For Individuals

The Importance of Early Detection in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, other than skin cancer. According to recent studies, this year, 2022, there has been 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 51,400 cases of DCIS diagnosed among US women. Additionally, 43,250 women are expected to die from breast cancer. While these numbers are staggering, it’s important to remember that death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1989. This is due in part to early detection and improvements in treatment options.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of early detection in surviving breast cancer. We’ll also touch on how to get screened for breast cancer and what treatment options are available.

Early Detection is Key

The earlier breast cancer is detected and diagnosed, the better your chances are of surviving. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, when detected early, the 5-year relative survival rate for stage 0 and stage I breast cancers is nearly 100%. This drops to about 93% for stage II cancers and 72% for stage III cancers. So, what does this mean? It means that if you detect your breast cancer early, you’re more likely to survive than if you don’t.

How to Get Screened for Breast Cancer

There are several ways to get screened for breast cancer. The best way to find out if you’re at risk for developing breast cancer is to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will take into account your family history and any other factors that may put you at risk for developing the disease. Based on this information, they can recommend a screening schedule that’s right for you.

In addition to speaking with your doctor, you can also perform regular self-breasts exams at home. The American Cancer Society recommends that women perform a self-breast exam at least once a month. To do a self-breast exam, use your fingers to feel around your breasts for any lumps or abnormalities. If you find anything unusual, make sure to speak with your doctor right away.

Treatment Options

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, several treatment options are available depending on the stage of your disease. Treatment options include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Your doctor will take into account the stage of your disease as well as your overall health before recommending a course of treatment. It’s important to remember that while treatment can be difficult, there have been significant advancements made in recent years and there are now more treatment options available than ever before.

Early detection is key to surviving breast cancer. There are several ways to get screened for breast cancer, including speaking with your doctor and performing regular self-breast exams at home. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, several treatment options are available depending on the stage of your disease, including surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Remember that while treatment can be difficult, significant advancements have been made in recent years, and more treatment options are now available than ever. Walk-In today, and visit IPE Screening for your breast cancer screening in Springfield, Missouri.

Healthy Eating – Get your DNA Fitness and Nutrition Plan

Healthy Eating! Get your DNA based Fitness and Nutrition Plan because June is Fruit and Vegetables Month! 

A lot of people are trying to eat a more plant-based diet and moving away from the consumption of meat products.  There are a number of benefits to be gained from eating more fruits and vegetables:

  • Great source of fiber! Fiber is necessary for good digestion and gut health. Some great high-fiber choices are broccoli, cauliflower, raspberries, apples, and pumpkins. 
  • Packed full of vitamins and minerals! They are a great source of Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as magnesium, folic acid, and zinc. Sweet potatoes, avocados, prunes and bananas are a source for potassium which is an important mineral. 
  • Tend to be low-fat! Most fruits and vegetables are low in fat and calories.  So if you can avoid drowning them in creamy dressings and dips, you can eat a lot of them.
  • Zero cholesterol! Cholesterol is one of the biggest problems with a meat-based diet. If your doctor has told you to watch your cholesterol, you can eat all the fruit and vegetables you want!
  • Helps fight cancer! They contain phytochemicals that fight against cancer. Some particularly powerful vegetables are broccoli, collards, and cabbage.

If you have decided to eat a more healthy diet, but are confused by all the different choices out there.  So many fad diets and options. IPE Screening has a DNA-based fitness and nutrition plan available. This plan will be unique to you, based on your DNA. It will tell you what foods are best for you to eat and which ones to avoid to achieve optimal results with your eating plan.  No appointment necessary.  Drop by today and get started on the road to more healthy eating.

Eating healthy can get expensive.  Fresh fruits and vegetables tend to have a pretty short shelf life.  Here are a few tips to help make your fresh produce last just a bit longer.

  • Do not store your fruits and vegetables together.  Fruits give off a chemical that causes vegetables to ripen quicker when they are stored together.  If there are two crisper bins in your refrigerator, put veggies in one and fruit in the other.  
  • The exception to this rule is potatoes.  If you store an apple in with your potatoes, it will prevent the potatoes from sprouting those annoying roots and make them last longer.
  • If you cut up your celery and carrots into sticks and put them in a mason jar full of water in the fridge, they will last up to two weeks.
  • You can loosely wrap washed collards in a tea towel and store in the refrigerator. This will keep them crisp for longer.
  • You can revive limp Kale by cutting off the ends of the stalk and putting them in a glass or jar of cold water, like flowers.
  • Washing fresh strawberries with diluted white vinegar will prolong their life by at least a week.

In addition to the DNA-based fitness and nutrition plan, IPE Screening has a number of tests available to help you monitor your progress toward a healthier lifestyle with your dietary changes.  There are tests to monitor sugar levels. Especially helpful if diabetes runs in your family or you have been told you are pre-diabetic. 

Tests are available to monitor various important bodily functions like your heart, liver, and kidneys.  

Drop by the office today to discuss how IPE Screening can help you improve your health by providing you with the knowledge of how your body is functioning or responding to changes you have made.  No doctors, insurance, or appointments are required!

Veterans and Cancers

We close out May with the observance of Memorial Day.  A day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and our freedom.    Not all war casualties occur on the battlefield or during active fighting.  Sometimes the death can occur years later.  Even 30+ years later due to conditions, they endured during their time overseas.

As the veteran population ages, various cancers are emerging. 

Cancerous tumors

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is “a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.”  Cancerous tumors can form in almost any part of the body and occur when normal cells begin to grow out of control. There are many different types of cancer, each named for the part of the body where it starts.  Cancer can be caused by a variety of things, including exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.

Cancer in Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates there 40,000 new cases per year of cancer in veterans.  This is because they were exposed to a number of cancer-causing agents during their service.  Some of these agents include:

  • Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill insects, rodents, and other pests.  Many pesticides are cancer-causing agents.

 

  • Burn pits: Burn pits were used during the Gulf War to dispose of waste materials.  The burning of these materials created cancer-causing chemicals that were inhaled by nearby soldiers.

 

  • Depleted uranium: Depleted uranium is a type of uranium that is used in some types of armor and ammunition.  When depleted uranium is used in combat, it can create cancer-causing particles that are inhaled or ingested by soldiers.

 

Symptoms of cancer

Cancer can cause a wide variety of symptoms, depending on the type of cancer and where it is located in the body.  Some common symptoms of cancer include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising

If you have any of these symptoms, whether you are a veteran or a civilian, it is important to see your doctor right away.  Early detection is key to the successful treatment of cancer.

Treatment of cancer

Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.  Some common cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.  Newer cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, are also showing promise in treating cancer.

Most veterans’ medical treatment is covered by the VA.  But cancer affects civilians too.  If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, please seek medical treatment.  If you are in need of blood draws and lab work, IPE Screening can provide these services at a savings. No appointment necessary.

For the families of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, you have our eternal gratitude.  Your loss is immense and can never be repaid.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a very heavy topic in general.  The unfortunate death of Naomi Judd last month has highlighted the tragic result of mental illness.  Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Whitney Houston, Marilyn Monroe, Chester Bennington, and Curt Kobain are just a few of the celebrities who died as a result of their mental illness. 

However someone chooses to go -many died as a result of a purposeful or accidental overdose on drugs.  All were struggling with and suffering from depression and substance abuse prior to their deaths.  

Even though more and more celebrities are coming forward and speaking publicly about their own struggles with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, there is still a stigma attached to the topic in our society. 

Progress has been made since it is being talked about publicly, but it is still basically a taboo subject that makes people uncomfortable and causes others to jump to conclusions and be judgemental. 

So people suffer in silence. 

Many people struggle with their inner demons on their own.  They don’t seek professional help because then people would know.  People would talk and judge and blame. So they think they better deal with it on their own. 

People suffering from mental illness oftentimes self-medicate with alcohol or other substances to quiet the anxiety so they can pretend everything is ok when they are around people.  It helps them “appear normal” so no one suspects and they can keep their secret. 

When they are alone, it helps them escape the darkness of their depression if only for a little while.  Some people consume to the point of oblivion or pass out just so they don’t have to deal with things for a while.  It is the only way to quiet the voices and get a little peace. It is very sad really.

Even people who have consulted a professional and are open with their mental health issues struggle to cope at some level every day.  Perhaps a loved one or employee had struggles in the past, but they “are doing better now”. 

They may have been open in the past about their struggles, but don’t want to let everyone down now by relapsing, so they keep it a secret. 

You never really know what someone is going through.  They may be drowning in the darkness behind that bright smile they present to the world. It is what is expected of them.  

Not everyone who is using substances or alcohol is mentally ill, but if at some point the using becomes abusing, it needs to be addressed. 

Prolonged substance abuse can lead to mental health issues.  Some people hide it very well, but if you are watchful and pay attention, there are signs.

By paying attention and intervening, if possible, you may save someone’s life.  They may be struggling silently and in desperate need of help but unable to ask for it. 

A few things to watch for that would indicate a substance use issue:

  • Is there an unusual odor on their breath or clothes?
  • Are their pupils unusually large or small pinpoints?
  • Are their eyes bloodshot?
  • Are they unusually jittery and shaky? 
  • Is there an excessive amount of sniffling and nose rubbing going on? 
  • Are they slurring their speech?
  • Have trouble walking or other basic coordination?
  • Exhibiting fear and paranoia for no reason?

Over time you might notice the following concerning changes:

  • Extreme weight changes
  • Changes in grooming habits, deteriorating appearance
  • Mood swings
  • Personality changes or cycles
  • Becoming secretive and withdrawn

Again, not everyone using something to relax is mentally ill.  The key is noticing when the casual recreational usage crosses the line to dependence. 

There is a reason for it.  It is a tool for dealing with something. 

Getting professional help doesn’t necessarily make it all go away, but it gives assistance and other healthier tools for dealing with the issues.  Self-medicating is not the answer.  

If you suspect someone you love or are responsible for is struggling with substance use issues, a drug screening is a good place to start.  It will give you the knowledge to decide how to move forward.  Perhaps your company is a forward-thinking company that provides mental health support to its employees.  It is always better to catch a problem before it gets so big that the person no longer knows how to deal with it and chooses to end their life.  

By intervening in the drug use issue, you may be helping to save a life.  No appointment is necessary to have a drug screening done.  Bring your loved one or send your employee by the clinic and take the first step to get the needed help to uncover the true issues.  IPE Screening does not require a doctor, insurance, or an appointment.  

Kidney Awareness Month

We don’t want to let March pass by without discussing the importance of kidney health.  March is Kidney Awareness Month.  The kidneys are responsible for maintaining several vital functions in the body.  Their function is so important that you have a spare.  It is possible to live a full, active life with only one kidney (which is why kidney transplants are a thing), but you must have at least one functioning kidney.  

Why Are The Kidneys So Important?

Let’s take a look at why the kidneys are so important.  

  • Kidneys are one of the body’s filters and are responsible for removing waste, drugs, and toxins from the body.
  • They maintain the balance of water in the body and eliminate the excess.
  • Believe it or not, they also help to regulate blood pressure by producing an enzyme that enables the distribution of a hormone created by the adrenal gland.
  • Kidneys produce the hormone Erythropoietin, which tells the body to make red blood cells.
  • Kidneys transmute the Vitamin D from the sun or supplements into a form our bodies can utilize to create strong bones.
  • They also maintain a balance of other important substances in the body necessary for strong bones, including calcium, parathyroid hormone, and phosphorus.   

When your kidneys are damaged and no longer able to perform their vital jobs, your alternatives are dialysis, kidney transplant, or a pine box (or perhaps you will be displayed on the mantle in a nice marble urn).  To avoid the unpleasant alternatives, here are some tips for keeping your kidneys happy and healthy.

How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

There are three things you can do that will be of the most benefit for the health of your kidneys.  These are the same basic things you have been hearing for most of your adult life.  Obviously, for most of us, they are easier said than done since we keep hearing them.  What are those three things you ask?

  1. Eat a healthy diet.
  2. Keep active and fit.
  3. Drink lots of water.

Like I said, easy to say, not so easy to maintain with all the tasty temptations out there and lure of couch time with the endless streaming possibilities for entertainment.   Yet those three things will help control blood sugar and pressure.  Two big enemies of healthy kidneys. They will also help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the need for supplements and medicines that introduce toxins your kidneys would need to flush out.  

The other important thing to avoid for optimum kidney health is smoking.  If you haven’t started, good for you!  That will make things easier.  If you do smoke, quitting would be one of the best gifts you could give yourself.  Smoking aggravates so many different health conditions in addition to the ones it directly causes.  Not getting on a soapbox here, just letting you know smoking isn’t doing your kidneys any favors.  

Signs Your Kidneys Are Not Functioning Properly

Some signs that your kidneys may not be functioning optimally include vomiting and nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, trouble sleeping, weakness, change in urination pattern, muscle cramps, and a decrease in mental sharpness.  

Most of those symptoms can indicate a number of different health conditions.  If you are concerned about the state of your kidneys, you can have your kidney function tested.  An independent, private pay clinic like IPE Screening can save you money on your tests and provide the same quality results you would get from a doctor or hospital test.  No doctor, appointment, or insurance is required.  Drop-in today!

Some Self-Love for February – Intermittent Fasting

You’ve made it through the first month of the year, and you are going strong on your resolution to get healthy!  You are eating the right foods, mostly, possibly intermittent fasting, and sticking to your exercise routine.  Hopefully, you are seeing the desired results. 

February, in addition to being American Heart month, has been deemed National Fasting February to focus on metabolic health.  A healthy metabolism is the best fountain of youth.  Poor metabolic health can lead to many diseases we consider part of the aging process such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

It is good to know your numbers when it comes to your metabolic health. Knowing your risk level gives you the chance to make any necessary alterations to your lifestyle.

Cardiac Health Awareness and Healthy Eating

Since 1964 the American Heart Association has been promoting cardiac health awareness during the month of February.  Highlighting the cardiovascular disease risk factors, which are totally preventable, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. 

All of these factors are related to diet.  Diet plays an important part in these risk factors and has the power to reduce those risks.  Doctors have decided that in addition to eating a healthy diet, altering your eating schedule can supercharge that healthy eating plan.  

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting consists of going for prolonged periods, at least 10-12 hours, without ingesting anything other than water.  This gives your metabolic system a break from processing sugar and gets it to burn up some of that stored fat.  In addition to being an avenue for weight loss, intermittent fasting also helps the following:

  • It initiates cellular repair.  It gives the body the opportunity to eliminate waste material from the cells.
  • Fat burning occurs due to a significant drop in insulin levels.
  • It can also increase the level of HGH – Human Growth Hormone – which also encourages fat burning. 
  • It reduces insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar levels, which helps with managing type 2 diabetes in men.  (Results from a study indicated women did not achieve the same results in managing blood sugar levels.) 
  • Can help reduce inflammation in the body. 
  • It can reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy.
  • It may be beneficial in delaying the onset of Alzheimers.  Studies have shown it mitigates the symptoms in patients who already have the disease.

There are other potential benefits that are currently being studied.  Most of the data available is the result of animal testing and human data is not available yet.  

So something to consider as you continue on your journey to better health.  Could you charge up your weight loss by giving intermittent fasting a try? 

Knowing your numbers is important so you can make informed choices when it comes to your health.  We offer a number of tests that monitor key bodily functions.  Knowledge is power. 

Take control of your health and start by getting a baseline of your body’s numbers.  Let IPE Screening provide you with some answers so you can develop your longevity strategy. 

A Healthy New You for 2022 – GX Slim DNA Test

A Healthy New You for 2022

Merry Christmas Eve! We truly hope you have a blessed Christmas Day with your family and close friends.  Try to keep moderation in mind while enjoying your Christmas feast with all its delicious temptations.  

New Year Resolutions?

During the week of “downtime” in between the holidays, a lot of people start contemplating the beginning of the new year and the tradition of making resolutions.  The never-ending pandemic restrictions have certainly had adverse effects on peoples’ health.  People have had to deal with the stresses of being unemployed or having to work from home while simultaneously home-schooling or being their own daycare, or the extended togetherness, or the isolation.  Whatever issues you have experienced in the last two years, we hope you found healthy ways to cope.  

Unfortunately, a lot of people chose unhealthy ways of coping with their stresses.  The cumulative effects of those unhealthy coping mechanisms really take their toll on your body.  Those 10 extra “pandemic pounds” have turned into 20, or 30, or more. Too much junk food, too much alcohol, too much Netflix and couch potato-ing, not enough exercise.  Now with the New Year just around the corner, it is time for a healthy new start!  

Optimize Your Health with the Help of the GX Slim DNA Test!

Rather than jumping on the bandwagon for the fad diet of 2022 (no clue what that is by the way), we have a better way!  We would like to highlight GX Slim.  It is a DNA-based diet and exercise program tailored to your genotype. The results of this DNA test will tell you what foods are best to eat and which you should avoid, and the best exercises for you to optimize your weight loss. It does take 2-3 weeks for the results to be returned, but it is worth the wait.  To find more details on the GX Slim program, click here and scroll to the bottom.

Get a Baseline Analysis Before you Start your Plan to Measure Results – Inside and Out!

If you already have your sights set on a different diet and exercise plan, we can help you establish your baselines to see how much work you need to do to reach your goals for your healthy new start.  We can do blood pressure, weight, check cholesterol levels, screen for diabetes or pre-diabetes, and iron and vitamin deficiencies, just to name a few. Depending on your health target, give us a call so we can discuss what tests we have that could give you the answers you need to make a plan for your healthy new start to 2022!  No Doctors, No Insurance, No Problem!  Our Tests are Affordable with Self Pay Options.

Maybe your food issues aren’t weight-related. Perhaps you have developed a food-based allergy.  We can develop allergies later in life. A number of people have discovered they have an adverse reaction to gluten.  Once this ingredient is removed from their diet, they start to feel better.  We have a Gluten Allergen test available to help you decide if removing gluten from your food choices would be a healthy new start for 2022.

No Doctors, No Insurance, No Problem!  Our Tests are Affordable with Self Pay Options. Give us a call today to see what answers we can give you to help you plan for a healthier you in 2022!

 

Have a Healthy Holiday!

Chocolates and candies and cakes, oh my! We are entering the season of overindulgence. Thanksgiving kicks it off with turkey, ham, potatoes, casseroles, rich gravies, and an array of pies. Leading up to Christmas, which is a parade of Christmas cookies and other homemade goodies. Temptation is everywhere.  People bring yummies into the office to share in the spirit of the holiday season!  You don’t want to be rude, you’ll just have one.  Unfortunately, all those “ones” add up.  How are you supposed to remain healthy through the holidays with all that delicious temptation?! 

Next are all the holiday parties. More food. Also, the possible addition of alcoholic beverages. All of this leads up to the big Christmas Day dinner.  Yet more rich foods, and so many choices!  A lot of holiday dinners have “only on holidays” dishes.  You certainly don’t want to miss out on those!  You start with an empty plate, take “just a bit” of all your favorite dishes, and before you know it, the plate is overflowing and there are still things you want to try. How do you stick to your diet and stay healthy through the holidays with all that wonderful food?!

After you awaken from your food coma feeling like a beached whale with horrible heartburn, you regret some of your food choices.  Also possibly some of your adult beverage choices, or at least the number of them consumed.  You remember your doctor telling you to avoid some of those foods you ate. He also might have mentioned something about the numerous evils of overindulging in alcohol.  It does take some discipline and effort to stay healthy through the holiday.

Here are some tips to assist you in your quest to remain healthy through the holidays:

  • All things in moderation! You’ve heard it a million times, but for good reason. It is the key to enjoying but not overdoing it.  
  • Don’t skimp on sleep! Rushing around trying to get everything ready for the holiday, staying up late visiting with relatives, or putting together Santa’s toys can be draining.  Try to find the time to get enough sleep.  Your body needs sleep to repair itself and function properly.
  • Try to stick with your exercise routine. Exercise is important to your overall health. Skipping the trip to the gym to take care of holiday tasks can extend to two trips, then a couple of weeks, then you get out of the habit completely. It is a slippery slope.
  • Keep your stress at a manageable level.  Stress causes health problems and aggravates already existing conditions.  Family get-togethers can be challenging. Try to avoid those subjects you know are going to start fires.

The biggest tip to staying healthy through the holiday season that we here IPE Screening can give you is to know your numbers.  Is your sugar level hovering at the high end? Are you pre-diabetic?  Perhaps you don’t really want to eat that entire batch of holiday cookies. We have screening panels specially formulated for men and women to provide information relative to common health conditions.

The female health panel, at a cost of $160, covers the following tests:

  • Chemistry panel
  • DHEA-S
  • Estradiol
  • TSH
  • FSH/LH
  • Progesterone
  • Urine

The male health panel, costing $180, includes the following tests:

  • Chemistry panel
  • DHEA-S
  • Lipid Profile
  • CBC
  • PSA
  • Testosterone
  • Urine

IPE Screening wants to help you and your loved ones stay healthy through the holidays!  We have gift certificates available so you can give the gift of health to someone you love this holiday season.  Knowing your numbers that relate to your health helps you to make better-informed decisions about what you eat and drink, and your overall lifestyle choices.  Contact IPE Screening today to schedule your own health panel screening or to get gift certificates for those special people on your list.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

How Low Can You Go? Effects of Low Testosterone

How Low Can You Go?

At a lively party and participating in a game of Limbo? Then the lower you go the better your chances of winning.  Talking about your testosterone levels?  Then lower is definitely NOT better! Testosterone is responsible for physically turning boys into men. Low testosterone levels at any stage of a male’s life are a cause for concern.

Testosterone is an Essential Hormone

Testosterone production plays an essential part in puberty in teenage boys.  Testosterone influences development in the following areas: 

  • Boys start to grow taller. Sometimes it seems like they are growing overnight in their sleep!
  • Their bones and muscles gain the strength necessary to support the larger framework that is developing. This would be why they are constantly raiding the fridge and eating you out of house and home.
  • The penis and testicles grow. Knocking on the bathroom door becomes very important.
  • Hair starts growing everywhere. They are so proud of the peach fuzz mustache, which eventually gives way to the real thing; and they get to learn to shave.
  • Then there is the dreaded voice changing. Fluctuating all over the place, often at the most embarrassing times, until it finds and settles on the desired deeper octave. 

Low Testosterone also called Low-T

Delayed puberty can be caused by low testosterone, sometimes called Low-T for short. This can be the result of hypogonadism, a medical condition. This condition is brought on by the body’s inability to produce adequate amounts of testosterone the body requires for all the necessary changes. The low testosterone levels impede normal male reproductive development. Signs of low testosterone levels in young males would be underdeveloped genitalia, a lack of facial hair development, and no voice changing.  Missing any of the normal joys of puberty could be an indication of a low testosterone level. If you are concerned your teenager may be suffering from low T, call IPE Screening today to schedule a male health blood panel to check the levels of testosterone. 

So you made it through puberty to manhood.  Life has been great.  Now you are starting to get older and things are slowing down.  It is natural for your testosterone levels to decrease as you age.  But seriously low testosterone levels don’t usually manifest until the senior years.  20% of men in their 60s experience low testosterone. The percentage increases to 30% for men in their 70s and 80s. Low testosterone levels can cause a number of health problems.

Normal levels of testosterone in men range from 300 on the low end up to 1,000.  When the levels drop below 300 is when symptoms can start.  Not all men with low testosterone experience symptoms.  

The most obvious symptom, and the one that gets the most attention, is the decrease in sex drive and the inability to achieve and maintain an erection.  Men will ignore a lot of health problems, but when it interferes with sex life, they pay attention.  There are several other health conditions that could cause such dysfunction, so getting a blood test to rule out low testosterone would be a good diagnostic start.

Side Effects of Low Testosterone

Other side effects of low testosterone in older males include:

  • Hair loss.  While balding usually carry a genetic component to it, low T hair loss can affect facial and body hair as well.
  • Decreased muscle mass.  Although it doesn’t necessarily affect strength or ability.
  • Increased body fat, and in some cases, moobs (man boobs). The latter can be caused by a testosterone/estrogen imbalance. 
  • Uncharacteristic mood shifts, including increased irritability and depression.  An inability to focus is also a concern.
  • Doctors believe there is a link between low testosterone levels and cognitive decline.  Although both occur naturally with normal aging.

Testosterone levels below 300 are a cause for concern.  If you haven’t been quite yourself lately, call IPE Screening today to schedule a male health blood panel.  This blood test will include checking the testosterone levels in your blood to see if you need to consult with your doctor about treatment.

Ticket to Travel is Not Enough? – COVID PCR Test

Slowly, ever so slowly, the world is emerging from the pandemic shutdown and resuming some normal activities.  Pleasure travel has been almost unheard of for the last 2 years. People sitting around looking at their travel photos.  Just itching to get back out to bouncing around the globe.  Domestic travel has been opening up more and more.  Traveling to weddings and, sadly, funerals. Hopefully this spring there will be lots of traveling to attend graduation ceremonies.  Lots of domestic destinations are still requiring a negative Covid PCR test before traveling.  Most international travel destinations definitely require a negative test before being granted entry.  You will certainly need one to get back in the US.  

A Plane Ticket is NOT Enough to Get you Where You Want To Go

So for all you globetrotters who have your bags packed already and can’t wait to board a plane to anywhere, make sure you get your COVID PCR Test results to prove you are Covid free. Because a plane ticket is not enough to get you where you want to go.  A further requirement is that this test be administered no more than 3 days prior to your departure.  If you plan ahead and make an appointment with your local private pay clinic, you can save yourself time and money. Wouldn’t you rather spend that extra money on your trip?  If you live in the Springfield, MO area, you can get your Travel PCR Test done at IPE Screening.  Results will be available in 24-48 hours.  

COVID PCR Test – The Gold Standard in Reliability and Trustworthy Results

There are a lot of Covid tests around.  Some have great track records, some not so much.  But the COVID PCR Test is considered the gold standard as far as reliability and trustworthy results.  PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction and it can detect the presence of genetic material from the Covid virus with a high degree of accuracy. 

OK, so you don’t get to jet off to some exotic destination on vacation, BUT the company you work for has decided to have it’s convention live and in person this year!  The virtual event just didn’t have the same level of excitement and connectivity that is generated by everyone being physically in the same location. Won’t it be great to see everyone in person again?  Maybe there are new people you’ve only met through virtual meetings.  Not vacation, but still fun, and still traveling.  Most company functions are requiring negative Covid tests before participating, so be sure to schedule your Travel PCR Test.

Whether you “get to” or “have to” travel for business or pleasure, chances are you are going to need proof of a negative Covid test to board the plane. If you are in the Springfield, MO area, save time by scheduling your COVID PCR Test with IPE Screening.  We’ll get you in and out so you can get on with your day and finalize your travel plans. We’ll also save you money on the cost of the test. You certainly have other things you could spend it on!

Safe Travels!