blood pressure
• Damage to the heart

Too little cortisol can cause the opposite effect:

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness

Any of those symptoms above would add undesired effects to your life. If you’re currently experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to find out what’s going on. According to a 2021 health study, since the pandemic began, nearly half of Americans, a whopping 47 percent, said they have delayed or canceled their healthcare services. 

A Simple Solution

Any Lab Test Now^® is the best choice for a fast and safe health experience. We provide the doctor’s order so you can walk in without an appointment and choose from thousands of testing options.

 Our facilities offer affordable lab testing options to help both you and your doctors monitor your body’s response to stress. The Cortisol Lab Test is a blood test used to measure the level of cortisol in the blood. This test can provide an indication if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Or try the Saliva Cortisol Test, which can determine your cortisol level via a saliva sample. 

New Year, Better You!

We’ve developed many unhealthy habits as COVID-19 has deterred us from being our best mentally and physically. However, you can make that change today. It’s time to focus on a new year and a better you! Take the first step towards better health in 2022 by testing your cortisol levels. Any Lab Test Now® has more than 200 locations available nationwide.

Click this link to find your nearest Any Lab Test Now and schedule an appointment.

 

Show Your Heart Some Love and Live Longer

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

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

What Is Heart Disease?

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

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

Risk Factors For Heart Disease

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

On the risk list are: 

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

Steps to a Healthy Heart

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

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

Make a Commitment to Your Heart Health

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

They include:

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

New Year, Better You!

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

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

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

Going Somewhere Special?  Don’t Forget to Schedule a COVID Test

If you have big plans COVID-19 testing should be an integral part of your planning. Whether traveling, going to a concert, or the big game, the activity you plan may require you to show proof of a negative COVID test. When organizing your plans don’t forget to schedule your COVID test in advance. When making arrangements, you should research COVID-related requirements beforehand to reduce your disappointment and frustration if you can’t participate in an event or activity.

Making plans now? Schedule the COVID test that best suits your outing!

 

International Air Travel and COVID-19 Testing 

If you’re planning international travel by air, you may have to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter another country — and a negative test to get back in the U.S. Typically a COVID will be required even if you’re vaccinated. So which COVID-19 test do you need? Not all COVID-19 tests are created equal — and not all are suitable for international travel.

A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) is considered the “gold standard” of testing and the most reliable for detecting active COVID-19 infections. 

Antibody tests, the blood tests that identify if a previous COVID-19 infection caused your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies, won’t do you any good when it comes to travel. Also, keep in mind that rapid antigen tests, which check for proteins on the virus’s surface, are not accepted as a valid test for entry into some countries, including Canada. These tests have quick turnaround times but are far less accurate than PCR tests. 

For travel outside of the U.S., you will most likely need to get tested within 72 hours of your scheduled departure. This is a common requirement of many countries and some states. Remember to check the rules of each country or state you’re visiting before you leave.

Cruise Line Travel and COVID-19 Testing

If you plan to take a cruise, your testing options are slightly more relaxed and varied. Some cruise lines still require a mandatory three-day window for passengers to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to embarkation, while just recently, a handful of cruise lines shortened the span to two days.

Vaccinated passengers can present antigen or PCR test results. Unvaccinated passengers must provide proof of a negative PCR test. However, with the possibility of last-minute changes, cruise passengers should keep a close eye on their cruise line’s websites to monitor any updates to their covid testing policies. You can check the requirements on entering and re-entering the U.S. on the Centers for Disease Control website before you travel.

Large Gatherings and COVID-19 Testing

Concerts, sporting matches, and other large events will now require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. It is best to check the venue’s website for specific COVID testing requirements. Most venues require testing within days of the event so it’s best to schedule your appointment in advance.

For the most up-to-date instructions, it’s best to check the venue’s website for COVID Testing requirements. This will allow you to plan ahead to coordinate your test well within the required time frame.

Be at Ease

Whether you plan to travel near or far, celebrate in large gatherings or small, testing is recommended to help minimize risk. Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, especially  COVID-19 testing. Schedule an appointment online, or call our store to reserve your time. 

We provide you with a safe and clean alternative location for specimen collection. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life.

We are here to help.
Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.