Navigating Unregulated Fitness Supplements

Navigating the fitness landscape can be challenging, especially with the allure of quick fixes in the form of dietary and fitness supplements. You might have heard about the potential benefits of using fitness supplements to enhance your workouts and even increase energy. However, you should be aware of the potential dangers linked to unregulated fitness supplements.

Safety Concerns

Many fitness supplements on the market today don’t undergo stringent testing or regulation. The concerning trend is that a significant number of fitness supplements available for purchase have not been evaluated by health authorities, leaving room for harmful ingredients to creep into the mix. So, while you might believe you’re consuming a supplement to boost your protein levels, for example, you might also be ingesting harmful or banned substances unknowingly.

Hidden Dangers

In a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, although competitive athletes are closely monitored for substances, they, as well as others who are trying to stay in top physical shape, often “turn to supplements hoping to find herbs, vitamins or minerals that provide the desired competitive edge.” The American Medical Association (AMA) contends that these supplements can be confusing for consumers because they lack transparency as these supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy.

Ingredients Are Not Clear

Problem is there can be as many as 50,000 to 80,000 supplements in the market that aren’t being examined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does look at some dietary supplements, but they are regulated as food, not drugs. The FDA says, “Many dietary supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects, which may conflict with a medicine you are taking or a medical condition you may have. Products containing hidden drugs are also sometimes falsely marketed as dietary supplements, putting consumers at even greater risk.” It’s best to seek the advice of a healthcare provider before using any fitness or dietary supplements.

The bottom line is these unregulated supplements could cause adverse health effects and put you in jeopardy if you’re using banned substances or performance -enhancing drugs unknowingly.

Effective Alternatives to Consider

There are other safe and effective alternatives to consider, like enjoying natural nutrition and focusing on getting your nutrients from whole foods. Foods like lean meats, fish, dairy, legumes, fruits, and vegetables provide a plethora of nutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike many supplements, they’re free from harmful additives and are a foundational aspect of a healthy diet.

We can help guide you on your path to good nutrition and better health at Any Lab Test Now.® We are a lab testing resource at your disposal designed to help with your health and wellness goals.

For example, we offer lab tests like our HEALTHY WEIGHT DNA TEST, which is a scientifically-based weight-management test and program that identifies your unique genetic makeup and provides diet and exercise strategies specifically tailored to your genotype. 

Within a few weeks of taking the test, you receive personalized nutrition and fitness recommendations that work best for your body.  This test will not be a “one-size fits all” type of test; instead, our lab examines your DNA and analyzes various genetic markers that are known to be associated with your weight, metabolism, and body type.

Using this information, you can receive a personalized report with specific recommendations based on the results of your genetic test. This report provides the essential information you need from your DNA to tailor a weight-loss program that can achieve real results. Unlike diet books and pre-packaged meal plans, the fitness program created by the results of DNA testing can offer customized solutions to help you realize a healthy weight since it’s based on your unique genetic information.

Your results will provide personalized recommendations for:

• Foods to eat — the best foods to meet your caloric needs.
• Nutrients — Optimal nutrient needs and most effective supplements.
• Best exercises — Ideal workouts to achieve and maintain your healthiest weight.

You may also want to consider our WEIGHT MANAGEMENT KIT, which that looks at possible undetected hormone imbalances that might be the missing link as to why achieving and maintaining your optimal weight has been unsuccessful, despite your best efforts with diet and exercise.

The Weight Management kit is ideal for women and men who are struggling with weight issues, menopause or andropause, and anyone wanting to get to the root of general health concerns.

The Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit consists of a dried blood spot test and a saliva test. The test measures bioavailable hormone levels for those with unexplained weight gain, obesity, abdominal fat, high BMI, and low metabolism.

This kit is available in-store or for purchase online.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

We want to help you achieve your optimal health and fitness goals, which is why Any Lab Test Now® provides several tests to help meet your goals. We provide the lab testing; you own the results and can use them as you choose.

Our service is about providing answers and alternatives. Any Lab Test Now®is a lab testing center providing tangible results. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Common Substances Found in Recreational Drugs

Significant risks and dangers are involved with recreational drug use, and it is important to understand how these drugs work and why using them can be a hazard to your health.

The trends surrounding the use of cannabis edibles or nicotine vaping are more menacing than you may think, especially as alarming information continues to surface about these drugs being laced with uncontrolled levels of fentanyl.

Here are some common substances found in the most highly used recreational drugs:

Cannabis: Cannabis, also known as marijuana, contains the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It has relaxing and euphoric effects. It is approved for recreational use in 22 states and Washington D.C., however, there are no safety standards in place by the FDA. Those in the market to purchase forms of cannabis will often go to dispensaries for purchase. But with no regulation in place, ingestion of products can be dangerous and even deadly. Recent news stories report that what appear to be alleged credible retailers of cannabis may unknowingly sell products laced with fentanyl, which can be dangerous and deadly. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) says fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It carries a high risk of overdose and can be lethal at the 2-milligram range.

Cocaine: Cocaine and other stimulants are resurfacing as popular drug choices. They produce short-lived intense euphoria and increased energy levels. Cocaine is illegal due to its highly addictive nature and potential for harmful health effects. Fentanyl is also commonly found concealed in cocaine.

Adderall: This is a commonly misused prescription drug. When prescribed by a physician, it is safe and effective. It’s typically prescribed for children and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When used non-medically and illegally, it can be dangerous. The DEA has categorized Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it carries a high potential for abuse and addiction. Amphetamines like Adderall are a class of stimulant drugs that include substances like amphetamine and methamphetamine. They can increase alertness, focus, and energy levels.

Opioids: Opioids include substances like heroin, morphine, and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and fentanyl. These drugs either come from the opium poppy or are synthetically produced. Opioids create a sense of euphoria and pain relief. Opioids have a high potential for addiction and can be dangerous if misused. One of the biggest concerns these days is fentanyl, which can come in liquid and powder form. According to the CDC, even the tiniest dose can be deadly. More than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer lab testing that includes a number of drug screenings.

The 10 PANEL DRUG TEST (URINE) or 10 PANEL DRUG TEST INCLUDING EXPANDED OPIATES (URINE) will identify the presence or absence of 10 different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. This lab test is a routine screen for each drug class, as well as any necessary confirmation testing. On average, most drugs are detectable in urine for approximately three days after the most recent use or exposure. A confirmed positive result for a drug or drug metabolite is considered evidence of use or exposure in that time period. Collection takes place at one of our lab testing centers.  

The Concern about E-Cigarettes Usage

Another rising trend, especially for kids, teens, and young adults is vape use. Recent data from the CDC reveals 2.5 million young people in the U.S. are vaping. After investigating e-cigarettes, the CDC found that 99% of e-cigarettes sold in assessed venues in the U.S. contain nicotine—a highly addictive substance.

Vaping can pose potential health risks, like respiratory problems, lung damage, and cardiovascular issues. The e-cigarette industry is relatively new, and regulations on manufacturing, labeling, and quality control vary across jurisdictions.

If you are concerned that your child is vaping, you can bring them to your nearest Any Lab Test Now® for a  COTININE DRUG TEST (NICOTINE METABOLITE) (URINE). This urine test will determine the presence of cotinine/nicotine in the system.

Cotinine is the metabolite or what is left after nicotine consumption and is the test of choice to evaluate active tobacco use or exposure to tobacco in many forms. Cotinine is more stable and has a longer life in the body than nicotine.

Confidentiality

We understand that being tested yourself or testing your child for the presence of drugs is a sensitive issue. We provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

For parents reading this or if you are an adult with a recreational drug issue, know that Any Lab Test Now® is here to provide answers through lab testing. Call now to schedule an appointment at a testing center near you.

*If you are looking for help with substance abuse for yourself or a loved one, You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

A Must-Read for All Parents

“I had no idea that ‘I love you’ were the last words my beautiful daughter would say to me, but I thank God those were the words.” Through sobs and tears, Cathy Hoskins shares the tragic story of her only child, Lindsey Nicole Rose, a talented, smart, and loving young woman who died too soon — after a five-year battle with drug addiction.

“If I don’t tell her story, how can I help save someone else’s child? I need people to listen. This isn’t a story about a drug addict,” Cathy says emphatically. “It’s a story about my sweet baby girl. Everyone says, ‘It can never happen to me.’ But it did happen to me. If another mom or dad takes away anything from my story, let it be that you need to communicate with your kids.”

Words of wisdom from a mom who knows firsthand the dangers of substance abuse, a problem plaguing many American homes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 61.2 million people used illicit drugs in the past year.

But there are people behind these statistics, and Cathy’s daughter Lindsey was one of them.

Lindsey was an outgoing, smart, happy teenager. She was a state champion gymnast in Virginia. She sang, played piano and flute, and was the light of her mom’s life.

But the happy times came to a screeching halt, and everything changed following a life-altering incident that caused Lindsey to question her self-worth. “We experienced firsthand the start of her downward spiral,” explains Cathy. “We noticed that her behavior changed, her appearance changed, and she began surrounding herself with people who were a bad influence on her.”

Cathy says things started looking up when Lindsey met Dave, a Marine who was back home after being honorably discharged from serving in Iraq. The two fell in love and got married. However, less than two weeks after their wedding, Lindsey found Dave dead from a drug overdose.  Dave became addicted to pain medications following an injury during his overseas tour.  

Lindsey’s grief was profound. Drugs quieted her heartbreak. After several years of trying to get Lindsey help, Cathy and her husband Stewart were relieved when Lindsey was approved to participate in Drug Court, a place to divert substance abusers from being jailed and to be part of a supervised, accountable treatment program instead.

“For one year, while Lindsey was in Drug Court, we had her back,” says Cathy.

But then, two days after Christmas, everything changed.

Lindsey said bye to her mom for what would be the last time. She went to a friend’s house, and Cathy recounts the details. “My niece heard over the police scanner that there were two drug overdose victims at a home close to ours. One victim was being transported to the hospital. The other was DOA — dead on arrival.” Cathy collects herself as she bravely cries through the rest of the story. “My Lindsey was the one in the body bag,” Cathy softly weeps.

The Hoskins family story is one heard all too often. The CDC reports that the number of drug overdose deaths increased by nearly 30% from 2019 to 2020 and has quintupled since 1999. Nearly 75% of the 91,799 drug overdose deaths in 2020 involved an opioid.

“I never thought I’d be advocating for other parents who are concerned about the possibility that their child could be doing drugs. But here I am,” Cathy explains with pain in her voice.

“Please know, I was so proud of Lindsey, I was never ashamed of her. Her story could be anyone’s. She was just like any of us, then something happened in her life that changed her. She wasn’t a bad person, she made poor choices, and she paid with her life.”

If you are concerned about your child or another loved one, Any Lab Test Now® is a judgment-free zone that provides you with answers. We are a lab testing center offering tangible results. Find a location near you.

If you know someone who needs help with an addiction, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Diabetes Meds Used for Weight Loss

For anyone who has ever battled weight loss, you know there are times you wish for a magic pill to take instead of putting in the hard work. There are fads and trends that come and go promising weight loss — and the latest one is creating a critical shortage of much-needed medication for type 2 diabetics.

The product is called semaglutide. It’s a form of insulin injected under the skin once a week using a pre-filled dosing pen. It’s used to control blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes.

The Benefits for Diabetics

According to a report from Medline Plus, for diabetics, the insulin works by helping the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues, where it is used for energy. But it has also been shown to be an appetite suppressant.

Semaglutide is a synthetic form of a gut hormone that slows digestion. When that happens, you feel fuller for longer and consequently eat less. Studies have shown that some people can lose up to 15% of their body weight — leading the FDA to approve semaglutide for the treatment of obesity.

The Medication Misuse

And therein lies the problem. Because semaglutide was discovered to work in appetite suppression and weight loss in some patients, it has become a trendy weight loss drug for celebrities and social media influencers who began using it off-label. With so many non-diabetics using it for weight loss — it has created a shortage of the injectable for diabetics who need it. The supply simply cannot keep up with the increased demand.

Additionally, for those using the drug improperly, as in the case of someone who wasn’t prescribed this medication by their provider for type 2 diabetes or obesity — there are some severe side effects that can occur when using semaglutide as a fast track to weight loss. Those conditions include pancreatitis, kidney failure, and gallbladder disease.

A Dieting Solution from Any Lab Test Now®

Experts from Any Lab Test Now® remind you that the healthiest way to lose weight is through consistent lifestyle changes. The body has memory, and for those who utilize the weight loss trend du jour — when the diet stops, your body’s memory concerning metabolism and fat cells will come back with a vengeance. Yo-yo dieting actually works to increase your hunger over a period of time and can cause long-term health problems down the road.

A better solution to achieving your weight loss goals is to begin with obtaining an idea of how your body works metabolically, and the best way for you to reach your weight loss goals. Any Lab Test Now® provides two very effective tests to start you on your healthy weight loss journey.

Weight Management Tests

• First is the HEALTHY WEIGHT DNA TEST. This is a simple cheek swab that provides a great deal of valuable information for you. This scientifically based weight-management test identifies your unique genetic makeup and provides diet and exercise strategies customized to your genotype. 

You will receive personalized nutrition and fitness recommendations based on the results of this DNA test that are designed with your unique genetic markers associated with weight, metabolism, and body type.

• The second test to consider is the WEIGHT MANAGEMENT HORMONE TEST PANEL. There is scientific evidence that hormone imbalances may make it difficult to maintain your weight. This panel is designed to find any hormonal imbalances that could be affecting weight management.

For example, many people who find themselves stressed may discover that their metabolism is being affected by their cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone that affects how your body uses sugar. 

• When starting a weight loss program, it’s always a good idea to obtain a snapshot of your overall health to discover your baseline. As you begin making lifestyle changes for weight loss, the ANNUAL CHECK-UP PANEL consists of five tests that give a solid overview of where your health is now. This test can be repeated when you reach certain health or weight loss benchmarks to determine improvements in your overall health.

This test includes your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and thyroid function values. This empowers you to manage your health.

You’re in Control of Your Health

Test results belong to you. However, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your provider about the results. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with Dial Care. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state to discuss results and any further testing or changes you may need to make to achieve your health goals.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource for Improved Health

If your goal is to achieve a healthy weight through customized lifestyle changes, Any Lab Test Now® is your partner in health. We are here to provide tests to help you and your family achieve your health and wellness goals. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

What’s Your Cellular Age?

As 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.

Now Means Now

We are a society that craves convenience. We don’t like to waste time, but when waiting for something we need and/or something we’re paying for, like healthcare, we usually don’t have a choice.

Based on the 2022 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times and Medicare and Medicaid Acceptance Rates, it takes about 26 days to get in to see a doctor if you’re a new patient. That number can increase exponentially for a specialist appointment. This information is based on research conducted regarding physician appointment times in 15 United States metropolitan cities.

Part of the reason it’s taking so long is due to the mass exodus of healthcare workers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers are spread thin and overtaxed, making appointments hard to come by because so many workers have left the healthcare industry, including physicians, specialists, and nurses. What that means for patients is that they may not be receiving the timely help they need when it comes to health and wellness.

A Convenient Solution

The good news is, at Any Lab Test Now®, you can receive prompt and efficient care concerning your healthcare needs. You do not need to make an appointment and we strive to get you in and out in 15 minutes or less. Some visits might be more involved and take a little longer, but care and convenience are our bottom line.

Any Lab Test Now® provides more than 8,000 lab tests. Those include anything from routine bloodwork to diagnostic and risk assessment tests. We can streamline any regular monitoring tests you need for acute and chronic conditions. For example, if you are on blood thinners and need weekly tests, or if you require testing before prescriptions can be refilled, or perhaps you are interested in monitoring your health and wellness.

What You Need to Know

At Any Lab Test Now®, we are dedicated to providing quality care on your time.

• No appointment necessary — but calling ahead for an appointment or scheduling online will ensure no wait time and streamline the appointment.

• Typically, results are ready in 24 to 72 hours; by mail, fax, or in some cases, email.

• Test results belong to you. You may choose to discuss the results with your provider. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with Dial Care. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state to discuss results and any further testing or changes you may need to make to achieve your health goals.

• Transparent pricing, HSA, FSA accepted, no insurance accepted.

But Wait, There’s More

Any Lab Test Now® is a committed partner in helping you manage your healthcare. That’s why we ensure a professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment. Your privacy is priority-one, and all test results are confidential. We only share results when you give written permission to do so.

We know the demand for better healthcare is growing. Taking care of health and wellness has never been a bigger priority for Americans. Data from McKinsey & Company shows wellness is taking precedence in daily life, with about half of U.S. consumers pushing it to the top spot. Any Lab Test Now® is here to help. We provide the opportunity to take control of your health and wellness and empower you to make educated decisions that directly affect your quality of life.

Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

National Flu Vaccine Week

It’s that time of year, when news agencies tell us the number of daily flu cases, and we hear the sneezing and coughing from people around us. Flu season is in full swing, and it’s predicted to be a severe one, according to health experts.

How do officials figure this stuff out? It’s actually quite interesting.

It’s Gonna Be a Bad Flu Season

Infectious disease and public health experts in the Northern hemisphere generally look at what happened in the Southern hemisphere as a predictor of where things will go during our winter. The Southern Hemisphere goes first, and based on how Australia’s flu season was, it’s gonna be rough. Australia experienced their worst flu season in five years.

Health officials say what may be partly to blame is that for a few years now, we haven’t really been exposed to the flu virus because of masking and Covid-19 restrictions, so our immunity decreases.

What is the Flu Virus?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. According to the CDC, it can be a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.

During typical flu seasons, millions of people will become sick, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes.

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know you feel crummy for about 7-10 days. But there are times when it can develop into further health problems. Complications from the flu  can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Health officials warn–serious complications from the flu are more likely in babies and young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with certain long-term health conditions.

Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine

But you can prevent the flu or the severity if you get your flu shot. Many people will get their flu vaccine beginning in September. You want protection to last through the peak of flu season which is February. This not only protects you but your loved ones and the community.

During National influenza Vaccination Week (December 6-12, 2022), the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is urging everyone age 6 months and older—if you haven’t already gotten your flu vaccine, it’s not too late, especially for those who are considered high risk, health-wise. The NFID is concerned, because a recent survey indicated that  only 49% of US adults plan to get a flu vaccine during the 2022-2023 flu season. 

That’s why it’s important to know that the best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. The seasonal flu shot can lower the risk of getting the flu by about half. While some people who get a flu shot may still get sick with influenza, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness. Contrary to what some may believe, the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu.

Protection with the Flu Vaccine

The Flu shot causes antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against flu illness.

Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the influenza viruses that researchers believe will be most common during the upcoming season. All flu vaccines in the United States are “quadrivalent” vaccines, which means they protect against four different flu viruses: an influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses.

Officials say there are some new vaccines this season, designed for people 65 years and older that are recommended over standard dose.

The Flu Vaccine is Not Made for Everyone

There are some people who should not get the flu shot.

• Children younger than 6 months of age
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins).
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of influenza vaccine, previously
• If you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS). Talk to your doctor about your GBS history.
• If you are not feeling well, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Any Lab Test Now® Can Test for Flu

If you suspect you may be sick with the flu, or if you are travelling this holiday season and want to protect your friends and family members, Any Lab Test Now® is a resource for you. With so many different causes for similar illnesses, it can be difficult to know what the cause of any respiratory illness symptoms might be.

To determine if you have the flu or not, we provide our rapid flu influenza test. Results are available to you in 10 to 15 minutes and can help identify if symptoms are due to an infection with the influenza virus or not.  No matter the results, if you are sick with a respiratory virus, it’s always best to follow up with your healthcare provider to get appropriate treatment. If you need a provider, we’ve teamed up with DialCare to provide virtual licensed physicians at your fingertips.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Any Lab Test Now® is a resource you can use for your family’s health and wellness.  The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. If you are feeling under the weather, get your flu test and the answers you need. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

The Importance of Knowing Your Family’s Health History

Ever notice every time you go to see a doctor, you’re tasked with filling out a bunch of forms about not only your health, but also your family’s health? There’s a good reason for that. Knowing the medical history of your family can improve the quality of your care.

To ensure you and your loved ones are communicating about various medical conditions that may run the family, healthcare professionals have developed National Family Health History Day. Coincidentally, this event lands on Thanksgiving Day. The idea is that while you are gathering with family to count your blessings and enjoy your turkey dinner, it’s a perfect opportunity to compare notes and discuss family health issues.

Some of the topics you should discuss include:

• First-, second-, and third-degree relatives
• Age for all relatives (age at time of death for the deceased)
• Ethnicity (some genetic diseases are more common in certain ethnic groups)
• Presence of chronic diseases

Once you’ve gathered the info, you can store it using a free software for your family’s health history, created by the Surgeon General’s office, called “My Family Health Portrait.” It’s easy to complete and make accessible to family members and your healthcare team.

Family Health = Your Health

This is important because knowing what diseases or health conditions family members may have directly connects you to being susceptible to those ailments. As the CDC describes it, since your family shares similar genes, there is a greater likelihood that you may be predisposed to certain genetic conditions. You may also have behaviors in common, such as exercise habits and food preferences. Perhaps you live in the same area and encounter similar environmental issues. Family history includes all these factors, any of which can affect your health.

See Your Board-Certified Doctor

Understanding your family’s health risks will make the questions from the doctor a whole lot easier. If you are choosing a new physician or have a trusted practitioner, many people like to know if the doctor is board-certified.

Doctors are required to have a state medical license to practice medicine. But, according to the National Institutes of Health, board certification is a higher standard that doctors may choose as an extra step, demonstrating their mastery. Board-certified doctors demonstrate their desire to practice at the top of their profession and deliver high-quality care to their patients. About 87% of American physicians are certified.

Knowledge is Power

On your next trip to the doctor, you can understand why it’s essential for your physician to have an up-to-date patient health history. It means there are essentially more tools in the toolbox at their disposal to identify your risk factors for certain diseases and take preventative measures to reduce that risk. By being aware of early warning signs you can make the necessary lifestyle changes.

Doctors are especially zeroing in on diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. If you have a family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to develop the disease. If there is a history of heart disease in your family, for example, your physician will encourage you to avoid risk factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and a poor diet. Plus, keeping it on the radar through medical testing like preventative screenings could detect an issue and catch it early — giving you a better chance of living longer, with quality of life. Your doctor may routinely check blood pressure and do medical tests like cholesterol screenings and blood glucose testing.

Medical Testing to Improve Your Health

At Any Lab Test Now®, you can take the lead with your health and wellness by having these medical tests done on your own. You have direct access to thousands of lab tests that can screen for issues relating to family history. Like the CBC Panel, which provides a snapshot of your health, and the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel which gives a clear picture of your overall health. Plus, you could include the Lipid Panel to determine if you are at risk for heart disease.

Additionally, the Healthy Weight DNA Test is a scientifically-based weight-management test and program that identifies your unique genetic makeup and provides diet and exercise strategies specifically tailored to your genotype. Any Lab Test Now® examines your DNA and analyzes various genetic markers that are known to be associated with your weight, metabolism, and body type. These are the basic tests everyone needs because they provide conclusive answers about your health.

The benefit of using Any Lab Test Now® as your family’s health center is that you own the test results and may choose to use the results in the manner of your choosing. Perhaps you will share with your family to shed light on family health history.

As you prepare to visit your family this holiday season, don’t forget Any Lab Test Now® can help keep your family gatherings safe by providing COVID-19 testing.

Call now to schedule an appointment for any of these tests at a location near you.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When the calendar flips to the month of October, it’s not just pumpkins and mums that are symbolic of this month. We’ve all become accustomed to the pink ribbons seen practically everywhere representing the campaign to fight breast cancer.

Breast cancer receives global attention because it is the most common cancer worldwide, according to the Mayo Clinic, and the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.

The Top Cancers in the United States

Breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for almost 50% of all new cancer cases in the U.S., based on stats from the National Cancer Institute.  Lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all deaths.

In 2022, invasive breast cancer is estimated to be newly diagnosed in 287,850 women, as incidence rates continue to increase by about 0.5% annually. 

#FightLikeAGirl

So, when you see publicity about Pink Week, otherwise known as Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 4–6), and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, this campaign is designed to educate about the need for screenings and early detection opportunities that can save lives. There is substantial research funding for breast cancer which has helped create advances in its diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to growing awareness campaigns regarding breast cancer over the years, fewer American women are dying from it. Deaths from breast cancer are down 42% over a 30-year period.

However, there’s a long way to go. While many nations are seeing a significant reduction in deaths, globally, there is still a great need for preventative measures in low-resource countries. The World Health Organization says breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world, impacting an estimated 2.3 million people.

Breast Cancer Basics

The American Cancer Society defines cancer as a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that can result in death if not treated.

Breast cancer itself can occur in the lining cells (epithelium) of the ducts (85%) or lobules (15%) in the glandular tissue of the breast.

Breast cancer most commonly presents as a painless lump or thickening in the breast. If you find a lump, see your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can often be the key to successful treatment.

If it progresses, it can attack the surrounding breast tissue and become invasive and spread or metastasize to lymph nodes or other organs.

Early Detection Leads to Cures

Early detection is the best defense. That’s why the American Cancer Society stresses the need for a baseline mammogram for women at age 40 with annual mammogram screenings for women ages 45 to 54.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we believe strongly in blood tests used for screening purposes to improve your health. We believe our job is to educate you and your family on the prevention and management of chronic and everyday illnesses.

Any Lab Test Now® has a few very useful tools:

• One option is the Comprehensive Female Panel, which provides a snapshot of your overall health. This panel is designed for women at all stages of their life to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare goals.

• Another breast cancer test is a screening called the Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel. It’s important to understand this is a monitoring tool, not a diagnostic tool. It does not tell you if you have breast cancer. It provides vital information that you can use in tandem with personalized care from your physician. This is a combination of three tests. The CA 15‐3 and CA 27.29 are proteins that are normally produced by breast cells. In persons with breast cancer, the levels can increase. The protein amounts can rise with breast cancer tumor growth and fall with treatment. The carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that may be present in people with cancer, including breast cancer. The CEA Test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. CEA is normally detected in healthy adults but at a certain range.

Take Charge of Your Health

Having routine breast screenings through mammograms or lab testing is a game-changer. Early detection means better breast cancer treatment options like surgery, radiation, or medication. These can be highly effective, especially when the disease is identified early.

Not only can you stay on top of your health through screenings, but there are also behavioral measures you can take to reduce your risk of breast cancer, including:

• prolonged breastfeeding
• regular physical activity
• weight control
• avoidance of harmful use of alcohol
• avoidance of exposure to tobacco smoke
• avoidance of prolonged use of hormones  
• avoidance of excessive radiation exposure

There are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including women still being treated and those who have finished treatment, proving that campaigns like Breast Cancer Awareness Month are working.

Wellness Screenings With Any Lab Test Now®

Any Lab Test Now® is a resource you can use for your family’s health and wellness. The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or perhaps the results give you the peace of mind you were seeking.

Obtaining lab testing through blood tests is a very precise indicator of your health. It tracks your overall well-being, can detect issues with organs or how well you are managing a disease. It is an important look at your overall wellness.

Stay on top of your family’s health by taking charge of your wellness. Any Lab Test Now® can help by providing the lab tests you need to ensure your health. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Malnutrition Awareness Week

For most of us, when we hear the term malnutrition, we think of undernourished or starving people. But we’re only half right. Therefore, to improve health literacy, it’s important to fully understand the term malnutrition — because it can be lifesaving.

There’s been a worldwide push to improve awareness of malnutrition so that we can combat the issue. Malnutrition Awareness Week was launched in 2012 by The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), a nonprofit organization whose members are involved in providing clinical nutrition therapies.

Healthcare professionals are tasked with the prevention, early detection, and treatment of malnutrition but it’s an eye-opening, global issue that we should all know more about.

You or your family may be malnourished, and you may not even realize it.

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. Understand, this refers to any time your dietary intake is not serving your body well, and that can cause a number of harmful health conditions.

Malnutrition Has Two Groupings

1. Group 1: Undernutrition – This group can include the following conditions:
2. Stunting or low height for age
3. Wasting or low weight for height
4. Underweight or low weight for age
5. Micronutrient deficiencies/insufficiencies or a lack of important vitamins and minerals
6. Group 2: Overweight – This group can include the following conditions:
7. Obesity
8. Diet-related noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer

Malnutrition affects people in every country. Did you realize that:

• 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight
• 462 million are underweight
• 41 million children under the age of 5 are overweight or obese
• 159 million children are stunted

Effects of Malnutrition

Plain and simple, when you are lacking the proper nutrition, your body does not function at its optimal level. It’s hard to believe this remains a problem in the 21st century, but the truth is that it is a global issue occurring in both wealthy and poverty-stricken counties. Malnutrition is problematic for several reasons.

For many families, nutritious foods are financially out of reach. Face it, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and dairy products are expensive. It’s often cheaper to satisfy hunger with higher-calorie foods that are typically high in fat, sugar, and salt. This can cause you to be obese and lack the proper vitamins and nutrients to keep your body running efficiently.

For those with little access to food and water, or a condition that stops their body from obtaining the right balance of nutrients, their health can be severely impacted. In some cases, this can become life-threatening. It can stunt proper growth in children and cause short and long-term health issues.

For example, without proper nutrients, your body will take longer to heal wounds, and there is a higher risk of infection. A lack of vitamin A causes vision problems, and a lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy.

People who have issues with swallowing, digestive problems like nausea or diarrhea, mental health issues, eating disorders, mobility challenges, those who are socially isolated, and older adults may also have to deal with malnutrition.

There are some telltale signs of malnutrition.

Symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite or interest in food or drink
• Fatigue and irritability
• An inability to concentrate
• Always feeling cold
• Depression
• Loss of fat, muscle mass, and body tissue
• Higher risk of getting sick and taking longer to heal
• Longer healing time for wounds
• Slow development in children physically and mentally
• Over time, heart failure

How Any Lab Test Now® Can Help

In an effort to educate you about how to best prevent and manage chronic and everyday illnesses, Any Lab Test Now® has a number of nutrition tests that help you determine if you are receiving the proper nutrients to keep your body functioning effectively. Tests look at your nutrition at two levels. First, the Basic Nutritional Panel. This panel helps you rule out malnutrition and adrenal gland disorders. It screens for the systemic or macronutrient level of nutrients the body needs in large amounts to provide energy, like carbs, proteins, and fats.

Micronutrients, on the other hand, are nutrients at the cellular level that our bodies need, but in smaller amounts, like fat-soluble vitamins and minerals. Our Micronutrient Test measures your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we provide a safe and confidential environment that is convenient for you and your family to have nutritional testing done. You own the results and can choose to share them with your provider if the results show any abnormalities.

Schedule an Appointment

Malnutrition is a serious condition that may be affecting you or your family — and you may not even realize it. That’s why looking out for your health through blood work at Any Lab Test Now® is vital to you living a healthy life.

We have more than 200 locations across the country. Click here to find the nearest Any Lab Test Now® location and schedule an appointment.