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.

 

Is Your Diet Putting You at Risk of Anemia?

Do you feel constant fatigue you can’t explain?
Do you frequently get dizzy or lightheaded?
Do you suffer from chest pains or shortness of breath?


These are all signs that you may have ANEMIA

 

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. There are several types of anemia. Some, like sickle cell anemia, are hereditary, but others, specifically iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin deficiency anemia can be caused by an improper diet.  For 20 years, doctors have seen a growing number of iron deficiency anemia cases in America. Iron deficiency anemia, the most common form of the condition, is caused by low levels of iron in the body. Your body needs this iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that makes up red blood cells.

According to a recent study by the American Society for Nutrition, the rise in iron deficiency anemia coincides with a decrease in the amount of beef people are consuming. Between 1999 and 2018, Americans ate 15.3 percent less beef, an iron-rich protein, and 21.5 percent more chicken, thus not getting all the iron their bodies need.

As the name suggests, if you have vitamin deficiency anemia, your diet is deficient in the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to produce healthy red blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can develop vitamin deficiency anemia if you don’t eat enough foods containing folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin C, or if your body has trouble absorbing and processing those nutrients. 

Eating to Treat Anemia

If left untreated, anemia can cause serious health problems, such as having too little oxygen in your body, which can damage your organs. Having a diet consisting of the right foods is the first step to treating a deficiency.

Foods that can help prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia include:

  • Beef and other red meat
  • Dark, leafy greens like spinach
  • Beans
  • Seafood
  • Iron-fortified cereal and pasta

Foods that can help prevent and treat vitamin deficiency anemia include:

  • Fruits and leafy green vegetables
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Broccoli
  • Citrus fruits

How Do You Know If You Have Anemia?

Before you change your diet or start taking vitamin supplements, you need to make sure that the problem is anemia and not something else. The signs and symptoms of anemia may be subtle at first, so the best way to know for sure is with a simple blood test. You don’t need to wait for an appointment with your doctor in order to be tested for anemia. Any Lab Test Now offers a complete Anemia Panel for fast and accurate diagnosis. 

We offer one simple blood panel that includes several tests, including a reticulocyte count to determine if your body is producing enough red blood cells. This can help determine not only if you have anemia but also the type of anemia you have. A ferritin test, that will screen your blood for the protein that indicates how much iron you have in your body. Your blood will also be checked for the levels of vitamin B-12, and folic acid to determine if you have vitamin deficiency anemia. 

 Where to Get Tested

Any Lab Test Now has 190+ locations nationwide, dedicated to providing you with the information about your body designed to help you Take Control of Your Health®.
You can schedule an appointment online or by phone, or walk-in for same-day testing. Each location is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with CDC protocols so you can be confident your lab work is being done in a safe, clean facility. 

Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare. Click here to find an Any Lab Test Now location near you.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is a Reminder to Get an Overall Health Checkup!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women everywhere are encouraged to remember the importance of getting checked. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect every aspect of daily life, our health routines should not take a toll. Breast cancer is easier to treat when detected early.  The increased awareness surrounding breast cancer not only saves lives through prevention, but also serves as a reminder to get checked for a variety of other health concerns. Self-awareness of your health status is crucial.  The attention given to this month brings awareness that makes a difference for millions of women each year. While breast cancer screenings may be at the top of mind, keep reading for three recommended lab tests that provide a more comprehensive overview of your health status.

In addition to getting a screening, one of the easiest things a woman can do to try and reduce her risk of breast cancer is to take charge of certain aspects of her health she can control, such as diet, exercise, and weight management. When considering which lifestyle changes are best for you, consider these breast cancer statistics.

Shocking facts about breast cancer:

  • Globally, breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer as of 2021.
  • As of January 2021, there were more than 3.8 million women in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.

Those facts, while difficult to ignore, are only one side of the fight against breast cancer. Awareness and commitment to early detection have saved lives. Between earlier detection and advancements in treatment, death rates in women above age 50 have dropped considerably in the past several years. Studies show that more than three-quarters of women between the ages of 50 and 74 have been screened in the past two years. The overall death rate from breast cancer has decreased 1% per year in the five-year period from 2013 to 2018.

 Types of Breast Exams and Tests to Detect Cancer Early

According to the CDC, women between ages 50 and 74 should be screened for breast cancer with a mammogram every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 should discuss their medical history with their doctor to determine when to begin mammograms.

There are several forms of exams and screening that can help detect breast cancer, including:

  • Self-Awareness – Every woman should be familiar with how their breasts look and feel so that any changes can be detected. Report any changes you notice to your doctor.
  • Clinical Breast Exam – An examination by a doctor or nurse, feeling for lumps or changes by hand.
  • Mammogram – An x-ray of the breast, often considered the best way to detect breast cancer early. Regular mammograms are recommended, especially as women become older.
  • Breast MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to generate a picture of the breast. MRIs are used along with mammograms for women at high risk of breast cancer.

Get the Full Picture of Your Health

Pandemic or not, there are certain comprehensive lab panels and tests that are often neglected. Getting a blood work is a crucial component of any health and wellness program. It’s a great way to get a more detailed recommendation from your doctor based on your body analysis. Lab testing reveals information about the body that can signal warning areas or anomalies to help you and your doctor take immediate action. Getting tested in routine intervals allows you to self-monitor how your body changes over time, spot problems early on, and provide insight into how one could make subtle changes to their diet or lifestyle to optimize their health.

These tests are easily accessible at Any Lab Test Now®, and the results could have a major impact on your health decisions moving forward.

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – Includes 14 essential tests that are part of a routine checkup, testing for sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose, and others.
  • Comprehensive Female Panel – This panel helps women to recognize and address any hormone imbalances through blood counts, kidney and liver functions, thyroid, and heart health.
  • Diabetes Maintenance Panel – Includes four tests that can help detect or manage diabetes. It can also determine whether the kidneys are functioning properly.

Take Control of Your Health

These tests not only help you to understand the full picture of your overall health but can help you and your doctor make informed decisions on how best to take control of your well-being. Identifying any issues are the first step to addressing them. In the same way awareness helps women detect breast cancer earlier, the more time you have to recognize any other common issue is a major benefit to maintaining and reclaiming a healthy life.

Take Comfort in Our Service

Any Lab Test Now is determined to help people live healthy lives by providing a simplified option when it comes to seeking any type of lab work.  We have 190+ locations across the U.S. that are sanitized several times per day in accordance with the CDC’s standards. We offer 8,000+ testing options that give a detailed analysis of your health status. You can’t fix what you don’t know! Use direct-access lab tests to keep tabs on your health. Monitor on your own or discuss with your doctor to spark a lifestyle change that will allow you to better understand your body and learn to manage your healthcare proactively.

From offering a wide range of lab tests, to providing a safe and clean alternative for Americans to get tested during the coronavirus pandemic, Any Lab Test Now is committed to helping families make educated decisions about their health.

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

 

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

Did you know May is Women’s Health Month?

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

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

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

Heart Disease

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colorectal Cancer 

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

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

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

Some risk factors of colorectal cancer include:

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

The Colon Cancer Screening Test at Any Lab Test Now is a health-monitoring test kit that detects hemoglobin, or blood, in the stool. The sample is collected in the privacy of your home and only requires a small water-based sampling from one bowel movement. Test kits can either be picked up in-store or purchased online and shipped.

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

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

Be at Ease

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

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

 

January Marks Cervical Health Awareness Month!

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. It was created to shed light on how women can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer. HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.

Awareness campaigns and improved testing are changing the statistics for the better. However, more than nine of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Cervical cancer can be largely prevented by the HPV vaccine.

  • Even so, every year in the United States, an estimated 200,000 women are diagnosed with a cervical pre-cancer, or abnormal cells on the cervix, which can lead to cancer.
  • Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Still, more than 4,000 women die from the disease each year.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most sexually active women and men will be infected at some point in their lives, and some may be repeatedly infected.

In addition to cervical cancer, HPV can cause other types of cancers in both men and women, including:

  • Vaginal and vulvar cancer in women
  • Penile cancer in men
  • Anal, throat, and tongue cancer in both men and women

There are many types of HPV, and many do not cause problems. HPV infections usually clear up without any intervention within a few months after acquisition, and about 90 percent clear within two years. A small proportion of infections with certain types of HPV can persist and progress to cervical cancer.

Although most HPV infections clear up on their own, as do most pre-cancerous lesions, there is a risk for all women that HPV infection may become chronic and pre-cancerous lesions progress to invasive cervical cancer.

It takes 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop in women with normal immune systems. It can take only five to 10 years in women with weakened immune systems, such as those with untreated HIV infection.

Based on a person’s age, overall health, and personal risk of cervical cancer, some things can be done that may prevent pre-cancers and conditions that lead to pre-cancers.

Prevention

HPV vaccines are available to help protect children and young adults against certain HPV infections. These vaccines protect against infection with the HPV types most commonly linked to cancer.

To be most effective, the HPV vaccines should be given before a person becomes sexually active. The reason is that these vaccines only work to prevent HPV infection — they will not treat an infection that is already there.

While the HPV vaccine can be started at age 9, the CDC recommends all boys and girls get two doses of the HPV vaccine at ages 11 or 12.

Other things that may help lower the risk for cervical cancer include:

  • Don’t smoke
  • Use condoms during sex
  • Limit the number of sexual partners

Women’s Health

While HPV affects both women and men, there are conditions that affect women more than men and this month is the perfect time to establish a health baseline that gives a fresh look into overall health conditions.  Any Lab Test Now® has a Comprehensive Female Health Panel that looks at hormone imbalances and is designed for women at all stages of their life to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare goals for the new year. It includes blood counts, a metabolic panel which includes kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and nutritional status.

Screening Tests

One of the most important things a person can do to prevent cervical cancer is to get regular screening tests starting at age 21.

There are several options available. One is a pap test, which looks for pre-cancerous cells on the cervix that could turn into cervical cancer if not detected early and treated appropriately. This test must be performed in a doctor’s office or medical clinic setting.

The second option is an HPV test. This test looks for the human papillomavirus, which can cause pre-cancerous cell changes. While this test can be done in a doctor’s office, it is also available in a take-home test kit.

Any Lab Test Now offers HPV screening tests for both women and men, which can be ordered online from select locations and conducted in the privacy and comfort of their own home.

The kit is easy. After a sample is collected, the specimen is sent to the testing laboratory using the prepaid shipping envelope and label contained in the collection kit.

If the test is positive for HPV, we recommend sharing the results with a primary care physician or gynecologist or contact our telemedicine partner, DialCare.

It is also a good idea to share the results with recent sexual partners so they can get tested as well.

Click here to learn more about the HPV test for women.

Click here to learn more about the HPV test for men.

Be at Ease

Please check the website for a location near you. You may be able to purchase your HPV test in-store. You can be at ease knowing Any Lab Test Now provides a safe and clean location as each of our 185+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life.

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

Build Awareness. Honor the Survivors. Support the Fighters.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. The statistics you’ll find throughout this article are hard to ignore, starting with these:

  • About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
  • 1 in 39 women (3 percent) will die from breast cancer
  • In 2020, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women between ages 55 and 64.
  • About 10 percent of breast cancers occur in women younger than 45.

Breasts are made up of a variety of different tissues, including ducts, lobes, and glands that produce milk and carry it to the nipple. Breasts also contain lymph nodes and fatty tissue. Cancer develops when the cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. These cells create a tumor.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

The most recognized physical sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast tissue. While this discovery will send (and should) many women to the doctor for further examination, there are other signs and symptoms of breast cancer you should know.

  • Skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts
  • An increase in size or change in the shape of the breast(s)
  • Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  • General pain in/on any part of the breast
  • Lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breast

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Breast cancer is typically detected either during screening, before symptoms have developed, or after a woman notices a lump. Masses can be detected on a mammogram. Women who are diagnosed with dense breast tissue may be required to get an ultrasound screening in addition to the mammogram.  Most breast lumps turn out to be benign.

However, when cancer is suspected, a physician will order a needle biopsy or a surgical biopsy to obtain a tissue sample. The selection of the type of biopsy is based on multiple factors, including the size and location of the mass, as well as patient factors and preferences and resources.

Take Control

One of the easiest things a woman can do to try and reduce her risk of breast cancer is to take charge of certain aspects of her health she can control, such as diet, exercise, and weight management. However, before making any drastic changes to lifestyle, women should get a screening that can identify the overall condition of their health.

The comprehensive female panel at Any Lab Test Now is designed for women at all stages of their life to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare goals. It includes blood counts, a metabolic panel which includes kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and nutritional status. You don’t need to get a doctor’s order to get this or any lab test at Any Lab Test Now. You can learn more about the comprehensive female panel here.

Making Yourself Priority One Is Easier To Do Than You Think

Does your list of “must do” tasks seem like a mountain on the verge of a landslide? For many women, there’s a laundry list (pun intended!) of things to accomplish that feels infinite… and it’s usually sandwiched between working and raising a family. Any Lab Test Now encourages you to take a look at your “must do” list and add one more item on to it. YES! You read that right. We not only want you to add one more item to your “must do” list, but we also want you to prioritize it at the top. That’s because Any Lab Test Now wants you to prioritize your health.

MAKING TIME FOR YOU

National Women’s Health Week is celebrated May 12–18 this year and it’s all about making sure you put as much energy into taking care of yourself as you do others. We encourage you, your mother, your sister, your grandmother and your friends to get together and take steps to improve your health and to let Any Lab Test Now be a partner in your journey toward a healthier you.

So how can Any Lab Test Now help women make their health a priority? Convenience tops the list! How often do you put off getting a much-needed test because you just haven’t found the time to make an appointment? Many women are reluctant to make that appointment because they worry it will include long wait times which could mean valuable time lost at work or make you late for a carpool pickup.

With Any Lab Test Now, you don’t even have to schedule an appointment (although you can if you wish). You can simply pop in when you’re near one of our more than 170 conveniently located labs across the country. Generally, we’ll have you in and out in 15 minutes! You won’t miss the first part of the ballet recital.

TESTING WITH LADIES IN MIND

Our lab experts are always available to make sure you’re ordering the right test for your needs. A Comprehensive Female Panel is always a great place to start your journey toward better health. It’s designed to help women at all stages of life make informed decisions about their healthcare goals. It includes blood work (and cholesterol counts) that will provide you with a snapshot of your heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. The panel also includes a metabolic panel that checks kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid condition, and nutritional status. All around, a great annual panel that provides you with a wide range of information.

Some conditions affect women more than men. Take urinary tract infections (UTI) for example. How many times have you felt that distinctive burning sensation? Usually, it’s late on a Friday afternoon! Well, UTIs occur in women significantly more than in men, and we can thank our anatomy for that. You don’t have to suffer until you get in to see the doctor. Some of our locations offer convenient Saturday options. You can get a routine Urinalysis to share with your doctor so you can get to feeling better, faster!

And how many times a week do you grab a quick burger or pick up a to-go salad because you just didn’t have time to stop and sit down to a nutritious meal? A basic building block to a healthier you (man or woman!) is proper nutrition. If you’re so busy making lunches for everyone else that you neglect making one for yourself, it can lead to problems. A regular diet of quick and easy ramen noodles isn’t always best. A Basic Nutritional Panel will let you know if you’re getting enough of what you need to experience optimal health.

Making time for yourself doesn’t have to be another chore to add to the list. When you take care of your own health, you aren’t being selfish. You’ll feel better and more energized and be ready to tackle all of your “must do” list and maybe even more!

This Valentine’s Day: A ‘Test’ Of True Love

 What will you do this Valentine’s Day to show the one you love the most how much you really care? How much money will you spend? How long will it last? Roses fade, chocolates are devoured, and the memory of a romantic night out fades away. So what can you do that will show how much you care?

On the surface, we admit that a heart health lab test from Any Lab Test Now might not seem like the grandest romantic gesture, but it really is the perfect way to let someone you love know just how important their heart is to yours!

But first, a little background

Remember, February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day; it’s also American Heart Month. The annual celebration began in 1963 as a way to encourage Americans to join in the battle against heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Many of those deaths can be prevented if people know where they stand heart-health wise. They can begin to make healthier choices to manage their conditions and take control of their health.

For that special someone

Consider a gift of his and hers lab tests from Any Lab Test Now this Valentine’s Day. The Comprehensive Male and the Comprehensive Female Panels both provide an abundance of information about your overall health, including important details about your heart. Both of the panels include the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel — which can determine if you have abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Both are important because they can help you and your doctor determine if you’re at risk for heart disease or any other coronary illnesses.

Both the Male and Female Comprehensive Panels also include the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test. Many people don’t realize the crucial role that their thyroid (and the hormones it produces!) plays in their heart health. A dysfunctional thyroid creates imbalances in your body that could make you more susceptible to heart disease.

An array of other tests are included in the Comprehensive Male and Female Panels which will round out a complete picture of your overall health and set you and your doctor in the right direction and help you keep your ticker in tip-top shape.

Cupid in a lab coat

So, this Valentine’s Day give a gift of romance AND good health. Head to your nearest Any Lab Test Now location and pick from any of our heart-healthy options. Hold off on the chocolates, champagne or fancy dinners, as you’ll have to fast for this test. It’s true love available in a test.

Are you aware? It could save your life

Helping you take control of your health is what Any Lab Test Now® is all about. A big part of taking control is educating yourself and being aware of your health risks. That’s why Any Lab Test Now is proud to support efforts to make you aware of the latest in women’s health issues and proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Throughout the month of October you’ll see the pink ribbons that support breast cancer awareness. Awareness can be life saving! That’s because breast cancer is a cancer that most women can survive if it’s found and treated early. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early.

Self-exams and mammograms can make a HUGE impact. Some fast facts about breast cancer from the Centers for Disease Control:

  • Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women.
  • More than 40,000 women die from the disease each year.
  • Men can develop breast cancer, but it is rare. Less than 1 percent of breast cancers occur in men.
  • Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women.

For women who have had the disease before, the need to be extra vigilant is vital. Any Lab Test Now offers a Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel that may be helpful for women who are:

  • Currently diagnosed with breast cancer
  • Are breast cancer survivors
  • Have a history of breast cancer

The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel tests for levels of the proteins CA 15-3 and CA 27-29. Those proteins are both normally produced by breast cells, but in women with breast cancer, the levels can increase. The panel also includes a CEA Test, which is another type of protein that will show increased levels in people with cancer. What the Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel does NOT do is tell you if you have breast cancer. It can be a helpful tool for women and their physicians as they move forward with treatment and therapy.

One of the biggest things you can do to ensure your continued good health is to have an overall picture of your health. That’s where the Comprehensive Female Panel can help. This panel is actually 11 tests in one. It will provide you and your doctor with a thorough overview of your health with information including your blood counts, kidney and liver functions, electrolytes, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and nutritional status. It’s cost effective and provides you with information you need to monitor your health.

Any Lab Test Now is a convenient and affordable way to take control of your health. Being aware and educating yourself is another. Take the time this October to consider your own breast health — and remind a bosom buddy to do the same.

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

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

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

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

Looking Good; Feeling Confident

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

The Beauty of Balance

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

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

Better Skin Begins at Home

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

The Skin Vitality Take Home Hormone Kit

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

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

Take Control of Your Health

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