Sports & Adderall Abuse

In the world of sports, an athlete deals with a number of pressures besides winning or losing the game. Not only does the athlete have to make sure that he or she is in optimal physical condition in order to perform, but they also feel the pressure from teammates and the expectations of those who follow them. In a day and age when there seems to be a medicine available for just about everything, it is not surprising that people, including athletes, start experimenting and discovering alternative uses for such prescriptions.

An example of this is the infamous prescription drug, Adderall. Known as the “study drug”, for those who actually need it the drug becomes a medicine that helps them focus on the task at hand. For those who don’t need it, the drug becomes a powerful stimulant that can be used as a performance enhancer or a pick-me-up.

Since studies have shown that the drug improves hand-eye coordination, strength and acceleration, there’s no surprise as to why this specific drug has gained popularity amongst athletes.  To an athlete, Adderall gives them an edge with an energy boost in order to “rock” the game and go for the big win. The drug itself has become so popular in the world of sports that even national leagues like the NFL and the MLB as well as the NCAA have been forced to take action against those who test positive for the drug and have not been prescribed by a physician, resulting in a number of suspensions.

On many occasions, whether it be the desire to hang onto one’s youth or the constant pressure of needing to stay on top of your game, these athletes forget about the long-term side effects that a drug like Adderall could have on their health especially in those who don’t really need this prescription. The long-term side effects include risk of cardiovascular problems and stroke, depression, hostility and paranoia. Since May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, why not take the opportunity to help your athlete Take Control of Their Health and take a peek at their current state of health. ANY LAB TEST NOW® understands that achieving peak performance and optimal results takes more than just physical fitness. It’s a matter of getting the inside facts about your body’s true state of health.  In addition ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be your partner in making sure your athlete stays in tip-top shape without any enhancers through one of our many drug testing options.

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month Take Control of Your Health® and your athletic career; whether you are an athlete or you manage one, having the opportunity to know what’s going on inside your body, empowers you to Take Control of Your Health® with a well-rounded, drug free, comprehensive health and wellness approach.  For more information visit www.anylabtestnow.com or stop by an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you. Also, take the time to learn more about The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s Medicine Abuse Project, and help stop the abuse of prescription medications.

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Encouraging the GLBT Community to Take Control of Their Health®!

We all know everyone is amazing in his or her own way; we’re all one of a kind. But what happens when we get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to pay attention to our health? Surprises happen and not always the good kind especially when there are increased risk factors for various health concerns.

Health risks affect everyone. For example, it has been statistically proven that African-Americans are at higher risk of Heart Disease and Latinos are a higher risk of developing Diabetes. In the GLBT Community, the risks and concerns aren’t as easily determined. Each individual has their own experiences and factors that determine their particular health risks. These factors may include race, age, geographical location, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle amongst others.

Understanding what health concerns you are at risk for can help you take the right steps towards leading a healthier lifestyle to reduce those risks. So how do you start? Lab testing can help you identify your current health condition.  At that point the key is really in PREVENTION. You can develop a plan to get healthy and ensure that you are staying that way. This includes getting tested for STD’s. According to the CDC, the GLBT community accounted for nearly half of the 1.1 million people currently living with HIV in the country and 61% of those reporting new infections each year as well as 63% of the syphilis and gonorrhea cases in the country.

When you combine factors such as the statistics and society’s pressure, it can be scary. There are concerns based on your particular risk factors, the concerns of not becoming part of a statistic and last but not least, the fear of being judged.  You need to find out more about your health in an environment that supports you and cares about your well-being.

ANY LAB TEST NOW® helps you Take Control of Your Health® with discreet, confidential and anonymous STD screens as well as a variety of Wellness testing that will get you on your way to a healthier, worry-free lifestyle. What better time to start Taking Control of Your Health® than during STD Awareness Month? Come in this month and get tested! Remember that Symptom Free Doesn’t Mean Disease Free. For more information on our confidential, anonymous STD screens and available Wellness testing visit your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®.

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Celebrating National Nutrition Month

Are you known in your social circle as the ‘foodie’ of the group? Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating food, right? Well all throughout the month of March you get a chance to celebrate your passion for food during National Nutrition Month and share your ‘foodie’ experience with your friends. However before you can share your love of food with your family and friends it is important that you know how to make nutritious food choices and that you incorporate them with good physical activity habits.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has given this year’s celebration the theme of “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day”, encouraging individuals to personalize their eating habits towards a healthier path and help them to identify the factors that ultimately influence their food choices. Our food choices are influenced by the events in our everyday life, busy lifestyles, cultural traditions and most importantly our health concerns. Health concerns, depending on the condition, should be a main factor in how we personalize our eating plans.

So perhaps your food choices aren’t always the most nutritious. That can be okay, as long as you balance your overall daily intake and combine it with an active lifestyle. Nutrition boils down to learning about how our bodies work and how to create an eating plan that is tailored to our lifestyle, health needs and of course our tastes. In addition knowing how our bodies will react to the meals we enjoy is key to creating a balanced healthy eating plan. Let’s say that during one of your ‘foodie’ adventures you came across a meal that your body just did not agree with. That disagreement could have been caused by a number of things. It could be that your body is intolerant or sensitive, or perhaps you are allergic to one or more of the ingredients in that meal.  Even if you are eating healthy, it is still possible that your body is deficient in specific vitamins and minerals.

There is no better time to Take Control of Your Health®. ANY LAB TEST NOW® offers a variety of tests that can help you learn more about your body’s current state and help you reach nutritional wellness. In order to do that, it is important to learn about the different food ingredients your body might be sensitive, intolerant or allergic to. Understanding how your body reacts to food through lab testing can help you truly create a tailored healthy meal plan that works just for you. It is also good to know what vitamins and minerals you might be missing.  Use National Nutrition Month to celebrate food in a healthy way and share with your friends and family all you have learned. Why not prepare a feast with the healthy foods you love for them and plan a fun, physical activity for everyone after the meal?

Remember you are what you eat, and ANY LAB TEST NOW® is here to help you Take Control of Your Health®.  To learn more about our nutrition-based lab tests including nutrient testing, food sensitivity, intolerance or allergies visit www.anylabtestnow.com.

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Getting in the Spirit of National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week

Going to college is a great experience. It is the time when you finally get to study the subjects you are really interested in and when you begin to work towards your future career. You are the one and only responsible for what comes next for Y-O-U, including meeting deadlines, paying bills on time and of course taking care of your health.  Welcome to adulthood!

Now let’s talk about the process to get into college. Yes grades, tests scores and a comprehensive entry essay are a given; but the other side of this process believe it or not comes down to your health. Are your immunizations up to date? Have you been tested for venereal diseases? Some institutions may also require you to take a drug test. All these elements combined and perhaps an interview will determine whether you get in or not.

Next… Congratulations you got accepted! Now the grind begins, you are on a roll and burning the midnight oil has become part of your daily routine. You figured “why not I’m young I’ll catch up on Z’s once I graduate!” Ask yourself do these activities affect my overall health and wellness? The answer to that question is YES! Let’s be honest that midnight oil being burned is not just due to studying and once you graduate the time to catch up on Z’s decreases. It has been reported that some of the main health concerns on campuses across the country include lack of sleep, infectious diseases, alcohol abuse and lack of exercise.

The time to Take Control of Your Health® is now! You might ask yourself, but “how do I do that?” Perhaps doing the good old buddy system could work.  ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be that buddy you need to help you stay on top of things and make sure you’re healthy. We have the tests that you don’t have to study for including titer testing, STD testing and overall wellness checkups. Plus, we have B-12 shots that can help you boost that energy after those all-nighters.  Get in the spirit of National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week, increase your awareness about the importance of staying healthy, fit and get educated on how to do it.  Visit www.anylabtestnow.com to find additional information on how to Take Control of Your Health® and visit a location near you.

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Parents – Have You Heard of Molly?

Molly is the new ‘It’ girl on the club scene.  She is the powder or crystalized form of MDMA (methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), a combination of plant fertilizer and other synthetic drugs.  This new drug has similar ‘high’ effects as ecstasy but, can be even more dangerous because the drug’s chemical makeup is frequently altered. Molly comes in pill and powder form, and can be swallowed or snorted.

Dubbed ‘Molly’, short for molecule, she is considered the purest form of ecstasy. Since there are no additional additives to the drug, it has some users believing it is safe. The promise of ‘purity’ has made her a very popular girl not only among the club scene, but also at concerts and festivals all over the country. It has also become the drug of choice for teens to experiment with and they often mix it with alcohol and other drugs, such as marijuana.

The scariest part of Molly is that her users tend to be young. According to the CEO of Southern California’s Passages rehabilitation centers, users’ ages range from 16 to 24.  They don’t realize they are playing Russian Roulette with their health and their lives. The drug has an innocent name and because suppliers advertise it as the ‘pure’ high it has an innocent girl next-door appeal to users. However, taking Molly is very dangerous with both short-term and long-term effects.

There are a number of dangerous side effects from partying with Molly. Due to the fact that Molly targets the brain, it can become extremely addictive. The short-term effects involve feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception, along with increased physical energy. In addition Molly can cause nausea, chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, blurred vision, and sometimes sudden death. The long-term effects can include Hypertension, muscle rigidity, palpitations, overreactive reflexes and more.

As a parent of a teen, what can I do? There are a number of things you can do as a parent. First and foremost keep the lines of communication open. Warn your child about the short-term and long-term dangers of partying with drugs like ‘Molly’.

Remember, there are a number of constant pressures and temptations for your teen every day. Giving them a reason to say NO next time they are offered to ‘Try’ the new ‘It’ drug can be life-saving. Getting them drug tested can be that defense they need to combat peer pressure.  “I can’t. My parents will know” Raising teenagers is a hard job. Let ANY LAB TEST NOW® make it easier for you with the Trust, But Verify Program. For more information about available teen drug testing options visit www.anylabtestnow.com and find the nearest location to you.

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Paternity Doubts?

Regardless of whether you are an alleged father, mother, child or grandparent, dealing with questionable paternity brings on a rollercoaster of emotions that have an impact on your everyday life. You may feel angry or disappointed. You may feel complete confusion, or even embarrassment. The last thing you want to feel is judged.

Feeling these types of emotions is normal, especially when your relationship with your child and even other family members, partners or friends, is in question.  Believe it or not, you are not alone. But, because you want the question to go away, the question running through your mind when you first make that step to know the truth is…“I just want to know.” You want the feelings and the cloud of doubt hanging over you to go away – NOW.  However before making the decision to get a paternity test done, it is important to step back and approach the situation with a clear mind.  What you do now may affect your, and most importantly, the child’s, future. The most important step to take before going through the test itself is to ask yourself, “Once I know…What am I ultimately going to do with the answer and test results?”.

The reason this step is so important is because there are two types of paternity tests. One type of DNA test is “informational”, also called a “peace of mind” DNA test or “self-collection kit.  Although the DNA testing process is the same as for a legally-admissible paternity test, described further below, there is no chain-of-custody or identification information.  As with kits purchased over-the-counter, there are also no guarantees on whose DNA is submitted if samples are not collected in front of each other.  This means the test results cannot be used for any other purpose than to let you know the answer to the paternity question.  That’s it – no names, no ID’s, nothing but a probability of paternity.

The most common type of paternity test is a Legally Admissible DNA Test. Remember that there are many factors that can change yours and the child’s lives after you have the test results that go beyond just knowing an answer.  Will you or did you complete the Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity at the time of the child’s birth?  You may need proper evidence to either add or remove your name in that case.  Are you going to utilize the results to change your child’s name on their birth certificate? Will you be asking for any kind of financial benefits, such as child support? Will you be seeking child custody, social security or military benefits? Then you need paternity test results that will be accepted as legal evidence. These test results not only clear you of doubts but also help you get the aid that you, your child and your family need.

Everyone’s situation and circumstance is a bit different. Either way, it is safe to say that the process can be no fun at all. For that reason, it is important to find a partner that will make the process go as simple and stress-free as possible. Whether you need legally admissible results or you just want peace of mind, ANY LAB TEST NOW®  is here to help you through this emotional time. We will guide you towards the right test for your particular situation in order for you to be able to take the necessary next steps. Best of all, you can get your results in an average of only 3 business days.

For additional information visit www.anylabtestnow.com or call your local ANY LAB TEST NOW® today! Don’t let a questionable paternity interfere with your relationships and daily life. The Truth is Waiting.

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Have a Heart to Heart with Yourself


Have you ever received that phone call letting you know that a loved one or a dear friend has suffered a heart attack or stroke? The reality is that 1 in 3 women lose their lives to heart disease every year, making it the number 1 killer of women.  Why not change those odds and fight the good fight against heart disease?

To fight against heart disease, first you must be able to distinguish between facts and myths. One of the major myths surrounding heart disease is that you are only at risk if you have family history of heart disease. Though family history plays an instrumental role into your risk factor, poor eating habits, inactivity, obesity, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure also put you at risk of developing heart disease.  Have a heart to heart with yourself and your loved ones. Create a buddy system to check in on your heart and hold each other accountable for doing the right things for your heart.

Check your cholesterol levels often. If you have diabetes make sure it is under control. Make the decision to lead a healthier lifestyle by developing healthy eating habits, adding activity to your day even if it means taking the stairs instead of the elevator and find a method that works for you in order to keep your stress level low to help maintain your blood pressure at a normal range.

This February 1st join ANY LAB TEST NOW® in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Wear Red Day. Put on your best red outfit and plan a girlfriends’ trip to your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®. We’re showing our support through a companywide store contest! Come in and give your store a vote by ‘Liking’ their Facebook page. And, if you wear red on February 1, you will receive $10 off any women’s heart health test. 

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Holiday Stress? 3 Tips to Keep You Sane During the Holidays

The holiday season is now in full gear and special family time is always appreciated. The presents you’ve carefully wrapped are ready to be torn open.  Then, you receive that phone call from distant relatives announcing… “Surprise, surprise we’re visiting for the holidays!” Anxiety kicks in, and panic-riddent thoughts immediately start running through our minds. We have all been there with surprise guests – you’re trying to tie the Super Cape back on for last minute holiday shopping combined with overcrowded stores that can make anyone’s head explode. As hard as it is to stay calm during these surprises, leave Stress Avenue and take a detour to The True Meaning of the Season Drive.

Holiday Stressor: Last Minute Shopping

De-stressor: Do you have a long last minute gift list that you can’t seem to trim down? Do you dread going to the crowded mall? Make gift-giving simpler by remembering that the season is about being with your loved ones and not material things. Perhaps purchasing gifts that are more focused on people, such as tickets to that game or concert they have been dying to go to but have not been able to get tickets themselves, gift certificates to their favorite restaurant or a certificate for a day at the spa. When all else fails make it even simpler for you – online shopping! If ordered before the store’s cut-off date, the gifts will make it on time.  Even better, they will wrap them for you!

Holiday Stressor: Entertaining

De-stressor: So the whole family has designated your house as the gathering place, and you will be the host for all holiday events. Great! Now you are worried about doing all the cooking and making sure the house is squeaky-clean and ‘flawless’ for each event.  You may become preoccupied with whether you have enough room for guests to mingle or sit, and playing hostess. Relax and give yourself a break!  Try a different approach to entertaining. Have everyone bring a holiday favorite while you supply the beverages, hot cocoa and holiday desserts. Entertain one another; take turns sharing family stories about way back when; and later on sing along concert of holiday songs.  Make it all about family time and not so much about the ‘perfect’ party.

Holiday Stressor: Following Traditions

De-stressor: We understand that every family has its own traditions. These often mean doing specific things in a certain way all in the name of tradition. Perhaps you want to please elders and carry on with the traditions they know, or maybe you want to follow the same traditions you did when you were younger in order for your children to learn them and carry them on as well. As adorable as it sounds to have these traditions happen, making sure they occur in the ‘perfect’ way often creates more stress. You can choose to make it a team effort and ask your loved ones which part of the traditions they really like. Keep the winners down to a few and go all out on just those. This way the traditions will not only be more relaxed, but they will also be easier to keep for future holidays. If you are a spontaneous person, another option is to make ‘winging it’, a tradition in itself. Why not do whatever feels festive in the moment? It will keep it mysterious and fun for holidays to come.

This holiday season don’t let holiday stress put a damper on your health. Remember that the season is about spending time with the ones you love and enjoying each other. Take Control of Your Health® and stay stress free this holiday season with ANY LAB TEST NOW®.

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World AIDS Day: A Day to Raise Awareness & Join the Fight!

What does AIDS stand for? These days this question may seem a little ridiculous to ask, because since the 1980’s awareness for STD’s especially HIV, all over the world has continued to grow. Nevertheless many still confuse AIDS with every existent STD out there. In simple terms AIDS stands for A-cquired I-mmuno D-eficiency S-yndrome. This is the final stage of the HIV infection; by the time HIV patients reach this state their immune systems are badly damaged; which in turn puts them at risk of acquiring opportunistic infections (OI’s).

According to CDC reports more that one million people in the U.S. are currently living with HIV. The global statistics are even larger and continue to grow at warp speed. We know this disease is no joking matter and it’s in all of us to make sure we raise awareness even if it’s just to change one life. That is where getting tested can play a starring role in the movie of your life.

Getting tested is something that everyone should do at least once in their lives. Unfortunately there is a stigma that surrounds this subject and as hard as it is to believe these illnesses are more common than we care to admit. Why get tested? Because being symptom free doesn’t mean disease free and worrying is worst than knowing. It is also never too late to play it safe and it is important to protect the ones you love from this disease while raising awareness that AIDS exists and it can’t be ignored.

This December 1st let’s join the fight and take the pledge to raise awareness during World AIDS Day. Organizations like AIDS.gov can provide you more information on taking the pledge to ‘Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation’. ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be the friend without judgment and confidant you need during this process. To find out more about our comprehensive STD panel and tests visit www.anylabtestnow.com.

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Diabetes & the Holidays

It has been reported that diabetes affects 25.8 million people in the US alone. Out of these, 18.8 million people are diagnosed and 7 million go on undiagnosed.  As diabetes awareness month comes to a close and the holiday season kicks off, living with diabetes can be a little tougher than usual. With such a high number of people with diabetes everything that comes with the holiday season besides family time can become a form of temptation for a diabetic.

During the holidays we love going for round 2 of that amazing turkey with the stuffing and all the goodies around the table. We also love to indulge in that glass of wine for the holiday toast.  Sometimes there are multiple toasts, and some stay true to the saying ‘it’s rude if you don’t drink after a toast!’. When you have diabetes, indulging in these events can cause serious consequences to your health.  So what are you to do this holiday season with all these temptations all around you?

In terms of indulging in that glass of wine or champagne for your New Year’s toast, studies have shown that it is okay if you indulge in that one glass for your toast. However, more than one can seriously increase your blood sugar levels lasting up to 24 hours. As for your trip to the delicious goodies table, there are two myths attached to the diabetes diet. The first myth is that you have to give up your favorite holiday foods. Studies have shown that if you simply modify the way in which the meal is prepared and reduce the serving size, your diabetes will not get out of control. Nevertheless, Round 2 of those mouth-watering pies, cakes, frosting-covered cookies and figgy pudding is not advisable. The second myth is that you absolutely have to give up desserts, again not true! Portion control and choosing healthier desserts such as fresh fruit and yogurt can help you give in to your sweet tooth without affecting your blood sugar levels.

Living with diabetes is all about monitoring your levels. ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be the monitoring partner you need. Our Diabetes Maintenance Panel will help you and your physician monitor your glucose levels and/or adjust your diabetic medications accordingly. This holiday season Take Control of Your Health® and visit an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you.

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