Winter Immunity: Vitamin D, B12, and Iron – What Should You Test?

Winter has a way of making even the most health-conscious people feel a little “off.” Less sunlight, more time indoors, and busy schedules can all add up—often showing up as fatigue, low energy, brain fog, or feeling run-down.

The good news: you don’t have to guess. If you’re trying to support your immune system this season, three nutrients that are commonly checked are Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Iron status. Testing gives you real numbers so you can make smarter decisions.

Why These Three Nutrients Matter in Winter

1) Vitamin D: “The Sunshine Vitamin”

In winter months, many people get less sun exposure, which can affect Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is widely discussed for its role in overall wellness and immune support, and testing helps you understand where you stand.

Test to consider at Any Lab Test Now:

When testing may be especially helpful:

  • You spend most days indoors
  • You live in a region with shorter daylight hours in winter
  • You’re curious whether supplements are necessary—or if your current routine is working

2) Vitamin B12: Energy, Nerves, and Red Blood Cells

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that supports the nervous system and red blood cell production. Low B12 is often associated with symptoms like fatigue and weakness (which can feel even worse during darker winter months).

Test to consider at Any Lab Test Now:

When testing may be especially helpful:

  • You feel tired or run-down and want objective data
  • You follow a diet that may be low in B12 (for example, some plant-forward diets)
  • You want to assess whether your multivitamin or nutrition plan is covering the basics

3) Iron: More Than One Number (and a Common Reason for Fatigue)

“Iron” isn’t always a single, simple answer. That’s why many providers look at iron status with multiple markers. Low iron status can contribute to fatigue and low stamina—feelings that can be easy to blame on the season alone.

Tests to consider at Any Lab Test Now:

When testing may be especially helpful:

  • You’re frequently tired, cold, or low-energy
  • You want a more complete picture than “just iron”
  • You’re tracking wellness goals and want to monitor trends over time

One Easy Option: Test Them Together

If your goal is winter wellness with a broad nutrition snapshot, Any Lab Test Now® also offers a panel option that includes these key markers in one go.

Test panel to consider:

This can be a convenient way to check multiple areas that impact how you feel—without piecing together separate tests.

Take Control of Your Health—On Your Schedule

Winter can be busy. Your health doesn’t have to be complicated.

With transparent pricing, convenient local locations, and a doctor’s order included, Any Lab Test Now® makes it simple to get the data you need and take your next step with confidence.

Thyroid Awareness Month: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Test Your Thyroid

January is Thyroid Awareness Month—a great reminder that a small gland in your neck can have a big impact on how you feel day to day. Your thyroid helps regulate metabolism, energy levels, and even mood. And because thyroid issues can develop slowly (and mimic other conditions), many people don’t realize their symptoms could be thyroid-related until they get lab work.

Here’s how to recognize common signs, who is at higher risk, and when it makes sense to test your thyroid.

What Does the Thyroid Do (and Why Symptoms Can Feel “All Over the Place”)?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that makes thyroid hormones—T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine)—which influence many systems in your body. When thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high, your body can feel like it’s running in slow motion—or stuck in fast-forward.

Common Thyroid Conditions Include:

  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)—thyroid hormone levels are too low.
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—thyroid hormone levels are too high.
  • Autoimmune causes such as Hashimoto’s disease (commonly linked to hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (a common cause of hyperthyroidism).

Signs & Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Under-Active Thyroid)

When your thyroid is underactive, your body’s systems can slow down. People often describe feeling “off” for months—tired, sluggish, or not like themselves.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue/low energy
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Feeling cold more easily than others
  • Dry skin, hair changes, or hair thinning
  • Constipation
  • Low mood or “brain fog”
  • Menstrual cycle changes

If you’re thinking, “That sounds like a lot of things,” you’re right—and that’s why testing matters. Symptoms alone aren’t enough to confirm thyroid dysfunction.

Signs & Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Over-Active Thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism can feel like your body is “revved up.” Symptoms often overlap with stress, anxiety, or too much caffeine, which can delay diagnosis.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Feeling jittery or anxious
  • Fast heartbeat/palpitations
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Heat intolerance or sweating more than usual
  • Tremors
  • Increased bowel movements

When Should You Test Your Thyroid?

1) You have persistent symptoms that don’t add up

If fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, or heart racing are sticking around (especially if they’re new for you), thyroid testing can help rule in/out a hormone imbalance.

2) You have a personal or family history of thyroid disease

Family history is common in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.

3) You’re monitoring a known thyroid condition or treatment

If you’re already diagnosed and taking thyroid medication, regular monitoring helps ensure your levels stay in range.

4) Your healthcare provider sees related changes in other labs or exams

Sometimes thyroid issues are flagged after abnormal cholesterol results, unexplained menstrual irregularities, or a neck exam that suggests an enlarged thyroid (goiter).

How Any Lab Test Now® Makes Thyroid Testing Easier

Thyroid testing shouldn’t be a hassle. With Any Lab Test Now®, you can check your thyroid with a simple blood draw—no long wait, and a doctor’s order is included. Our Basic Thyroid Panel is a convenient way to get a snapshot of thyroid function. Find a location near you and Take Control of Your Health!

National Birth Defects Prevention Month: Preconception and Prenatal Screening Options

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, a timely reminder that small, proactive steps—especially before and early in pregnancy—can make a meaningful difference. While not every birth defect can be prevented, knowing your health status, addressing risks early, and getting the right screenings can help you make informed choices and feel more in control.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we make it easier to access many of the lab tests people often want when planning for pregnancy or navigating the first trimester—with a doctor’s order included, transparent pricing, and a quick, professional visit.

Below are preconception and prenatal screening options offered by Any Lab Test Now® (availability may vary by location).

Why Testing Before and Early In Pregnancy Matters

Many key factors that influence a healthy pregnancy happen before you even know you’re pregnant. That’s why “preconception” care often focuses on identifying common, fixable issues—like undiagnosed thyroid imbalance, blood sugar concerns, or certain infections—so you can address them with your healthcare provider early.

Preconception Screening Options (Before You Try)

1) Establish a Health Baseline with Wellness Bloodwork

If you’re planning ahead, baseline lab work can help you understand what’s going on with your body right now—so you and your provider have a clearer picture moving forward.

Options at Any Lab Test Now® include:

These aren’t “pregnancy-only” tests—but they’re often a smart starting point when you want to take control of your health before conceiving.

2) Thyroid Screening (Important for Preconception Planning)

Thyroid function can affect energy, metabolism, and more—and it’s commonly checked during pregnancy planning.

Any Lab Test Now® offers:

If you’ve had symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair changes, or irregular cycles, thyroid testing can be a helpful conversation-starter with your provider.

3) Blood Sugar Screening (for Overall Health)

Balanced blood sugar supports overall wellness and is commonly monitored during pregnancy.

Any Lab Test Now® offers:

4) STI Testing (Proactive Step for Many Couples)

Sexually transmitted infections can impact reproductive health, pregnancy, and newborn health—often without symptoms. If you’re planning for pregnancy (or simply want peace of mind), testing can be a smart step.

Any Lab Test Now® offers multiple STD/STI panels, including:

Prenatal Screening Options (After a Positive Test)

1) Confirm Pregnancy and Estimate How Far Along You Are

Whether you’re confirming an at-home test or you just want a clear answer, blood testing can provide reliable results.

Any Lab Test Now® offers:

2) Early Fetal DNA Screening (NIPT-Style Gender Reveal)

Some expecting parents want early insights using fetal DNA that circulates in maternal blood.

Any Lab Test Now® offers:

  • Gender Reveal (non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)-style blood test; marketed for early gender with stated accuracy above 99% and recommended timing around 8 weeks for best results)

This is commonly used for early gender information (and is not positioned as a diagnostic test).

A Note on DNA Testing During Pregnancy (Paternity)

While not a “birth defects prevention” screening, some families seek answers during pregnancy for planning and peace of mind.

Any Lab Test Now® offers:

How Any Lab Test Now® Makes Screening Easier

Planning a pregnancy (or navigating early pregnancy) can feel like a lot—especially when time is tight. We help simplify the process:

  • No doctor’s appointment needed (doctor’s order included)
  • Transparent, upfront pricing
  • Fast, professional visits at local testing centers

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re thinking about pregnancy—or already expecting—preconception and early prenatal testing can help you feel informed and empowered.

Find a location near you and Take Control Of Your Health!

New Year, New You: Which Lab Tests Support Your 2026 Health Goals?

You’ve set the goals—now let’s back them up with real data. At Any Lab Test Now®, you get direct access to the labs you need, when you need them. A doctor’s order is included, pricing is transparent on our website, most visits take about 15 minutes, and results are typically delivered in 1–3 business days so you can take action fast. 

Below is a simple guide to help you pair common 2026 health goals with the right tests.

Goal: “Get an Overall Health Baseline”

  • Recommended: Annual Checkup Panel
  • Why it helps: This bundle includes labs commonly ordered during a yearly exam to assess general wellness and uncover hidden issues early—perfect for a clean baseline as you start 2026.

Goal: “Support Energy, Immunity, and Mood This Winter”

  • Recommended: Vitamin D Test
  • Why it helps: Vitamin D supports bone health, immune function, and more—interacting with and regulating 200+ genes. Levels often dip with less sunlight, making a winter check smart.
  • Pro tip: If low, discuss supplementation and retest in 8–12 weeks to confirm improvement.

Goal: “Improve Heart Health and Fitness”

  • Recommended: Lipid Panel + Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • Why it helps:
    • Lipid Panel measures cholesterol and triglycerides—key indicators for cardiovascular risk.
    • CMP reviews electrolytes, glucose, liver and kidney function to support safe training and nutrition adjustments.
  • Pro tip: Test now, then retest after 8–12 weeks of diet and exercise changes to track progress.

Goal: “Prevent Diabetes or Dial In Glucose Control”

  • Recommended: Hemoglobin A1c and/or Diabetes Maintenance Panel
  • Why it helps:
    • A1c reflects average blood sugar over 2–3 months and can detect prediabetes/diabetes.
    • Diabetes Maintenance Panel bundles multiple tests (including A1c) to help you and your provider monitor and adjust treatment.
  • Pro tip: Pair with nutrition and movement goals; retest every 3 months to measure improvement.

Goal: “Fix Fatigue, Hair/Skin Changes, or Weight Swings”

  • Recommended: Thyroid Panels (e.g., TSH ± Free T4/T3)
  • Why it helps: Thyroid imbalances can masquerade as low energy, mood changes, or stubborn weight. A quick thyroid check helps confirm or rule out a root cause. January awareness campaigns often spotlight thyroid health—make it part of your reset.

Goal: “Personalize Hormone Health”

  • Recommended: Testosterone (Free and Total), plus other hormone tests as needed (FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone)
  • Why it helps: Hormone shifts affect energy, body composition, mood, and performance. Testing gives you a clear starting point before you change training or nutrition.

Goal: “Upgrade Nutrition for Better Performance and Recovery”

  • Recommended: Basic Nutritional Panel + targeted micronutrients (e.g., Iron/TIBC, B12, Ferritin, Vitamin D)
  • Why it helps: Panels provide a broad look at cellular health, electrolytes, proteins, and iron status—common drivers of fatigue and recovery capacity.
  • Pro tip: Combine with your wellness panel for a more complete picture.

Goal: “Know My Status and Protect My Partners”

  • Recommended: Comprehensive STD Panel and/or site-specific add-ons
  • Why it helps: Private, reliable screening with results typically in 1–3 business days. You own your results and decide who sees them; many locations can provide same-day screening for certain tests.
  • Consider add-ons: Oral STD Panel for a more comprehensive view of status when appropriate.

Goal: “Make Smarter Medication Choices”

Why Choose Any Lab Test Now® for Your 2026 Reset

  • Direct access—doctor’s order included on available tests
  • Transparent pricing—no surprise bills
  • Fast visits—about 15 minutes on average
  • Electronic results—typically in 1–3 business days
  • Local, professional teams dedicated to your privacy and convenience

Your 2026 Lab Game Plan

  1. Choose a baseline: Annual Checkup Panel
  2. Add essentials: Vitamin D, Lipid + CMP, A1c
  3. Personalize: Thyroid and Hormone testing based on symptoms and goals
  4. Optimize: Nutrition panel and targeted micronutrients
  5. Protect: Comprehensive STD screening as part of regular self-care
  6. Level up: Consider PGx to inform long-term medication decisions

Start the year empowered—with data that drives better decisions. Visit our website to view pricing and find your nearest location. Take Control Of Your Health!

Nutrition and Your Health

As we strive to maintain our health and wellness, understanding our nutritional needs can play a significant role in achieving our goals. Any Lab Test Now® offers convenient and affordable nutritional testing options to help you uncover vital information about your body’s nutritional requirements.

Nutritional Testing Options at Any Lab Test Now

  1. Basic Nutritional Panel: A comprehensive panel that examines 11 different components in your body to determine whether you’re getting the nutrition you need. This test is ideal for those looking to lose weight or suspect they may have a vitamin deficiency.
  2. Micronutrient Test: This test measures your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. It helps to identify deficiencies that may be affecting your overall health and provides a plan for correcting them.

The Importance of Nutrition Testing

Nutrition testing not only guides you toward a healthier lifestyle, but it can also provide valuable insights into potential health issues that may not be immediately apparent. By understanding the deficiencies and imbalances within your body, you can make informed decisions about your diet and well-being.

What is Poor Nutrition?

Poor nutrition starts when you eat foods that do not provide the nutrients you need most. Low-nutrient foods include those low in fiber and vitamins, or high in fat, sugar, and salt. Processed and pre-packaged foods are some of the unhealthiest choices you can make. They are packed with added sugar, sodium, and fat. These ingredients make food taste better, but too much of them leads to serious health issues like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you are under-eating, you could deprive your body of the nutrients it needs which may lead to anorexia or bulimia, two eating disorders that can cause a variety of dangerous health conditions.

Check Out These Food Facts: 

  • Poor diet is thought to be partly responsible for about 30 to 40 percent of all cancers, although diet alone is unlikely to be the “cause” or “cure” of cancer.
  • Salty foods increase blood pressure. To balance sodium levels in your bloodstream, your body retains water to try and rid your body of the excess salt through urine. This excess fluid travels through your bloodstream, and the increased volume presses against your blood vessels to cause high blood pressure.
  • Women who drink two or more diet drinks a day have a 29 percent higher chance of heart disease, a 31 percent higher chance of stroke, and a 16 percent increased risk of dying earlier than women who drink them less than once a week. 

Convenience, Affordability, and Professionalism

With Any Lab Test Now, you don’t need a doctor’s order to get tested. Simply walk in and choose the lab tests you want, with work-friendly hours available for your convenience. Plus, our transparent pricing ensures that affordable, high-quality testing is within reach for everyone.

Take control of your health today with Any Lab Test Now. Visit our website to find a location near you or explore our wide range of lab testing options, including general health, DNA, drugs and alcohol, STD, and additional tests.

Don’t leave your nutrition to chance – unlock the secrets to your body’s nutritional needs with Any Lab Test Now. Your journey to optimal health starts here!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Cancer is a daunting diagnosis that touches many lives, often leading to complex treatment plans, support systems, and an emotional journey of coming to terms with possible outcomes. By definition, cancer involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. The multitude of cancer types, affecting any part of the body, contributes to its fearsome reputation. Conversations around this subject are tough, particularly with more specific forms like colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Often progressing silently from one stage to the next, it demands increasingly intense and high-risk treatments. Early detection through screening is our strongest asset in combating this disease, and at Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a variety of screening options to assist in early identification.

Understanding Testing Options

Testing Options at Any Lab Test Now: 

  1. Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test: This non-invasive test detects hemoglobin in the stool, which can be an indicator of colorectal cancer.
  2. Colon Cancer Screening (Blood) Test: This test uses 5 DNA markers to look for the possible presence of colorectal cancer. It involves a simple blood draw and can be performed for all adults, without any age restrictions.

Please note: the Colon Cancer Screen (Blood) Test is not intended to replace a colonoscopy. It is meant to be used as a screening tool for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Based on the results of your test, a colonoscopy may still be recommended. We recommend that you work with a trusted healthcare provider to discuss the colorectal cancer screening options that are best for you.

Each of these tests plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, enhancing the ability to address the disease at a treatable stage. Regular screenings are recommended starting at age 45, or earlier for those with heightened risk factors.

According to the CDC, risk factors include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
  • A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

And lifestyle factors like:

  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • A diet low in fruit and vegetables
  • Poor diet with higher amounts of fats
  • Overweight
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Tobacco use

Colorectal cancer typically affects individuals aged 45 and older, but in recent trends, it increasingly impacts younger populations too. Approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed annually, leading to around 50,000 deaths. Its development often occurs with few noticeable symptoms, earning it the moniker, “the silent killer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one the most common types of cancer in men and women. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Routine testing can help prevent or find cancer at an earlier stage when it might be easier to treat. If found early, the five-year survival rate increases by more than 90 percent, meaning many lives could be saved by the awareness that comes with increased testing. 

Testing that Works For You

Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, we make testing easy for you. You do not need a doctor’s note to get lab testing done. We invite you to walk in for same-day testing during work-friendly hours.

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. But we do encourage you to consult with a provider for further details to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with Dial Care, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

 

Mid-Year Health Check-In: Stick to Your Goals 

We’re at the halfway point of 2024 – can you believe it? It feels like each year gets faster, as life gets busier. As we prepare to take on the second half of the year, now is a good time to reflect on the first half. Did you meet your goals? What are you most proud of? What can you do better? Many people’s New Year’s resolutions have fizzled by now, and if that’s you, you aren’t alone! According to one survey, of the 38% of Americans who make resolutions, only 9% are successful in keeping them. 

Now, while that can be quite a discouraging number, there are a few reasons why, despite this, it’s considered a good thing to set New Year’s resolutions. Having resolutions sets intention with how you want to grow and develop in the coming year, it sets a tone of hopefulness and optimism, and you can start the year with a fresh sense of responsibility that hopefully flows in the months to come. It’s inherently a positive thing to strive for and has encouraging effects for yourself and those around you. 

Statistically, taking strides in your health is one of the most popular resolutions. A recent survey found that more than half of Americans wanted to be healthier – 59% wanted to exercise more, 54% said they would eat healthier, and 48% resolved to lose weight. Each month, our blog highlights different health topics that may impact your life and provides relevant tests to consider.

Cholesterol (Lipids) Panel 

This month, we want to emphasize the importance of cholesterol testing with our Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®. The Lipids Panel can determine your cholesterol levels, which is important because this can indicate if you’re at risk for heart disease or any other heart issues. 

According to the CDC, nearly 94 million United States adults, 20 or older, have high cholesterol.

Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke. 

There are no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to know if you have high cholesterol which is why it’s important to regularly monitor your levels.

With the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®, you’ll have your test results between 24 to 72 business hours. It’s recommended you fast before the test to ensure it’s accurate. Once you have your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary physician about the next steps.

Take Back Your Health

The overproduction of cholesterol can come from a variety of reasons. A lot of times, an unhealthy lifestyle is a huge contributor. Some things to keep in mind are:

  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke 
  • Family history of high cholesterol 

To be 100% sure of your cholesterol status, start with one simple blood test at any of our neighborhood Any Lab Test Now® locations.

Renal Function Panel

Now is a great time to double down on your kidney health. Our Renal Function Panel® is a group of tests used to evaluate kidney function. According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs to look for if you think you’re experiencing kidney issues are:

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Urinating more or less
  • Decreased mental sharpness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling 
  • Dry, itchy skin

The signs and symptoms of kidney issues are often nonspecific and could also be the source of a different issue altogether. However, it’s worth getting tested; simply because the damage from leaving your affected kidneys untreated can be irreversible. 

For this test, fasting for about eight hours prior to the blood draw is preferred. Your results will be ready between 24 to 72 business hours after the test.

Hepatic Function Panel

For this comprehensive panel, the Liver Function Panel®, or Hepatic Function®, measures the blood levels of seven tests that see how well your liver is working.

This test is also encouraged if you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis A, B, or C virus. High or low levels in one of the seven tests may indicate you have liver damage or liver disease is present.

Some general symptoms, according to Healthline, include:

  • Yellow skin (Jaundice)
  • Dark urine
  • Pale, bloody, or tarlike stool
  • Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Bruise easily
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Itchy skin

Something to keep in mind about this test and the Renal Function Panel is that anyone who is regularly taking medications can potentially benefit from these tests, as they’re typically required as a regular testing for anyone taking medication long-term.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The perfect test to have performed as a mid-year checkup is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel®. This includes 15 essential tests that are typically part of a routine checkup or annual physical. It gives your doctor an overall picture of your health. 

Annual Check-Up Panel

If you want to take it a step further, we recommend the Annual Check-Up Panel. It includes the Lipid Panel and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel(CMP) mentioned above, as well as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource for Improved Health

Any Lab Test Now® provides thousands of tests available to you as our commitment to being your partner in health. We are here to help you and your family achieve your health and wellness goals. You can walk in for same-day testing during convenient work-friendly hours or call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Better Sleep Month

There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. It helps restore the body so it’s physically and mentally functioning at its best.  But when we don’t get the zzzz’s we need, it results in feeling mentally foggy, emotionally cranky, and physically exhausted.

That’s why Better Sleep Month, dedicated to addressing concerns about how chronic lack of sleep can be detrimental to overall health, is important. If you are having sleep issues, you’re not alone. The Cleveland Clinic says about 70 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep disorders.

Bedtime Stories Are Important

Historically, parents have always insisted that their children have bedtimes, to provide ample quality sleep to maintain good health and well-being. Reading a bedtime story to children is a great way to help kids unwind and slow down for a good night’s sleep, something we should all do to decompress after being stimulated with activities all day long. According to the CDC, children need the most sleep, especially newborns and infants. Once kids are school-aged, they need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers require 8 to 10 hours, and adults from 18 years old to 65+ ideally need at least 7 hours. These are consecutive hours of sleep, not chopped up into little naps throughout the day, because that won’t provide the restorative sleep cycles the body needs.

Grown-Ups Need Their 40 Winks

Here’s the problem. If you’re an adult contending with insomnia or sleep deprivation and you’re not getting the restful hours of sleep you need, it can prompt a number of health issues. Sleep affects your heart and circulatory system, metabolism, respiratory system, and immune system.

The National Institutes of Health reports that sleep is a necessary restorative time for your body. You’ve probably heard about sleep cycles, which include the initial drowsy stage when you begin to fall asleep. This is when your body’s parasympathetic system takes control and slows your blood pressure and heart rate, allowing it to relax and not work as hard. Next comes stage 2, the light sleep, followed by the deepest sleep, in stages 3 and 4. In these stages, your heartbeat and brain waves are at their lowest levels, and the body is healing and restoring cellular energy. The last cycle is sometimes referred to as the 5th stage, or the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle. It’s in the REM cycle that your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.

The body needs rest. Otherwise, it has no way of healing or growing or providing the immunity you need. If you’re not getting enough sleep or you have insomnia, your body is not able to get its restoration completed, leaving you with a higher risk of:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes

Lack of Sleep? Could Be a Hormonal Issue

Your hormones play a vital role in maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. As the Mayo Clinic reports, when the body’s circadian rhythm or the body’s sleep clock is off, it throws the whole body into imbalance. For example, there are two basic hormones needed for sleep — the stress hormone called cortisol and the sleep hormone called melatonin. If the body is operating efficiently, these two hormones will work together in a kind of crisscross pattern. Melatonin should go up as the sun goes down — to help you sleep. Conversely, cortisol should be higher in the morning to help rev your engines and get you moving but should decrease at night to help you sleep.

If something is wrong with this rhythm because of an imbalance of melatonin or cortisol, it could be the reason you are having trouble either falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.

  • High cortisol results in insomnia, anxiety, sugar cravings, feeling tired but wired, and increased belly fat
  • Low melatonin results in excessive fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia

Our Sleep Kit Provides Answers

Any Lab Test Now® can help. We have a very effective and accurate test to help determine if your sleep struggles are due to a hormonal issue. The Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit is a simple test that measures melatonin and cortisol levels via urine collection on test strips four times throughout the day. It’s available in-store or online. After turning in your kit, results will be available within 3 to 5 days.

How to Handle Your Test Results

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. However, we do encourage you to consult with your provider for further details to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with DialCare, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

Get the sleep you need to live a healthy life. If you’re having sleep issues, visit your local Any Lab Test Now® and pick up a Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit to find answers.

DNA Testing Benefits at Any Lab Test Now

Scientific research is an amazing thing. The intricacies and complexities of a research lab can translate to improved medicine for all of us. One such example is the Human Genome Project. This is most likely a term you’ve heard — but you may not know how it affects you.

The project started in 1990 and was completed in 2003. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an international group of researchers was able to look at DNA and map out a human blueprint. The results? Our doctors now have a better understanding of certain diseases and how they can best be treated.

Cutting-Edge Pharmacogenetics Testing

This project has led to what the CDC calls precision medicine or pharmacogenetics — the study of how a person’s genes affect their response to certain medications. The goal of pharmacogenetics is to make your life better. Through pharmacogenetics testing, results show your provider which drugs and doses will be best suited to treat you for a myriad of conditions.

Drugs work with the body in several ways depending on how they are taken and where they act in your body. Think about something as simple as an over-the-counter pain reliever due to a headache, for example. Once you ingest the tablets, the body breaks them down with enzymes and then remarkably knows how to send that drug to your head to clear up the headache. It’s your DNA that affects the process and your body’s response.

Real Results to Improve Your Health

DNA testing can be a valuable tool to determine how you respond to drugs. If you think about the possibilities, genetic testing for medications can determine whether you may have a bad reaction to a drug or if a specific drug won’t be effective for you. This is a vital and helpful tool to know if a certain drug will be safe or beneficial to your wellness. It helps your provider prescribe medications tailored to work best based on your genetic makeup.

Advanced Testing at Any Lab Test Now®

That’s where Any Lab Test Now® comes in. We provide innovative ways to manage your health through comprehensive testing. We have a complete pharmacogenetic analysis at your disposal. The COMPREHENSIVE PGX PANEL tests for 50 different variations on 14 different genes and reports the effects an individual’s genotype may have on the response to over 200 commonly prescribed medications. This test uses the DNA collected from the buccal swabs to test a wide variety of genes that have been identified as having a significant clinical impact. Results are typically available within 5-7 days.

How This Helps Mental Health

So why take this test? Remember, results will help your provider know what meds work best for you and the dosing amounts. Think about how significant this is for anyone who is prescribed anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications. Rather than providers taking a shot in the dark making you, the patient, go through weeks and months of trial and error — pharmacogenetics analysis eliminates the guessing game, as your provider will have advance knowledge of which prescription helps your condition with little or no side effects. Start feeling better, faster.

Prescribing Customized Anti-Depressants

The same is true when determining what prescription pain medication will be safest and most effective for you. The National Institutes of Health released a study on Genetic Testing for Opioid Pain Management. Chronic pain is one of the top issues patients discuss with their physicians. CYP2D6 is responsible for the metabolism of most of the commonly prescribed opiate medications like codeine, tramadol, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Patients are classified by their genetic ability to metabolize a medication.

Cardiac Care Without Second Guessing

Pharmacogenetics testing can also advise physicians about the best medication per specific patient when it comes to cardiovascular disease. The NIH studied the use of DNA testing with medications involving blood thinners, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Testing that Works for You

Any Lab Test Now® is your partner as you try to maintain health and wellness for you and your family. Whether it’s DNA testing or any of the thousands of tests we provide, remember, you can walk in for same-day testing during work-friendly hours.

How to Handle Your Test Results

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. However, we encourage you to consult with a provider for further details to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with Dial Care. This service can help you find a provider licensed in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

Great innovations in medicine, like pharmacogenetics testing, give you options in healthcare. This testing is available at Any Lab Test Now®. We are here to provide the tests you need to get answers to your health concerns and foster optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

What’s Your Cellular Age?

JUL newsletter SMALL telomeresAs much as we’d all like to flee from aging, it is inevitable. Just as your car or a favorite clothing item will wear out over time, so too does the human body. Of course, the rate at which aging happens is different for each person and is based on a number of factors such as genetics, diet, exercise and stress.

On a cellular level, however, the rate of aging is measurable. Measurement is possible because of the telomeres that are connected to the end of your cells. Every time cells divide, the length of the telomere becomes shortened. The shorter the telomere is, the more times that particular cell has been copied. Over time, the telomere becomes so short that the cell no longer reproduces and is “retired”. This shortening of the telomere is known as cellular aging.

Through the use of a telomere test, labs are able to measure the length of the telomere in one’s body. This measurement is then compared to the expected length of telomeres in those of a similar age bracket, which helps determine overall cellular age.

While cell division and its subsequent retirement are natural processes, there are ways in which one can slow the process down. Among these are:

  • Minimizing consumption of processed, surgery or fatty foods.
  • Reducing body fat to 22 percent for women and 16 percent for men.
  • Exercising for at least an hour a day.
  • Reducing stress.
  • Quitting smoking and other tobacco consumption.
  • Sleeping eight hours a night.
  • Increasing consumption of raw fruits and vegetables, Omega-3 fatty acids, vegetable protein, cold-water fish and fiber.
  • Evaluating the need for nutritional supplements.

Next time you worry about getting older, consider monitoring the rate at which your cells age. With monitoring, you will be better able to make the lifestyle choices that are necessary to slow cellular aging, and potentially the onset of age-related diseases. Walk-in to Any Lab Test Now to ask for your Telomere Test today.