Medical Lab Testing Dallas, TX

December 9, 2010

<< This article is from http://www.acsh.org >>

Two newly-issued studies dealing with care of older men have just been released. Both emphasize the complexities faced by mature patients, a group which comprises a larger and larger segment of our population.

The Journal of Clinical Oncology reported yesterday that men over the age of 75 faced with high-risk prostate cancer often get less intense and thus often poorer treatment than younger men. The researchers found that this was true even when adjustment was made for the fact that older patients are more likely to suffer from indolent (i.e. slower-developing) cancers.

ACSH’s Dr. Gilbert Ross says that this attitude among doctors is “not surprising, as older patients are more often at risk of dying of something else or are frail, such that aggressive treatment — including surgery — is something doctors might wish to avoid prescribing. But the study also reminds us that for patients in otherwise good health, doctors ought to seriously consider aggressive treatments more typically employed with younger patients. Doctors should ask if the patient remains healthy and active. Doctors need to consider the individual in assessing treatment options, not just the age of the patient.”

A second study, conducted by British researchers and published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, followed 274 older men randomly assigned to be given testosterone gel treatment or a placebo for treatment of frailty. Use of testosterone gels may lessen the weakness of elderly men, but the benefits diminish as soon as treatment is halted, the researchers concluded. Over the course of six months, testosterone therapy increased muscle mass, strength and quality of life for older men, but once treatment stopped the improvements vanished within six months. Approximately six percent of men over the age of 70 suffer from frailty, and the condition is normally treated through improvements in diet and exercise.
 
Dr. Martin Miner, who co-directs the Men’s Health Center at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, told reporters for Reuters that while the prescription of testosterone for frailty is still controversial in the U.S., “As long as the men don’t have congestive heart failure or prostate cancer, testosterone can be quite safe.” To be on the safe side, Dr. Ross advises that testosterone gel should be avoided in men with enlarged prostates, or of course cancer. “However, a previous concern, that the hormone may aggravate heart disease, has been shown not to be a real problem,”he says.

ACSH’s Dr. Jonathan Bloom points out, though, that the treatment “could interfere with the PSA test [for prostate cancer] by artificially increasing the levels.” To this, Dr. Ross suggests that, “a man should have a PSA test prior to testosterone therapy in order to get a baseline to assess prostate health.”

Many skeptics of the hCG diet ask for the science and studies showing hCG as an effective method for weight loss.  Proponents are often only able provide testimonials and details of the 500 calorie a day diet.  Dallas hCG Weight Loss Clinic owner Greg Johnson provides a glimpse of the science behind why using hCG for weight loss works.

Prenicious vomiting, medically known as hyperemesis gravidarum, affects 1 in 300 pregnant women.  Prenicious vomiting is defined as excessive vomiting and most often goes away on its own within the first trimester of pregnancy. 

How does this relate to hCG and weight?  Dallas hCG Weight Loss Clinic owner Greg Johnson explains, “While adults can eat every 4-6 hours comfortably, a growing fetus needs a constant supply of food and nutrients.” Greg further adds, “In cases of pernicious vomiting the pregnant woman’s body utilizes the ability of hCG to metabolize fat deposits.”

The hCG diet is built on the mechanisms behind this phenomena.  However, there are slight modifications to ensure weight loss success while minimizing possible hCG side effects.  This principle scientifically explains why strict adherence to a very low calorie diet is essential to weight loss on the program.  The body must be in starvation mode for hCG to lead to abnormal fat metabolism as it does with pregnant women experiencing pernicious vomiting.  

Side effects of hCG are minimized by only administering minute amounts of hCG while on the weight loss program.  An individual on the hCG diet receives less than 1/10,000^th the level of hCG a pregnant woman has in her system.  Possible side effects of hCG are identical to those experienced my pregnant women.  Clinical studies pertaining to the effectiveness of hCG have found most all patients experience little to no side effects and those few patients that do are often relieved of their symptoms by the end of the first week.  These studies attribute the most common side effect, headaches, to the low calorie diet and/or caffeine withdrawal.

hCGDietDallas.us is a sales and marketing website promoting InShapeMD® hCG Weight Loss Clinics in Dallas, TX.  Dallas residents wanting to begin the hCG diet program can call (214) 775-0618 or visit the website for more information.

Question: I am about to start the hCG weight loss diet and would like to know if it is safe. Will it make my hair fall out? ~ Sam Allen, TX

Answer: hCG was discovered in the early 1900s and been researched as a method of weight loss since the 1950s. hCG was made famous by Dr. Simeon and his patients reported 0.4 to 2 lbs of pure fat loss per day on the hCG diet protocol. The only side effects include headaches. This is identical to the reason a pregnant woman gets a headache. Research suggests that if a woman had headaches while pregnant then she will more than likely have headaches on the hCG diet protocol.

In 1974 the FDA released their findings on hCG. Although it was said to be an unsafe form of weight loss, no side effects or damage to the body was noted. Additionally, hCG injections were approved to help with female fertility. Further reading into their research it should be understood that they used “weight loss” as a measurement and not “body fat decrease”.

Every single person will lose weight on a very low calorie diet such as the hCG weight loss diet; however, patients on the hCG protocol will lose a much larger percent of body fat than those on a placebo.

To answer your question directly, no, using hCG for weight loss will not lead to hair loss.

Question: Can HCG injections lead to man boobs?

Answer: In short, no. In fact research shows that it reduces abnormal fat deposits in the breasts of men aka Man Boobs.

Since the 1960′s hCG injections have been used as a method to reduce the amount of abnormal fat in the human body. Dr. Simeon developed the hCG diet protocol. Strictly adhering to this protocol is essential in losing body fat. Patients on the hCG diet often report 0.4 – 2 pounds of body fat lost per day on the HCG diet.

The theory behind the hCG diet is that hCG will increase the fat banking capacity of the hypothalamus which will allow for the metabolization of abnormal fat deposits in periods of very low caloric intake.

Since man boobs are the accumulation of abnormal fat in the breasts of men the hCG diet protocol will metabolize man boobs instead of contributing to them. Additionally, it is incorrect to assume that hCG is a sex hormone. It was given its name which has incorrect sex hormone connotation at the turn of the 20th century when a pair of scientists noticed that injections of hCG will make infantile rats fertile.

If you live in the Dallas area and are wanting to learn more about HCG and the hCG diet visit: HCG Diet Dallas

Question:  The lab tests I need are expensive and I have to get them regularly.  I do not have insurance.  How do I know I am getting the best price on a lab test?

Answer:  Healthcare is changing and I get asked this question all the time.  I have even had people try to barter with me for lab tests here in Dallas, TX.  The days of paying your doctor with a baby goat may be coming back.

Here is the answer to your question.  First to ensure that you are getting the best price for your lab tests you need to call around.  For the best price you will want to call your local store/lab.   If you call the national hotline you will get national pricing which may be higher than local prices.

Next, get pricing not only for the tests individually, but also ask if those tests come in a panel.  A panel is a group of lab tests that are commonly ordered together.  Many times you get a large discount on lab tests by ordering the panel, even if you get more tests than you need.

Finally, look for a coupon or discount/promo code online.  Lab testing is a competitive business and these guys really want you to use them.  If you can not find discounts online then you need to ask over the phone.  I know this may sound strange since we are often told what to pay by doctors/labs and pay without question.  Just last week a lady came into my lab and requested a discount for DNA paternity tests on her four children.  She was going through a divorce and the court ordered the tests.  A legal paternity test runs about $449 each so you can see why she was looking for a discount.  Needless to say, we gave her a buy 3 get one free discount and she was very happy.

Question:  I get my thyroid tested regularly.  The test my doctor usually orders is called a Thyroid Panel and Quest Diagnostics costs about $279.   I do not have health insurance.  Is there a cheaper place to get a Thyroid Panel lab test? ~ Sherry L. Frisco, TX

Answer:  To get your answer I called a lab testing clinic in Plano, TX and they sell the exact same thyroid panel for only $79.  They have locations nationwide so chances are there is one near you.  They do not accept insurance; however, you can pay with a credit card linked to a flexible spending account(FSA/HSA).

Speaking with Melodie at this clinic, I discovered it is actually one of their most popular test panels.  The thyroid panel is often used to diagnose, treat and/or monitor thyroid diseases such as hypo-thyroidism and hyper-thyroidism.  The thyroid is a very important organ which regulates your metabolism.

A underactive thyroid can be linked to a slow metabolism and weight gains.  If you feel this describes you then you can get your thyroid checked for $79 by following the links in this blog in Plano, TX.  The doctor’s order can be provided if needed.

If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type I or Type II you are probably wondering what it is and what the difference is between the two types. Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that affects that body’s ability to produce insulin and/or the body’s ability to use it. Insulin is a hormone that is made by the pancreas which helps the body store energy (glucose) for later use. Like all hormones our body needs to keep these levels balanced to prevent damage to other organs. Current acceptable blood glucose levels should be between 80 and 120 before meals. Unfortunately with untreated diabetes these levels can get out of balance and become life-threatening.

Diabetes Mellitus Type I is also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile diabetes. The pancreas produces little to no insulin and the patient must take injections daily as well as use diet and exercise to control blood glucose levels. Oral medications are not effective in treating Type I Diabetes Mellitus. The onset of Type I diabetes is usually before the age of 30, but may happen at any age. The patient is usually thin but may be of normal weight. Onset is usually a sudden case of high blood glucose. The symptoms of DM Type I are frequent urination, often getting up a number of times during the night to urinate. Other symptoms are excessive thirst, constant hunger and fatigue.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II is also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or adult onset diabetes. 90% of people with diabetes fall into this category. The pancreas produces normal to high normal levels of insulin, but the body is not able to use it correctly. These patients are usually managed with diet, exercise and oral medications, a small number may need insulin especially in times of illness or stress. Patients with Type II diabetes are often obese (85%) with high carbohydrate diets, but may be of normal weight. This type of diabetes usually occurs after the age of 30. Symptoms may be mild to none as the body adapts to the slow rise in blood glucose levels.

Have you or someone you know been told that you are anemic? Anemia is a condition that the body doesnt make enough blood or the cells are being destroyed.The cells look like donuts with the holes. The purpose of these cells is to carry oxygen through the body and remove carbon dioxide.

When you are have anemia your body doesnt get enough of the oxygen that it needs. As a result you could be tired. Long lasting or severe anemia that goes undetected could lead to damage to the heart, lungs and damage other organs of the body.

The causes of anemia are caused by blood loss, lack of production of the cells and a poor diet that lacks iron, folic acid and vitamin b-12. Also if there is damage to your bone marrow that could lead to anemia as well.Some other risk factors are blood loss from an injury,long term diseases such as caners, diabetes,liver disease. It could also be family inherited.

Anemia isnt restricted to just men or women or a certain race. Anemia has been found in older people mainly because they tend to have other health issues that could lead to anemia as well.

Some of the signs or symptoms are fatigue,shortness of breath, pale skin, chest pain. These signs can occur because your heart is having to work harder to pump more oxygen through your body.

There are several tests that your doctor can perform to diagnose you. They are a CBC, Hemoglobin electrophoresis, this looks at the different types of hemoglobin your body has. A reticulocyte, this measures the number of young red blood cells in your body.

There are so many different types of anemia, thereforeyou may be tested for a number of different things. Treatments could be as simple as changing your diet, to taking medications, as well as having infusions.

Anemia is a very treatable disease.Treating the underlying cause may be the best way of preventing anemia. Some dietary changes may help in this process as well, always talk to your doctor about any change you have.

Thrombocytopenia, what is that you ask? Its the condition known as low platelet count. What are platelets, they are blood cells that help your blood clot when you are bleeding. This means that platelets cause clumps to form in the blood vessels to stop bleeding.

Some of the signs or symptoms are easy bruising,bleeding into the skin that appears as it may be a rash, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and blood in urine or stools.

The causes of thrombocytopenia is usually marked by an underlying problem. Such problems are leukemia and some anemias may cause your overall platelet count to be low. Also ITP, could be a factor. This is where your immune system mistakenly attacks the platelets. Blood poisoning is another cause of this condition. As well as Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, these are autoimmune disorders that could destroy platelets as well.

You should see a doctor when you have abnormal bleeding or bruising. Also if you develop a rash of pin point sized spots on your body.

The tests for this disease are a blood test or a more extensive test called a bone marrow. They go in and pull a piece of bone and send it off to see where the platelets are going and to see if you are making enough of them.

Treatment of this disease vary, and here are a few of the solutions. They include the useof medications, but in the rare case that those dont work. then they remove the spleen.This is done of the meds dont respond or it gets worse. There is also the procedure of plasma transfusions. This is only done in the most severest of cases that have lost a great deal of blood.

In cases that your platelets are too low, they will ask that you stop taking any aspirins that you are taking. They will ask that you stay away from contact sports, this is done to reduce the risk of injury and or bleeding.

Now this is not going to be about the disease and how it affects the person who is dealing with it. Rather it is going to be seen from the family and friend’s perspective.

When a loved one is diagnosed with this disease, it is devastating to hear those words and know that someone close to you is the biggest fight of their lives. I recently worked for an oncologist, this is a physician whose specialty is cancer. While working there you become attached to pts, like they are family. This is about my struggle with one special pts fight with this deadly battle.

Medical Lab Testing

In the summer of 2007, my best friend was killed in a horrible accident. I did my best go through the motions at work, but Ms. Maudie saw through the mask of deception and she knew something was wrong. When I explained to her what happened, she forgot about the pain that she was in and her maternal instincts took over. She helped me find answers, and not to question why God took him and focused on the things he did with his life. She gave me sense of direction after that tragedy. She became like a second mother to me, she always was checking in on me after that to see how things were going. She never complained about anything, she took all of the downfalls with the cancer in stride.

Even when she went into the hospital on several different occassions because she was having problems breathing, she was always asking her daughter who worked with me how I was doing. I have never seen someone be so strong when facing a battle like this. Most of the pts at one point or another give up. She never did, it hurt me like hell to go and see her in that hospital bed. I can remember times when we had to wheel in her into the office on a wheel chair because she didnt have the strength to walk.

The treatments began to take a bigger toll on her than what I was prepared for. There were days when she was so sick that she wouldnt get out of bed. We would have to carry her to the restroom, and have her daughter take over from there.We would have to go and eat with her at times to make sure that she did eat.

Now a couple of months ago we finally got her to agree to the surgery which could possibly have saved her life. It took some fighting because she was so determined to beat this disease on her own. We tried in vain for months to get her to see that she needed the surgery. Now after finally agreeing to it, I get the news today that she was given 4-6 months to live.This is a huge blow to me and the daughter because for the last 3 yrs she was always just a phone call away. Now I have to deal with the possibility that she could be gone in just a few months.

This story is designed to get those of you out there who are going through the same thing, to not wait until the last minute to try all of the medically possible scenarios. Had we gotten her to do the surgery when the doctor recommended it, who knows what we would be dealing with now. There is no guarantee that surgery would have cured her, but by it could have prolonged her life longer than what is being expected now. Like I said I pray that this helps any of you who are going through this to use every venue possible. Remember its not just your fight but that of those closest to you as well.