Isn’t technology amazing? And I’m not just talking about the fact most of us walk around with a computer in our pockets… although that’s one great development as of late. What I’m talking about is the scientific discoveries and new tests that are created every day to extend our life, reduce our risks of premature deaths and avoid discomfort. And one of coolest new technologies now offered at ARCpoint Labs is non-invasive pre-birth testing.
You can know paternity before you give birth through a non-invasive paternity test.
Know the Father BEFORE the Baby is Born
Traditionally, paternity tests are performed after a baby has been born. The mother, father and child all head into the lab for DNA testing that will identify if the presumed father really is the daddy. However there are circumstances where a woman needs to know paternity during pregnancy. Issues of paternity don’t only come up if a woman has had multiple sexual partners and wants to determine the father before the baby arrives, but the testing is also needed if a situation of rape or violence is involved.
Typically a pre-birth paternity test is very invasive. Amniotic fluid is extracted from the womb and tested for DNA. Not only has this procedure carried potential risks to the unborn child, but it wasn’t exactly comfortable for the pregnant woman, either. However the new pre-birth testing technology allows us to remove the risk AND discomfort.
Pre-Birth Testing WITHOUT Amnio
New technology allows us to take a blood draw from the mother in order to test DNA. There are traces of the baby’s DNA in the bloodstream of the mother, and these can now be extracted out and compared against an alleged father. Because it’s a simple blood draw, there’s no risk to the baby. And, the entire test from start-to-finish is non-invasive… no check-ups are needed… just a quick poke and you’re done. If you’re questioning the paternity of your unborn child, don’t wait to find out. Easy answers are just a phone call away. (Or, you can actually just walk into our lab and request the test.)
Need to know the father of your unborn baby?
Request a non-invasive pre-birth paternity test today.
Ever have one of those feelings like something is “off?” You can’t put your finger on it, but you just don’t feel like yourself. Maybe you’re lacking the energy you once had, or you find yourself more hungry than usual. Subtle changes might not seem like they’re “doctor-worthy,” but you know something is up with your health. You’re just not sure what to do.
Want your thyroid checked? Request the test yourself!
Health Panels To Diagnose Your Health Concerns
One of the reasons I love my job is because I can offer solutions to these hard-to-identify problems. In the past you would have had to schedule a doctor’s appointment, convince him or her to send you for lab work and then possibly even spend weeks requesting the right test. By the time results returned, the headache of the process had completely overshadowed your initial concerns.
Nowadays, facilities like my Kansas City ARCpoint Labs offer wellness tests and comprehensive health panels to quickly get to the bottom of why you don’t feel well. Instead of having the doctor request one test, wait for results and then request another based on the outcome, we can run a bundle of tests to quickly deliver the information you seek. What’s even better is that you can come DIRECTLY to us for the test, no doctor’s prescription is required! Come tell us what you want to check and within only a few minutes we’ll have your blood and/or urine sample and return results of your lab work directly to you within days. You can take your lab results and see a physician for further treatment or monitoring if you choose, or you can monitor your own health.
Common Health Panels at ARCpoint Labs
While we can run any bundle of wellness test, here are some of the common health panels we do:
Women’s Health Panel
Women can request a general health panel to get a baseline for several blood counts and hormone levels. Some popular tests included in the women’s health panel include: CBC (with differential), CMP, thyroid (TSH), cholesterol screening, vitamin D testing and hormone levels. We also offer pregnancy tests and menopause screening panels.
Men’s Health Panel
Men can also request a general panel for a comprehensive overview of their health. Some common tests included in a men’s health panel include: PSA (prostate), testosterone levels, blood sugar, cholesterol screening, thyroid (TSH), CMP and vitamin D.
Allergy Panels
If you know you suffer from allergies, but have no clue what you are allergic to, an allergy panel can help. A series of specific allergy tests can be run to identify exactly what is causing your itchy eyes, congestion, sore throat and more. From testing environmental pollutants, molds, grasses and more – an allergy test will identify the allergen that is making you miserable.
STD Panels
Occurrence of STDs is at an all-time high and continues to rise. If you’re sexually active (especially if you’ve been with multiple partners or with someone you know has an STD), it’s wise to have an STD panel performed. Rather than testing for one specific STD, a panel will test for the most commonly transmitted diseases, even those that lie dormant with no signs or symptoms.
Wellness Tests in Kansas City
This is just a short list of some popular panels requested at our labs. We can run virtually any lab test, no doctor’s note required and no questions asked.
Need a wellness test or health panel? Contact our Kansas City lab for your wellness test today!
We’ve encouraged wellness programs (and even gyms) at the workplace several times, but one thing we’ve never covered is um … sweat. See, if you’re like us, you probably don’t like the idea of going to work sweaty. Or, getting sweaty over your lunch break and then having to return to your desk with sweat running down your back. Ewww.
Consider hosting a yoga class for your employees. Photo by www.localfitness.com.au
While there’s not always an easy solution, here are some ideas we have on how to keep your employees moving … and smelling good. (If you know what we mean.)
1. Encourage Walk Breaks
You don’t have to be the employer who has a “team training” day for the office 5K, but you can encourage brisk walks over lunch breaks or during the afternoons. This is especially great if you have a nice outdoor area near your office. As an employer, you can offer suggestions to your employees and walking might be a good one. You could even do some sort of walking scavenger hunt through your office or building.
2. Take the Stairs Day
If you’re able, encourage a “take the stairs” day. If the whole office participates, the entire office will also be figuring out how to cover up their smell! So everyone’s in the same boat – it’s more fun!
3. Allow for Casual Dress
It’s been said that workout clothes can give you an edge when exercising. And while your employees may not be full-on exercising at work, their clothing can greatly impact their mobility. If your workplace allows, permitting employees to come to work dressed casually, or at least wear comfortable shoes, might encourage them to move around a bit more than they would in business or even business casual attire.
4. Bring in a Yoga Instructor
We’re not talking about the aerobics or even hot yoga instructors here, but you could encourage physical activity by offering a yoga class at work. Employees can learn some basic stretches and poses. While some may break a small sweat, yoga typically doesn’t give the same bucket-dropping sweat-a-thon as kickboxing or running. (Again – stick to basic yoga, not hot yoga.) It might be a fun way to get employees gathered and relieve some stress.
5. Offer Towels in the Restrooms
Even if you don’t have a shower, consider having towels in your restrooms for employees. Employees can use the towels to “wipe down” if they do get in a small workout over lunch. You could even go a step further and offer a small basket on the sink with deodorizers and neutralizers so the employees feel the freedom to “freshen up.” While hiring a laundry service or providing these items may seem costly at first, compare it to the cost of higher insurance premiums and you might find investing in ways to get your employees moving (and ultimately healthier) is worth it.
It’s a beautiful time in Kansas City. The spring bulbs are blooming, the trees are full with leaves once again and the fountains have finally come back on! While there’s buzz and excitement about all spring things, not everyone is enjoying life right now. And especially those who suffer from spring allergies.
Oak trees are one of the top pollinating spring trees causing allergy symptoms.
Do You have Spring Allergies?
For some of you, this goes without question. Many children AND adults suffer from spring allergies. Clear runny nose, watery eyes, sinus pressure, congestion, itching and scratchy throat all indicate allergy season is upon us. Not to mention the sneezing. While some may mistake the symptoms as a common cold or sinus infection, if they last longer than 10 days, you might be facing allergies. Luckily if you’ve never been “officially” diagnosed with spring allergies, there’s an easy way to find out “for sure” that you’re allergic to something in the spring air.
Common Spring Allergies
Spring and fall allergies are not necessarily the same. Some people only struggle in one season, others suffer through both. And remember: even if you don’t have allergies as a child, they can come later in life. You might not always be immune.
Hay Fever (Pollen & Mold Allergies)
In the springtime, allergies to pollen and mold form what we call “hay fever.” When the trees start blooming (and later in summer with the grass) pollen is formed. You know it’s pollen season when there’s a green film on your outdoor furniture, windows and even your car. These tiny particles are actually meant to fertilize other plants, however as they travel through the air and we breathe them in, some of our bodies view them as foreign invaders and go into attack mode.
Because we didn’t experience cold temperatures this past winter, the trees and plants started blooming early. Sure it’s been a pretty sight to see but it’s also sent pollen allergy sufferers into orbit with sneezing, itching and more.
Pollen Trees & Grasses in Spring Allergies
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, there are several types of trees that pollinate in spring and cause allergy triggers. Here are some of the biggest problem-makers:
- Birch
- Cedar
- Cottonwood
- Pine
In addition, there are several grasses that can also trigger spring allergies. Grass allergies can create the respiratory symptoms as well as itching and hives upon skin contact. Some of the most allergy-causing grasses include:
- Timothy
- Johnson
- Rye
Mold Allergies
Spring is also known for mold allergies because of the damp and moist conditions that often come with the changing weather. Mold spores travel by air like pollen and can cause allergy symptoms and asthmatic problems. Mold spores may be indoor or outdoor. While mold allergies are common year-round, springtime often opens the floodgates for certain mold spores. While there are many types of mold, allergy tests can help determine which mold spore might be causing allergic reactions.
Testing for Allergies
If you’ve never been tested for allergies and would like a definite answer as to what is making you miserable this spring, consider having an allergy test. Allergy panels are simple and can get you the answers you need … and on track to feeling better … in no time.
Sometimes it’s hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you sit at your desk all day. But, having a wellness accountability partner in the workplace can help you meet your health and fitness goals.
You are more likely to do a workout if you are accountable to someone else!
There you are in the office lounge and you see it, the snack machine. There are many choices. You can have a granola bar, a Snickers bar or two Twinkies, it is a hard decision. To top it all off, you still have a banana at your desk that you didn’t eat for breakfast. Looking to see who is around, you splurge for the Twinkies. While the taste of the cream filled goodness is well worth it, it doesn’t last long and the way it makes you feel 20 minutes later, lasts all day.
How could you have avoided this scene? By having a wellness accountability partner in your office.
What is a Wellness Accountability Partner?
A wellness accountability partner is someone who will ask you the hard questions about how you are taking care of yourself. One of the biggest benefits to an accountability partner is in the area of food. Just knowing that you will have to tell a co-worker about your Twinkie incident is probably enough to make you second guess what type of decision you made.
Being accountable to someone else will help you make better decisions. If no one else knows what you are doing, then your eating habits and lack of exercise can be your own little secret. And having your own little secrets doesn’t get you very far on the road to good health.
Find the Right Person
The hardest part of wellness accountability in the work place is finding the right person to keep you accountable. You have to find someone who you know and can learn to trust. Randomly choosing someone to keep you accountable is not ideal.
Find someone who has the same type of goals as you, and someone who also desires to strive toward healthy living. If you choose a person who is going to cheat on their diet with you, that is probably not a good person to pick either.
You also have to be willing to help keep the other person accountable to what they eat and how they take care of themselves. Accountability is two-sided.
Once you choose your partner do research to see if your office offers a wellness program or wellness testing. Wellness testing will include a health screening that will better help you assess your fitness goals.
Set Your Own Rules
The great thing about finding an accountability partner is that the two of you set the rules. There is not a 5-step plan to perfect wellness accountability. The two of you set the tone and the rules for the desired goal.
Questions
One place to start when laying out the parameters for your accountability is to come up with a designated time to ask each other accountability questions. Questions could include, but are not limited to:
- Did you eat a good breakfast today?
- What type of snacks have you eaten today?
- Have you worked out today? If not, when do you plan on working out?
- What did you pack for lunch today?
- Have you been drinking soda or water today?
Working Out Together
Sometimes it can be easier to talk about things instead of actually doing them. When you are setting up rules for your accountability time, see if there is a way for the two of you to work out together. Having a person to work out with will increase the chance of you actually working out. Making a commitment to another person is much harder to break than just making a commitment to yourself.
This year, commit to finding a co-worker who will help keep you accountable in the area of wellness. Having accountability will save you from overdosing on Twinkies and soda at work, and will even help you become more productive.
Have you ever joined a gym thinking that you will at least go to one or two of the classes they offer? Have you paid high fees for a membership, to only use it a couple of times because it is inconvenient? Having a workout area at your office could solve all of your gym membership problems, and improve your workplace wellness!
Having a workout area at your office doesn't have to be super fancy. The space can be as simple as some yoga mats and a fitness ball.
The Space
Does your office have a gym? Unless you are in a corporate setting, the answer is no. The unfortunate thing is that most facilities have the space for a gym, but just don’t utilize it. A workout space only needs to have two main things, privacy and room. An abandoned office area, if it is large enough, could even work!
Having a private workout space is also a great asset to have if your office does wellness screenings. If your business is going to donate a space for the company gym, having a wellness screening before the gym opens up may just encourage more people to use the workout area.
Weights
Once you pick your work out spot you will want to fill the space with equipment. And the great news is that you don’t need thousands of dollars for weight machines. You can actually purchase high quality resistance bands, for a fraction of what a machine costs, that will give you a similar high intensity workout.
Workout Videos
Some people need someone leading them while they workout. Try adding a TV and DVD player to the gym so employees can bring in their own workout videos like the hit work out craze called P90X. Even better, see if your office will pay for a professional to teach a fitness class once a week.
Hire a professional
Having a professional come in and teach a class once a week in your office gym can not only boost attendance, but boost moral as well. Working out with other people will bring camaraderie and fitness accountability to the weight room.
A professional will also be able to teach you how to lift and work out properly. Many people get injured and easily burnt out from exercising because they are not working out correctly. Injury can also effect your work performance.
Ask Corporate
One of the greatest investments a company can make is investing well in their employees wellness. Encouraging work place wellness by offering free health screenings and an office gym is incredibly important to a healthy business.
If you are wanting a workout space at work or are looking to improve your current one by hiring a professional to come in and teach a class, don’t be afraid to ask your management or your corporate office for funding. The amount of money that is invested in a workout area for employees will be a doubled in return by the results of healthy lifestyle changes.
If you are tired of skipping out on that class at the gym, or just ready to get into a new routine at work, try creating an office workout area. You just may be surprised at how many of your co-workers are looking for the same thing!
Advancements in STD testing have made screening more effective.
Regardless of why you might find yourself in a situation where you are considering STD or HIV testing, take the test. It could be the most important test of your life as it allows you to start treatment as early as possible if you do test positive, prevent the spread of the disease to others or just have peace of mind if you test negative. The stress and anxiety is simply too much when thorough, easy, affordable testing is often available locally.
Better Testing
Time unfortunately is a factor when it comes to STD screening. Depending on the disease it can take 24-48 hours for symptoms to present. HIV can take months and other diseases might not present symptoms for quite some time. Testing however has gotten better over the years and certain rapid screens are available. Additional follow-up may be required depending on the potential disease.
When to Get Tested
There are several risk factors you should consider when thinking about STD screening. If you are sexually active under the age of 25, over age of 25 with new or multiple partners, are male with male partner(s), notice any change in genitalia, experience unexplained abdominal pain or fevers or simply become concerned you’ve been exposed – you should get tested. Screening often for STDs is important as those who are exposed are at greater risk for becoming infected with additional STDs, including HIV.
Stay STD Free
The only 100% sure way to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and STDs is by practicing abstinence. Additionally, a monogamous, committed relationship where both partners are free of STDs is an ideal situation for couples. Using contraceptives should be a priority for those who are sexually active as it will offer some level of protection. However, contraceptives offer no guarantees and their effectiveness can diminish based on improper use and the type of STD present.
Where To Get Tested
If you are looking for effective, thorough, private STD testing, local labs offer a full range of services and screens that are not included in a regular doctor’s exam. By running an array of tests, you can have the knowledge and hopefully peace of mind when it comes to your health. All results are confidential and flexible scheduling is available.
If STD screening is something you’ve been considering, take the test. It could very well be the most important test you ever take.
Runners at the Annual Westport St. Patrick's Day Run
So you just got the results back from your Corporate Wellness Screening and you’re supposed to add in running to your exercise routine. After several months of consistent running you’re tired of running the same routes over and over again. Consider running in a local race to help you keep those corporate wellness goals and run off those running blues. If you’re a beginner or a veteran, these races will provide a challenge while often times supporting a great local cause. Grab a few friends, sign up and enjoy these area races.
The 13th Annual Truffle Shuffle
March 3, 2012
The Truffle Shuffle is a 5k family fun run/walk held every year at Johnson County Community College. Enjoy the campus of JCCC with this 3 mile course of windy roads and various elevation. Cost is $30 with a variety of activities for families offered. Proceeds benefit local Arts and Sciences distributed through Jana E. Pinker Memorial Foundation. Wonder why it’s called the Truffle Shuffle? Each participant gets Chocolate Truffles courtesy of Andres Confiserie. If you don’t want them after the race, you should be able to find someone who will. Learn more & register as race day is fast approaching.
34th Annual Westport St. Patrick’s Day 4-Mile Run
March 10, 2012
What better way to celebrate the Irish festivities than an all-out crazy costume run around the city streets with hundreds of other people. Put on by the KC Track Club this event is a staple in the Kansas City running community. Prizes are awarded for in a variety of categories including overall top finishers, best costume. and best team (centipede) costume. Cost is $30 which includes a very cool shirt. Learn more & register for the Westport run
Drumm Run
March 24, 2012
Helping foster kids at Drumm Farm is a worthy cause and those participating in the annual Drumm Run will get the satisfaction of helping kids while enjoying a beautiful course. Held at the campus of Unity Village the 5k, 10k run/walk is $35. There are options to simply raise money or form a team. This year’s run will help raise money to renovate a new building which will house additional children, volunteers, etc. Learn more and register for the Drumm Run
Ruckus Run
March 31, 2012
If a typical race doesn’t fire you up then you might want to try the Ruckus Run. Quarter run, quarter obstacle course and half crazy – the Ruckus Run has over 10 stations to complete with a choice of 2,4 or 8 mile courses. The Ruckus Run is held in different cities around the country and is coming to Kansas City…Grain Valley to be exact. Upon completion each participant receives a t-shirt and medal because just finishing is medal worthy. Cost is $70 a person and it’s understandable given the professional obstacles setup on race day. Organizers are expecting 60 degree weather based on the almanac – someone should tell them the almanac doesn’t apply to the Kansas City area. Enjoy the bragging rights that go along with running in this race if you are tired of road races. Learn more and register for the Ruckus Run
Never heard of them? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. However, read on and soon understand not only what a titer test is, but the important role they can play.
What is a Titer Test?
Simply put, a titer test is a lab draw that measures the amount of antibodies in your blood. These types of tests have many uses, and have been used in several different heath scenarios. Some common uses of titer tests include:
- draw blood and measure antibodies to determine if you’ve had a past infection
- discover what immunizations you might need
- check the effectiveness of a vaccine
- test to see if you have mono or a viral form of hepatitis
Common Titer Tests in Kansas City, MO
Many people will draw a titer test for specific reasons. However, as a walk-in lab in Kansas City, we see people come in for titers based on a few situations. Here are the most common reasons we see people need a titer test:
Vaccine Titer Tests
A titer test can be run to determine which diseases you should be protected against, and for which ones you might need immunization. We run these tests to show immunity to certain diseases. This may also be helpful for adults who’ve lost their vaccination records. A high amount of antibodies toward a certain disease means that a person is more or less immune to that disease. This could have been because of a previous vaccine or exposure and recovery to the disease at some point (whether known or unknown.)
Mono Titer Test
Oh the famous “kissing disease” is everyone’s favorite. A mono test is actually a titer test that determines if you indeed have a dreaded case of mono. Teens aren’t the only ones to get this disease; adults can also come down with mono. And while it’s notorious to spread through kissing, it’s actually transferred through any saliva swap. You can get it from sharing the drinking fountain to sharing a glass of water. A titer test can be run to test your susceptibility toward mono, or determine if the sleepiness you feel is indeed a legitimate case of mononucleosis.
If you haven’t noticed, you will soon. Just ask the Raytown School District. It is that time of year, the time where the common cold, RSV and the Flu all rear their ugly heads in our work places, classrooms and public venues. But, taking small preventative measures, such as coughing or sneezing in the crease of your arm, can go a long way in stopping the spread of germs.
Germs spread quick when they are not properly covered during a sneeze or cough.
The Spread of Germs
Until the beginning of spring, when most of the common cold and flu germs become more dormant, everyone is at risk for catching a bug. When we sneeze or cough it is almost a natural instinct for us to do so straight into our hands. The reasoning for this is simple, we think that if we cough or sneeze into our hands we are protecting others from any germs that may fly from our lips. But, what we are actually putting more people at risk.
Unfortunately some germs can stay alive for as long as 48 hours. After coughing into your hand, can you count the number of things that you touch? Even if you make your way directly to the bathroom to wash your hands, you are still touching the handles on the door, the sink’s handles and more. And if some germs can last for up to 48 hours, that means anyone touching the same door handle to the bathroom is now at risk for contracting your bug.
Cough Etiquette
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has come up with a new standard for coughing and sneezing prevention to try to reduce the amount of germs that are spread. The new way to handle a cough or sneeze is to use a tissue. If a tissue is not readily available to you, the next best options is to sneeze or cough in the crook of your arm, your elbow. Since your elbow touches a lot less during the day, the chance for your germs to spread is then greatly decreased.
Of course after you use your elbow, be sure to follow-up with a good hand washing for 20-30 seconds. Using proper cough etiquette is a must for everyone and provides a safer work environment for those around you.
Pass It On
Even though work places have given extra effort to making people aware of the new cough etiquette, old habits die hard. If you are around someone who does have a cold or the flu be sure to gently remind them how they can decrease the risk of passing their germs along. The more awareness proper cough etiquette receives, the less amount of germs that are spread.
Prepare For The Flu
No matter how many times a person is told how to avoid spreading their germs, inevitably germs do get spread, especially in the work place. One way to avoid the risk of catching the flu is to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot puts you at an advantage during this time of year.
Stop the spread of germs today. Use proper cough etiquette and use the vaccines available to you to prevent catching an unwanted bug.
