Low Cost Blood Testing: The Health Check USA Blog » HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Flu Shot

Posted by David | Posted on 15-10-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Flu Shot – your best bet for avoiding influenza

Tags: Antibody, blood, blood test locations, cancer, centers for best bet, centers for cdc, cheap health insurance, cheap insurance, cheap STD testing, cheap STD tests, check, chlamydia, cholesterol, deficiency, diabetes, discount, disease, disease control and prevention, diseases, estrogen, fda, flu, flu season, flu shots, flu vaccine, flu virus, food and drug administration, health, healthcheckusa, healthy, heart, hepatitis, herpes, hiv, hormone, infertility, influenza virus, iron, kidney, lab, lab test locations, lab testing locations, lab tests, low cost blood testing, low cost blood tests, low cost lab testing, mary shomon, metabolism, nasal spray, no insurance lab tests, older adults, physician, pregnant, prevention, prostate, psa, respiratory infection, results, risk, saliva, std, STDs, stop the thyroid madness, swine flu, symptoms, syphilis, test, testing, testosterone, tests, thyroid, thyroid tests, type, types, virus, virus changes, virus influenza, virus strains, wellness

Low Cost Lab Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

The following information is from the Mayo Clinic.

Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza

Getting a flu shot often protects you from coming down with the flu. And while the flu shot doesn’t always provide total protection, it’s still worth getting..

by the Mayo Clinic

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccines that will be available this fall to protect people against several seasonal flu (influenza) viruses expected to be in circulation this fall and winter.

This annual flu shot won’t contain protection against the pandemic swine flu (novel H1N1) virus. A separate vaccine has been developed for the swine flu virus.

Influenza is a respiratory infection that sickens millions of people each year and can cause serious complications, especially in children and older adults. Fortunately, the flu vaccine — available in the form of a flu shot or a nasal spray — offers protection against the flu.

Here are the answers to common questions about flu shots.

When is the flu vaccine available?
The flu vaccine is generally offered between September and mid-November, which is typically before the late-fall to early winter start of flu season. However, getting a flu shot even later in the flu season may still protect you. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity following a flu shot.

Why do I need to get vaccinated every year?
You need annual flu protection because the influenza virus changes from year to year. The flu vaccine you got last year wasn’t designed to fight the virus strains in circulation this flu season.

Influenza viruses mutate so quickly that they can render one season’s vaccine ineffective by the next season. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee meets early in the year to estimate which strains of influenza virus will be most prevalent during the upcoming flu season, and manufacturers produce vaccine based on those recommendations.

Who should get the flu vaccine?
Most people who want to reduce the risk of getting influenza can get a flu shot. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine each year if you:
- Are age 6 months up to 19 years
- Are pregnant
- Are 50 years old or older
- Have a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart, kidney or lung disease
- Have a weakened immune system such as from some medications or HIV infection
- Are a resident of a nursing home or other long term care facility
- Are a child care worker or health care worker or live with or care for someone at high risk of complications from the flu

Who shouldn’t get the flu shot?
Don’t get a flu shot if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past.
- Are allergic to chicken eggs.
- Developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a serious autoimmune disease affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, within six weeks of receiving the vaccine in the past. People who have experienced Guillain-Barre after the flu vaccine are at higher risk than are others of developing it again.
- Have a fever. Wait until your symptoms improve before getting vaccinated.

What are my options for the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine comes in two forms:

A shot. A flu shot contains an inactivated vaccine made of killed virus. The injection is usually given in the arm. Because the viruses in the vaccine are killed (inactivated), the shot won’t cause you to get the flu, but it will enable your body to develop the antibodies necessary to ward off influenza viruses. You may have a slight reaction to the shot, such as soreness at the injection site, mild muscle ache or fever. Reactions usually last one to two days and are more likely to occur in children who have never been exposed to flu virus.

A nasal spray. Administered through your nose, the nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) consists of a low dose of live, but weakened, flu viruses. The vaccine doesn’t cause the flu, but it does prompt an immune response in your nose and upper airways as well as throughout your body.

What kind of protection does the flu vaccine offer?
According to the CDC, when the match between flu vaccine and circulating strains of flu virus is close, a flu shot is between 70 and 90 percent effective in warding off influenza in healthy people under age 65.

The flu vaccine is less effective:
- When the vaccine isn’t a close match to the type of flu viruses circulating in the community
- In people over the age of 65
- In people with compromised immune systems
- Why do children need two doses of the flu vaccine?
- Children younger than 9 years old require two doses of the flu vaccine if it’s the first time they’ve been vaccinated for influenza. That’s because children don’t develop an adequate antibody level the first time they get the vaccine. Antibodies help fight the virus if it enters your child’s system. If a flu vaccine shortage were to occur and your child couldn’t get two doses of vaccine, one dose might still offer some protection.

I heard the flu shot isn’t very effective for older adults. Is it worth getting vaccinated if you’re over 65?
If you’re over age 65, the vaccine doesn’t offer as much protection as it would to someone younger because older adults produce fewer antibodies in response to the virus. Still, the vaccine offers more protection than does skipping the shot altogether. More important, the flu vaccine decreases the risk of flu-related complications — especially pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and death — to which older adults are especially vulnerable.

Can I lower my risk of the flu without getting a flu shot?
With or without a flu shot, you can take steps to help protect yourself from the flu and other viruses. Good hygiene remains your primary defense against contagious illnesses.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible.
- Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

HealthCheckUSA, a service of Life Time Fitness, is the nation’s leader in low cost, consumer blood, lab and saliva testing providing people the ability to access all types of discounted lab tests without a physician’s referral and at 50% – 80% savings.

HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

Posted by David | Posted on 15-10-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: How serious is the global threat from Swine Flu?

Category : HealthCheckUSA News

Tags: blood, blood test locations, blood testing, blood tests, cancer, check, chlamydia, cholesterol, complete, count, county health department, day, deficiency, diabetes, discount, disease, diseases, DNA, estrogen, flu viruses, global pandemic, global threat, health, health care provider, healthcheckusa, heart, hepatitis, herpes, high fever, hiv, hormone, infection control, infertility, influenza viruses, iron, lab, lab testing, lab tests, laboratory test, low cost blood work, low cost lab testing, low cost thyroid testing, mayo clinic, metabolism, new flu virus, no insurance, no insurance blood work, occasional cases, prostate, psa, public gatherings, respiratory symptoms, results, risk, saliva, self care, std, STDs, swine flu, swine influenza, syphilis, test, testing, testosterone, tests, thyroid, type a influenza, virus, who, work

Low Cost Lab Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

The following information is from the Mayo Clinic.

Swine flu (H1N1): How serious is the global threat?

Question: What’s the real story about swine flu? I’ve heard it called a pandemic, but I’m not sure what that means.

Answer: from James M. Steckelberg, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic

You’re not alone in your confusion about swine flu — specifically, the flu caused by novel swine influenza H1N1 virus, which was identified and designated a global pandemic in spring 2009. Because this is a new flu virus, everyone is vulnerable to infection.

Swine flu is one of the many type A influenza viruses. It’s unusual for humans to catch swine flu, but occasional cases occur, usually in people who have contact with infected pigs. Like other flu viruses, the swine flu virus changes its DNA as it spreads, giving rise to a number of subtypes.

A new vaccine has been developed to protect against H1N1 swine flu. To reduce your risk of catching and spreading the virus:

- Keep tabs on respiratory symptoms. If you or someone in your family develops symptoms suggesting a cold or the flu, avoid crowds, and be alert for persistent or worsening symptoms, particularly a high fever.

- Stay home if you’re sick. If you have swine flu or seasonal flu, don’t go to work, school or public gatherings until you’ve had no fever and taken no fever-reducing medication for 24 hours. Unless your infection is unusually severe, fever and other symptoms should end in three to five days.

- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Flu viruses can survive for two hours or longer on surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops.

- Be prepared. Ask your health care provider or county health department about immunization and infection-control plans.

Question: Why is swine flu a pandemic? Has H1N1 flu turned out to be much worse than expected?

Answer: from James M. Steckelberg, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic

It’s not actually worse, just — as predicted — widespread. That’s why the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a level 6 influenza pandemic alert — the highest level alert of its kind.

A World Health Organization phase 6 pandemic indicates that influenza due to the novel H1N1 swine flu is occurring in multiple countries around the world and that human infection is widespread. The classification does not reflect the severity of individual infections.

The alert level is also notable because:

- The swine flu H1N1 virus is globally widespread at the community level.

- The chain of person-to-person transmission is no longer clear in some areas, so testing all suspected cases is not feasible.

- The groups most severely affected differ from those who typically develop seasonal flu complications.

- Rates of severe illness and death from novel H1N1 influenza may be unusually high in the developing world.

- The WHO continues to recommend against travel restrictions, quarantines and border closings.

Posted by David | Posted on 26-08-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: D.C. to Offer STD Tests In Every High School

Category : std testing

Tags: activist, aids, aids activists, aids outreach, Antibody, blood, c school, cancer, check, chlamydia, cholesterol, complete, confidential std testing, contracting hiv, count, darryl fears, day, deficiency, diabetes, disease, diseases, doctor, elect, epidemic, female, health, healthcheckusa, heart, hepatitis, herpes, herpeselect, high school students, hiv, hormone, infertility, intercourse, iron, lab, lab tests, law and justice, low cost blood work, low cost STD testing, metabolism, national, nelson hernandez, panel, physician, pilot program, popularity, pregnant std tests, prevention, prostate, psa, public high schools, report, reports, results, risk, saliva, screening, sexually, std, std rate, STD testing centers, STD testing locations, STDs, syphilis, test, testing, testosterone, tests, thyroid, transmitted, type, types, unsafe sex, urban school districts, urine sample, virus, walter smith, washington post, work

Low Cost STD Lab Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Confidential, Affordable STD Lab Testing

Written By Darryl Fears and Nelson Hernandez, Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

D.C. school officials are planning to offer STD lab tests for sexually transmitted diseases to all high school students in the coming school year, expanding a pilot program that uncovered a significant number of infected children.

The program conducted last year at eight high schools found that 13 percent of about 3,000 students tested positive for an STD, mostly gonorrhea or chlamydia, according to the D.C. Department of Health.

The expansion places D.C. public schools in the vanguard of a growing number of urban school districts that test adolescents for STDs. About 12,000 students attend public high schools in the District.

STDs are of particular concern to AIDS activists because they increase the risk of contracting HIV. The testing program was hailed in a report being released Wednesday by the D.C. Appleseed Center for Law and Justice as a positive step in the city’s effort to arrest its growing AIDS rate, which is the highest in the nation and is considered an epidemic. Half of the city’s cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea are among adolescents.

The program, which has been discussed by the D.C. school board, requires students to attend a lecture about STDs, but they can opt out of providing a urine sample for the test. All 50 states and the District allow minors older than 12 to be screened for STDs without parental consent.

“The program tells us that a lot of students in the public school system are engaging in unsafe sex,” said Walter Smith, executive director of D.C. Appleseed, which advocates for more AIDS outreach and education in the schools. “If 13 percent of these students are testing positive for STDs, those same kids could get HIV. A lot needs to be done to get the message out to the schools . . . and this very high STD rate is an indication that what we’ve been doing is not effective.”

In a 2007 study by the D.C. public school system, 60 percent of high school students and 30 percent of middle school students reported having had intercourse. Twenty percent of the high school students said they had had sex with four or more partners, and 12 percent of the middle school students said they had had three or more partners.

The D.C. schools first offered the tests two years ago at two charter schools. Health department workers presented a lecture on STDs to groups of 20 to 30 students in grades 9 through 12; none of the students was younger than 15. After the lecture, students were invited to submit urine samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing at a health department laboratory.

Of 987 students who attended the lectures, 68 percent submitted urine specimens, according to a report. Of those students, 9 percent tested positive for at least one STD.

Test results were provided confidentially by telephone, and the city paid for treatment at the school or an STD clinic. Students who decided to be treated by a family physician were responsible for their own payments. Students were counseled about STDs and HIV prevention, were given notification cards to inform partners of the positive diagnosis and were encouraged to share the results with their parents.

In the past school year, the program was modified and expanded to eight high schools: Ballou, Banneker, Anacostia and Dunbar high schools, Moore Academy and Choice Academy, and two charter schools, Rock Creek Academy and High Road Academy. In those schools, a 45-minute lecture was given, followed by a question-and-answer period, officials said.

Chad Ferguson, deputy chief of youth engagement for the D.C. schools, said the tests are administered by taking groups of 15 to 20 students at a time to the restroom area. The students are given paper bags containing urine collection cups and enter bathroom stalls. Once they get in the stalls, they can choose whether or not to provide urine samples. All the students return the paper bags, so other students do not necessarily know who did or did not provide a sample. Students provide a password and then call in a week later to get their result and treatment, if necessary.

The D.C. STD testing program is a near copy of a Philadelphia program that began in 2002. In the 2004-05 school year, 30,000 students in 53 high schools attended presentations, and 16,000 submitted specimens for testing, according to a report by the Philadelphia Department of Health. More than 4 percent tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea or both.

School systems in New York, Chicago, New Orleans and Baltimore, among others, either perform screening for sexually transmitted diseases or are preparing to begin pilot programs. In Baltimore, no parental consent is required. In New York, parents can elect to not have their child tested. In New Orleans, a parent must give consent for a child to take the test.

“We have Third World statistics in terms of our HIV issues, and from the HIV perspective, we do need to find a way to identify students so that we can help them,” said William Lockridge, a member of the State Board of Education representing Ward 8.

But he said parents need to be involved. “Right now, if you play sports in a public school, you have to get permission from your parents. If you take a field trip, you have to get permission from your parents. Why would it be any less for this? . . . Only if the parent gives the consent upfront would I do this.”

D.C. Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large) offered a different viewpoint. “This isn’t necessarily intended to comfort adults,” said Catania, who chairs the health committee. “I don’t think you turn a blind eye and pretend these problems don’t exist.”

Catania said he has not heard much community opposition to the testing. “In this regard, I find our population to be extremely secure,” he said. “I’m not condoning this behavior. I don’t think young people are equipped for the consequences of engaging in sex, but the fact is that they do.”

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 1.1 million new cases were reported in 2007, up from 1 million the previous year.

Because the condition is mainly asymptomatic, most cases of chlamydia go undiagnosed. The CDC estimates that there are actually about 2.8 million new cases of chlamydia in the country each year, indicating that more than 1 million are undiagnosed. Symptoms include an inflamed pelvis and chronic pelvic pain, similar to symptoms for gonorrhea.

HealthCheckUSA offers many STD lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We have over 5,000 lab locations throughout the United States.

Recommended STD Lab Tests

HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test

Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)

Chlamydia Antibody STD Test

Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test

Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood, urine and saliva tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

Posted by David | Posted on 19-08-2009

HealthCheckUSA Health Alert: STD Testing Recommendations

Category : Blood Testing, std testing

Tags: Antibody, blisters, blood, blood test, blood tests, cancer, cells, cervix, check, chlamydia, cholesterol, complete, condom use, count, deficiency, diabetes, disease, diseases, DNA, doctor, female, genital, health, healthcheckusa, heart, hepatitis, herpes, herpeselect, hormone, hpv infection, human papillomavirus, intercourse, iron, lab, lab testing, lab tests, low cost blood testing, low cost STD blood work, low cost STD testing, low cost thyroid testing, mayo clinic rochester, metabolism, multiple partners, obstetrics and gynecology, panel, pap smear, physician, precancerous changes, prevention, prostate, psa, risk, saliva, screening, sexual partners, sexually, std, STD locations, STD testing centers, STD tests, STDs, syphilis, testing, testosterone, tests, thyroid, type of cancer, urine tests, virus

Low Cost STD Lab Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA on STD Testing

STD Testing Recommendations: Part 1

By Mayo Clinic staff , Mary Gallenberg, M.D.

STD testing: What to know before your appointment
Not all doctors perform the same lab tests for sexually transmitted diseases, known as STD testing. Learn which STD lab tests you may need, which you might have to ask for and the limitations of STD testing.

If you’re sexually active, particularly with multiple partners, you’ve probably heard the following advice many times — use protection and make sure you and your partners receive routine STD testing. But what’s included in routine STD testing? Not all doctors test for the same STDs. And some STDs — some of which can’t be fully prevented by condom use — can’t be tested for. So even if you ask your doctor to test you for everything, this doesn’t mean that you or your partner will be screened for or clear of all STDs.

The only way to fully protect yourself against STDs is to abstain from sex. However, if you’ve decided to be sexually active, routine STD testing is important to managing your health. Mary Gallenberg, M.D., a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., helps clarify what kinds of STD tests are important and how to ensure you get them.

If you’re sexually active, what routine STD lab tests are most important?

STD Lab Testing For Women:
At a minimum, get a Pap smear — a simple procedure that collects cells from your cervix to test for cancer or precancerous changes. This type of cancer can arise as a result of a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection — a common STD. Pap smears are recommended for women who are age 21 and older or no later than three years after a woman’s first intercourse. If you’re a woman between age 30 and 69, you may only need a Pap smear every two to three years if you’ve had three normal Pap smears in a row and have had no new sexual partners.

STD Lab Testing For Men:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t suggest routine STD screening if you don’t have any symptoms, unless your sexual practices include having sex with men.

If you are a man who has sex with men, annual screening for HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended. HIV and syphilis can be life-threatening if untreated, and Chlamydia and gonorrhea can put you at greater risk of acquiring HIV and other STDs.

STD Lab Testing For Men and Women:
Also see your doctor for STD testing if you have any signs such as genital sores, including fluid-filled blisters, ulcerations or warts, or if you have unusual discharge from your penis or vagina. If you’re a woman, abdominal pain or fever along with unusual discharge may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — an STD-related condition that can cause infertility.

The CDC also encourages voluntary HIV testing, at least once, as a routine part of medical care if you are an adolescent or adult between the ages of 13 to 64. The CDC advises yearly HIV testing if you are at high risk of infection, for example if you’ve had unprotected sex with more than one sexual partner since your last screening.

What other STD testing do you recommend?
First, don’t assume that during an annual exam or Pap smear that you’re also receiving STD testing. This may not be the case. If you think you need STD testing, you must request it from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and what tests you’d like or need.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia STD Testing
If you are a sexually active girl or woman under age 24, or a woman older than 24 and at risk of STDs — for example you are having sex with a new partner or multiple partners — get screened annually for gonorrhea and Chlamydia. If untreated, these infections can cause PID in women. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can also significantly increase your risk of acquiring other STDs like HIV. If you are a man who has sex with men, get tested for these infections at least annually.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia screening is either done through a urine test or through a swab inside the penis in men or from the inside of the cervix in women. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory. Screening is important, because you can be unaware that you have either infection. For example, approximately 80 percent of women and 50 percent of men diagnosed with Chlamydia don’t have symptoms at the time of diagnosis.

Syphilis, hepatitis and HIV STD Testing
If you test positive for gonorrhea or Chlamydia, you’re at greater risk of other STDs such as syphilis, HIV and hepatitis and should get tested for these infections.

In addition, request HIV, syphilis and hepatitis testing if you:
• Have had more than one sexual partner since your last screening
• Use IV drugs
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Are concerned you’ve been exposed

Your doctor tests you for syphilis by taking either a blood sample or a swab from any genital sores you might have. The sample is examined in a laboratory. A blood sample is taken to test for HIV and hepatitis A and B.

It’s possible that you may test negative for syphilis or HIV if you’ve only just recently acquired the infection. If you or your doctor suspects this is the case, you may need to be rescreened at a later date. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
Consider vaccination for hepatitis A and B. You can prevent these infections by receiving the vaccines.

What about other common STDs like genital herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection?

Genital herpes and STD Testing
Unfortunately, no good screening STD test exists for herpes, a viral infection that can be transmitted even when a person doesn’t have symptoms. Your doctor may take a tissue scraping or culture of blisters or early ulcers, if you have them, for examination in a laboratory. But a negative test doesn’t rule out herpes as a cause for genital ulcerations.

A blood test may also help detect a herpes infection, but, again, results aren’t always conclusive, particularly if you’re not experiencing signs and symptoms of an active stage. Some blood tests don’t distinguish between types 1 and 2 of the herpes virus. Type 1 is the virus that more typically causes cold sores, although it can also cause genital sores. Type 2 is the virus that more typically causes genital sores. You may ask for a “type-specific” IgG blood test, which differentiates between the two, measuring antibodies to the viruses in your blood. Still, the results may not be totally clear, depending on the sensitivity of the test and the stage of the infection. False-positive and false-negative results are possible.

HPV STD Testing
HPV, an infection that can be transmitted even when a person doesn’t have symptoms, is a condition contracted from one of a group of more than 100 related human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Some of the viruses cause cervical cancer, others cause genital warts. Some never cause any problems. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women will acquire an HPV infection within their lives, and that number jumps to 80 percent of women by age 50.

Being infected with certain types of HPV is the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Women over age 30 may choose to receive a Pap test (to test for cervical cancer) every three years along with a human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test. The HPV test is collected with a brushing from the cervical canal. Women with both a negative Pap test and a negative HPV DNA test are at low risk of developing significant precancerous changes of the cervix over the next three years. The combination of Pap smear and HPV DNA testing is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for screening women younger than 30 because HPV infections that will ultimately clear up on their own are more common in this age group, and a positive test result may lead to unnecessary additional testing and treatment.

The HPV DNA test can test for both low-risk types of HPV, which may cause genital warts, and high-risk types that may cause cervical cancer. Your doctor may recommend testing only for the high-risk types because of their threat to your health. Since no treatments exist for HPV itself — although treatments do exist for genital wart outbreaks caused by HPV — paying for a test to find the low-risk types may be of little use to you.

No HPV test is available for men with the exception of visual inspection or biopsy of genital warts if they are present.
Girls and women ages 9 to 26 can help prevent HPV infection by receiving the HPV vaccine. This vaccine protects against the two strains that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and the two strains that cause 90 percent of genital warts.
STD testing: What to know before your appointment

Are all STD tests always done?
No, as mentioned earlier, men should receive STD testing if they have symptoms, have sex with other men, or if a partner tests positive for an STD. In women, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis testing may be done if other STDs are present. Testing for herpes is only usually done if symptoms are present. And HPV testing isn’t available for men, and only sometimes done for women older than 30.
Ask to be tested for other STDs if you’re concerned. Some tests may be expensive and your insurance may not cover them.

What STD tests are commonly covered by insurance?
Insurance companies differ in what services are covered. Check with your insurer, and if STD testing isn’t covered and you can’t afford to pay, consider testing through HealthCheckUSA. HealthCheckUSA provides affordable STD lab testing that is totally anonymous, confidential and convenient. HealthCheckUSA has over 5,000 locations nationwide for STD Lab Testing Services.

What do you suggest to someone considering having sex with a new partner or who may be at risk of an STD?
If you can’t trust a partner not to give you an STD, you may not want to have sex with that person. You can ask them to be tested for gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, but negative tests for these may mean the infection is just in too early of a stage to detect. Also, there are no good screening tests for herpes, and HPV testing is limited — men can’t be tested unless they have visible warts, and HPV testing generally isn’t recommended for women younger than 30.

If you decide to have sex, use condoms. Condoms help protect you against life-threatening infections like HIV. However, condoms don’t fully protect you against every STD. For example, condoms may not cover all of the skin that might contain an HPV or herpes virus, so the condoms may reduce, but not eliminate, the chance of such a virus being transmitted to you. In fact, you can be exposed to these viruses through genital to genital or mouth to genital contact, not just through intercourse.

If you have sex, you put yourself at some risk even with the most thorough STD testing and condom use, and you have to accept that risk.

If a person tests positive for an STD, what’s the next step?
If you test positive for an STD, the next step is to consider further testing and then to get treatment as recommended by your doctor. In addition, inform any partners. Your partners need to be evaluated and treated, because you can pass some infections back and forth.

Expect to feel various emotions. You may feel ashamed, angry or afraid. These are all normal feelings. Some STDs are very common so you aren’t alone. You’ve done the right thing by getting tested and you can now discuss treatment and how this might affect current or future relationships. Talk with your doctor about your concerns.

HealthCheckUSA offers many STD lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We have over 5,000 lab locations throughout the United States.

Recommended STD Lab Tests

HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test

Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)

Chlamydia Antibody STD Test

Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test

Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

Posted by David | Posted on 29-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Male Menopause and Low T

Category : HealthCheckUSA News

Tags: aging male, andropause, assessment, blood, blood testing, blood work, bloodstream, cancer, check, chlamydia, cholesterol, clinic staff, complete, debunking, deficiency, dhea, diabetes, disease, diseases, disorder, disorders, doctor, energy level, estradiol, estrone, fe male menopause, female, health, healthcheckusa, healthy, heart, hepatitis, herpes, hormone, hormone changes, hormone production, hyperism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, iron, lab, low cost blood test, low t, low t testing, low testosterone, male hormones, male menopause, mayo clinic, medical evaluation, metabolism, online blood test, online blood testing, options, order a blood test without a doctor's order, order a thyroid test, order blood test online, order lab work online, panel, physician, plummets, pregnant, prostate, psa, risk, sexual function, sexually, sleep, sleep apnea, std, STDs, syphilis, test, testing, testosterone, testosterone level, tests, thyroid, thyroxine, travel, tsh, type, types, wellness, work, younger men

Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy From HealthCheckUSA

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA

Sometimes called male menopause, aging-related hormone changes in men are very different from those in women. Understand signs, symptoms and treatment options.

Article re-printed from the MayoClinic.com by the Mayo Clinic staff

Hormone changes are a natural part of aging. Unlike the more dramatic hormone plunge that occurs in women during menopause, however, hormone changes in men occur gradually — over a period of many years. Here’s what to expect, and what you can do about it.

Debunking the male menopause myth

The term “male menopause” is sometimes used to describe decreasing testosterone levels related to aging. Female menopause and so-called male menopause are two different situations, however. In women, ovulation ends and hormone production plummets during a relatively short period of time. In men, hormone production declines more gradually. The effects — such as changes in sexual function, energy level or mood — tend to be subtle and may go unnoticed for years.

So what’s the best way to refer to so-called male menopause? Many doctors use the term “andropause” to describe aging-related hormone changes in men. Other terms for so-called male menopause include testosterone deficiency, androgen deficiency of the aging male and late-onset hypogonadism.

Understanding male hormones over time

Testosterone levels vary greatly among men. In general, however, older men tend to have lower testosterone levels than do younger men. Testosterone levels gradually decline throughout adulthood — about 1 percent a year after age 30 on average. By about age 70, the decrease in a man’s testosterone level can be as much as 50 percent.

Still, it’s important to have a thorough medical evaluation before attributing low testosterone to normal aging. Left untreated, various medical conditions — such as obstructive sleep apnea — may decrease testosterone levels.

Recognizing low testosterone levels
Some men have a lower than normal testosterone level without signs or symptoms. For others, low testosterone may cause:

Changes in sexual function. This may include reduced sexual desire, fewer spontaneous erections — such as during sleep — and infertility. Your testes may become smaller as well.
Changes in sleep patterns. Sometimes low testosterone causes insomnia or other sleep disturbances.

Physical changes. Various physical changes are possible, including increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and decreased bone density. Swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia) and hair loss are possible. You may experience hot flashes and have less energy than you used to.

Emotional changes. Low testosterone may contribute to a decrease in motivation or self-confidence. You may feel sad or depressed, or have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
It’s important to note that some of these signs and symptoms are a normal part of aging. Others can be caused by various underlying factors, including medication side effects, thyroid problems, depression and excessive alcohol use. A blood test is the only way to diagnose a low testosterone level.

Feeling your best
If you suspect that you have a low testosterone level, consult your doctor. He or she can evaluate possible causes for your signs and symptoms and explain treatment options. You can’t boost your natural testosterone production, but these steps may help:

Be honest with your doctor. Work with your doctor to identify and treat any health issues that may be causing or contributing to your signs and symptoms — from medication side effects to erectile dysfunction and other sexual issues.

Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet and include physical activity in your daily routine. Healthy lifestyle choices will help you maintain your strength, energy and lean muscle mass. Regular physical activity can even improve your mood and concentration and promote better sleep.

Seek help if you feel down. Depression in men doesn’t always mean having the blues. You may have depression if you feel irritable, isolated and withdrawn. Other signs of depression common in men include working excessively, drinking too much alcohol, using street drugs or seeking thrills from risky activities.

Be wary of herbal supplements. Herbal supplements haven’t been proved safe and effective for aging-related low testosterone. Some supplements may even be dangerous. Long-term use of DHEA, for example, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Treating aging-related low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy is controversial. For some men, testosterone therapy relieves bothersome signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency. For others, however — particularly older men — the benefits aren’t clear. The risks are a concern as well. Testosterone replacement therapy may increase the risk of prostate cancer or other health problems. If you wonder whether testosterone injections or other testosterone treatments might be right for you, work with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons.

Get your testosterone levels tested at HealthCheckUSA

Testosterone Free and Total Hormones Blood Test
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced mainly in men, but also in women. It causes the development of male sex characteristics (deepness of voice, hair growth patterns), strengthens muscle tone and bone mass, and effects sexual drive. In Women testosterone is used to explain the appearance of male characteristics, inability to get pregnant and as a marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The testosterone hormone blood test can be used to diagnose decreased sex drive in men and women, and infertility in men and women.

A decline in testosterone, with age and lifestyle, can have many men experiencing an increase in the levels of estrogen. The result is a testosterone/estrogen imbalance that directly causes many of the debilitating health problems associated with normal aging. The vast majority of men are surprised to learn that estrogen (a ‘female’ hormone) is also present in their bodies. It is produced in very small amounts as a by-product of the testosterone conversion process. In fact, balanced levels of estrogen in men are essential to encourage a healthy libido, improved brain function, protect the heart and strengthen the bones . . . high levels of estrogen can cause reduced levels of testosterone, fatigue, loss of muscle tone, increased body fat, increased risk of diabetes, heart attack or stroke, some cancers, loss of libido and sexual function and an enlarged prostate.

Most Popular: Men’s Basic Hormone Profile
The HealthCheckUSA Men’s Basic Hormone Profile is a group of blood tests that includes Estrone, DHEA-S, Testosterone Free and Total, Prostate Cancer Test (PSA) and Thyroid Panel (Free T3, Free T4 and TSH) that are often ordered together to help evaluate infertility, erectile dysfunction, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances and to determine stages of male menopause.

This group of blood tests would typically cost $595 from your local doctor or hospital lab. At $229.99, that’s a savings of $400

Blood Tests Included Men’s Basic Hormone Profile:
Thyroid Blood Testing Panel II
The HealthCheckUSA Thyroid Panel II is a group of blood tests that includes Free T3, Free T4 and TSH that are often ordered together to help evaluate thyroid gland function and to help diagnose thyroid disorders. These hormones are chemical substances that travel through the bloodstream and control or regulate your body’s metabolism—how it functions and uses energy.

TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and is part of the body’s feedback system to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 in the blood. When concentrations decrease in the blood, the pituitary is stimulated to release TSH. The TSH in turn stimulates the production and release of T4 and T3 by the thyroid gland. When the system is functioning normally, thyroid production turns on and off to maintain constant blood thyroid hormone levels.

Free T4 measures the free, unbound thyroxine levels in your bloodstream. Free T4 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism.
Free T4 levels represent the level of hormone available for uptake and use by cells. T4 is the storage form of thyroid hormone, called levothyroxine or l-thyroxine, and it’s “main” purpose is to convert to the active hormone T3. Because the free levels of T4 represent immediately available hormone, free T4 is thought to better reflect the patient’s hormonal status than total T4.

Free T3 measures the free, unbound levels of triiodothyronine in your bloodstream. T3 is the active thyroid hormone, also called triiodothyronine, and can be the most important lab you will do. Free T3 is considered more accurate than Total T3. Free T3 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism.

Testosterone Free and Total Hormones
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced mainly in men, but also in women. It causes the development of male sex characteristics (deepness of voice, hair growth patterns), strengthens muscle tone and bone mass, and effects sexual drive. In Women testosterone is used to explain the appearance of male characteristics, inability to get pregnant and as a marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The testosterone test can be used to diagnose decreased sex drive in men and women, and infertility in men and women.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Cancer Blood Test
The prostate cancer blood test (PSA) offered by HealthCheckUSA measures a protein (prostate specific antigen) produced exclusively by the prostate, which is a walnut-sized gland found in men only. It is recommended that you take a prostate cancer blood test (PSA) annually, beginning at age 50, if you do not have any serious medical problems and can be expected to live at least 10 more years, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at high risk for prostate cancer should begin prostate cancer blood testing (PSA) at age 45, or even age 40, depending on your personal and family medical history.

Prostate cancer often grows slowly, which is why early detection greatly aids in cures and treatments. The prostate cancer blood test (PSA) is also helpful after prostate cancer has been diagnosed because it can be used along with other tests to help you and your doctor decide which types of treatment might be best suited to your condition. For example, a very high prostate cancer blood test (PSA) level might indicate that the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. The prostate cancer blood test (PSA) can also show if your cancer treatment is working or if malignant cells still exist following treatment.

Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men in the United States (skin cancer is first). The American Cancer Society estimates about 30,350 men will die from prostate cancer in 2005, and 232,090 new cases will be diagnosed. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, behind only lung cancer, the American Cancer Society says.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an androgen, a hormone that is present in the blood of both men and women. It has a role to play in developing male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty, and it can be metabolized by the body and can be changed into the female hormone estrogen. Since DHEA-S is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, it is useful as a marker for adrenal function. DHEA-S is produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts being produced by the woman’s ovaries and man’s testes. DHEA-S secretion is controlled by the pituitary hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and by other pituitary factors.

Estrone Hormone
Estrone is one of the three estrogens, which also include estriol and estradiol. Estrone is produced primarily from androstenedione originating from the gonads or the adrenal cortex. Estrone is relevant to health and disease states because of its conversion to estrone sulfate, a long-lived derivative. Estrone sulfate acts as a reservoir that can be converted as needed to the more active estradiol.

Additional Blood Testing Panels from HealthCheckUSA

Men’s Comprehensive Blood Testing Profile
Total Health and Wellness Lab Assessment
Ultimate Health and Wellness Lab Assessment Save Over $700!

HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price.

Posted by David | Posted on 29-07-2009

Blood Tests from HealthCheckUSA: Knowledge is Power

Category : blood tests

Tags: anemia, assessment, blood, blood testing, blood tests, blood work, cancer, cancer thyroid, cardiovascular, check, chlamydia, cholesterol, complete, count, deficiency, diabetes, disease, diseases, disorder, disorders, DNA, doctor, female, get std test, get STD tested, glucose, gonorrhea and syphilis, hdl, health, health and wellness, healthcheckusa, heart, Hemochromatosis, hepatitis, herpes, herpes blood testing, hiv aids, hormonal imbalances, hormone, how to get a herpes test, important tools, infertility in men, infertility in women, iron, iron deficiency, kidney, lab, lab tests, liver, low cost blood testing, metabolism, nutrition, online, order a blood test without a doctor's order, order a thyroid test, order blood test, panel, physician, prevention, prostate, psa, rations, report, reports, risk, roby, screening, sexually, std, STDs, syphilis, test, test panel, testing, testosterone, tests, thyroid, thyroid blood test, thyroid disorders, thyroid test, tibc, transmitted, triglycerides, tsh, type, types, types of cancer, undefined, vitamin b 12, vitamin b 12 deficiency, vitamin d deficiency, wellness

Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy From HealthCheckUSA

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA

A simple blood test from HealthCheckUSA and is one of the most important tools consumers have for preventing diseases and improving their health and wellness. Before HealthCheckUSA, the only way consumer could buy blood tests were from their doctor’s office. No more! For over 20 years, HealthCheckUSA has been revolutionizing the way consumers buy blood tests and lab tests and get their blood tested. Consumers have the choice to purchase most blood tests that they can get from their doctor, but paying 50% – 80% less versus buying the same blood tests through their doctor.

Reasons Consumers are Buying Blood Tests from HealthCheckUSA
- HealthCheckUSA makes is possible for consumers with no insurance to afford blood tests. Consumers without insurance would pay much more through their doctor versus buying the blood tests from HealthCheckUSA – up to 80% savings on most tests.
- Consumers also have the choice of ordering most blood tests, from HealthCheckUSA, that they need versus trying to convince doctors to order the blood tests. Consumers are taking control of their health and ordering low cost blood tests from HealthCheckUSA.com.
- Consumers are ordering blood tests from HealthCheckUSA that concerned with preventing diseases like Heart Disease, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, prostate cancer and other types of cancer, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, sexually transmitted diseases like HIV Aids, Herpes, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, hormonal imbalances like low testosterone (low “t”), infertility in men, erectile dysfunction, infertility in women, menopause in women, iron deficiency, Hemochromatosis, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin b-12 deficiency, and many more.

The advantages of having you blood tested with HealthCheckUSA

When deciding to buy your blood and lab tests at HealthCheckUSA, you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality and most convenient choice available. HealthCheckUSA has been serving the consumer directed blood testing community for over 20 years and have tested over 1 million people and our very experienced in the laboratory testing and our services have been written up in a variety of national publications, including TIME, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

Popular Blood Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Super Chemistry Blood Testing Panel
Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Total of 40 Blood Tests through HealthCheckUSA. Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

Super Chemistry plus Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Testing Panel
Prostate Cancer Blood Test (PSA) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

Super Chemistry plus Thyroid Panel Blood Testing Panel
Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

Men’s Blood Testing Panel
PSA, Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Testosterone Total plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com..

Women’s Blood Testing Panel
Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH), Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

How to order a blood test from HealthCheckUSA

Ordering a blood test through HealthCheckUSA is easy. You do not need to create an account first, since that is done automatically when you place your first order online. Now, let’s get started on how to order a blood test.

Placing Your Order for Blood Tests

1) Click here to Order a Blood Test

2) To find a blood or lab test, enter keywords in the search box, or browse our selections in the following blood and lab test categories: blood tests for Blood Type (CBC), blood tests for Cancer Screenings, blood tests for Cardiovascular Disease, blood tests for Cardiovascular Health, Combination Lab Test Panels, blood tests for Diabetes, DNA Lab Testing, lab tests for Hemochromatosis, Individual Lab Tests, blood tests for Men’s Health, Most Popular Lab Tests, blood tests for Nutritional Analysis, blood tests that include Premium Health Risk Assessment Reports, blood tests fro RealThyroidHelp.com, lab tests for Sexual Health (Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD’s), lab tests for Stop The Thyroid Madness, Substance Abuse Testing (drug testing), blood tests for the Roby Institute, lab tests for Thyroid Screenings, lab tests for Women’s Health, Other services that includes Physician Interpretation, and a category to view all blood and lab tests.

3) If you want to order a blood or lab test, click the “Add to Order” button on the detail page. The title of the blood or lab test will appear in your Order Summary.
To continue ordering more blood and lab tests, click Order More Blood Tests and follow the same instructions.

Proceed to Checkout to buy Blood Tests

1) When you’re ready to place an order, click the “Checkout” button.
2) When the disclaimer appears, please read it carefully and click “I agree” to continue.
3) In Checkout, you will then see the total amount of your order, including shipping and handling charges.
4) To create an account, enter your e-mail address, name, date of birth, gender, and address where we will mail your order form. You will also be asked to provide a password. Once your registration is completed, you can use the same shipping address and method of payment to order additional tests in the future.
5) Click the button to have our staff at HealthCheckUSA choose a convenient location, or cut and paste a lab testing location from one of our affiliated centers into the box provided.
6) Enter your credit card information. (This is a secure transaction.) Click the “Continue & Review Order” to proceed.

Submitting Your Order for Blood Tests

1) Review your order for blood and lab tests a final time. When you are ready to submit your order, click “Finalize Order.”
2) Your order receipt will appear. You will also receive a copy of the receipt via e-mail.
3) A customized form will be e-mailed to you upon receipt of your order.
4) Take the form to the selected lab testing location. Present your paperwork, and have your blood drawn in accordance with the lab test or lab tests you ordered. No appointment is necessary.
5) Your results will be available online from HealthCheckUSA within 3 – 7 days depending on which lab test or lab tests where ordered.

HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at more than half the price of what a the same blood tests cost in a lab without insurance.

Posted by David | Posted on 27-07-2009

Low Cost, Affordable Blood Testing Made Easy at HealthCheckUSA

Category : blood tests

Tags: advent of the internet, anemia, assessment, basic health, blood, blood test for aids, blood test for cancer, blood test for erectile dysfunction, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for thyroid, blood testing, blood tests, blood work, bowthorpe, buy blood test, buy cancer test, buy colon cancer test, buy drug test, buy hepatitis test, buy lab test, buy nutrition panel, buy nutrition test, buy thyroid test, buy thyroid tests, cancer, cancer patient, check, cholesterol, complete, complete blood count, cost of blood work, count, deficiency, degee, diabetes, disease, diseases, disorders, doctor, doctor visit, endocrinologist, fast, female, frequent, health, health and wellness, health screening, health test, health test without a prescription, healthcheckusa, healthy, heart, hepatitis, herpes, hormone, hyperism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, iron, lab, lab low cost blood work, lab test, lab testing, lab tests, laboratory test, local low cost blood lymphoma symptoms, low cost blood test, low cost blood testing, low cost blood tests, low cost blood work, metabolism, no insurance blood work, nutrition, online, ortloff, panel, physician, prostate, psa, report, reports, screening, screening service, std, STDs, syphilis, test, test blood, testing, testosterone, tests, thyroid, thyroid disorders, thyroid test, type, types, undefined, wellness, wellness assessment, where to buy a vitamin d test, work

DeGee Johnson wants to save time and not have to go to her doctor for 2 office visits and go the lab besides. Marlene Ortloff is trying to save money because she lost her job and no longer has health insurance and has to pay for blood tests out of her pocket. Polly Dehnert was tired of trying to get her doctor to order a comprehensive hormone panel. Janie Bowthorpe, from Stop the Thyroid Madness, was tired of trying to get her doctor to test her thyroid to rule out any thyroid disorders. A cancer patient in Texas is worried about his privacy. Five people, five different reasons, but they all made the same decision: to order their blood tests directly from HealthCheckUSA and avoid going through their doctor.

Ordering a blood test is not hard to do. With the advent of the internet and over 5,000 lab locations across the country, HealthCheckUSA is empowering thousands of consumers each month to take action and get their blood tested. “This gives me more power,” says Levine, 43, a rancher from Coni-fer, Colo., who used HealthcheckUSA to get a complete blood count and a sophisticated thyroid test. “I wasn’t getting the answers or tests I needed from my doctor. Plus it’s economics. The thyroid panel ordered by my endocrinologist in Boulder cost me $210. The same test through HealthCheckUSA costs $85.” Unless your insurance will cover both the doctor visit and lab costs – HealthCheckUSA is a great bargain!”

Common Blood Testing Questions

What is a laboratory test (also known as blood test) from HealthCheckUSA?
A laboratory test (blood test) is a health screening service that can determine many things about your health that may otherwise go undetected. The tests that you order are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by physicians. A small sample of your blood is tested by a fully accredited Medical Reference Laboratory, and then analyzed for the tests that have been requested by you or your doctor.

Why are laboratory tests from HealthCheckUSA useful?
A regular physical examination helps to determine your level of health that a doctor can see, hear, or touch, such as vision, hearing, weight, respiratory functions, etc. A laboratory test (blood test) provides additional information about your health that cannot be measured in such a way. Test results keep you and your doctor informed about health issues that may otherwise be overlooked.

I am healthy – why do I need a blood test from HealthCheckUSA?
Knowledge of your blood’s chemistry is your best defense against degenerative disease. A simple blood test such as our Basic Health and Wellness Blood Testing Panel can indicate what is happening long before any symptoms of disease occur. Similar to a warning indicator on your automobile, your blood test profile is one of the best warning indicators now known to medicine. When blood tests reveal abnormalities, it is urgent to reverse the warnings as quickly as possible to avert the danger of degenerative disease. Even a blood test result that is normal is useful: not only does it help to rule out potential problem areas, it establishes a baseline of normal ranges against which future blood tests can be monitored. When you understand these blood tests and the role blood plays in your body, you can keep your blood test values within normal ranges through diet, exercise, and proper nutrition. When you visit your physician, a history of laboratory reports that you have kept can often provide the clue to a proper diagnosis.

Are blood tests from HealthCheckUSA accurate?
Yes – Blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days.

Which are some of the more popular types of blood tests from HealthCheckUSA?
Our most popular blood test for first-time clients is the Basic Health and Wellness Blood Testing Panel. The Basic Health and Wellness blood test panel establishes a comprehensive foundation of all aspects of your health, upon which future blood tests can be measured. Once this baseline has been established, many clients use the panel of blood tests as a regular check of progress, and to monitor the effects of a change in diet, exercise, or lifestyle.

Why do I need a Complete Blood Count (CBC) blood test from HealthCheckUSA?
A CBC blood test is the most frequently performed lab test. It provides a great deal of information about the three kinds of cells in the blood – red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is most frequently used as a blood screening test, as an anemia check, and as a blood test for infection, but it is also used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a large number of other conditions. Included in the CBC blood test are hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, red blood cell indices, white blood cell count, white blood cell differential, and platelet count.

Why do I need a Thyroid Blood Test Panel 2 from HealthCheckUSA?
The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body. This hormone regulates the metabolism of the body by increasing the rate of the reactions taking place in the body’s cells. The panel of thyroid blood tests are used to evaluate the symptoms of excess (hyperthyroidism) such as unexplained weight loss, tremor, nervousness, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, or the sensation of always being too hot. Symptoms of too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) are unexplained weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, or the sensation of always being too cold.

How do I take a blood test from HealthCheckUSA?
Simply choose which lab test you wish to take from the list offered, select the most convenient laboratory location, fill out the client information profile, and select your method of payment. You will be sent a personalized requisition form by email to take to your selected laboratory location. The technician at the laboratory will draw a small sample of your blood for testing. As you have prepaid for this service, no further payment will be required at the laboratory.

Do I need to fast before taking a blood test?
To ensure absolute accuracy, a ten-hour fast is recommended. Black coffee and water are permitted during your period of fast.

Will I be able to understand the results of my blood test?
Yes – all blood test results include reference ranges and abnormalities found. A detailed explanation of each blood test can be viewed on this web site.

How can I contact someone if I have questions about my blood test results?
Any questions regarding significant findings or abnormal levels should be discussed with your doctor. Any other questions pertaining to your blood test results should be sent us via email.

Can I take the blood test results to my doctor for a diagnosis?
Yes – the blood tests that you order are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by physicians, and your doctor will be able to discuss them with you. Your doctor will use these results in conjunction with your history and may even decide to order additional tests to confirm the results of any abnormalities.

How do I access my blood test results online at HealthCheckUSA.com?
We now offer the ability for our customers to download their results directly online through our HealthCheckUSA.com web site. As mentioned in our privacy policy, this is a completely secure process and all results remain entirely confidential. We do not give access nor do we distribute any personal customer information to third parties whatsoever.

In order to view your results online, you must register through HealthCheckUSA.com.

Simply order your test through normal process. Once ordering process is complete, the next screen will ask you for a unique username and password. This information will be processed immediately and your account will be activated. Please click here to order a test.

Results are typically available for viewing within 7 business days. (Depending on the type of result ordered, in most cases, results will be available sooner). To view you’re your results, simply log onto HealthCheckUSA at your convenience and enter your username and password to view your results. Please keep record of your username and password as HealthCheckUSA does not have access to this information for your own protection.
Back to Top

How Does the Physician Interpretation work?
Once you have your blood drawn, your results are sent directly to you as usual. If you elect to have your results reviewed by a board certified physician, you will also receive instructions on how to access the interpretation of your results. By calling a toll free number and using your user identification number and personal identification number (provided with instructions), you will have access to your personal interpretation. Interpretations are available 72 hours after your blood draw.

What is the proper use of HealthCheckUSA’s drug tests?
These drug tests are for screening purposes only. Positives have not been confirmed for legal use and specimens have not been collected under legal guidelines for secure collection, therefore results cannot be used for employment or other legal reasons. Although a negative result indicates no drugs were detected above the method’s cutoff level, other methods may be used to detect lower levels of the drugs in the urine. Results can also be affected by the amount of urine excreted, weight or body type of person taking drug, acidity or alkalinity (pH) of urine, and frequency of drug taken. We offer two separate drug screening panels: Drug Screen Panel 1 and Drug Screen Panel 2. (Pricing may vary according to location you choose.)

As with all of our testing, results of the drug tests are entirely confidential and not shared with any third party and fully compliant with our privacy policy. Any questions please contact our customer service at (800) 929-2044.
Back to Top

What is a HealthCheckUSA Walk-In Site?
In efforts to make the process more convenient to you, HealthCheckUSA has 2 locations in San Antonio, Texas. At these locations there is no need to pre-pay on-line or wait for us to send you the paperwork. Simply walk in to this location directly at your convenience without any appointment! This location will accept check or credit card payment and draw your blood immediately. Call our customer service for any further questions 1(800) 929-2044.

Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, blood test for pregnancy, and many more. Please go to HealthCheckUSA or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

Posted by beth | Posted on 30-05-2008

Testing For Syphilis More Important Than Ever

Category : std testing

Tags: blood, blood test, check, disease, diseases, health, health check usa, health check usa com, lab, lab test, pregnant, pregnant women, screening, sexually, sexually transmitted diseases, std, syphilis, test, testing, tests, transmitted

Syphilis Testing More Important Than Ever

Syphilis testing is more important than ever. Over the past few years, the number of reported cases of Syphilis has increased 11.8 percent and continues to go up. 64% of the reported cases of Syphilis occurred in sexually active homosexual men. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that occurs mostly in adult men and women ages 20 to 39 years of age.

In the medical community, Syphilis has often been called “the great intimidator” because the signs and symptoms are very much similar to those of other diseases.

Contracting Syphilis

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct intimate contact with a syphilis sore. Syphilis cannot be transmitted through contact with doorknobs, toilet seats, swimming pools, by trying on clothes or by using eating utensils at a restaurant. Pregnant women, however, can spread the disease to their unborn child, which is just one more reason why syphilis testing is so important.

Syphilis and Pregnancy

Depending up on how long a pregnant woman has had the disease, syphilis can cause the baby to be stillborn or develop serious problems within a few weeks from birth. These serious problems can lead to developmental delays, seizures or even death. It is very important if a woman is considering pregnancy, to be tested for Syphilis, as well as other tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.

The Dangers of Syphilis

If syphilis goes undetected or untreated, it can move into the late and latent stages. In this stage, the syphilis infection will continue even though the infected person is showing no signs or symptoms. At this stage, syphilis can damage your internal organs. If signs and symptoms of late stage Syphilis do show up, they include the following: difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia.

Testing for Syphilis

Testing for Syphilis in sexually active people who think they may have been exposed to the disease is imperative. A simple blood test will detect whether or not you have the disease. Syphilis can be treated with a course of antibiotics from your physician.

To prevent the spread of Syphilis, please practice safe sexual relations, as well as refrain from sex if you have Syphilis until you have cleared it with your physician.

If you have any questions regarding the Syphilis test, or any other lab tests available at HealthcheckUSA.com, please contact one of our customer service representatives.

Posted by beth | Posted on 15-05-2008

Hepatitis A: What You Need to Know

Category : lab tests, std testing

Tags: check, health, health check, health check usa, health check usa com, hepatitis, hepatitis a, hepatitis panel, lab test, liver, liver disease, test, travel

Hepatitis A: What Is It?

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prvention, there are no long-term chronic effects to this illness; and once you have had it, you are immune to it. Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool of people that have the virus; coming into contact with anything that has touched the contaminated stool can cause the illness.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Lots of times, Hepatits A can easily be diagnosed as something else.

Hepatitis A: How to Prevent It

Hepatitis A can be prevented through proper personal hygiene, washing of hands before cooking and after using the restroom, and being cautious when traveling to places such as Mexico, Africa, the Caribbean and South America. A vaccination is also available for the Hepatitis A virus, ask your physician about this.

Hepatitis A: How to Test for It

Hepatitis A can be detected through a very simple blood test. Health Check USA offers a Hepatitis panel test that will detect Hepatitis A, B and C. To ensure accuracy of the panel, HealthCheckUSA.com recommends a ten-hour fast prior to having your blood drawn. However, water and black coffee are permitted during this time. If you have any questions regarding this lab test, please contact one of our representatives.

Hepatitis A: How to Treat It

There is no treatment for Hepatitis A, except for rest and proper nutrition. Hepatitis A is a virus and you will just have to let it run its course. Please be advised, though, that a relapse of symptoms can occur for over a six to nine month period. If you do have Hepatitis A and you are experience diarrhea and/or vomiting, please make sure to get plenty of fluids in order to avoid dehydration.

Posted by beth | Posted on 05-05-2008

Wellness Proposals Promote Corporate Health

Category : Corporate Wellness

Tags: check, employee wellness programs, employees, health, health check, health check usa, health screening, healthcheckusa, healthcheckusa com, lab, lab tests, proposal, screening, test, wellness, wellness programs, wellness proposals

Wellness Proposal for Good Health

Wellness Proposals are plans put together by corporate wellness providers, such as EmployeeWellnessUSA, that enable a company to determine whether an employee wellness program would work for them. Unfortunately, corporate health trends are going the way increasing care costs and skyrocketing pharmaceutical expenditures. Corporate wellness programs can help reverse these trends.

Wellness Proposal Building Block for Wellness Program

Once a corporation approves a proposal, they begin instituting a wellness program based on their initial proposal that involves health risk assessments, health testing, group exercise, and employee incentives to get healthy.

Wellness programs can be compromised of, but not limited to; dietary advice, weight loss and healthy cooking classes, yoga classes, massage therapists at the workplace, and stress management sessions, they look to an initial proposal to see the directions they need to take. Besides Wellness Proposals, EmployeeHealthUSA.com provides on-site staffing, on-site screening and online scheduling of the health screens.

EmployeeWellnessUSA offers free wellness proposals to help employers help their employees take charge of their health. Once they have discovered how to take charge, HealthCheckUSA can help them manage their health through the offering of low cost, direct to consumer lab tests.

How to Obtain a Free Wellness Proposal

You can get a wellness proposal by contacting an Employee Wellness USA corporate wellness representative. They will ask you all sorts of questions regarding your corporate goals, employee goals, budgets, etc, to assist them in putting together your personalized wellness proposal.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about your health, or if you just want to get a headstart on your corporate wellness program; contact a representative at HealthCheckUSA and get started right away. The representatives are there to answer any lab test questions that you might have now and in the future.

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Flu Shot – your best bet for avoiding influenza

Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: How serious is the global threat from Swine Flu?

Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: D.C. to Offer STD Tests In Every High School

Confidential, Affordable STD Lab Testing

HealthCheckUSA Health Alert: STD Testing Recommendations

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA on STD Testing

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Male Menopause and Low T

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA

Blood Tests from HealthCheckUSA: Knowledge is Power

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA

Low Cost, Affordable Blood Testing Made Easy at HealthCheckUSA

Testing For Syphilis More Important Than Ever

Syphilis Testing More Important Than Ever

Contracting Syphilis

Syphilis and Pregnancy

The Dangers of Syphilis

Testing for Syphilis

Hepatitis A: What You Need to Know

Wellness Proposals Promote Corporate Health

Categories

Archives

Partner Links