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

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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.

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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.

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Posted by David | Posted on 15-10-2009

HealthCheckUSA Health News Alert: Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care from the Mayo Clinic

Category : HealthCheckUSA News

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Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

The following information is from the Mayo Clinic.

Swine flu (H1N1) symptoms: Self-care for the flu

Question: What are the usual swine flu symptoms? What should I do if I start to have them?

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

Swine flu symptoms are pretty much the same as seasonal flu symptoms, experience so far has shown. The illness starts one or two days after your exposure to the virus, and symptoms may seem to hit you suddenly. Among healthy people, seasonal flu and swine flu symptoms vary in severity.

Swine flu (H1N1) symptoms include:
- Fever, which is almost always present and which may rise above 103 F (39.4 C) in the first 12 hours of illness
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Eye redness and burning
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- With swine flu, some people also report nausea and vomiting.

Swine flu symptoms can make you feel awful, but if you’re basically healthy and you’re not pregnant, take care of yourself at home rather than going to your doctor.

Try these remedies:

- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) to reduce fever and muscle aches. Don’t give products containing aspirin to children or young adults, as these drugs may cause Reye’s syndrome.

- Drink clear fluids, such as water, broth or sports drinks.

- Rest as long as you continue to feel tired, and sleep as much as you can.

Swine flu (H1N1) and pregnancy: Are special precautions necessary?

Question: I’m pregnant and am concerned about swine flu. What should I do if I think I may have swine flu?

Answer: from Roger W. Harms, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic

The combination of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and pregnancy is potentially risky. If you’re pregnant and think you may have H1N1 flu or you’ve had close contact with someone who has known or suspected H1N1 flu, contact your doctor immediately. He or she may recommend treatment with an antiviral medication known to be effective against the virus — oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which can be taken in pill or liquid form, or, less often, zanamivir (Relenza), which must be inhaled. Ideally, the medication should be started within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

Although the specific effects of H1N1 flu and pregnancy are unknown, anyone at high risk of complications from seasonal flu is thought to be at high risk of complications from H1N1 flu — including pregnant women.

Pregnancy puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Pregnancy can also affect your immune system. These factors increase the risk not only of getting the flu but of developing serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress. In turn, flu complications may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy problems.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat and body aches. Although researchers haven’t studied the safety of oseltamivir and zanamivir during pregnancy, for most women the benefits of preventing serious illness or complications from H1N1 flu outweigh any potential risks of the medication. It’s also important to rest as much as you can and drink plenty of fluids.

Posted by David | Posted on 31-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA Medical Information: Cholesterol Blood Test

Category : blood tests, heart disease test

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Re-printed by from MayoClinic.com; main article written by the Mayo Clinic staff

Definition of a Cholesterol Blood Test
A complete cholesterol blood test — also called a lipid panel or lipid profile — is a group of blood tests that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol blood test can help determine your risk of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body. If your cholesterol levels are high, you probably won’t have any signs or symptoms, so a cholesterol blood test is an important tool. High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Why a Cholesterol Blood Test is Done
Cholesterol and triglycerides are substances that naturally circulate in your blood. Although these substances are necessary for your body to function normally, too much fat in your blood increases your risk of heart disease, a stroke, or narrowed arteries in your arms or legs (peripheral artery disease).

What’s Measured in a Cholesterol Blood Test?
A complete cholesterol blood test, referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, includes the measurement of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood:

Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood’s cholesterol content.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. These plaques sometimes rupture and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels usually mean you regularly eat more calories than you burn. High levels are also seen in overweight people, in those consuming too many sweets or too much alcohol, and in people with diabetes who have elevated blood sugar levels.

Who should get a cholesterol test?
All adults age 20 or older should have a cholesterol test once every five years. Ideally, you should begin having your cholesterol checked in your early twenties. You should have your cholesterol measured when you’re relatively healthy. An acute illness, a heart attack or severe stress can affect cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol blood testing is very important if you:

Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
Are overweight
Are physically inactive
Have diabetes
Eat a high-fat diet

These factors put you at increased risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease.

If you have high cholesterol levels, your doctor may want you to get your blood tested more often. Discuss with your doctor how often you should have a cholesterol blood test if your cholesterol levels are abnormal.

Cholesterol is often high during pregnancy, so pregnant women should wait at least six weeks after giving birth to have their cholesterol measured.

Children and Cholesterol Blood Testing
Children as young as age 2 can have high cholesterol, but not all children need to be screened for high cholesterol. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a cholesterol blood test only for children between the ages of 2 and 10 who have a known family history of high cholesterol or premature coronary artery disease. Your child’s doctor may recommend retesting if your child’s first test shows he or she has normal cholesterol levels.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends testing if the child’s family history for high cholesterol is unknown, but the child has risk factors for high cholesterol, such as obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Risks of getting a Cholesterol Blood Test
There’s little risk in getting a cholesterol blood test. You may have some soreness or tenderness around the site where your blood is drawn, or the site may become infected.

How you prepare for your Cholesterol Blood Test
You should fast (no food or liquids other than water) for nine to 12 hours before the test. You can drink water in the time leading up to the blood test, but avoid coffee, tea and other beverages.

Talk to your doctor about any other special requirements. Some medications, such as birth control pills, can increase your cholesterol levels. For this reason, if you take these or other medications, your doctor might want you to stop taking them for a few days before your cholesterol blood test.

What you can expect from your Cholesterol Blood Test
During the procedure
A cholesterol test is a blood test, usually done in the morning since you’ll need to fast for the most accurate results. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from your arm. Before the needle is inserted, the puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic and an elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. This causes the veins in your arm to fill with blood.

After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a vial or syringe. The band is then removed to restore circulation, and blood continues to flow into the vial. Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed and the puncture site is covered with a pressure wrap.

The entire procedure will likely last a couple of minutes. It’s relatively painless.

After the procedure
There are no special precautions you need to take after your cholesterol blood test. You should be able to drive yourself home and do all your normal activities. You may want to bring a snack to eat after your cholesterol test is done, if you’ve been fasting.

It may take a few days for you to get your results back. Your doctor should explain to you what the results of your test mean. It’s likely your doctor will want to retest you in several weeks or months if your test shows your cholesterol levels are high. Before starting any treatment based only on an abnormal cholesterol test, it’s common to get several tests done over a period of time to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Cholesterol Blood Test Results
In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In Canada and many European countries, cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

The four main categories — total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides — are what are most commonly measured during a cholesterol blood test. Still, many doctors have begun examining other substances in the blood. Tests of these other substances in the blood are often done on the same sample of blood taken during a cholesterol test and meant to complement, not replace, a standard lipid blood panel or lipid blood profile cholesterol blood test.

If your results show that your cholesterol level is high, don’t get discouraged. You may be able to lower your cholesterol with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising and eating a healthy diet. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, cholesterol-lowering medications also may help. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to lower your cholesterol.

Women and cholesterol test results
The hormone estrogen tends to cause women to have higher levels of HDL, “good,” cholesterol but also higher levels of triglycerides. If you have higher levels of triglycerides than normal, talk to your doctor. Many women who are at risk of heart disease and have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels may benefit from cholesterol-lowering medications.

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Posted by David | Posted on 29-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Male Menopause and Low T

Category : HealthCheckUSA News

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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.

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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.

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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!

Posted by David | Posted on 28-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Simple Blood Test (Good, bad cholesterol)

Category : cardiovascular health

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By ROBERT LOPEZ, M.D.

Cholesterol is a natural occurring substance in the body important for many functions from making some hormones to building cell walls, to name a few. The liver produces most of the cholesterol in your body, but you also get cholesterol from foods such as meat, eggs and whole-fat dairy products.

Cholesterol levels are determined by more than the foods you eat. Increasing age and being overweight lead to increased levels. Medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk. Family history also is an important contributor.

Too much cholesterol can lead to serious health problems. Your doctor may have told you you have high cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia. This is determined via a Simple Blood Test ideally following a 12-hour fast, which measures the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LOL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. It is important to understand what these terms mean because not all cholesterol is bad for you.

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as the “bad cholesterol.” As levels increase in our blood, cholesterol deposits on the walls of blood vessels, hardening them. Over time, the blood flow through these arteries is reduced, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Eventually, they can become completely blocked, causing a lack of blood supply. In the arteries of the heart, it can lead to a heart attack, and in the blood vessels supplying our brain, increases the risk of having a stroke.

HDL cholesterol, known as the “good cholesterol,” makes up about one-fourth to one-third of the total cholesterol in your body. It carries the cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is processed and removed from the body. High levels seem to have a protective effect on the heart, lowering the risk of heart attacks.

Triglycerides are the form of fat made in the body. They are derived not only from the animal and vegetable fats in foods you eat but also from carbohydrates. Your body converts calories not burned to triglycerides for storage in fat cells. Therefore a diet low in fat but high in carbohydrates can still lead to elevated triglycerides. Elevated triglycerides are linked to obesity and combined with high LDL levels increases the risk of heart disease.

Today there are medications your doctor may prescribe to help treat high cholesterol. Whether or not you are on a medication, there are things you can do to help lower or even prevent high cholesterol. Eat a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to strengthen your heart. Quitting smoking can decrease your risk of heart disease.

Talk to your doctor to find out your cholesterol levels and what you can do to lead a healthier life.

About HealthcheckUSA, your Low Cost Blood Testing Solution

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.

Popular Blood Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Posted by David | Posted on 28-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Prenatal Blood Testing of Thyroid is Debated

Category : thyroid screenings

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By INGFEI CHEN, New York Times (published April 14, 2009)

When women think about pregnancy, the thyroid gland is seldom the first thing that leaps to mind. Nestled in the neck, the gland makes hormones that govern metabolism, helping to regulate body weight, heart rate and a host of other factors.

But if the thyroid malfunctions, it can produce too little or too much of these hormones. During pregnancy those conditions, known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively, may lead to miscarriage, premature birth and pre-eclampsia — and in the case of hypothyroidism, impaired intelligence in the child.

A decade and a half of research has now brought the cumulative evidence of these risks to a critical mass. Clinical guidelines call for vigilant monitoring and treatment of patients to keep thyroid reserves normal and to safely guide women through pregnancy and early motherhood.

But because thyroid problems can easily go undiagnosed, the hazards have also set off a debate over whether every woman who is pregnant or planning to be should have a blood test to check her thyroid. That test measures for thyroid-stimulating hormone, or T.S.H., which spurs the gland’s hormone production.

Most doctors’ groups have not endorsed universal prenatal thyroid screening, citing uncertainties over whether it would yield health benefits justifying the expense of testing in roughly 6.4 million pregnancies each year and educating doctors to read results that are tricky to interpret.

But the big unanswered question — and crux of the debate — is whether treatment would help women with a mild, common form of thyroid deficiency, called subclinical hypothyroidism. For now, medical societies advise testing only high-risk women.

As a matter of policy, Dr. Kenneth D. Burman, the president of the American Thyroid Association, agrees with that stance for now. Yet like more and more endocrinologists, he offers TSH blood test for pregnancy in his practice, at Washington Hospital Center in Washington.

“Every patient I see who’s considering getting pregnant or is pregnant gets a thyroid function blood test ,” he said. “And I think that’s the right thing to do.”

He and others say they expect more and more doctors and medical societies to support universal screening after weighing all the evidence. The thyroid association is holding a symposium this Thursday and Friday in Washington to discuss the most recent research.

Symptoms of a wayward thyroid can be subtle, and pregnancy can mask them. Fatigue, weight gain and dry skin — all typical in pregnant women — can also result from hypothyroidism, said Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, an endocrinologist at Touro University College of Medicine in Hackensack, N.J.

The opposite condition, hyperthyroidism, affects roughly 2 in 1,000 pregnancies. But again, its symptoms — poor sleep, weight loss and nervousness after childbirth — could result from other postpartum conditions. (Renaissance painters unknowingly depicted the link between thyroid problems and pregnancy by showing women with goiters from an overactive thryoid after childbirth.)

Hypothyroidism, which usually arises from underlying autoimmune disease, is the more frequent and worrisome concern. As many as 10 to 20 percent of reproductive-age women test positive for antibodies that attack the thyroid gland and may eventually destroy it. Their risk of miscarriage is doubled.

Three to five out of 1,000 women of childbearing age suffer from overt hypothyroidism, in which thyroid hormone, or T4, is low and T.S.H. is abnormally high. But the most common thyroid dysfunction is subclinical hypothyroidism, in which T4 is normal but T.S.H. is slightly elevated. That condition affects 2 to 3 percent of women but often goes undiagnosed when it causes no obvious symptoms.

Hypothyroidism may harm fetal brain development. Ten years ago, researchers in Maine analyzed blood samples from 25,216 pregnant women and identified 62 with hypothyroidism. Their children, by then 7 to 9 years old, were given intelligence tests. Nineteen percent of the children born to women with an untreated underactive thyroid had an I.Q. of 85 or lower, compared with 5 percent of those whose mothers had a healthy thyroid. “At about 85 or below, that’s where you begin to have trouble in school and in life in general,” said Dr. James E. Haddow, a pediatrician at Brown University who was an author of the study. But if mothers had their hypothyroidism treated, their children’s intelligence was not impaired.

In reaction, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists endorsed routine thyroid function (TSH) blood testing in all women considering pregnancy. But other organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have said wide-scale screening is premature until more data prove that treating subclinical hypothyroidism would prevent adverse effects in women and their offspring.

Studies do suggest that T4-replacement therapy is protective. But few large clinical trials have rigorously tested this intervention in mildly thyroid-deficient women. So far, promising results have come from one major, well-designed Italian study that showed miscarriage and preterm delivery rates dropped sharply when thyroid hormone pills were given to pregnant women who tested positive for thyroid antibodies.

Experts are now looking to the outcomes of two other major clinical trials under way in Wales and the United States. Both aim to confirm the I.Q. effects and the ability to avert them by studying pregnant women with underactive thyroids who receive hormone therapy or no treatment.

Pregnancy is such a critical time that “to expose a baby to a medication without known benefit may not be the best thing, unless we truly know that it’s helpful,” said Dr. Catherine Spong, the chief of pregnancy and perinatology at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which is sponsoring the American trial.

That study will track 1,170 expecting mothers, including women with subclinical hypothyroidism, and their children will undergo I.Q. testing at age 5. Results are expected in 2015.

Advocates of routine blood testing see no need to wait for more answers, though. Dr. Terry F. Davies, an endocrinologist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, finds the evidence “overwhelming” that a shortage of maternal thyroid hormone harms intellectual function in babies. “Once you believe that,” he said, “it would seem to me illogical not to be sure that all women have normal thyroid function during pregnancy.”

And Dr. Haddow said universal prenatal testing could be justified on the grounds of benefiting a woman’s general health. In the Maine study, 58 percent of the pregnant women who had hypothyroidism but did not know it eventually did have it diagnosed, but it took an average of five years. Pregnancy is “an optimal time” for T.S.H. testing, he said.

Most medical societies endorse only selective blood screening. Two years ago, the Endocrine Society released recommendations for testing thyroid function (TSH) in women at high risk for thyroid disorders, including anyone with symptoms of a goiter or sluggish thyroid, or a family history of thyroid problems, as well as those with Type 1 diabetes or autoimmune disease or previous miscarriage or premature delivery.

But research since then has revealed flaws in that strategy. “The problem is, it’s not good enough,” Dr. Stagnaro-Green said. A British study found that such testing missed 30 percent of those with hypothyroidism and 69 percent of those with hyperthyroidism.

For now, until there is confirmation that treatment truly helps, Dr. Stagnaro-Green said he still favored selective thyroid function blood testing . But he added, “My belief is that data will be forthcoming that will push us towards universal screening.”

About HealthcheckUSA, your Low Cost Blood Testing Solution

Popular Blood Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Posted by David | Posted on 27-07-2009

Low Cost, Affordable Blood Testing Made Easy at HealthCheckUSA

Category : blood tests

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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.
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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.
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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 David | Posted on 26-05-2009

Vitamin D Deficiency: Additional evidence on importance of Vitamin D

Category : health screening, health tests, Vitamin d, Women's Health

Tags: blood, cancer, diabetes, disease, diseases, doctor, health, healthcheckusa, healthy, liver, physician, prevention, screening, test, testing, tests, type, types, undefined, Vitamin d, vitamin d deficiency, vitamin d test, vitamin d testing

“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

The tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The 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.

Posted by David | Posted on 26-05-2009

Vitamin D Deficiency: Importance of Vitamin D Testing

Category : health screening, lab tests, Uncategorized, Vitamin d, Women's Health

Tags: blood, diabetes, disease, diseases, health, healthcheckusa, healthy, hormone, prevention, screening, testing, tests, type, types, vitamin b12, vitamin b12 test, Vitamin d, vitamin d deficiency, vitamin d testing

“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

Posted by beth | Posted on 07-07-2008

Nutrition to Live Better

Category : health tests

Tags: health, health check, healthy, lab, lab tests, nutrition, nutrition panel, physician, test, testing

Nutrition is the Foundation of Good Health

Nutrition has many more important factors to your health than just your weight. Although maintaining a healthy weight or losing those extra pounds are also important for good health; proper nutrition leads to less illness, stronger immune systems and overall better health. Nutrition is very important as a foundation to health; and, in many cases, medical conditions can be treated simply by eating better.

Total Nutrition Panel

HealthCheckUSA has a nutrition panel that will allow you to work with your doctor to build a nutrition and diet plan that is just right for you. The nutritional panel consists of three different parts: CHEM-26, Vitamin B12 with Folic Acid, and TIBC.

Nutrition Panel: CHEM-26

CHEM-26 is the part of the Nutrition panel known as the “Super Chemistry” test. This lab test will check your kidney, heart, and liver functions. CHEM-26 checks your cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as your glucose, calcium, uric acid, electrolyte and iron levels. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels may indicate a need for dietary changes and possibly medications. High glucose levels could indicate diabetes, and high levels of iron could indicate a serious genetic disorder.

Nutrition Panel: Vitamin B12 with Folic Acid

The Vitamin B12 with Folic Acid gives you a thorough analysis of your body’s metabolic functions. B12 levels can help physicians determine if your body is generating enough energy to power all the organs. Low levels of B12 can be an indication of a high-risk of organ damage. This part of the nutritional panel also determines how much folic acid your body is getting. A lack of folic acid can impair protein synthesis and cell division.

Nutrition Panel: TIBC

Finally, the last lab test in the nutritional panel is the TIBC or the total iron binding capacity. Elevated levels of TIBC can indicate that you have an iron deficiency, which means that you need to incorporate more green vegetables and possibly red meat in your diet. TIBC measures how efficiently your blood transports iron through the rest of your body.

Make sure that you are eating properly and getting the right nutrition, call and order a nutrition panel test today.

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

Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

HealthCheckUSA Health News Alert: Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care from the Mayo Clinic

Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

HealthCheckUSA Medical Information: Cholesterol Blood Test

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA on Blood Tests

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Male Menopause and Low T

Save Money with HealthCheckUSA

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Simple Blood Test (Good, bad cholesterol)

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Prenatal Blood Testing of Thyroid is Debated

Low Cost, Affordable Blood Testing Made Easy at HealthCheckUSA

Vitamin D Deficiency: Additional evidence on importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D Deficiency: Importance of Vitamin D Testing

Nutrition to Live Better

Nutrition is the Foundation of Good Health

Total Nutrition Panel

Nutrition Panel: CHEM-26

Nutrition Panel: Vitamin B12 with Folic Acid

Nutrition Panel: TIBC

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