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May 2009 is
National Hemochromatosis Genetic
Screening &Awareness Month
Sponsored by the
American Hemochromatosis Society

Help us to spread the word about Hereditary Hemochromatosis!

The American Hemochromatosis Society’s, “National Hemochromatosis Genetic Testing and Awareness Month” is May 2009 (www.americanhs.org). The American Hemochromatosis Society (AHS) is urging Americans to test themselves for hereditary Hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload or iron storage disease. Hemochromatosis is easy to diagnose. You can even diagnose it yourself through a self testing lab. And, it is also easy to treat with bloodletting, identical to blood donation.  In fact, you can prevent Hemochromatosis by becoming an avid community blood donor!

AHS’s president, Sandra Thomas, lost her mother, Josephine Bogie Thomas, 10 years ago today, May 13, 1999 to hereditary Hemochromatosis. Josephine was born in Mt. Sterling and loved it throughout her childhood. She later moved to Louisville, when she met her husband, Joe Thomas and they were married in 1940. The American Hemochromatosis Society salutes the memory of Josephine and her valiant crusade to increase awareness of Hemochromatosis. This is why Sandra founded AHS and has made it her quest to test America for Hemochromatosis! With an early diagnosis, Hemochromatosis is easily treated and the patient can have a normal life span.

By visiting the AHS web site, you can find out why people with European ancestry, especially Irish and Scottish ancestry, should be tested, and how many medical conditions, such as chronic fatigue, arthritis, hair loss, impotence, infertility, diabetes, liver disease, and heart attacks, could be symptoms of this treatable condition. You can also learn more about how to diagnose and treat Hemochromatosis and understand why blood donors will probably never suffer from it.

Finally, even if you don’t have a doctor, you can learn how easy it is to test yourself for this disease without ever visiting your doctor’s office! Simply contact HealthCheckUSA (www.healthcheckusa.com) or call toll free: 1-800-929-2044 to order the tests you need to find out if you have this common condition.

Sandra Thomas always tells patients:
“We all have to die of something, but it doesn’t have to be hereditary Hemochromatosis!”

For more information, please contact:
Sandra Thomas, President, American Hemochromatosis Society
Email: mail@americanhs.org
Office Tel: 407-829-4488 Toll free: 1-888-655-IRON (4766)
4044 W. Lake Mary Blvd., 104, PMB 416, Lake Mary, Fl. 32746

HealthCheckUSA’s mission is to assist in the prevention of disease by providing affordable, yet quality health screening services to the public. HealthCheckUSA provides people with the ability to access all types of blood tests for multiple conditions and diseases without a physician’s referral, and at nearly half the typical cost.

As the nation’s leading direct-to-consumer medical testing service, we are affiliated with testing laboratories in small towns and major cities in all 50 states. The tests that we provide are the same as those ordered by doctors across the country, and indeed, many physicians refer their patients to us.

To ensure the highest-quality tests and accurate results, HealthCheckUSA is associated with the country’s major fully accredited medical reference laboratories. Satisfaction is always guaranteed.

“On the Bright Side”

From Experience Life, June 2004

The National Institutes of Health cite osteoporosis among the most serious dangers of not getting enough vitamin D. In one study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (April 28, 1999), one-half of women with osteoporosis who were hospitalized for hip fracture at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston also happened to be deficient in vitamin D. Another study in Australia came upon a similar finding: Of 1,500 elderly women, the higher the vitamin-D levels, the less likely they were to suffer a bone-breaking fall.

Meanwhile, rickets, a vitamin-D-deficiency disease that prevents proper bone formation in childhood, has recently resurfaced as a public-health issue – possibly, some speculate, because of decreased exposure to sunlight.

But the benefits of this nutrient are more than bone deep. “Low vitamin-D states are also associated with diabetes, hypertension, weak immune systems and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis,” says Gregory Plotnikoff, MD, MTS, FACC, associate professor of clinical medicine and pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. “In many cases, vitamin D regulates the genes associated with key functions. When not enough vitamin D is present, disease may be present.”

Read more about the links between vitamin-D deficiency and other things such as pain, muscle pain and cancer http://www.experiencelifemag.com/issues/june-2004/health-wellness/on-the-bright-side.html?ht

HealthCheckUSA’s mission is to assist in the prevention of disease by providing affordable, yet quality health screening services to the public. HealthCheckUSA provides people with the ability to access all types of blood tests for multiple conditions and diseases without a physician’s referral, and at nearly half the typical cost.

As the nation’s leading direct-to-consumer medical testing service, we are affiliated with testing laboratories in small towns and major cities in all 50 states. The tests that we provide are the same as those ordered by doctors across the country, and indeed, many physicians refer their patients to us.

To ensure the highest-quality tests and accurate results, HealthCheckUSA is associated with the country’s major fully accredited medical reference laboratories. Satisfaction is always guaranteed.

“Vitamin D in the Crossfire”

From Experience Life, June 2006

While the tried and true advice — seek shade, wear sunscreen, avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily — hasn’t changed, recent research indicates that our hyper-vigilance about sun exposure may actually be compromising our body’s ability to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D.

We’ve long known vitamin D is essential to building strong bones, but a flurry of emerging studies is linking deficiencies of the sunshine vitamin to a growing list of serious health concerns, including hypertension, diabetes, depression and a variety of cancers. Despite vitamin D also coming from foods like eggs, cod liver oil, fatty fish and fortified products, many Americans, especially those living in cloudier climes, do not get today’s “adequate intakes” for bone health.

Read more about vitamin D in the crossfire here http://www.experiencelifemag.com/issues/june-2006/health-wellness/vitamin-d-in-the-crossfire.html?ht

HealthCheckUSA’s mission is to assist in the prevention of disease by providing affordable, yet quality health screening services to the public. HealthCheckUSA provides people with the ability to access all types of blood tests for multiple conditions and diseases without a physician’s referral, and at nearly half the typical cost.

As the nation’s leading direct-to-consumer medical testing service, we are affiliated with testing laboratories in small towns and major cities in all 50 states. The tests that we provide are the same as those ordered by doctors across the country, and indeed, many physicians refer their patients to us.

To ensure the highest-quality tests and accurate results, HealthCheckUSA is associated with the country’s major fully accredited medical reference laboratories. Satisfaction is always guaranteed.

“Light Rhythms”

From Experience Life, June 2009

Recent studies in North America and Europe indicate that a staggering 95 percent of people are vitamin D deficient — not surprising given how much time we spend inside.

Sunlight doesn’t just help set your internal clock, it actually nourishes your body by helping it create vitamin D.  Classified as a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin D acts more like a hormone, working with the parathyroid hormone to balance calcium in the blood and build strong bones. It also maintains healthy cellular growth and regulates the immune system, which prevents excessive inflammation that can lead to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, periodontal disease, multiple sclerosis and irritable-bowel diseases. 

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies currently calls for 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day for people younger than 50, 400 IU for those 51 to 70, and 600 IU for people 71 and older. But organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have called on the government to raise those numbers to between 1,000 to 2,000 IU daily.

Read more about sunlight and vitamin D here http://www.experiencelifemag.com/issues/june-2009/health-wellness/light-rhythms.html?ht

HealthCheckUSA’s mission is to assist in the prevention of disease by providing affordable, yet quality health screening services to the public. HealthCheckUSA provides people with the ability to access all types of blood tests for multiple conditions and diseases without a physician’s referral, and at nearly half the typical cost.

As the nation’s leading low cost, direct-to-consumer medical testing service, we are affiliated with testing laboratories in small towns and major cities in all 50 states. The tests that we provide are the same as those ordered by doctors across the country, and indeed, many physicians refer their patients to us.

To ensure the highest-quality tests and accurate results, HealthCheckUSA is associated with the country’s major fully accredited medical reference laboratories. Satisfaction is always guaranteed.

“Escape From Inertia”
From Experience Life, May 2009

Most of us struggle at some point to overcome a stubborn resistance to exercising. Not sure what’s keeping you from exercising more regularly? Here’s a reason that may be lurking beneath the surface:

Undiagnosed health issues. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid doesn’t release enough metabolism-stimulating hormones, can make you unnaturally fatigued and your muscles sore and weak. Even under the best circumstances, this condition can make exercise seem impossible.

More tips for getting - and keeping - your body in motion, even when you don’t feel like it visit http://www.experiencelifemag.com/issues/may-2009/fit-body/escape-from-inertia.html?ht=

If you would like to test your thyroid, click here to order the Thyroid Panel II from HealthCheckUSA.com.

Experience Life Magazine is a partner of HealthCheckUSA.com.

HealthCheckUSA helps you on your path to healthy living. We will provide you with monthly tips, articles, and ideas you can use to start, or continue, living a healthy way of life.

In recognition of March being National Nutrition Month, we’re highlighting tips to help enhance your nutritional knowledge.  In March is should also be noted that today, March 24th is American Diabetes Alert Day. This day is a call to inform the public about diabetes and what can happen if this disease is left undiagnosed or untreated.  Nutrition is a key component in diabetes prevention and learning more about better nutrition is a great way to start becoming more aware of the diabetes.

21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day - Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Diabetes Alert Day is a day for the American Diabetes Association to “Sound the Alert” about the dangers of diabetes and encourage people who are overweight, physically inactive, and over 45 years of age to get tested for diabetes.

Nearly 24 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes in the United States!  Nearly 70% of diabetes cases in the U.S. are triggered by being overweight.  This staggering number is the reason why everyone should be aware of this disease and aware of ways to eat healthier to prevent diabetes.

Diabetes Facts

• 30% of people with diabetes do not know they have it

• 1 in 5 Americans is at risk for developing diabetes

• People reduce their risk of developing diabetes by 58%, just from modest weight loss

• Diabetes can cause heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, amputation, and death

21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day - Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Diabetes Alert Day is a day for the American Diabetes Association to “Sound the Alert” about the dangers of diabetes and encourage people who are overweight, physically inactive, and over 45 years of age to get tested for diabetes.

Nearly 24 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes in the United States!  Nearly 70% of diabetes cases in the U.S. are triggered by being overweight.  This staggering number is the reason why everyone should be aware of this disease and aware of ways to eat healthier to prevent diabetes.

HealthCheckUSA offers consumers a convenient and low cost option for diabetes testing.  We have over 5,000 locations nationwide to get tested.  Click here for more information and to schedule your test today.

Today, February 6, is Wear Red Day, also known as National Heart Today. Meant to raise awareness for women’s heart disease, Wear Red Day was started by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Heart disease symptoms for women are typically much more subtle than heart disease symptoms for men. The American Heart Association released some statistics regarding heart disease and women, such as how it’s 52% more likely for women to experience delays in getting treatment after calling 911 to report cardiac symptoms. Also, women are more likely to die from severe heart attacks once they’re in the hospital.

Women’s heart disease symptoms can include unusual fatigue, indigestion, anxiety and shortness of breath. During a heart attack, symptoms can be weakness, a cold sweat and dizziness. Some things that put people at risk for having heart disease are obesity, smoking and a family history of heart disease.

Take a Heart Disease Test

Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the world. In the United States alone, heart disease kills one person every 34 seconds. Getting a heart disease test is very important if you believe you’re at risk or have a family history of heart disease. Take a heart disease test at one of HealthCheckUSA’s many lab locations across the United States.

Memphis, Tennessee’s Commercial Appeal published a story recently about how half of people with a thyroid disorder don’t even know they have it. Experts attribute this to people often thinking the symptoms they’re experiencing, like weight problems, are just part of their normal daily life. This is why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a thyroid disorder so that if you feel you’re experiencing any, you can get a thyroid test.

The article notes that women are typically more affected by thyroid problems than men. And during pregnancy, the thyroid usually enlarges. If you’re pregnant, taking a thyroid test can be a good measure to take, especially if you’re at risk for having thyroid problems. The risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery, the article says, is increased when a pregnant woman has an under-active thyroid. Plus, a new baby might not grow normally when the mother has an under-active thyroid.

Other symptoms of a thyroid disorder include gaining weight for no apparent reason, or struggling with weight problems. When there’s too much thyroid hormone being produced, a person can suffer from sweating, weak thighs and upper arms, tension, erratic pulse and frequent bowel movements. On the other hand, too little thyroid hormone being produced can result in hypothyroidism, where a person can experience dry skin, hair loss, sore muscles, depression and exhaustion. When the thyroid isn’t functioning as it should, it has an effect on the rest of the body, as it’s essentially the metronome for all of your body’s cells.

If you believe you may have a thyroid disorder, don’t hesitate to take a thyroid test. HealthCheckUSA offers several different kinds of lab tests and thyroid screenings. There’s the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Test, or TSH test, which is the most important test for determining the status of the thyroid. Every five years, everyone over the age of 35 should get a TSH thyroid screening, as recommended by the American Thyroid Association.

Two economical thyroid screening panels are also available at HealthCheckUSA. These thyroid screenings combine multiple thyroid lab tests with the TSH thyroid screening — and it’s all at an affordable price. There’s the Thyroid Panel, which includes the T3 uptake, T4 total, T7 thyroid screening tests along with the TSH thyroid screening. There’s also the Thyroid Panel II, which includes the free T3 and free T4 thyroid screenings as well as the TSH test.

HealthCheckUSA also offers the TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) thyroid test and the anti-thyroid antibodies screening.